FilmsReturn to OzLike this

Films like Return to Oz.

Return to Oz (1985) reads as Cosy, kinetic, gentle adventure / family, surreal in texture. Redemptive, epic, tender. Every film below is ranked by distance across the same twelve hand-scored axes — with what it keeps, and where it walks away. Not a genre dump.

The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990) poster
1. The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter1990

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a grounded, familiar shape.

The Rescuers (1977) poster
2. The Rescuers1977

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a warm emotional register.

A Little Princess (1995) poster
3. A Little Princess1995

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) poster
4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader2010

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope — one of the nearest reads in the catalogue.

The Polar Express (2004) poster
5. The Polar Express2004

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a warm emotional register.

Return to Never Land (2002) poster
6. Return to Never Land2002

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a relentless forward drive.

The Secret Garden (1993) poster
7. The Secret Garden1993

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

Arthur and the Invisibles (2006) poster
8. Arthur and the Invisibles2006

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a warm emotional register.

Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia (2006) poster
9. Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia2006

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a warm emotional register.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994) poster
10. Miracle on 34th Street1994

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a patient, unhurried pace.

The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005) poster
11. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl2005

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a grounded, familiar shape.

Peter Pan (2003) poster
12. Peter Pan2003

Keeps the documentary-plain realism and the stubborn streak of hope; trades toward a grounded, familiar shape.

These are Return to Oz’s neighbours — where are yours?

Rate five posters and the same twelve axes read you — then tonight’s pick comes from your own centre of taste.

Find my film for tonight — 60 sec →