Why The Wizard of Oz is the the most dominant movie of all time and two others that just might replace it

Debates about “the greatest movie ever made” are long discussions. Not all of us would agree on which movie would get that distinction, but can any of us deny that is THE most dominant movie of pop culture? If you’re not sure you agree with that statement, consider this:

–  According to the US Library of Congress this movie is the most watched of all.

–  So many elements of this movie have completely permeated popular culture. Would you be able to find anyone who does recognize the image of “ruby red slippers” or the name “Wicked Witch of the West”? Would there be anyone who is not aware of the flying monkeys?

–  As far as movie quotes go, none have made their way into our culture’s vernacular like those in  Here are eight that I believe would fall under this distinction. Eight!!

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”

“Somewhere over the rainbow”

“I’m melting! I’m melting!”

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!”

“If I only had a brain.”

“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.”

“Follow the yellow brick road.”

“There’s no place like home.”

writes that the reasons for this movie’s impressive success in the hearts of citizens of western culture are the following themes that we deeply cherish:

1. In it, people are seen as generally good and capable of more than what they think. Even the witch’s henchmen turn out to be great people once she dies.

2. There is also a strong theme of having the power to determine one’s own destinies. In this story, Dorothy—who is both young and a woman—takes charge of her own quest. Encouraged that “dreams really do come true” she escapes to the land she “once dreamed of” and rescues herself, and others from evil. She does this with determination and her own will, but she also finds she can simply click her heels and receive anything she wants.

3. The immortal words “There’s no place like home,” perhaps resonates strongest with us. Even though the movie encourages escaping the mundane and chasing your dreams, there is no doubt that roots are both important and to be honoured.

But I believe this movie could be replaced as pop culture’s top dog, and there are two in mind that could do it.

(and yes, I mean the original trilogy). Though one might think these movies would surpass in being most watched, they haven’t. At least not yet. I’m not sure what the stats are at the US Library of Congress, but has to be close. Although, the fact that it’s a trilogy and that it is a sci-fi flick makes me think it may not be the chosen one. My other pick?

. What initiated this was when I began to realize just how may movie lines are so well known, like in . There are at least five quotes that most people recognize:

1. Run Forrest, run!

2. Life is like a box of chocolates…

3. Stupid is as stupid does.

4. Lieutenant Dan!

5. My name is Forrest, Forrest Gump.

The Lieutenant Dan one could be debatable, but how about “I’m not a smart man, but I’m smart enough to know what love is,” or “Jenny and me was like peas and carrots”? And one of my favourites: “Forrest, you’re no different than anyone else.” This represents a theme that I believe strikes a particular chord in our hearts. Other themes that make this movie a pop culture darling are simplicity, living for the present, the weak and unlikely overcoming the strong, and valuing people for who they are. It also seems to have all three elements that said were the reason for ’s ubiquity. I think it may take another 20 years, but if any movie could movie in on ’s territory, could be the dark horse that takes home the prize. If it doesn’t, I’ll claim to have never written the words above.

Congratulations . This is your week.

Best Actress: Judy Garland. My daughter Erika does a killer impression of her by the way.

Best Actor: As much as I love Jimmy Stewart, the award goes to my man, Charlie Chaplin.

Best Quote: There are a ton of memorable ones, but my favourite is “Ooh, what a smell of sulfur!” – Glinda the Good Witch of the North.

And now for a quiz! Click here and see if you can beat my score of 9/14. And by the way, is it just me or does the cowardly lion just look like someone who hasn’t had sleep in days??