Why Two Legendary Directors Call This Classic the Greatest Film Ever
James Cameron and the Coen brothers both agree that "The Wizard Of Oz" is the greatest movie ever made, highlighting its enduring impact and universal acclaim.
Art always sparks debate. What moves one person might leave another cold, and the film that tops one viewer’s list could be a total miss for someone else. Still, when two of Hollywood ’s most influential filmmakers—James Cameron and the Coen brothers —both single out the same movie as the best ever, it ’s hard not to take notice. Their shared admiration for a single film suggests a level of greatness that’s tough to dispute.
Cameron and the Coens couldn’t be more different in their approach to filmmaking. Cameron is famous for his sweeping, high-stakes blockbusters, the kind that push the boundaries of what’s possible on screen. He’s the mind behind some of the most ambitious movies ever made, always raising the bar for cinematic technology and storytelling. His films are intense, dramatic, and rarely leave room for humor.
Contrasting Visions, Shared Admiration
On the flip side, the Coen brothers have carved out a niche with their signature blend of dark comedy and offbeat storytelling. Even their more serious works, like Inside Llewyn Davis, carry a thread of humor. Their movies are quirky, often blending absurdity with a sharp visual style. The moment Fargo hit theaters, it became a touchstone for anyone writing a script with a twist of sarcasm or a dash of the bizarre. Their style is unmistakable, yet it stands in stark contrast to Cameron’s epic sensibilities.
So, when these two creative powerhouses agree on a single film as the greatest, it’s worth paying attention. For Cameron, the choice is clear.
“My favorite film is The Wizard Of Oz, ”
he once shared. It might seem like an obvious pick, given its iconic status, but for him, it’s personal.
“It’s been with me my whole life, from first viewing on a black-and-white TV as a kid in the early ’60s to my periodic family screenings of it to this day. It’s still as magical now as it ever was.”
The film’s magic, he says, never fades.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Released in 1939, The Wizard Of Oz was a cinematic marvel from the start. Its bold use of Technicolor brought a new vibrancy to the screen, and Judy Garland’s performance as Dorothy Gale became legendary. Decades later, the movie remains a touchstone for filmmakers and a source of joy for audiences everywhere. Its influence is as strong today as it was when it first premiered.
The Coen brothers echo this sentiment. For them, The Wizard Of Oz is more than just a favorite—it’s a blueprint. Joel Coen once admitted,
“All we’ve been doing for the last 25 years is remaking The Wizard of Oz.”
The film’s impact on their work is undeniable.
“It’s true. Sometimes consciously, and sometimes we don’t realize until after we’ve made the movie.”
In one case, they were fully aware of the homage:
“Consciously in O Brother, Where Art Thou? Oz is the only film we just rip off left and right.”
Universal Appeal Across Generations
When filmmakers as different as Cameron and the Coens both hold up the same movie as the gold standard, it says something about its universal appeal. The Wizard Of Oz has captivated audiences and inspired creators for generations. Its staying power isn’t just a matter of opinion—it’s a testament to its enduring greatness. No other film has held such a firm grip on the hearts and minds of both viewers and industry legends alike.