It topped a ranking system using algorithms to work out a film’s impact, rather than relying on box office sales.
The 1939 classic got the highest “influence score” based on how many times it was referenced in subsequent movies.
It was followed by Star Wars, Psycho and the original King Kong, made in 1933.
Experts at the University of Turin, Italy, looked at 47,000 films listed in IMDb, the internet movie database.
The Wizard of Oz was nominated for four Oscars in 1940, and won two. It was beaten to the Best Picture gong by Gone WithThe Wind, which came 19th on the scientists’ list.
All films in the top 20 were produced before 1980 and mostly in the United States, the scientists said.
When applied to actors, the same analysis ranked Samuel L Jackson, Clint Eastwood and Tom Cruise as the top three. Arnold Schwarzeneger, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp also featured in the top 20.
There was only one woman in the top ten – Lois Maxwell, who played Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond movies.
Dr Livio Bioglio, lead author of the study, said: “The scores of top-ranked actresses tend to be lower compared to their male colleagues.
“The only exceptions were musical movies, where results show moderate gender equality, and movies produced in Sweden, where actresses ranked better when compared to actors.”
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Source: Read Full Article