Both Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Mary Poppins are considered to be two Disney classics which have remained incredibly popular from the moment that they were released. The two films are iconic and really enjoyable to watch, bringing tons of fun throughout with great songs, fun characters, and engaging plots.
These two movies have an awful lot in common, from having strong female lead characters, to having children involved, to elements of magic. Not to mention the fact that both of these films do an amazing job of blending live-action and animation together, helping them to both stand out from other traditional musical movies. There is definitely a lot to consider when deciding which film is ultimately the better of the two.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks: Better Use Of Magic
Each movie uses magic, with Mary Poppins seemingly being able to conjure things at her own free will, whereas Miss Price has to actually use spells. This allows each movie to be very whimsical and bend the rules of reality quite a lot, which makes them fun.
But it is Bedknobs and Broomsticks that does it best. Whether it is the bed itself, flying on broomsticks, turning people into rabbits, or creating an army of soldiers from armor, there's so much in the film that it really makes it a treat to watch.
Mary Poppins: Better Music
Because they are both movie musicals, a massive part of the films is the songs that take place. This is always going to make or break a musical, and thankfully each movie has some tremendous music. However, there's no doubt that Mary Poppins has better songs overall.
The music within this movie is absolutely iconic and has gone on to be sung by people all around the world for decades. They're songs that have proved to be timeless and unforgettable, and the fact that it has better songs does ultimately make it a stronger film. By contrast, many people would be hard pressed to even name one of the songs from Bedknobs off the tops of their heads.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks: Better Children
Each movie has several children within it, and all five of them across the two films play a massive part in the story. They all bring great acting performances to the movies, but it is the three kids within Bedknobs and Broomsticks that are the better characters.
They are just developed a little more, they have stronger and more dynamic personalities, and they tend to have much stronger chemistry as well. Because they have such a big part to play in the film, they add a lot to it, helping the movie along the way.
Mary Poppins: Better Supporting Characters
Bedknobs and Broomsticks has its core lead roles, but outside of that, the movie falls a little thin character-wise. It relies upon the lead roles to carry it through, whereas Mary Poppins has a lot of fun supporting roles that don't necessarily have a huge impact but they help support the movie.
Whether its a side story about the Suffragettes or the fact that Big Ben is slightly out of time, everything adds to the movie and the various characters all help make it more memorable. These additional characters give the movie a huge advantage.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks: The Better David Tomlinson Performance
One of the key links between the two movies is the fact that David Tomlinson is involved in both. He plays the loveable Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins, who might seem strict and grumpy at points, but deep down he is a real family man. Whereas in Bedknobs and Broomsticks he is Mr. Browne, the failed magician.
He has a key role to play in each film and while he's brilliant in both, it is Mr. Browne that is the stronger character. He gets more screen time and while he has similar traits to Mr. Banks in being a little cowardly, Mr. Browne is also funnier and has more likeable qualities.
Mary Poppins: More Compelling Villain
Neither movie has a key "villain" in the traditional sense— instead, the two films have overarching themes of evil. For Bedknobs and Broomsticks, it is Nazis looking to invade Britain, and for Mary Poppins it is the bank and their corruption, wanting to take as much money as possible and taking Mr. Banks away from his children too much.
They're both done very well, but out of the two, it is Mary Poppins' bank story that is just a little stronger. The reason for that is that it is consistent, all the way through the movie. The bank is the key throughout the entire movie, and that really makes it stick in the minds of the viewer. The Nazis in Bedknobs just feel like a more generic and impersonal villain, and that makes them less compelling.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks: A More Exciting Adventure
Mary Poppins is a lot of fun, but it doesn't quite have the journey element that Bedknobs and Broomsticks does. This film travels to a variety of places, including under the sea, and there is a real sense of adventure about it which Mary Poppins lacks.
Mary is busy trying to piece the Banks family back together in her own unique manner, and while there are a few trips and adventures, they're nowhere near as well done as Bedknobs. Seeing the group travel around and eventually have to battle the German army with some soldiers really makes the film more exciting.
Mary Poppins: Greater Lead Role
Mary Poppins herself is one of the most iconic characters in movie history and sadly the same cannot be said about Miss Price. While they have quite similar personality traits and both dip into the world of magic, it is Mary who does it better.
She is just presented in a greater manner and the fact that there are several other movies all based around her showcases that audiences wanted more from her. Julie Andrews plays the role incredibly well and it really does carry the movie as a whole.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks: Better Animation Scene
Something that both films are memorable for is their animated scenes. They were way ahead of their time here in bringing live-action and animation together as one, and each movie does it very well. But even though the paintings coming to life in Mary Poppins are well done, it is Bedknobs and Broomsticks which has the best animated scene.
There is just so much going on within this part of the film. From going under the sea with all the fishes to the fantastic soccer game on the Isle of Naboombu, it just a far more exciting and vibrant scene.
Mary Poppins: Stronger Plot
Ultimately, the biggest aspect of what makes a movie good is the plot, and it is Mary Poppins which has the stronger one of this pair. Everything is just a little tighter and better put together within this movie, and that is what gives it an edge.
The characters all have clear goals and the relationships between them all are built up perfectly. There's room for fun, emotion, and excitement and when it all comes together, it creates a better movie. While it may not have a big adventure, everything in this film has its place and feels important, and the heart that comes with it makes it a charming hit.