The Success of Alice in Wonderland

Why was alice in wonderland so famous? What makes it rise amongst the top? There have been over 23 films made for Alice in Wonderland which is a monumental number for any particular book. How many movies have been made for Around the World in 80 Days for instance? Well, not using that particular book as an example, but all books in general--how does Alice in Wonderland Compare? We see Alice everywhere. Movies, computer games, books, you name it. The references to this book don't stop and I am continuously seeing them all around me.

Okay, let's leave A Christmas Carol and the Bible out of this one... Holiday and Religious stuff are famous because people celebrate them on a consistent basis but there is no holiday for Alice in Wonderland. Maybe there should be? This movie is monumental and personally I would say as I child it did have a great impact on my imagination. It certainly stands out from all other stories and all I ask is why? Is it the curious nature of arbitrary elements presented with flowing transitions? Or perhaps it is the variety of emotions captured by the story? Maybe both... or something else?

Please help me figure this out.