Wicked
Here's what we found in Wicked. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Wicked
The 2024 film "Wicked: Part One" is a musical fantasy that serves as a prequel to the classic "The Wizard of Oz" story. It delves into the untold origins of Elphaba, a talented but ostracized young woman with green skin who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and her evolving relationship with the popular and ambitious Galinda, later known as Glinda the Good. Set in the vibrant yet increasingly prejudiced Land of Oz, the movie explores significant themes of identity, societal judgment, and standing up against injustice. The film is the first part of a two-part adaptation, featuring stunning visuals, memorable musical numbers, and compelling performances. While rated PG, it tackles mature thematic material and includes moments of scary action, requiring parental discretion for younger or more sensitive viewers.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film features significant LGBTQ+ representation through its cast and thematic interpretation. Openly queer actors portray several key characters, and the central friendship between Elphaba and Glinda is widely interpreted as having queer undertones by fan communities. The director and cast have acknowledged Oz as an inherently queer space, aligning with themes of otherness and self-acceptance.
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) identifies as queer, Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero) is openly gay, and Bowen Yang (Pfannee), Marissa Bode (Nessarose), and Bronwyn James (ShenShen) are also out LGBTQ+ actors in prominent roles. Ariana Grande (Glinda) stated in a GLAAD interview that "Oz is a very queer place" and has always been, even from the L. Frank Baum books. The deep emotional bond between Elphaba and Glinda is widely 'Gelphie' shipped by fans, interpreting a significant queer romantic subtext. Conservative Christian groups have expressed concerns, calling for a boycott due to the film allegedly 'pushing the LGBTQ agenda'.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and magical abilities are a central and prominent theme throughout the film, integral to the narrative and character development. Characters actively engage in spellcasting and interact with magical artifacts.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
10+ with Parental Guidance. The film is officially rated PG for "scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material". While generally suitable for a broad audience, its exploration of prejudice, injustice, and some intense fantasy sequences, alongside implied mature themes, warrants parental guidance for children under 10. Some parent reviews suggested a PG-13 rating might be more appropriate given the depth of themes.
Good to Know
The film "Wicked: Part One" is based on the first act of the Broadway musical, which itself is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel. The novel is notably darker and more explicit than both the musical and the movie, containing themes such as child abuse, sexual scenes, and animal cruelty that were largely toned down or removed for the film adaptation. The movie's color grading is intentionally desaturated in parts to create a more 'real' Oz, which may differ from expectations based on other Oz adaptations. The film's conclusion with 'Defying Gravity' serves as a cliffhanger, leading into 'Wicked: For Good' (Part Two) in November 2025.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families