TL;DR: Wicked (Movie) is a two-part cinematic event that is currently dominating every corner of your kid’s digital life. It’s a visually stunning, musically powerhouse prequel to The Wizard of Oz starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. It is generally safe for kids ages 8+, though the themes get surprisingly political and the runtime is a test of any child's (and adult's) bladder.
Check out our full guide on whether Wicked is too scary for younger kids
If you’ve walked into a Target, opened TikTok, or heard someone belt out a high note in the shower recently, you know Wicked is more than just a movie. It’s a full-blown cultural takeover.
Based on the massive Broadway musical (which was based on Gregory Maguire’s book), the story follows the "untold" friendship between Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch). Universal split the story into two films—Part 1 hit theaters in late 2024, and Part 2 arrived in late 2025. By now, in early 2026, the "Pink vs. Green" aesthetic has moved from the big screen to Roblox worlds, fashion lines, and endless YouTube covers.
Let’s be real: for a huge segment of kids and teens, the draw isn't just the story of Oz—it’s Ariana Grande.
Ariana has been a fixture in their digital lives since her Victorious days on Nickelodeon. Seeing her transition into the role of Glinda the Good has created a bridge between "theater kids" and "pop stans."
Kids are obsessed with her "Glinda-fication"—her shift in vocal style, her fashion, and the behind-the-scenes content of her training for the role. This has led to a massive resurgence in her older music on Spotify and a flood of "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos featuring her r.e.m. beauty line.
The marketing for these films was aggressive. There are official Wicked experiences in Roblox where kids can explore Shiz University, collect virtual merch, and "defy gravity" with their avatars. It’s a prime example of how a movie isn't just a two-hour experience anymore; it’s a persistent digital world they live in.
The Wicked films are rated PG, but "PG" is doing a lot of heavy lifting here.
Ages 5-7: They will love the colors, the talking animals, and the "Popular" musical number. However, they might get extremely bored. These movies are long (Part 1 is nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes). Also, the Flying Monkeys are significantly more "realistic" and terrifying than the 1939 version.
Ages 8-12: This is the sweet spot. They’ll catch the themes of friendship, the "mean girl" dynamics at Shiz University, and the sense of standing up for what’s right.
Teens: They are likely here for the vocal performances and the ship-culture (obsessing over character relationships). They’ll also appreciate the darker political undertones of Part 2.
Ask our chatbot for a list of specific "scary" scenes in Wicked Part 1 and 2
1. It’s Not Just a "Fun Witch Movie"
While the first half of the story is bright and bubbly, Wicked deals with some heavy themes:
- Discrimination: The Wizard is essentially a populist dictator who scapegoats "Animals" (talking animals) to gain power.
- Propaganda: The movie shows how the government can spin a story to make a hero look like a villain.
- Morality: It challenges the idea of "Good" vs. "Wicked."
2. The Runtime is Brutal
As mentioned, these are long movies. If you’re watching at home, I highly recommend breaking it into two sessions. It was designed as a stage play with an intermission, after all.
3. The Digital Rabbit Hole
If your kid is into Wicked, their TikTok and Instagram feeds are going to be 100% pink and green. This is generally harmless, but be aware that "stan culture" can get intense. Fans of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo can be fiercely protective, and the comments sections on their posts can sometimes get toxic if there's any perceived "drama" between the actors.
Use the movie as a jumping-off point for some actually interesting conversations:
- On Friendship: "Glinda and Elphaba are opposites. Why do you think their friendship works? Have you ever been friends with someone who was totally different from you?"
- On Perspective: "The Wizard makes everyone think Elphaba is evil. How does he do that? Does this happen in real life or on social media?"
- On Ambition: "Glinda wants to be popular, while Elphaba wants to do what's right. Can you have both?"
If your kid has finished both movies and is still wearing a witch hat to breakfast, here are some ways to channel that energy:
The OG. It’s essential viewing to see how the "future" of these characters pans out. It’s also a great lesson in film history and how much special effects have changed.
Heads up: This is for older teens (16+) and adults only. The original novel is much darker, more sexual, and more political than the musical or the movie. If your 12-year-old asks for the book because they liked the movie, maybe steer them toward the Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer instead.
If they want to see "Baby Ariana," this is where it started. It’s a standard Nick sitcom—silly, loud, and harmless, though the "Cat Valentine" character Ariana plays is a far cry from the sophisticated Glinda.
If the musical theater bug has bitten them, Hamilton is the logical next step. It has that same "event" feel and incredible vocal performances.
Wicked is a rare win for family cinema in the mid-2020s. It’s high-quality, it’s earnest, and it’s a spectacle that actually rewards a long attention span. While the marketing is designed to make you buy a "Glinda Pink" Stanley cup, the core story is about the complicated nature of female friendship and the courage to be "wicked" in the eyes of a corrupt world.
If you can survive the 5-hour total runtime of the two parts, you’ll probably find yourself humming "Defying Gravity" right along with your kids.
Check out our guide on the best musical movies for kids
Next Steps:
- Check the Wicked (Movie) page for specific content triggers.
- If your kid is asking for "Wicked" merch on Roblox, set a spending limit on Robux before the pink-and-green fever takes over your bank account.
- Watch The Wizard of Oz first if they haven't seen it—the "Easter eggs" in Wicked make it much more fun.