Do we really need to see Part One first?

Absolutely. This isn't a standalone sequel; it's the second half of one continuous story. If you skip the first part, the emotional weight of the friendship and the Wizard's betrayal won't make any sense.

How 'scary' is the angry mob stuff?

It's more 'tense' than 'scary.' There's no blood, but the atmosphere of a whole city hunting down a character we love can be stressful for younger or more sensitive kids. It's about the feeling of being an outcast.

Is it better to watch this in the theater or at home?

If your kid is a singer, the theater audio is worth it for the big numbers. However, given the 137-minute runtime and the slower pace, watching at home with a 'intermission' might be the smarter move for families with shorter attention spans.

Does it have a happy ending?

It's a 'bittersweet' ending. It ties into the beginning of The Wizard of Oz, so while there is resolution for the characters, it's not a standard 'everyone lives happily ever after' Disney finish.

Wicked: Part Two – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Wicked: Part Two

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025Fantasy, Adventure

76%

WISE Score

Glinda and Elphaba face down an angry mob and a political crisis in this somber, song-heavy conclusion to the Oz prequel.

6.7

→

Wicked: Part Two

movie

2025, Fantasy, Adventure

76%

WISE Score

Glinda and Elphaba face down an angry mob and a political crisis in this somber, song-heavy conclusion to the Oz prequel.

6.7

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6.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Wicked: Part Two suffers from the classic 'Part Two' problem: it’s the somber, talky half of a story that probably didn’t need to be four and a half hours long. While the vocal performances are undeniably great, the plot meanders through political maneuvering and mob dynamics that feel a bit heavy-handed compared to the magic of the first film.

That said, if you’re already invested in the Glinda/Elphaba relationship, the emotional payoff is real. It’s a tear-jerker that prioritizes character growth over spectacle. Just be prepared for a slower pace and fewer show-stopping anthems than the first installment.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8 and up. Younger kids will likely get wiggly during the long political dialogues, but the core story of two friends is universal. It's a great pick for 'theater kids' and families who liked the first part, even if this one is a bit more of a 'grown-up' story.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The central theme is a deep, empathetic friendship between two women on opposite sides of a conflict. It models reconciliation and seeing the humanity in your 'enemy,' though the 'angry mob' vibes and political cynicism keep it from being purely lighthearted.

Imaginative

It's Oz, so the baseline for wonder is high, but audience reviews and critics noted a surprisingly lackluster visual style and a feeling that the 'magic' was stretched thin across a two-part runtime.

Safe

Standard fantasy peril. The 'angry mob' scenes and the Wizard's propaganda machine create a somber atmosphere, but there is no gore or explicit content. It's safe, just heavy.

Enriching

Excellent for discussing how stories are twisted by those in power (propaganda) and the emotional complexity of outgrowing a friendship while still loving the person.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver powerhouse vocal performances that anchor the emotional stakes.
The friendship arc gets a genuinely moving payoff that focuses on empathy over easy answers.
It tackles complex themes like how propaganda can turn a population against someone they don't actually know.
For musical theater fans, seeing the full 'For Good' sequence on a massive scale is a bucket-list moment.

⚠

What to Watch For

The 137-minute runtime is a lot of sitting for younger kids, especially since the middle section meanders.
The tone is much darker than Part One, focusing on mobs, political betrayal, and a sense of impending tragedy.
There are fewer memorable 'bops' here than in the first half; it's much more of a character-driven drama than a spectacle.

Conversation Starters

"Why did the people of Oz believe the Wizard's lies about Elphaba so easily?"
"Glinda and Elphaba disagree on almost everything—how do they still stay friends?"
"What does it mean to change someone 'for good'?"
"If you were Glinda, would you have stayed in the palace or gone with Elphaba?"

Deep Dive

The stage version of Wicked is famous for having a first act that is almost impossible to top. The movie adaptation doubles down on that by splitting the story in two, leaving Part Two (or For Good) to do all the heavy lifting of the plot's resolution.

Where the first film was about discovery and 'Defying Gravity,' this one is about the consequences of that defiance. We see the Wizard’s propaganda machine in full effect, turning Elphaba into a literal monster in the eyes of the public. It’s a surprisingly sharp look at how crowds are manipulated, which makes for great post-movie conversation with older kids.

Visually, it doesn't always hit the heights you'd expect. Some of the CGI feels a bit muddy, and the pacing in the middle third drags as it tries to fill time. But when Erivo and Grande are on screen together, the chemistry is the only special effect that matters. The final act, centered around the song 'For Good,' is the movie's soul. It’s a quiet, devastating moment that reminds you why people have been obsessed with this story for twenty years. It’s not as 'fun' as the first one, but it’s the part that actually has something to say.