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Fantasy musical

Wicked (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Wicked (2024) movie poster

Wicked is a 2024 fantasy musical directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande and Andy Nyman. It runs 2 hours 40 minutes and earned $764 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. It won 2 Oscars, including Costume Design and Production Design, and 11 awards in all. Critics gave it 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Stream it on Hulu, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
worldwide gross
$764M
Oscars won
2
Echo Score
88
Where to watch Watch the trailer
Wicked (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 40m (160 min)
Director
Jon M. Chu
Genres
Fantasy , Musical , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Universal Pictures
Budget
$150M
Based on
Wicked by Gregory Maguire and Douglas Smith
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wicked About?

The premise of Wicked without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, Elphaba has yet to discover her true power. Glinda, a popular young woman defined by privilege and ambition, has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound bond. Their evolving relationship and individual journeys become intertwined with the fate of Oz itself.

Wicked Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • glinda the good character
  • bullying
  • wicked witch of the west character
  • wizard of oz character
  • magic
  • origin story
  • based on play or musical
  • based on broadway musical
  • part one
  • professor
  • green skin
  • land of oz
+38 more
  • yellow brick road
  • emerald city
  • flying monkey
  • green woman
  • feminism
  • fighting the system
  • abuse of power
  • witch
  • dancing
  • exploration
  • first part
  • boarding school
  • city
  • part of duology
  • 3 dimensional
  • animal cruelty
  • college student
  • political corruption
  • friendship between girls
  • fascism
  • class differences
  • corrupt official
  • evil teacher
  • rebellion
  • battle against the system
  • social issues
  • social injustice
  • corrupt school system
  • political repression
  • false accusation
  • song and dance
  • class struggle
  • government corruption
  • prom night
  • student activism
  • social justice
  • hereditary gift of witchcraft
  • love interest
Where to watch

Where to Watch Wicked

Stream it on Hulu, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Stream 1

Rent or buy 6

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Wicked Cast & Characters

Cynthia Erivo leads the cast as Elphaba, with Ariana Grande as Galinda, Glinda and Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp. Directed by Jon M. Chu; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wicked

· 7 more
Ratings

Wicked Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Wicked 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (80).

88 /100

Wicked Echo Score Breakdown

Wicked excels in its vivid combination of theatrical spectacle and character-driven storytelling. The production design and cinematography receive widespread praise for their imaginative and cohesive visual language. Performances by the leads and supporting cast are noted for their emotional resonance and vocal prowess, even as a few critics mention uneven pacing in the middle sections. The adaptation’s musical numbers and visual style create a memorable sensory experience. Overall, Wicked emerges as a compelling musical adaptation with enduring replay value.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 92

    In terms of direction and visual craft, Wicked delivers striking production design and dynamic camerawork. Reviewers highlight Jon M. Chu’s cohesive cinematic adaptation of the stage show, noting seamless editing and imaginative set pieces. The vibrant color palette and precise choreography support an engaging aesthetic. Overall, the film’s artful execution stands out as a key strength.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character depth and performances, the leads offer emotionally resonant portrayals and robust chemistry. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande earn praise for vocal prowess and nuanced emotional beats. Supporting roles are consistently well-cast and bring vitality to the ensemble. Overall, the film achieves strong character engagement through persuasive acting.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of narrative flow, Wicked weaves complex themes of identity and otherness into a familiar magical framework. Critics note occasional pacing lags in the middle sections but acknowledge rich plot development and witty dialogue. The adaptation balances grand musical sequences with intimate character moments. Overall, the story remains compelling despite uneven pace.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to sensory impact, the film offers a lush audio-visual experience with striking set design and a dynamic soundtrack. Reviewers commend the impactful sound mixing, vibrant costuming, and elaborate choreography that enhance musical numbers. The cohesive visual style amplifies emotional beats. Overall, the sensory presentation is both memorable and immersive.

  • Rewatch Factor 85

    In terms of replay value, Wicked’s blend of musical spectacle and emotional storytelling invites multiple viewings. The memorable songs, vivid production design, and strong performances encourage viewers to revisit the film. While a few note extended runtime in later acts, the lasting appeal of key scenes underscores its enjoyment. Overall, the film offers enduring rewatch potential.

Plot

Wicked Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Wicked from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The vibrant citizens of the Land of Oz are engulfed in celebration as news spreads about the demise of the Wicked Witch of the West. Amidst the festivities, Glinda the Good takes center stage, offering an insight into the complex history of the wicked witch. She recounts how the witch’s mother, during a period of infidelity with a traveling salesman, gave birth to a daughter with striking green skin—fated to be shunned by her own father, the Governor of Munchkinland. This rejection lays the foundation for a tumultuous childhood, as the haunting refrain echoes, > “No One Mourns the Wicked.” A curious man in the crowd prompts Glinda to reflect on her friendship with Elphaba.

Full summary

The whole story of Wicked, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Wicked Box Office & Budget

Wicked grossed $764 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, 5.1 times what it cost. $475 million came from the US and Canada and $289 million (38%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$764M

5.1× its budget

US & Canada
$475M
International
$289M
Budget
$150M
US & Canada 62% Rest of the world 38%
Awards

Wicked Awards & Nominations

Wicked won 2 Oscars, including Costume Design and Production Design, and 11 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2025, with 3 wins from 11 nominations.

11 wins47 nominations9 ceremonies

Show all 9 ceremonies
  • Golden Globe Awards logo
    Golden Globes 2025 1 win · 4 nominations
    • Won Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
    • Nominated Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
    • Nominated Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Actress) – Cynthia Erivo
    • Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actress) – Ariana Grande
  • Artios Awards logo
    Artios Awards 2025 1 win · 1 nomination
    • Won Feature Big Budget – Comedy
  • Screen Actors Guild Awards logo
    Actor Awards (SAG) 2025 5 nominations
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Cynthia Erivo
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Ariana Grande
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Jonathan Bailey
    • Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
  • Producers Guild of America Awards logo
    PGA Awards 2025 1 nomination
    • Nominated Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures
  • Writers Guild of America Awards logo
    WGA Awards 2025 1 nomination
    • Nominated Best Adapted Screenplay
Videos

Wicked Trailers & Videos

107 videos: 2 trailers, 24 teasers, 4 clips, 45 featurettes and 32 behind-the-scenes videos.

All 107 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2
  • Teaser First Look
  • Teaser Tony Awards Spot
  • Teaser Olympics Spot
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Wicked?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Elphaba's main physical characteristic?
Details

Wicked Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “위키드: 파트 1” and “Wicked Part 1”.

Also known as
  • 위키드: 파트 1
  • Wicked Part 1
  • 魔法坏女巫
  • Злая: Часть первая
  • Të Liqtë
  • מרשעת
  • Wicked: Teil 1
  • Злица
  • Malvada
  • 魔法壞女巫
  • 위키드
  • Čarodějka
+13 more
  • วิคเค็ด
  • Čarodejka
  • Злая: Сказка о ведьме Запада
  • Wicked: Чародійка, ალქაჯი: ზღაპარი ჯადოქარზე
  • Злосторница
  • ウィキッド ふたりの魔女
  • Žlehtnoba
  • Zlica
  • شرور
  • Shtrigat e Ozit
  • Vrăjitoarele
  • Ļaunā
  • Piktoji

Seen Wicked?
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Movies Like Wicked

Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Wiz, Oz the Great and Powerful and The Wizard of Oz.

From the blog

Articles About Wicked

7 articles about Wicked. The latest: “The Ultimate 2025 Oscars Nominations Guide: Surprises, Snubs, and Must-Know Insights”.

Search the blog
FAQ

Wicked FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Wicked, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Wicked?

Wicked runs 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes).

When was Wicked released?

Wicked was released on November 22, 2024.

Who directed Wicked?

Wicked was directed by Jon M. Chu.

More films by Jon M. Chu

Who is in the cast of Wicked?

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Galinda, Glinda and Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp, among 11 credited actors.

Where can I watch Wicked?

In the US, Wicked is streaming on Hulu and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Wicked make at the box office?

Wicked grossed $764 million worldwide ($475 million domestic, $289 million international) on a budget of $150 million.

How is Wicked rated?

Wicked has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 73 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.

What awards did Wicked win?

Wicked won 11 awards from 47 nominations, including Best Costume Design at the Critics' Choice 2025.

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