Wicked is one of Broadway’s most famous musicals and now fans can rejoice, because Wicked the movie does the musical justice. Some parents may be wondering if Wicked is safe for kids. And it is…mostly. There are a few things to watch for including some scary elements and sexually suggestive material. Here’s what parents need to know in this Wicked Parents Guide.
Wicked (2024) Parents Guide
Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, and stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman who is misunderstood because of her green skin that she was born with. Even her father treats her with contempt. Elphaba takes her sister Nessarose to Shiz University where her father requests she watch over her.
At Shiz, Elphaba meets Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular and privileged girl, and they form an unlikely friendship. When animals are being caged and silenced, Elphaba wants to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. However, after an encounter with The Wizard, Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity is seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future.
Age Rating: Why is Wicked Rated PG?
Wicked (2024) is rated PG for some scary action and brief suggestive material which means some content may not be appropriate for all kids. Parental guidance is suggested.
Language
There is no profanity in Wicked.
Scary Content
Is Wicked too scary for kids? Some scenes include dark imagery, animal abuse, kids bullying others, and jump scares.
The opening scene is kind of dark and scary with the Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys.
When Elphaba is born, her father screams for the nurses to take her away.
Kids are shown pointing and laughing at other children and bullying them.
Animals are shown being put in cages and being arrested. When monkeys get their wings, a spell is cast, and the monkeys are shown screaming in pain and then angry. This scene could be difficult for kids empathetic to animals.
When Elphaba first meets the wizard, he is shown as a scary mask with a scary voice.
There are also some scenes involving spells, some dark magic, and witchcraft.
There is a jump scare as a character runs in peril.
Mature Content
A character is having an affair, and you see shadows of kissing and laughing. Characters also drink an elixir akin to alcohol. There are screams of delight as one chases another during the affair. There is no nudity in Wicked.
Mature themes such as being different, being rejected by a parent, a child in a wheelchair, death of a parent, control, lying, and power are all part of Wicked.
Is Wicked Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
Is Wicked kid friendly? Wicked has mature themes that aren’t for kids. But it depends what’s a deal breaker for parents. Wicked Part One is 2 hours and 40 minutes which will be long for a lot of children. However, if your kids love musicals, then they may not feel the runtime as much. Parents should be aware that Wicked does contain some witchcraft, but Wicked is kid friendly for ages 10 and older.
There are a lot of lessons to be learned, especially in this political climate. Elphaba is born with green skin, something she can’t control. And she’s judged and ostracized for it, even feared. Empathy and kindness are also taught in this film; things all kids should learn. Lessons and messages aside, Wicked is an incredible and majestic film.
I was worried about the runtime and even a little upset that this was going to be shown in two parts. However, I was enthralled the whole time. I don’t know why I doubted Jon Chu.
If you’re a fan of spectacles and showmanship, then Wicked is right up your alley. Musical numbers like “What is This Feeling?” and of course, “Defying Gravity” provide goosebumps. Erivo and Grande are perfectly cast, showcasing their pipes and acting abilities. Cynthia Erivo moved me to tears with the emotional high notes of a woman always having to fight to be loved.
Perhaps the weaker spots are the scenes with the Wizard. They felt a bit out of place and forced. Although I don’t feel like a question posed at the beginning of the film – why does wickedness happen? – was answered, I’m hoping it becomes more clear in Part Two.
Wicked is a delight and feels unlimited in the good it can inspire in audiences. Chu really knows how to deliver with movie musicals.
