Wicked (2024) – The Beautiful Origin Story That Almost Made Me Cry

Before watching Wicked: For Good (2025)—which is already getting major awards buzz—I knew I had to watch the first part, Wicked (2024). I went in with almost zero expectations… and came out completely blown away. This is one of the most beautiful movies I’ve seen in years. Heartbreaking, magical, thoughtful, and yes—I almost cried a few times. Perfect 10/10. It’s not just a musical; it’s a story with real heart that flips everything you thought you knew about Oz.

Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (the future “Wicked Witch”), Ariana Grande as Galinda/Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, this adaptation of the Broadway hit tells the untold story before Dorothy ever dropped in.

The Story: Don’t Judge a Witch by Her Green Skin

Everyone in Oz celebrates the death of the Wicked Witch… but who was she really? We go back to the beginning: Elphaba is born green, instantly rejected by her father, bullied and isolated her whole life. It’s not her fault, but the world treats her like a monster.

At Shiz University she meets bubbly, popular Galinda, and slowly they become unlikely friends. Elphaba discovers her incredible magic, stands up for talking Animals losing their rights, and uncovers shady secrets about the Wizard and Oz itself. Nothing is what it seems—perfect Oz has dark corners, and the “wicked” one might be the most good-hearted of all.

Why This Movie Is So Beautiful

• The message hits hard: don’t judge by appearances. Elphaba’s green skin makes her an outcast, but inside she’s kind, brave, fighting for justice. That birth scene and her lonely childhood? Broke my heart.
• The world of Oz is stunning—colors, costumes, sets (those circular moving library shelves!), every frame looks like a painting.
• Musical numbers are fantastic. I’m still humming them days later.
• Cynthia Erivo is powerful as Elphaba—raw emotion in every note. But Ariana Grande as Galinda? Wow. She steals scenes with charm and surprising depth.
• It flips the classic story: who’s really “wicked”? The green outcast or the “perfect” Wizard ruling with lies?

No Real Complaints

Honestly? Nothing major. It’s long, but never felt slow. The emotional punches land perfectly.

Ratings and Critical Reception

• IMDb: 7.3/10 (216,000 votes)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 88 % critics (406 reviews) / 95 % audience

Made $758 million worldwide, highest-grossing musical adaptation ever, 10 Oscar noms including Best Picture (won Costume and Production Design). My 10/10 matches the love it’s getting.

Final Take: A Must-Watch Before Part 2

At 10/10, Wicked (2024) is magical, emotional, and way deeper than a kids’ story. It’ll make you cry, smile, sing, and question everything you thought about good and evil.

Now I’m ready for Wicked: For Good (2025)—can’t wait to see where Elphaba and Glinda go next.

What did you think of Wicked? Did Elphaba’s story move you too? Favorite song or scene? Drop your thoughts below!

And suggest my next musical or fantasy watch—I’m in full Oz mode now.

If this review got you humming “Defying Gravity,” like, follow, share. See you in the next one!