Is ‘Wicked’ Kid-Friendly? What Parents Need to Know Before the Show

This year, I had the joy of taking my two daughters—aged 8 and 11—to see Wicked, a musical that has captivated audiences for years. Having seen it previously and cherished every moment, I couldn’t wait for them to experience it, too. The strong female characters, the vital themes of friendship and inclusivity, and of course that awe-inspiring “Defying Gravity” moment—it’s almost magical, right? As a parent, sharing something you love with your kids is one of life’s simple joys. Before we headed to the theatre, I thought back on whether the show was suitable for their ages. A quick check confirmed its recommendation for kids aged 8 and above.

My daughters were absolutely enchanted during the first act, but you could see their energy tapering off as the second act unfolded. Next time, I might opt for a matinee performance; it’s so important to ensure kids can fully engage without getting too tired. Still, the excitement bubbled up when they heard about the Wicked movie coming out. They practically bounced in their seats, eager to see their favorite characters on the big screen.

If you find yourself wondering whether the Wicked movie is suitable for your own children, let’s break down everything we know about this upcoming film.

The Wicked movie is set to light up theaters on November 22, 2024, just in time for a festive Thanksgiving weekend. Great news for Amazon Prime members, though! They’ll have the chance to catch some special early screenings starting from November 18. My advice? If you plan on diving into this adventure with kids, I highly recommend looking for afternoon showings. Based on my family’s experience with the evening performance, a matinee would likely keep little ones from fading before the show ends.

Here’s a fun tip: a viral post on social media shared a warning about enthusiastic “theater kids” who might just burst into song during the movie! If you’re looking forward to hearing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s beautiful voices uninterrupted, definitely aim for an earlier showtime. However, if you’re open to a little participatory magic, keep an eye out for special singalong sessions at the theatre later on.

Many people don’t realize that what we’re getting is just the first part of a two-part series. If your young ones fall in love with the story, they’ll be left on the edge of their seats! Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. So, while your kids may need to wait for the unfolding drama, rest assured they will get their resolution soon enough.

So why is this beloved musical rated PG? According to the filmmakers, it’s due to some “scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive content.” But don’t worry too much—most of those suggestive elements will probably sail right over your children’s heads.

For context, another family-friendly movie, Moana 2, is also hitting the screens that same Thanksgiving weekend and carries a PG rating primarily for “action and peril.” This background might help you gauge where Wicked falls on the scale of appropriateness for your family.

The film, like its stage counterpart, is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which offers a unique twist on the classic Wizard of Oz. It dives deep into the life of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, and her unexpected friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. Think of it like Maleficent, a movie that reimagined villains we thought we knew. What’s intriguing is that early hints suggest that the Wicked adaptation will explore even more backstory than the original musical—which truly adds a layer of depth, and I’m excited to see what they’ve cooked up.

Now, let’s address a common concern: is the Wicked movie frightening? While we won’t know every detail until we see the film ourselves, the trailers do tease some intense action. From flying monkeys to fire scenes featuring witches, it appears there are moments that might raise some hair on the back of your neck! As a parent, you often have a good bead on what scares your child, so trust your instincts.

In terms of duration, the Wicked film will run for **two hours and 41 minutes**, without any intermission. That’s a long time for kids to sit still, and I can tell you from experience that younger viewers might have a tough time keeping their attention for that long.

One of the standout features of Wicked has always been its phenomenal music, originally brought to life by Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The film will showcase the incredible talents of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, two powerhouse singers who have confirmed they will perform live on set. “It was a no-brainer,” Grande said, emphasizing the connection singing live allows them to have with the material and with one another.

On the topic of music, while we don’t have a definitive list of songs just yet, there have been whispers from reliable sources about a selection of tracks from Act 1 that are likely to be included in the film. Some anticipated favorites include:

– “No One Mourns the Wicked”
– “The Wizard and I”
– “Dancing Through Life”
– “Defying Gravity”

Additionally, composer Stephen Schwartz has promised brand new songs tailored for this adaptation. If your little ones haven’t had the chance to hum along to these iconic tunes, now is the perfect time to introduce them. Start spinning the original soundtrack to get everyone excited and ready for the film’s release, set for November 22, 2024.

As you think about this upcoming cinematic treat, remember that every family is different. It’s all about knowing your kids and what they can handle. Embrace the joy of sharing something you love. After all, movies like *Wicked* have a remarkable way of sparking not just conversations but also dreams and confidence in our children. Here’s to making beautiful memories together!