10 Magical Movies Like Wicked (2024)
If you were captivated by Wicked's magical world, powerful female leads, and spectacular musical numbers, you'll love these 10 similar movies. From reimagined fairy tales to fantastical musicals, these films capture the spirit of Wicked's untold stories, complex friendships, and exploration of good versus evil.
Wicked (2024) - Quick Overview
This two-part cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical reimagines the Land of Oz through the lens of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda the Good Witch's complex friendship. The story explores themes of identity, prejudice, and how society labels "good" and "evil," set against spectacular musical numbers and stunning visuals.
🎬 10 Magical Movies Like Wicked
Into the Woods (2014)
Musical Fantasy Fairy TaleStephen Sondheim's masterpiece intertwines classic fairy tales in this dark musical fantasy. Like Wicked, it subverts traditional stories - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and others discover the consequences of their wishes in the second act. Meryl Streep's Witch delivers a show-stopping performance similar to Elphaba's, particularly in her powerful solo "Stay With Me." The film explores how good intentions can lead to complicated outcomes, much like Wicked's moral complexity.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Musical Fantasy ClassicThe film that inspired Wicked remains essential viewing. Judy Garland's Dorothy travels from black-and-white Kansas to Technicolor Oz, encountering characters that Wicked later recontextualizes. Watching the original provides fascinating contrast to see how Wicked reimagines the Wicked Witch's motivations and Glinda's character. The songs ("Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead") are just as iconic as Wicked's musical numbers, and the practical effects remain impressive decades later.
The Wiz (1978)
Musical Fantasy UrbanThis African-American reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz features Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. Like Wicked, it offers a fresh cultural perspective on the Oz story, with spectacular musical numbers including "Ease on Down the Road" and "Brand New Day." The urban fantasy setting provides a unique visual style that influenced later musicals, and its themes of self-discovery parallel Elphaba's journey in Wicked.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Fantasy Comedy Fairy TaleAnne Hathaway stars in this clever Cinderella retelling where the heroine is cursed with obedience. Like Elphaba in Wicked, Ella must overcome societal expectations and a literal curse to claim her independence. The film blends humor and heart with its fairy tale setting, featuring musical numbers that showcase Hathaway's Broadway-honed vocals. Its themes of resisting unjust systems resonate with Wicked's rebellious spirit.
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
Fantasy Adventure PrequelSam Raimi's visually stunning prequel explores how Oscar Diggs became the Wizard of Oz, featuring Mila Kunis as Theodora's transformation into the Wicked Witch. While not a musical, it shares Wicked's interest in the witches' backstories and the Wizard's manipulative nature. The film's CGI creates an Oz that bridges the 1939 film's aesthetic with modern technology, much like Wicked's cinematic interpretation of the stage musical's world.
The School for Good and Evil (2022)
Fantasy Adventure FriendshipBased on the popular book series, this Netflix film follows best friends Sophie and Agatha at a magical school where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. Like Wicked, it explores how society labels people as "good" or "evil," with the central friendship echoing Elphaba and Glinda's complex bond. The lavish production design creates a storybook world filled with magical creatures and dramatic transformations.
Descendants (2015)
Musical Fantasy TeenThis Disney Channel Original Movie follows the children of famous villains attending school with heroes' kids. Like Wicked, it explores nature vs. nurture and whether one's lineage determines destiny. The catchy songs ("Rotten to the Core") and elaborate dance numbers will appeal to Wicked fans, while its themes of breaking free from expectations mirror Elphaba's journey. The colorful costumes and sets create a vibrant fantasy world.
Disenchanted (2022)
Musical Comedy Fairy TaleAmy Adams returns as Giselle in this Enchanted sequel that explores what happens after "happily ever after." When Giselle's suburban life falters, she wishes for a storybook life with unintended consequences. Like Wicked, it plays with fairy tale tropes and features show-stopping musical numbers. The film's examination of good vs. evil within one person particularly resonates with Wicked's themes.
Spellbound (2024)
Animation Musical FantasyThis animated musical follows Princess Ellian in the magical kingdom of Lumbria, where she must unite two warring factions. With songs by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), it delivers Broadway-quality musical numbers reminiscent of Wicked. The story's focus on a strong-willed heroine challenging her kingdom's prejudices parallels Elphaba's journey, while the lush animation creates a visually stunning fantasy world.
Wonka (2023)
Musical Fantasy PrequelTimothée Chalamet stars in this origin story of Willy Wonka, featuring original songs and magical visuals. Like Wicked, it explores how an iconic character became who we know, blending whimsy with darker undertones. The musical numbers showcase inventive choreography and heartfelt lyrics, while the production design creates a tactile, storybook world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
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