IsWickedSafe for Kids? What Parents Should Know About the New Movie Musical

Mar. 15, 2025

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked: Part One’.Photo:Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures

But is the movie musical vivid to the point of scary for young children? What should parents know about its themes before bringing kids to this rendition of Oz?

There are some chills and thrills

Rated PG for “some scary action,” theWickedmovie saves most of its more distressing moments for the final scenes of the film. Many involve the future Wicked Witch of the West’s flying monkeys, shown at one point baring their teeth and breaking through windows to get at Elphaba and Glinda. A scene explaining how the apes sprouted wings might be disturbing to young audience members averse to seeing animals in pain.

Also toward the film’s climax, the Wizard’s mechanical mask, which operates as a means of communication with his subjects, may be considered frightening — before, as inThe Wizard of Oz, a harmless man (Jeff Goldblum) emerges from behind its curtain.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Granda in ‘Wicked: Part One’.Universal Pictures

The story doesn’t shy away from heavy themes

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(Left-right:) Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Marissa Bode and Ethan Slater at the Australia premiere of ‘Wicked’ on Nov. 3.Don Arnold/WireImage

Don Arnold/WireImage

There are a few — harmless — sexual implications

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source: people.com