Review: Why Wicked: For Good Is Better Than the First Movie

November 26, 2025 livuz

When Universal Pictures announced that Wicked would be split into two films, fans were both excited and skeptical. The first installment, released in 2024, dazzled audiences with its spectacle, introducing Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely friendship against the backdrop of Oz. Yet it ended abruptly, leaving viewers suspended mid‑story. In 2025, Wicked: For Good arrived as the conclusion—and it didn’t just finish the tale, it elevated it.

The sequel is darker, more emotionally resonant, and more thematically mature. Where the first film leaned on spectacle and charm, Wicked: For Good digs into the heart of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. This is why the second film surpasses the first.

Table of Contents

A Story That Finally Breathes

The first film was burdened with exposition: introducing Oz, the Wizard, Shiz University, and the budding friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.
Wicked: For Good benefits from that groundwork. With the world already established, the sequel can focus entirely on storytelling and emotional depth.
The fractured friendship becomes the centerpiece, giving the narrative a pulse that feels more human than fantastical.

Character Arcs Reach Their Crescendo

Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch is fully realized. Cynthia Erivo delivers a performance that is both vulnerable and commanding, especially in “No Good Deed.”
Glinda evolves from a glittering socialite into a leader grappling with responsibility. Ariana Grande shines here, proving she can balance charm with gravitas.
Unlike the first film, which only hinted at these arcs, the sequel completes them, offering closure that feels earned.

Themes That Resonate Beyond Fantasy

The Wizard’s deception and authoritarian control are exposed, sharpening the film’s critique of power and corruption.
Themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption are explored with greater maturity.
In today’s cultural climate, these ideas feel especially relevant, giving the sequel a resonance that extends beyond Oz.

A Darker, More Mature Tone

Critics have noted that the sequel is “darker, more emotional, and led by stellar performances.”
This tonal shift distinguishes it from the lighter, whimsical first film.
The stakes feel higher, the emotions more raw, and the consequences more lasting.

Cinematic Craftsmanship Refined

Jon M. Chu’s direction remains dazzling, but here it is more focused.
Freed from the burden of exposition, Chu delivers tighter pacing and more emotionally integrated visuals.
The climactic broom flights and battles are not just spectacle—they are storytelling devices that heighten the drama.

Performances That Elevate the Sequel

Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is a revelation: raw, tragic, and powerful.
Ariana Grande’s Glinda balances humor with heartbreak, proving her dramatic range.
Together, their chemistry anchors the film, making the emotional climax unforgettable.

A Conclusion That Satisfies

The first film ended mid‑story, leaving audiences unsatisfied.
Wicked: For Good ties together character arcs and thematic threads, delivering a bittersweet yet hopeful ending.
This closure makes the sequel feel more complete and rewarding.

Reception and Legacy

While some critics argue the sequel’s songs are weaker, many highlight its emotional strengths.
Fans of the stage musical feared the second half would falter, but the film adaptation improves pacing and sharpens themes.
Box office success confirms that audiences embraced the sequel despite mixed reviews.

Conclusion

The first Wicked film dazzled with spectacle, but Wicked: For Good delivers something more enduring: emotional truth. By deepening character arcs, embracing darker themes, and offering a satisfying conclusion, the sequel surpasses its predecessor. It may not have the same cultural “wow” factor as the first act, but it resonates more deeply, proving that sometimes the second chapter is the stronger one.

FAQs

Do I need to watch the first Wicked movie to understand the sequel?
While watching the first movie provides context, Wicked: For Good is designed to be enjoyable on its own.

Are the songs in the sequel original or reprises?
The sequel features both new songs and fresh arrangements of original tracks, all integrated into the story.

Does the sequel focus more on character development?
Yes, the sequel dives deeper into the emotional and moral challenges faced by the main characters.

How is the visual experience compared to the first movie?
The visuals are more polished, with enhanced color grading, cinematography, and special effects.

Is Wicked: For Good suitable for all ages?
Yes, it maintains family-friendly themes while offering depth that appeals to older audiences as well.