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10 Best Musical Movies Like ‘Wicked’
Wicked, the highly anticipated musical fantasy that dives into the stories of witches from Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s stage musical of the same name, has cast its spell on audiences worldwide. The movie is breaking box office records and earning enormous praise from critics for its stunning visuals, dazzling production values, powerful performances, and loyalty to the source material.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, this first installment of a two-part adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, who form an unlikely friendship with each other along their paths of becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good respectively. With a 90% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a projected global debut of $165 million, Wicked is poised to become a holiday hit.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Cast
- Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes
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At the heart of Wicked lies a story of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of choice. As a contemporary reimagining, it takes its time to dive into the complexities of both Elphaba and Glinda, two women with vastly different perspectives and backgrounds, and allows the audience to connect with them. For those who’ve already watched Wicked and are eagerly awaiting the release of Wicked: Part Two (slated for November 21, 2025), we have curated a list of musicals that capture the same sense of magic and wonder to indulge in the meantime.
10 ‘West Side Story’ (1961)
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, West Side Story is a timeless musical that retells Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, by setting it up in 1950s New York City, where two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, engage in a constant battle for territorial dominance. Amidst the chaos, Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the younger sister of the Sharks’ leader, fall hopelessly in love, which sets the stage for a modern tragedy and leads to a heart-wrenching climax.
A Timeless Tale of Forbidden Love
West Side Story’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to combine the grandeur of musical theater with the gritty realism of urban drama and themes of social unrest and human struggle for acceptance. On the surface, the movie may seem like a tale of star-crossed lovers, but the intense emotions, complex characters, and social commentary are what made it so groundbreaking and memorable, which fans of Wicked will find enjoyable. Also, West Side Story made history as the record holder for the most wins for a musical by taking home 10 Academy Awards.
9 ‘A Fairy Tale After All’ (2022)
Taking place in a world where fairy tales are more than just stories, A Fairy Tale After All tells the story of a teenage girl named Sky, who attends a puppet show at her school and finds herself transported to a magical kingdom filled with strange characters. She even embarks on a whimsical adventure to rescue her father, the King, from the evil Madame Mizrabel, and eventually find her way back home.
A Fusion of Fairy Tale and Music
A Fairy Tale After All seamlessly uses live-action and CGI to create a visually stunning movie for audiences. It’s also got a relatable journey of growth, self-acceptance, discovering one’s inner strength, and understanding the meaning of friendship. Written and directed by Erik Peter Carlson, the movie has a promising narrative and a delightful musical score, which adds to its enchanting atmosphere.
8 ‘Into the Woods’ (2014)
- Release Date
- December 24, 2014
- Runtime
- 124
A captivating adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine Broadway musical of the same name, Into the Woods puts a modern twist on classic fairy tales by intertwining the stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, as they all seek to fulfill their wishes. The movie itself begins with a baker and his wife wanting to have a child but embarking on a quest to lift a witch’s curse of childlessness from upon them.
Classic Fairy Tales with a Dark Twist
Much like Wicked, Into the Woods brings together magical elements and traditional fairy tales and infuses them with mature themes about how complex human nature is and the consequences that come with one’s own actions. The movie is directed by Rob Marshall, who uses his masterful hand to showcase his versatility and mines the best performances from the talent ensemble, which includes James Corden, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and more.
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7 ‘Cinderella’ (2021)
Cinderella’s story is one that’s been told numerous times, and this 2021 movie by Kay Cannon is a modern musical reimagining of the same beloved tale. It stars Camila Cabello as Ella, an ambitious young woman who dreams of starting her own fashion business. Despite her humble circumstances and the many obstacles placed in her path, Ella gets help from her Fabulous Godmother, attends the royal ball, captures the prince’s heart, and finds the courage to forge her own path.
Classic Story Gets Contemporary Treatment
Cinderella was the most-watched musical film of 2021 and much of its appeal lies in the upbeat tone, breezy narrative, and Cabella’s innate knack for comedy. She takes the original story and gives it an empowered and entrepreneurial perspective. In addition to its contemporary themes, the movie has catchy and vibrant musical numbers, featuring a mix of original songs and pop covers that make it an interesting watch for fans who loved Wicked.
6 ‘The Wiz’ (1978)
- Release Date
- October 24, 1978
- Cast
- Diana Ross , Michael Jackson , Nipsey Russell , Ted Ross , Theresa Merritt , Lena Horne , Richard Pryor , Mabel King , Thelma Carpenter , Stanley Greene , Quincy Jones , Iman , Clyde J. Barrett , Harry Madsen , Mabel Robinson
- Runtime
- 134 Minutes
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Although it tells the same story as films that came before, The Wiz stands out because it reimagines the classic children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with a distinctive African-American cultural perspective. Set in an urban fantasy version of New York City, it centers around Dorothy, a shy, 24-year-old kindergarten teacher, who is whisked away from her home to the magical land of Oz after a snowstorm. There, she’s accompanied by a ragtag group of friends – the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion – as she tries to find her way home.
A Celebration of Cultural Identity
The Wiz not only captures the infectious energy of the original but also celebrates the richness, culture, and the African-American experience. Like Wicked, it focuses on revising an iconic story with a fresh perspective. Despite being with an assured hand by Sidney Lumet and boasting an all-star cast, including the legendary Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, the movie was a critical and commercial failure back in the day and only found a devoted cult following years later.
5 ‘State Fair’ (1945)
State Fair
- Release Date
- August 29, 1945
- Cast
- Dana Andrews , Jeanne Crain , Dick Haymes , Vivian Blaine , Charles Winninger , Fay Bainter , Donald Meek , Frank McHugh , Percy Kilbride , Harry Morgan , Jane Nigh , William Marshall , Phil Brown , John Dehner , Adele Jergens , Harry ‘Snub’ Pollard , Minerva Urecal , Will Wright
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
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A certified classic, Walter Lang’s State Fair follows the Frake family as they embark on an annual pilgrimage to the Iowa State Fair, where each member of the family hopes to find adventure, growth, and perhaps a touch of romance. Margie, the melancholic daughter, falls for a charismatic reporter from the city, Wayne, the son, is attracted to a glamorous singer, and their parents, Abel and Melissa, try to win blue ribbons in their respective competitions.
A Charming Tale of Small-Town Life
It’s not visually or thematically similar to Wicked, but State Fair captures the warmth and nostalgia of small-town America and is all about a family confronting their hopes and dreams to eventually learn more about themselves and the importance of connection and togetherness. What’s a highlight, though, is the memorable songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, such as “It Might as Well Be Spring” and “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” that add to its feel-good, escapist atmosphere.
4 ‘Wonka’ (2023)
- Release Date
- December 15, 2023
- Director
- Paul King
A dazzling and whimsical prequel to the fan-favorite tale of Willy Wonka, this 2023 movie focuses on the early adventures of the character before he opened his famous chocolate factory. We see Timothée Chalamet in the role of a young and ambitious Wonka as he arrives at the Galéries Gourmet and sets out on a quest of innovation and creativity and has encounters with eccentric encounters along the way.
Imaginative and Funny Prequel
We always love a good origin story, and what Wonka does best is that it offers a fresh, detailed, adventurous, and believable perspective on Willy Wonka’s journey from his formative years to his establishment as the world’s greatest chocolatier. The movie, much like Wicked, delves into the complex backstories of the characters, adds layers to their personalities, and of course, features several musical numbers and breathtaking set designs to keep you in awe.
3 ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
- Release Date
- August 27, 1964
- Runtime
- 140
Directed by Robert Stevenson and based on P. L. Travers’ series of books of the same name, Mary Poppins takes you to the heart of London and introduces you to the Banks family, which is in disarray because of the distracted parents and mischievous children. But with the arrival of Mary Poppins, an angelic nanny who takes care of their children with a touch of magic and a whole lot of love, the Banks household transforms completely.
Whimsical and Charming and Heartfelt
In the history of cinema, some distinguished classics are responsible for restoring our collective sense of wonder, and Mary Poppins is one of them. The movie, which has enchanted audiences for generations, blends live-action and animation in a flawless, imaginative, and emotionally resonant way. It brings to life a magical and musical world not too different from that of Wicked and is helmed by an iconic performance from Julie Andrews, who also won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role.
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2 ‘Enchanted’ (2007)
- Release Date
- November 21, 2007
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
Acting as both a homage to and a self-parody of Disney’s princess stories and animated features, Enchanted follows the beautiful Princess Giselle as she is unexpectedly cast from her animated kingdom of Andalasia to the gritty, live-action streets of modern-day New York City. Shocked by her sudden displacement and stranded in a world devoid of magic, Giselle relies on her optimistic outlook and finds an unlikely ally in Robert, a divorce lawyer, and his daughter Morgan, who help her adapt to the ways of this strange new world.
Blends Fairy Tale with City Life
Directed by Kevin Lima, Enchanted is perhaps one of the most clever subversions of fairy tales. It is a delightful fusion of fantasy and reality but it’s also very emotionally intense and imaginative about the character arcs, which makes it a must-watch for fans of Wicked. Amy Adams delivers a delightful performance and the versatile Patrick Dempsey is just as amazing. Overall, the humor, adventure, magic, and songs of Enchanted offer an incredible experience.
1 ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
- Release Date
- August 25, 1939
- Cast
- Margaret Hamilton , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Bert Lahr , Ray Bolger
- Runtime
- 102 minutes
The last on the list but an obvious companion piece to Wicked, The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy Gale and her loyal dog Toto as they get swept away by a tornado and get transported from their Kansas home to the enchanting land of Oz. Their extraordinary journey of seeking something from a mysterious Wizard, who holds the key to Dorothy’s return home, is filled with colorful encounters with magical adventures and facing a Wicked Witch along the way.
An Iconic Musical About Self-Discovery
A true cinematic masterpiece, The Wizard of Oz has captured the hearts of millions with its tale of fantasy, adventure, music, and the struggle to find someone’s way home and discover themselves in the process. Both Wicked and The Wizard of Oz peel back the curtain on the land of Oz, and while the perspectives and narrative elements are different, the essence and magic of the place is deeply resonant. That said, the 1939 classic by Victor Fleming has inspired countless adaptations over the decades and has acted as an origin story for some of the most beloved characters of the Wicked universe.
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