Can My Child Watch Wicked?

The film is now in theatres, drawing lots of attention with its impressive visuals, star-studded cast and catchy songs. While it’s a great pick for a whānau outing, its mix of fun moments and darker themes might not be suitable for every child. It has plenty of uplifting messages about friendship and standing up for what’s right, but some scenes could be a bit much for younger tamariki.

Rated PG, parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers, making it important to consider your child’s sensitivity to certain moments. Some may love the adventure, while others might find parts of the film too scary or sad. Read on for tips on how to decide if Wicked is a good fit for your whānau and how to prepare for any challenging moments.

What’s it about?

Wicked reimagines the Land of Oz, focusing on the friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a fiery and misunderstood young witch with green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a charming and popular witch. While attending Shiz University, their bond is tested after an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), leading them to make choices that shape their futures and the world around them.

Key themes: 

• Wicked is a fantasy with magical creatures like witches, wizards, and talking animals which could be a little frightening for young audiences.
• The film has some scary moments, the key one being when two characters are chased by aggressive, flying monkeys. During this scene, be mindful of a jump scare when one of the monkeys crashes into a window.
• There are moments with bullying. One of the characters is mocked and put down for the way she looks.
• Some parts of the film could be sad for young viewers, like when monkeys experience pain as they grow wings, or when it’s implied that a character’s mother passed away.
• There’s a low-level sexual reference that is implied through a dance sequence. The suggestive routine implies that two characters have an affair and sex. However, children are unlikely to pick up on this.

For a more detailed look at the film’s content, check out our full breakdown for Wicked.

Things to think about:

Are the themes suitable for my child’s age?

With its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and star power (hello, Ariana Grande!), Wicked has all the ingredients to become a “popular” pick for whānau. Whether it’s nostalgia, love for fantasy, or the vibrant pink-and-green aesthetic, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But it’s important to think about the themes and whether they are a good match for your tamariki.

For younger children, witches, wizards, and darker fantasy elements can already feel a bit scary. Wicked has some moments which could leave your child with questions and needing a hand in processing – including an act of betrayal that leaves a character hurt and confused, scenes where people are turned against one another, and a few other tense interactions between characters. It’s a story of good guys, bad guys, and those whose true colours are revealed along the way.

That said, the musical moments bring plenty of joy and often balance out the tougher scenes. If your child isn’t fazed by Badjelly the Witch, they’ll likely handle Wicked just fine. But if they find those themes unsettling, it might pay to wait a little longer before introducing them to the land of Oz. Alternatively, you could wait to watch it at home, where you can pause and chat through any moments that might need extra processing – the big screen’s impact can sometimes amplify those scenes.

Will my child last the whole movie?

At 2 hours and 40 minutes, Wicked is a long one – and well beyond the usual 90-minute mark for kids' films. That extra runtime has a few parents here at the office wondering if their own tamariki will last in the cinema.

Whether this works for your child really depends on how much they’ll enjoy the movie. If you’re mostly going for yourself, hiring a babysitter might be the safer bet. Let’s face it, if they’re bored or unhappy, it’s a long time to wait – or you might end up leaving early. Better to save their first Wicked experience for a home viewing, or come prepared with jumbo-sized popcorn and plenty of snacks to keep them entertained!

Think about how they’ve handled similar situations. Were they glued to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2hr 30m)? You’re probably good to go. But if they couldn’t sit still through Brave (1hr, 33m), it might be better to wait for Wicked to hit streaming, so you can pause for breaks as needed.

The key is knowing your child – if you think they’ll love the magic, music, and spectacle, this could be an unforgettable trip to the movies. If not, save it for another day!

How can I prepare for the movie?

If you’re planning to take your tamariki to Wicked after reading our watch guide, consider doing a little prep beforehand to make the experience smoother:

• Watch the trailer together to gauge their reaction.
• Talk about the story in simple terms so they know what to expect, especially the key themes.
• Tell them ahead of time that there is a jump scare, shortly after the flying monkeys come on screen.
• Think about what will help keep them comfortable, whether it’s some snacks, a cosy outfit, or booking seats near the aisles in case they need breaks.

What happens if Wicked is too much for my child?

If your child seems like they're struggling with the film, it’s completely okay to take breaks or leave the theatre. Remember, no movie is worth causing distress, and it will likely be available on streaming services later!

Don’t forget, sound plays a big role too. It’s not only the visuals that can be intense; sudden noises and some music might be overwhelming too. If they’re startled by these sounds, suggest they cover their ears, this simple trick can make a big difference.

How do I talk to them about Wicked after the movie?

It’s a good idea to have a plan for checking in with your child afterwards. Here are some questions to help start the conversation:

• Were there any parts of the story that made you feel sad, happy, or scared?
• What did you think about the friendships in the movie? Were the characters good friends to each other?
• How did the characters handle the challenges? What would you have done?
• Did anything in the movie remind you of something you’ve seen or experienced before?
• Was there anything you didn’t understand or want to talk about?

This not only makes for a fun discussion but also helps tamariki think critically about what they watched. Plus, it gives you a better understanding of how they’re processing different types of content.

Ultimately, whether Wicked is the right movie for your tamariki comes down to understanding the balance of its vibrant, magical appeal and its darker, more emotional moments. While it has some scenes that could be scary for younger children, the film is also packed with powerful themes of friendship, standing up for what’s right, and embracing your uniqueness – messages that can spark meaningful conversations. The stunning visuals, catchy songs, and positive energy offer plenty of lighthearted moments, making it a fun experience for those ready for it. If you’re prepared and know your child’s preferences, Wicked could be the perfect choice for your next whānau outing – be ready to defy gravity and let the magic take flight!