The movie that has been taking over the media with its outstanding soundtrack, powerful performance from its actors, and morals is none other than “Wicked: For Good,” the sequel to “Wicked.” Following the release of the first movie last year, it received widespread praise and rapidly gained popularity, leaving many eager for the sequel. “Wicked: For Good” was released in movie theaters on November 21, 2025, and fans quickly cleared their calendars to watch it before it left theaters. Similar to the first movie, “Wicked: For Good” earned many positive reviews and even sold out theaters, becoming more popular than before.

The two “Wicked” movies are a film adaptation of the “Wicked” Broadway musical, with the two parts corresponding to the two acts of the musical. The movies take place in the “Wizard of Oz” universe and focus on the relationship between the two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, who are known respectively as the “Wicked Witch of the West” and “Glinda the Good.” The first part of “Wicked” was released on November 22, 2024, in the United States, almost exactly a year before the second one. It’s a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” as we explore Elphaba and Glinda’s school life together, their complex yet deep friendship, and their eventual separation at the end of the movie, which sets the stage for the sequel. “Wicked: For Good” includes the events of “The Wizard of Oz” and takes place five years after the first movie. The two best friends are now on opposite sides as enemies, with Glinda being seen as the good witch and a beacon of hope, while Elphaba is made to be the wicked witch, building fear of her within the citizens of Oz. The depth of the plot and dynamic of their friendship has played a major role in the love the movie is receiving.

The first “Wicked” movie won many awards on top of good reactions, so there was much anticipation for the second one. “Wicked” won two Academy Awards, one for Best Costume Design and the other for Best Production Design. The movie was able to bring the world to life with the hard work put into building the world of “Oz,” and that dedication carried on in the second movie. Additionally, “Wicked” received the Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. 

There’s no doubt that “Wicked: For Good” will win multiple awards as well, with so many good aspects of the movie. It’s a very insightful movie, addressing complex ideas and issues while also maintaining lighthearted and comedic elements. While it may seem like a simple and fun fantasy movie, it also reaches into and gives viewers a stance on politics. An English teacher at Torrance High, Mrs. Dapal, explains, “The 1st movie is very light and airy with all the fun songs. At the end of the movie and the majority, if not all, of the 2nd act, it was really dark. I felt the tone switch, and the political stance became a little more apparent in the second. You could really tell that it was political commentary.” The first movie was much more cheerful because the second one focuses on the outcome of Elphaba refusing to succumb to their government’s lies. This leads the Wizard, who rules Oz, to paint Elphaba’s image as a “Wicked Witch” who defied the government, illustrating how people in power can create and promote their false stories and still be believed. This is just one of the issues the movie highlights, touching on animal cruelty and bias as well