7 Movies & Shows Similar to Wicked (2024)

Description: The Wizard of Oz is similar to Wicked (2024) because both are set in the magical land of Oz and explore themes of good versus evil, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy arrived. Both films feature iconic characters like Glinda the Good Witch and the Wizard, and share a whimsical, fantastical aesthetic.

Fact: The Wizard of Oz was one of the first films to use Technicolor, making the transition from black and white to color when Dorothy arrives in Oz particularly striking. The ruby slippers were originally silver in the book, but changed to red to take advantage of the new Technicolor technology. Judy Garland was only 16 years old when she played Dorothy.

Description: The Witches of Eastwick shares thematic similarities with Wicked (2024) in its exploration of female power, witchcraft, and the moral complexities of using magical abilities. Both stories feature women discovering and embracing their supernatural powers, with a mix of humor, romance, and darker elements. The films also share a visually rich style and a focus on the dynamics between strong female characters.

Fact: The role of Daryl Van Horne was originally offered to Jack Nicholson, who initially turned it down before changing his mind. Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, and Cher reportedly ad-libbed many of their scenes together. The film was loosely based on John Updike's novel of the same name, but took significant liberties with the source material.

Description: The Witches is similar to Wicked (2024) in its portrayal of witches as complex, sometimes terrifying figures. Both films explore themes of transformation and the battle between good and evil, with a focus on how appearances can be deceiving. The Witches, like Wicked, features a grand, theatrical style and a mix of humor and darkness, appealing to audiences who enjoy fantastical stories with a slightly sinister edge.

Fact: The Witches is based on a book by Roald Dahl, who reportedly disliked the film's happier ending. Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch is considered one of the most memorable villain portrayals in children's cinema. The makeup effects for the witches' true faces were so convincing they reportedly frightened some of the child actors on set.

Description: Maleficent is thematically similar to Wicked (2024) as both films reimagine classic stories from the perspective of their iconic villains, adding depth and sympathy to characters traditionally seen as purely evil. Like Wicked's treatment of the Wicked Witch of the West, Maleficent provides a backstory that explains and humanizes the title character's actions. Both films feature stunning visual effects, strong female leads, and themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexity of good versus evil.

Fact: Angelina Jolie based her portrayal of Maleficent partly on her own mother, Marcheline Bertrand. The film's horns and cheekbones were inspired by the original animated design from Sleeping Beauty. Elle Fanning (Aurora) didn't watch the original Disney film until after she was cast to avoid copying the animated performance.

Description: Once Upon a Time shares similarities with Wicked (2024) as both reimagine classic fairy tales with a focus on the backstories and motivations of traditionally villainous characters. Like Wicked, which gives depth to the Wicked Witch of the West, Once Upon a Time provides complex narratives for characters like the Evil Queen and Rumplestiltskin. Both blend fantasy, drama, and moral ambiguity, appealing to audiences who enjoy darker, more nuanced takes on familiar stories.

Fact: Once Upon a Time was created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who previously wrote for Lost. The show features characters from multiple fairy tales, Disney films, and even literary works like Frankenstein. Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Josh Dallas (Prince Charming) met on set and later married in real life.

Description: Into the Woods shares similarities with Wicked (2024) as both are musical fantasies that deconstruct and reimagine classic fairy tales. Like Wicked, which provides a new perspective on The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods intertwines multiple fairy tales to explore their darker, more complex themes. Both productions feature elaborate musical numbers, rich production design, and a blend of humor and poignant moments that appeal to adult audiences as well as younger viewers.

Fact: The film is based on Stephen Sondheim's 1986 Broadway musical of the same name. Meryl Streep learned to rap for her performance of 'Last Midnight.' Johnny Depp's brief appearance as the Wolf was filmed in just one day.

Description: The Witches of Oz is similar to Wicked (2024) as both are modern reimaginings of the Oz mythology, focusing on the witches and their complex relationships. Like Wicked, this film explores the backstory of the Wicked Witch (here named West) and her connection to Dorothy. Both stories blend fantasy elements with contemporary settings and themes, offering fresh perspectives on L. Frank Baum's classic world.

Fact: The film was originally titled Dorothy and the Witches of Oz before being re-edited and renamed. It features Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) as the Wizard. The production combined live-action with animated sequences to create its magical effects.