With the holiday weekend here, many parents are looking for fun, family-friendly activities—and taking the kids to the movies is always a favorite. Wicked, the highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, is now in theaters, offering a magical musical adventure that might seem like a perfect pick. But is it appropriate for kids?
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good, and explores the backstory of these two iconic characters. But before grabbing tickets for the whole family, here’s what parents should know about the movie’s PG rating and its suitability for kids.
What does a PG rating really mean?
Wicked is rated PG for “some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material,” which means parental guidance is suggested, and it might not be suitable for the youngest audience members. If your kids loved the original Wizard of Oz, you might want to think twice before introducing them to this CGI-enhanced version of Oz.
Common Sense Media suggests Wicked is best suited for kids 10 and older, citing potential jump scares from those infamous flying monkeys, the Wizard’s intimidating avatar head, and the emotional bullying Elphaba faces. And heads up, parents: the film runs a hefty 2 hours and 40 minutes—so plan for potty breaks and plenty of snacks.
Flying monkeys and scary moments
Let’s talk flying monkeys. While Chu promises they’re “not as creepy” as their 1939 counterparts, critics argue the CGI versions might be even scarier. A review from The Washington Post warns parents of younger children that the monkeys’ intense moments could be nightmare fuel.
For kids familiar with The Wizard of Oz, this darker, more intense depiction might take some getting used to. And while younger children might enjoy the colorful costumes and magical world, they could find some of the action sequences overwhelming.
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Romance and “Brief suggestive material”
Yes, there’s a love story—but it’s PG, folks. The film features an on-screen kiss and a scene with an implied sexual encounter, though it’s subtle and likely to fly over younger kids’ heads. For comparison, the Broadway musical version is recommended for children 8 and up, and kids
What the experts say about developmental milestones and movie ratings
Before heading to the theater, it’s helpful to consider your child’s developmental readiness. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids develop the ability to follow complex storylines and manage mild suspense around age 8. For younger children, long runtimes and thematic material might make them fidgety or uneasy.
When it comes to movie ratings, Common Sense Media and similar expert sources recommend evaluating not just the age suggestion but also your child’s sensitivity to scary or intense moments. If your little one tends to get scared easily or struggles with sitting still, it might be worth holding off on Wicked until they’re a bit older.
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Is Wicked worth watching for families?
Director Jon M. Chu describes Wicked as “accessible” and emphasizes its heartwarming themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery. “I think kids will fall in love with this friendship and this world,” Chu shared with TODAY.
The film’s magical settings, beloved characters, and music will likely delight older children and tweens who can handle some darker elements and emotional depth. But for younger kids, you might want to stick with The Wizard of Oz and save Wicked for later.
So, is Wicked too wicked for your little munchkins? That’s up to you. Either way, the land of Oz will be waiting for them—when the time is right!
