Is Wicked suitable for kids? Age rating & parents guide

As a seasoned gamer and parent who’s raised kids on everything from Pokemon to The Witcher, I can confidently say that the live-action adaptation of Wicked is not just another game level, but a family-friendly journey through the land of Oz. With its PG rating, it’s got the right amount of “scary action” and thematic elements to keep both kids and adults engaged, while still being palatable for the younger audience.


Before we embark on our journey back to the magical land of Oz, let’s consider if this outing would be suitable for the whole family. Here’s some information about the age appropriateness of the musical “Wicked,” including its rating.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always had a soft spot for timeless classics, and The Wizard of Oz, released back in 1939, is definitely one of them. Yet, the world of Oz, which I thought was all about Dorothy’s adventure, has taken a more complex turn as I’ve grown older.

In contrast to chilling portrayals such as Oz: The Great and Powerful (with Mila Kunis’ makeup being scary on its own), the latest adaptation of Wicked questions if the Wicked Witch of the West wasn’t actually as wicked as she was depicted.

If Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal didn’t spook you, would you find the live-action adaptation of ‘Wicked’ appropriate for children? Let me provide some insights on its suggested age rating instead.

Wicked age rating?

The film “Wicked” has been given an official rating of PG due to its inclusion of some intense scenes, mature themes, and a brief hint of innuendo.

To be honest, given the plot, it’s not unexpected that this advice leans more towards the tame side. After all, we wouldn’t expect scenes involving sex, violence, or substance abuse in the land of Oz. Even the classic tale has a hint of eeriness to it.

Ponder over images of flying monkeys, the wizard’s giant mechanical visage, and a few repetitions of “Ding dong, the witch is dead.” If you consider anything, The Wizard of Oz contains frightening aspects; however, what makes Wicked less intimidating is actually more digestible.

In this story, Wicked delves into the benevolent side of Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, as well as the secret friendship that blossoms between her and the kind witch Glinda, played by Ariana Grande. The narrative takes us through their years at Shiz University, culminating in a heartwarming bonding moment when Elphaba assists Glinda in learning from Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note one potential flaw in the perspective that “Wicked” is essentially a wholesome story: A significant subplot throughout the film revolves around the stripping of rights from the animals of Oz. This issue is primarily highlighted through Doctor Dillamond, a goat history professor who educates our main characters, played by Peter Dinklage.

In his initial class, he’s provoked by graffiti that says “Keep silent, animals,” and later gets detained by the police because only humans are permitted to instruct. Later on, a substitute for Dillamond introduces a fake small lion cub as a teaching aid.

Is it suitable for kids?

Generally speaking, if your child has enjoyed the theater production, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

Is Wicked suitable for kids? Age rating & parents guide

The movie sticks closely to the initial tale, enhancing familiar elements instead of introducing fresh aspects. If you and your kids are comfortable with the storyline, prepare for an entertaining experience!

According to the recommendations provided for the original stage production, “Wicked is suitable for audiences of all ages, but particularly for those aged 7 and above.

In simpler terms, the film “The Wizard of Oz” is classified as having a G rating, which signifies that it’s appropriate for all ages. This means that even the scenes with the flying monkeys are considered suitable for viewing by children and adults alike.

If you’re well-versed with both narratives, it could be helpful to note that a greater number of intense scenes are expected in Part 2. This primarily revolves around the debut of Dorothy and events similar to those depicted in the 1939 film, such as the house landing on the witch and her famous “I’m melting” demise.

To clarify for anyone who’s uncertain, it’s generally best to keep kids below the age of five out of the Wizarding world altogether.

globally, Wicked Part 1 has been released on November 22nd. Until then, keep yourself entertained with upcoming Disney productions, movies streaming this month, and top films of the year thus far!

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2024-11-20 18:18