The songs in the first Wicked movie are all phenomenal but not quite created equal. Of course, each of these came from the first act of the Broadway musical, which was written for Elphaba and Galinda’s stories by legend Steven Schwartz. These songs have been beloved for over 20 years, ever since the show debuted in 2003. Now, musical numbers like “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “One Short Day,” and “Defying Gravity” have been adapted to the screen to glorious effect. The Wicked movie put some twists and turns on these songs, while Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and the rest of the cast brought their own flair.
The Wicked movie allowed the original Broadway songs to become far more immersive than ever before, with detailed sets and practical and digital movie magic used to bring each number to life. Songs that weren’t typically regarded as fan favorites were enhanced, while those that have long been considered masterpieces were made even more jaw-dropping. So, while Wicked fans might have already had these songs ranked in their minds for years, the 2024 movie’s approach justifies another look at how each new title on the Wicked soundtrack stacks up to the rest.
11 “Dear Old Shiz”
Performed by The Shiz University Choir (Featuring Ariana Grande)
“Dear Old Shiz” is an often overlooked song from the Wicked stage production, and the same is more or less true for the 2024 movie. The choir-like order and meticulous structure of this song make it the perfect introduction to Shiz, especially under Madam Morrible’s strict rule. Still, there’s nothing particularly impactful about the traditional school song.
The Wicked movie was faithful to the musical with this song, and Grande performed Galinda’s run admirably. The truly remarkable thing about this moment in the movie was the way Shiz itself had been brought to life, but this distracted from “Dear Old Shiz” itself.
10 “A Sentimental Man”
Performed by Jeff Goldblum
The Wizard’s “A Sentimental Man” is another song that is often left out during conversations about the wonderful songs of Wicked. It’s been a running joke that this song would be the moment audiences could take a bathroom break during the stage show’s first act without missing anything too important. Of course, this has a lot to do with the despicable character of the Wizard himself—not the quality of the song.
Even in the Wicked movie, “A Sentimental Man” can’t really stack up against the majority of the other songs. However, Jeff Goldblum’s shadow-puppet performance added something truly charming to the musical number. The Wizard is still difficult to like, but it’s easy to see why Elphaba and Galinda would trust him, for a moment, and get drawn into his playful vision of the world.
9 “Something Bad”
Performed by Peter Dinklage & Cynthia Erivo
Dr. Dillamond is a highly important character in Wicked since it’s through his poor treatment at Shiz that Elphaba is further inspired to fight for Animal rights. The oppression of these beings is at the center of the moral conflict of Wicked, and the song “Something Bad” is how the Animals’ plight is first presented to audiences. Dillamond’s musical number is certainly foreboding, but there is also a comedic element sprinkled throughout that makes it memorable.
While Broadway’s “Something Bad” might have ranked lower than “A Sentimental Man,” the Wicked movie did something rather interesting with Dr. Dillamond’s song. Not only did Peter Dinklage give an excellent vocal performance, but the setting was changed to a secret Animal meeting rather than the conversation in Dillamond’s classroom, which really turned up the intrigue. Combined with the shadow puppets, “Something Bad” quickly became a far more impactful song.
8 “No One Mourns The Wicked”
Performed by Ariana Grande (Featuring Andy Nyman, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke & Jenna Boyd)
“No One Mourns the Wicked” is the very first song of Wicked, and there couldn’t have been a better choice for the opening number. The song sees the Munchkinlanders celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch of the West while Galinda the Good seemingly joins them. It perfectly sets the tone for the continued story, but the true value of “No One Mourns the Wicked” is the hidden truths that are only clear to audiences when they watch for a second time.
While the Munchkinlanders declare that no one would mourn Elphaba, Glinda herself is holding back her own pain at her friend’s death. This is something that Grande captured perfectly in her performance. She was believably glad that the Witch was dead (to those who had never seen Wicked), but there were subtle signs that she was in mourning. This is also when Grande truly proved that she had the vocal ability to pull off this character. Though not as powerful as other Wicked songs, “No One Mounrns the Wicked” certainly left its mark.
7 “I’m Not That Girl”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo
Wicked slows things down with “I’m Not That Girl,” which means the thrill factor isn’t quite as high as other musical numbers. However, the emotional impact of this song allows it to stand out. There is something genuinely heartbreaking about Elphaba’s refusal to believe that she could be worthy of love. She does her best throughout Wicked to pretend that she doesn’t care about such things, but that all falls away after her first moments of chemistry with Fiyero.
“I’m Not That Girl” is another song that the Wicked movie improved upon, allowing it to rank higher than it would have within the Broadway musical. Erivo certainly had more powerful performances within the movie, but her voice had an effortless quality in this song that was deeply pleasing to listen to. “I’m Not That Girl” covers a range that not all vocalists can manage, but Erivo allowed her voice to float over them with no real effort, all the while still bringing that heartbreaking emotion to the words.
6 “One Short Day”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel (featuring Michael McCorry Rose)
“One Short Day” is really just a fun song. It’s not particularly emotional or powerful, but it effectively communicates Elphaba and Glinda’s excitement at finally visiting this magical city where all their dreams will come true. It’s just pure theater and a moment for Wicked‘s ensemble cast to shine through. Still, this wouldn’t be enough on its own for “One Short Day” to rank higher than “I’m Not That Girl” or “No One Mourns the Wicked.” Instead, this song’s high position comes down to the Wicked movie’s perfectly placed cameos.
The Wicked movie took the song “One Short Day” and turned it into an homage to the Broadway musical as a whole, and it managed this through the appearance of Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original Glinda and Elphaba. Their interactions with Grande and Erivo were both heartwarming and hilarious, as they embodied two unique characters with the unmistakable qualities of their original roles. It was among the Wicked movie’s most jaw-dropping moments.
5 “Dancing Through Life”
Performed by Jonathan Bailey (Featuring Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode & Cynthia Erivo)
“Dancing Through Life” is pure fun on the stage and the perfect introduction to Fiyero’s character. The musical number also doubles as the catalyst for Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship since it’s during the party at the Ozdust Ballroom that their animosity falls apart. For this reason, it’s one of the more critical songs in Wicked, and the 2024 movie held nothing back.
The Wicked movie took a fresh approach to the setting and choreography for “Dancing Through Life,” and this truly placed the song on a whole new level. Jonathan Bailey proved himself perfect for playing Fiyero as he leaped through the library, dancing on books and irresistibly flirting with every he, she, and they at Shiz. The song was pure electricity, which made Elphaba and Galinda’s highly emotional dance during the break an even weightier contrast.
4 “The Wizard & I”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo (Featuring Michelle Yeoh)
Elphaba’s first big song in Wicked can certainly never be ignored in any ranking. The character’s optimism, which audiences already know will amount to nothing, makes “The Wizard and I” an ironic and heartbreaking song, but this contrasts greatly with Elphaba’s contagious joy. The lyrics are also ingeniously packed with irony and foreshadowing, such as when Elphaba has a vision that all of Oz will celebrate her and that she will be so happy she could melt.
When Erivo’s Elphaba sang about the Wizard “de-greenifying” her, a stained-glass windchime casts a slew of colors over her skin, momentarily canceling out the green.
The Wicked movie took the poetry of “The Wizard and I” even further by taking advantage of the breathtaking views at Shiz. When Erivo’s Elphaba sang about the Wizard “de-greenifying” her, a stained-glass windchime casts a slew of colors over her skin, momentarily canceling out the green. Finally, ending the song on a cliffside overlooking Oz made this whole moment simply dazzling.
3 “What Is This Feeling?”
Performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
“What Is This Feeling” is another foundational song of Wicked. It details how much Elphaba and Galinda “loathe” each other, contrasting their future relationship. What’s more, the comedy of this song perfectly defines these characters and the overarching show. For this reason, it will typically be ranked high among Wicked‘s first-act songs, but the movie again took this to another level.
2024’s Wicked turned the “What Is This Feeling” sequence into a montage, carrying over what is meant to be several days or weeks of conflict between Elphaba and Galinda. We see them fighting over space in their room, eating in the cafeteria, and even battling with staffs in a martial arts class. So, not only does this song outline their rivalry, but it provides a look at daily life as a Shiz student. Add the fantastic choreography, and “What Is This Feeling” is an absolute winner.
2 “Popular”
Performed by Ariana Grande
Galinda’s anthem in Wicked is the comedic high point of the musical. “Popular” has only gotten more unhinged over the years, to the point that it simply screams girlhood sleepovers. Of course, this is also a significant bonding point for Elphaba and Galinda, defining their relationship after their moment at the Ozdust Ballroom. It’s a moment long-time Wicked fans were looking forward to seeing on screen, and the 2024 movie didn’t disappoint.
“Popular” was a lovely, unmistakable homage.
Grande did “Popular” spectacular justice, and the choreography and pure chaos of it all was Galinda through and through. Still, what made this song so wonderful in the Wicked movie is how it seemed to be a tribute to the character and all the women who have ever played her. After Elphaba ran off, the Shiz hall was doused in pink light, and a few additional key changes were added to the “lar lars,” extending the song by a few bars. The entire Wicked movie was deeply respectful toward the original musical, but “Popular” was a lovely, unmistakable homage.
1 “Defying Gravity”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo (featuring Ariana Grande)
Sure, “Defying Gravity” is easily the stand-out song of Wicked, regardless of whether it’s on the stage or screen. This is Elphaba’s big moment, and the song through which she declares herself free of others’ expectations is the emotional high point of the musical. “Defying Gravity” also carried the thematic weight of Wicked, which is all about doing what is right and defending the defenseless, regardless of whether it’s what is popular. The Wicked movie didn’t have to work too hard to make this musical number unforgettable—but it still managed to raise the bar to impossible heights.
The Wizard’s reaction to Elphaba’s power as the energy was literally sapped from the Emerald City was truly delicious…
The Wicked movie made several changes to “Defying Gravity,” including a devastatingly emotional sequence in which Elphaba saw her inner child as she fell from the Wizard’s tower. This added flair made it feel as if Elphaba really had to work at this new-found power of flight. Still, it was those final moments of the song that pulled everything together in Wicked. The Wizard’s reaction to Elphaba’s power as the energy was literally sapped from the Emerald City was truly delicious, and Erivo’s vocal performance as she took full flight was electric. “Defying Gravity” was, hands down, the best song of Wicked and the perfect way to end the first film.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Studio(s)
- Marc Platt Productions
- Distributor(s)
- Universal Pictures
- Writers
- Gregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum
- Cast
- Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd
- Character(s)
- Elphaba Thropp , Glinda Upland , Madame Morrible , The Wizard , Fiyero Tigelaar , Boq , Nessarose Thropp , Pfannee , ShenShen , Miss Coddle , Doctor Dillamond (voice) , Avaric Tenmeadows , Gilligan , Professor Nikidik , Glinda’s Father , Governor Frexspar Thropp , Melena Thropp , The Midwife
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes
