Home Viral Buzz 05

The Official Wicked Movie Rating Explained: 5 Key Reasons It's Rated PG

• minute read
Contents

As of December 19, 2025, the long-awaited cinematic adaptation of the global phenomenon Wicked, which is being released in two parts, has officially received its age rating from the Motion Picture Association (MPA). This is a crucial piece of information for millions of fans and parents planning to take their families to see the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The definitive, official MPAA rating for both Wicked: Part One and the sequel, Wicked: For Good, is PG.

This PG rating confirms that the film is generally suitable for all ages, though parental guidance is suggested. The decision to split the film into two parts—Wicked: Part One (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025)—has been met with excitement, and now, the rating provides a clear expectation of the content. However, the specific content descriptors attached to the rating are what truly matter, offering a detailed look at the themes and scenes that prompted the PG classification.

Wicked Movie's Official MPAA Rating: PG for Both Parts

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has assigned a PG rating to both installments of the Wicked film. The PG rating stands for "Parental Guidance Suggested," meaning some material may not be suitable for pre-teenagers, and parents should be prepared to discuss certain topics or scenes with younger children. The rating itself is not a surprise, as the stage musical, while dealing with complex themes, has long been a popular choice for family audiences.

The key to understanding the film’s suitability lies in the accompanying content descriptors. These descriptors are the specific elements that the MPAA's Classification and Rating Administration (CARA) identified as reasons for the PG rating, preventing it from receiving a G (General Audiences) rating.

The 5 Content Descriptors for the Wicked Movie Explained

The MPA has been specific about the elements that earned the PG rating for the film series. While the exact wording varies slightly between the two parts, the core concerns are consistent, revolving around five main areas.

  • 1. Thematic Material: This is arguably the most significant descriptor. The stage show is famous for its complex exploration of themes like prejudice, discrimination, moral ambiguity, and the nature of good versus evil. Elphaba's story is about being an outcast and a political dissident. The film is expected to delve deeply into these heavy, mature concepts, necessitating a PG rating for the complexity of the narrative and the emotional weight of the themes.
  • 2. Some Scary Action: This descriptor is specifically tied to Wicked: Part One. The story features the iconic Flying Monkeys, who are often portrayed as menacing and aggressive. The film's use of CGI and heightened cinematic drama is likely to make these scenes more intense than on stage. Similarly, the dramatic climax of Part One, which involves Elphaba embracing her "Wicked" persona, could contain intense moments that may frighten very young viewers.
  • 3. Brief Suggestive Material: This is a common descriptor for musicals and fantasy films aimed at a broad audience. In Wicked, this likely refers to the romantic relationship between Fiyero, Elphaba, and Glinda. While no explicit scenes are expected, there may be moments of kissing, romantic tension, or mild innuendo that cross the line from G to PG.
  • 4. Action/Violence: This descriptor is explicitly listed for the second part, Wicked: For Good. The sequel will cover the events that lead to the classic Wizard of Oz story, including the pursuit of Elphaba by the citizens of Oz and the confrontation with the Wizard. This part of the story includes peril, chases, and intense conflict, which the MPA has categorized as "action/violence."
  • 5. Discrimination (UK Rating): The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rated Wicked: Part One PG, citing "mild threat and discrimination." This reinforces the "Thematic Material" descriptor, highlighting that the film's core message about Elphaba being marginalized and treated unfairly due to her green skin and powers is a central and potentially upsetting theme for children.

Wicked Movie vs. Stage Show: Why the PG Rating is a Perfect Fit

The PG rating is a faithful reflection of the source material. The stage production of Wicked has always navigated a delicate balance: it is a visually stunning fantasy that attracts children, but its narrative depth is aimed at a more mature audience. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, is expected to maintain this balance, making it a perfect example of a PG-rated movie.

The film's visual spectacle—the vibrant colors of Oz, the intricate costumes, and the sweeping musical numbers—will appeal to younger viewers. However, the emotional and political complexity of the story is why parental guidance is suggested. The PG rating allows the filmmakers to include the necessary darkness and emotional intensity required for Elphaba's transformation without resorting to the R-rated or even PG-13 content of some darker fantasy films.

Topical Authority: Age Appropriateness for Different Audiences

Understanding the PG rating helps parents determine if the film is right for their specific child. The MPA's guidance suggests that a PG film contains material that parents may wish to consider before permitting their younger children to view it.

Ages 5-7 (Young Children)

While the music and visuals will be captivating, children in this age range may find the "scary action" (Flying Monkeys, intense peril) and the "thematic material" (prejudice, death, betrayal) genuinely frightening or confusing. The running time, especially for Wicked: Part One, may also be a challenge for their attention spans. Parental guidance is strongly advised, and pre-screening is recommended.

Ages 8-12 (Pre-teens)

This is the prime audience for a PG-rated fantasy musical. Pre-teens are generally equipped to handle the mild suggestive material and action sequences. The complex themes of friendship, identity, and social justice will be excellent conversation starters. They will likely be able to appreciate the nuances of Elphaba’s journey from misunderstood student to the Wicked Witch.

Ages 13+ (Teenagers and Adults)

Teenagers and adults will have no issues with the content and will appreciate the film's deeper themes, performances, and the faithful adaptation of the beloved musical. The PG rating ensures that the film is accessible to a wide audience while still retaining the emotional weight of the source material.

LSI Keywords and Entities for Wicked Movie Rating

The discussion around the Wicked movie rating naturally brings up several related entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that provide context and topical authority:

  • MPAA Rating System: The governing body (Motion Picture Association) that assigned the PG rating.
  • BBFC (British Board of Film Classification): The UK equivalent that also assigned a PG rating, citing "discrimination."
  • Content Descriptors: Specific terms like "thematic material," "scary action," and "suggestive material."
  • Wicked: Part One (2024): The first film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
  • Wicked: For Good (2025): The sequel film, which continues the story.
  • Jon M. Chu: The film's director, known for handling large-scale musical adaptations.
  • Elphaba: The protagonist, the Wicked Witch of the West.
  • Glinda: The Good Witch, Elphaba's friend and rival.
  • Oz: The setting of the story.
  • Flying Monkeys: The creatures responsible for the "scary action" descriptor.
  • L. Frank Baum: Author of the original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz books.
  • Stephen Schwartz: Composer and lyricist of the musical.
  • Gregory Maguire: Author of the novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
  • Family-Friendly Movies: The category the film is aiming for with its PG rating.
  • Musical Adaptations: The genre the film belongs to.

The official PG rating for both Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good solidifies the film’s position as a major holiday event that is accessible to families, but with enough emotional and dramatic complexity to satisfy adult fans. Parents should use the specific content descriptors—thematic material, scary action, and suggestive material—as their guide to ensure the best viewing experience for their children.

what is wicked rated
what is wicked rated

Detail Author:

  • Name : Breanna Keeling Sr.
  • Username : jamel00
  • Email : cortez.kihn@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 2000-08-31
  • Address : 8305 Gislason Well Apt. 317 Lake Calista, CT 35997
  • Phone : +1.434.752.1907
  • Company : Romaguera, Beahan and Pollich
  • Job : Museum Conservator
  • Bio : Rem accusantium similique fugit facere doloribus et rerum. Laudantium sit eaque rerum. Voluptas et eos laudantium aut ullam porro aut. Velit dolor iusto officia ea.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/mabeldicki
  • username : mabeldicki
  • bio : Optio quod deserunt animi. Ipsum laborum porro quibusdam voluptas.
  • followers : 5722
  • following : 2705

linkedin:

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/mabel4973
  • username : mabel4973
  • bio : Vero corporis quibusdam ut suscipit nesciunt sed. Reiciendis minima omnis fuga consequatur ipsam id. Dicta numquam aut cumque vel.
  • followers : 5981
  • following : 2067

Random Posts