The reviews are finally in for Wicked: For Good, and while the movie has 97% on the audience-generated "Popcornmeter" following last night's fan screenings, critics seem somewhat less enthused.
With 72 verdicts counted, the sequel sits at a "Fresh" 72% on the Tomatometer. That's not a bad result, though it does somewhat fall short of Wicked's "Certified Fresh" 88% score.
As many fans of the musical feared when it was announced that this Wicked adaptation would be a two-parter, it seems the main complaint is that the second half's story simply isn't strong enough to justify an entire movie. The cast, visuals, and songs receive plenty of praise, but despite delivering a satisfying ending, some critics appear underwhelmed.
Even with a lack of overwhelmingly positive, glowing reviews, Wicked: For Good will almost certainly be one of 2025's biggest box office hits.
Those who enjoyed the first movie are bound to want to see the follow-up and learn how the story ends, while the property has likely picked up plenty of new fans since Wicked's release last November.
The Hollywood Reporter writes, "[Ariana] Grande floods it with so much feeling that it humanizes and enriches the character and, by extension, the whole movie." Variety, meanwhile, notes, "The film fixes a common complaint of the show, giving the pair more scenes (and songs) together in this final stretch, which now feels like a robust tale unto itself."
The Wrap was less enthused. "There hasn’t been a pre-planned 'Part Two' this disappointing since the second half of Andy Muschietti’s 'It,'" explains the trade. "At least nobody projectile vomits on Jeff Goldblum to the tune of Juice Newton’s 'Angel of the Morning.'"
In fact, there are quite a few mixed reviews. "Despite stellar work from Erivo and Grande," AwardsWatch shared, "Wicked: For Good can’t justify its existence as its own separate outing." Slant Magazine concurred: "The film is stretched out, breathless, and never really emotionally affecting, even on the level of nostalgia."
In Empire's review, it's said, "Not quite over the rainbow, then, but just enough of its colours and candour to get by." That seems to be the prevailing opinion, as even the "Fresh" reviews aren't overly enthusiastic.
"It may not have a climax that defies gravity in the way the first film did," says We Live Entertainment, "but it still works on an emotional level enough to be wonderful in its own way." Awards Buzz counters, "'Wicked: For Good' is an epic and emotionally satisfying conclusion," with Vulture pointing out, "It brings the Wicked cycle to a surprisingly satisfying conclusion, at least for now."
Still, io9 has a different take. "There are moments where the performances and visuals really hit home and bring it all together. But, more often than not, we were left disappointed at how little in the film was as memorable or special as that first part."
As IndieWire puts it, "The things that missed the mark the first time, well, they still do. The things that worked in 'Wicked'? They still do, but only a clock-tick better."
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award-nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21.