The release of “Wicked: For Good” with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has renewed interest in films that blend fantasy with emotional sweep—stories where magic isn’t just spectacle, but a way to explore ambition, friendship and the tension between destiny and choice.
Across recent decades, certain titles have captured that same balance: lush visual fantasy anchored by heartfelt stakes, musical or mythic elements that amplify the storytelling and worlds built with enough detail to feel lived-in rather than distant.
Into the Woods (2014)
(Source: IMDb)
Rob Marshall’s musical twists familiar fairy tales into a lush, intertwined narrative about ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of wishes fulfilled. With its layered characters and bittersweet tone, the film captures the same blend of spectacle and emotional depth that defines Wicked: For Good, offering a world where magic is dazzling but never without consequences.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
(Source: IMDb)
Vibrant, theatrical, and emotionally charged, this musical builds an entire universe out of resilience and reinvention. Its sweeping choreography and anthem-like numbers mirror the empowering energy fans crave—where characters reshape their destinies under the bright glow of the spotlight.
Maleficent (2014)
(Source: IMDb)
A reimagining that turns a well-known villain into a complex, wounded heroine, Maleficent shares a thematic link with the duality explored in Wicked. Its moody magic, lush visual language, and emotional backstory bring surprising nuance to a classic fantasy tale rewritten through empathy.
Enchanted (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
This whimsical blend of animation and live-action celebrates fairy-tale tropes while gently subverting them. With its mix of humor, romance, and musical charm, the film thrives in that sweet spot where magic feels both joyous and self-aware—much like the tonal balance audiences loved in Wicked: For Good.
Stardust (2007)
(Source: IMDb)
Neil Gaiman’s universe bursts with enchantment, danger, and unexpected tenderness. Stardust builds an adventurous narrative where star-crossed journeys, sorcery, and reinvention collide, echoing the emotional sweep and world-building grandeur of modern fantasy musicals.
Cinderella (2021)
(Source: IMDb)
This contemporary musical spin reframes its heroine as a creator with dreams beyond the throne. Its modern soundtrack, bright energy, and focus on self-determination align with the empowering arc that fans of Wicked gravitate toward.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
(Source: IMDb)
Lighthearted but meaningful, this tale follows a young woman forced into magical obedience who fights to reclaim her autonomy. Its blend of humor, charm, and a quietly rebellious spirit mirrors the heart of stories that question destiny through a magical lens.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
(Source: IMDb)
Visually sumptuous and anchored in world-building, this reimagining expands a familiar story into a sweeping fantasy filled with discovery and danger. Its ornate settings and orchestral grandeur evoke the feeling of stepping into a live musical brought to life on screen.
Mirror Mirror (2012)
(Source: IMDb)
Colorful, theatrical, and delightfully eccentric, Tarsem Singh’s take on Snow White offers a stage-like aesthetic where costume and choreography help shape the narrative. The film’s playful magic and modernized character arcs echo the whimsical yet purposeful tone of stage-inspired fantasies.
Frozen II (2019)
(Source: IMDb)
While animated, the sequel leans heavily into musical world-building, mythic lore, and themes of identity, change, and emotional growth. Its sweeping ballads and atmospheric storytelling resonate strongly with the melodic introspection central to Wicked: For Good’s appeal.
