The first Wicked movie (Wicked: Part I) has an official runtime of 160 minutes, or 2 hours and 40 minutes. This duration includes the full cinematic presentation and the end credits sequence. Because the beloved Broadway musical was split into two separate feature films to preserve the depth of the story, the total cinematic experience across both parts exceeds five hours. The sequel, titled Wicked: For Good (Part II), was released in November 2025 with a slightly shorter runtime of 138 minutes (2 hours and 18 minutes), bringing the complete “untold story of the witches of Oz” to a combined total of 298 minutes.
The Shiz University Era
The first installment of the Wicked duology focuses entirely on the first act of the stage musical, expanding significantly on the world of Shiz University.
Clocking in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, Part 1 covers the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). By dedicating 160 minutes to just the first half of the original stage script, the film is able to include deeper character development for supporting roles like Madame Morrible and Boq, while featuring extended musical sequences for “Popular” and the iconic “Defying Gravity.”
Why the 160-Minute Length?
Director Jon M. Chu has stated that the decision to extend the runtime was driven by a desire to avoid cutting any musical numbers or narrative beats. In the stage show, the transition between Act I and Act II is instantaneous (save for an intermission), but the film uses its 160 minutes to build the political tension in Oz, making the eventual “wicked” labels feel earned and tragic.
The Wicked: For Good Runtime
The second chapter of the saga, released in 2025, completes the story with a more concise but emotionally heavy presentation.
Wicked: For Good has a confirmed runtime of 138 minutes (2 hours and 18 minutes). While shorter than the first part, this installment covers the high-stakes conflict of Elphaba’s exile and the rise of the Resistance in Oz. The shorter length is attributed to the faster-paced nature of the second act’s songs, which are often more dramatic and less “world-building” than the university-set tracks found in the first half of the story.
Movie vs. Musical: Length Comparison
One of the most frequent questions from theater fans is how the movies manage to double the length of the original Broadway show.
The original Wicked musical typically runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. The two-part film adaptation totals 4 hours and 58 minutes. This extra time is utilized to visualize scenes only mentioned in the stage show, such as Elphaba’s childhood, extended flying monkey sequences, and a more detailed exploration of the Wizard’s propaganda machine.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to watch the Wicked movies in theaters or as a home-streaming marathon in 2026.
Total Marathon Time: Prepare for roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes if watching both parts back-to-back with a short break.
Streaming Status (2026): Part 1 is available on Peacock (US) and Sky Cinema (UK). Part 2 is expected to arrive on streaming platforms by July 2026.
Intermission: Unlike the stage show, the films do not have built-in intermissions. Viewers are advised to plan breaks between movies or utilize the “no song” dialogue scenes for quick exits.
Rating: Both films are rated PG, making them suitable for most families, though the lengthy runtimes may be challenging for very young children.
FAQs
How long is the first Wicked movie?
The first movie is 160 minutes long (2 hours and 40 minutes).
How long is Wicked: Part 2?
The second movie, Wicked: For Good, is 138 minutes long (2 hours and 18 minutes).
Why is Wicked split into two movies?
It was split to ensure no songs were cut and to allow more time for the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda to develop.
Is there an intermission in the Wicked movie?
No, there is no formal intermission during the theatrical or streaming screenings of either film.
Is Wicked longer than the Broadway show?
Yes, the combined length of the two movies is nearly double the length of the 2-hour-and-45-minute stage musical.
What time does Wicked end?
If a screening starts at 7:00 PM, Part 1 will typically end around 9:40 PM, including trailers.
Does Wicked Part 1 have a post-credits scene?
Part 1 does not have a post-credits scene, but it concludes with a teaser for the second part.
Are there new songs in the movies?
Yes, several new songs written by Stephen Schwartz were added to Part 2 to help flesh out the story’s conclusion.
What is the total runtime of both Wicked movies together?
The total combined runtime is 298 minutes (4 hours and 58 minutes).
Can I watch Wicked Part 1 without seeing Part 2?
While Part 1 ends on a definitive emotional high (“Defying Gravity”), the story is incomplete until you watch the second installment.
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