The songs in the firstWickedmovie 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. TheWickedmovie put some twists and turns on these songs, while Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and the rest of the cast brought their own flair.
TheWickedmovie 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, whileWickedfans 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 theWickedsoundtrack 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 theWickedstage 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.
TheWickedmovie was faithful to the musical with this song, and Grande performed Galinda’s run admirably. The trulyremarkable 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 ofWicked. 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 theWickedmovie, “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.
Performed by Peter Dinklage & Cynthia Erivo
Dr. Dillamond is a highly important character inWickedsince 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 ofWicked, andthe 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,” theWickedmovie 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 ofWicked, 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” isthe 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 seenWicked), but there were subtle signs that she was in mourning. This is also whenGrande truly proved that she had the vocal ability to pull off this character. Though not as powerful as otherWickedsongs, “No One Mourns the Wicked” certainly left its mark.
7“I’m Not That Girl”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo
Wickedslows 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 somethinggenuinely heartbreaking about Elphaba’s refusal to believe that she could be worthy of love. She does her best throughoutWickedto 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 theWickedmovie 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 the notes with no real effort, all the while stillbringing 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 forWicked’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 theWickedmovie’s perfectly placed cameos.
TheWickedmovie took the song “One Short Day” and turned it into an homage to the Broadway musical as a whole, and it managed this throughthe 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 theWickedmovie’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 forElphaba and Galinda’s friendshipsince it’s during the party at the Ozdust Ballroom that their animosity falls apart. For this reason, it’sone of the more critical songs inWicked, and the 2024 movie held nothing back.
TheWickedmovie 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 Fiyeroas 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 inWickedcan 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.
TheWickedmovie 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 ofWicked. 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 amongWicked’s first-act songs, but the movie again took this to another level.
2024’sWickedturned 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 inWickedis 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-timeWickedfans 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 theWickedmovie is howit 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 entireWickedmovie was deeply respectful toward the original musical, but “Popular” was a lovely, unmistakable homage.
