Two years after its theatrical debut, Wicked continues to cast a powerful spell over audiences worldwide. As of this week, the musical phenomenon—starring Ariana Grande as Glinda—has secured a spot among the top ten most-watched movies on Prime Video globally, a list currently led by the new romantic comedy The Love Hypothesis. This enduring popularity is a testament to the film's massive cultural footprint, which shows no signs of fading.
The film's streaming success comes on the heels of a whirlwind period for Grande, who has been balancing her music career with a growing presence in Hollywood. In addition to the Wicked films, she recently joined the cast of Focker-in-Law, the fourth installment in the beloved Fockers franchise. The comedy, set for a November 25, 2026 release, follows Greg's son Henry as he introduces a strong-willed partner to his family's chaotic circle of trust. Grande stars alongside Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Skyler Gisondo, and Beanie Feldstein.
Grande's 2026 has also been marked by the release of her latest album, Petal, her first in two years. The album arrived amid intense public scrutiny, a byproduct of her extended press tours for Wicked, where her image and on-screen persona became frequent topics of online debate. While Petal faced more backlash than her previous projects, it still showcased her evolution as an artist during a period of immense visibility.
However, the second half of the Wicked saga, Wicked: For Good, did not replicate the first film's overwhelming success. Despite high expectations, the sequel received mixed reviews and was notably absent from the Academy Awards nominations, a stark contrast to the original's celebrated run. But the bar was set exceptionally high—the first Wicked was the movie event of 2024, a cultural juggernaut that dominated conversations and box offices alike.
At the box office, Wicked was nothing short of spectacular. With a reported budget of $145 million, it grossed over $746 million worldwide, including $473 million domestically and $273 million internationally. This phenomenal performance made it the highest-grossing stage-to-screen musical adaptation in history, a record that still stands. The film also earned ten Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
For those who haven't yet experienced the magic, Wicked is currently available to stream on Prime Video, where it continues to enchant new viewers and loyal fans alike. Its presence in the platform's top ten is a clear indicator that the story of Elphaba and Glinda remains as relevant and beloved as ever.
As Grande continues to expand her acting résumé with projects like Focker-in-Law, her legacy as Glinda is firmly cemented. The Wicked phenomenon may have started on stage, but its cinematic adaptation has ensured its place in pop culture history. Whether you're revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, it's clear that Wicked is far from over.
