When Wicked: For Good hit theaters in 2025, expectations were sky-high. The first installment had charmed audiences and critics alike, but the sequel stumbled, earning zero Academy Award nominations and leaving many fans underwhelmed. Now, the musical fantasy is getting a second chance on Netflix, debuting on July 20, 2026.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good picks up where its predecessor left off, diving deeper into the untold story of the witches of Oz. While it didn't replicate the critical success of the first film, it still boasts fresh new music, darker themes, and standout performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Grande, in particular, delivered a performance that many felt deserved a second consecutive Oscar nod.
Financially, the sequel was no flop. It grossed $532 million worldwide against a $150 million budget, making it the highest-grossing musical of 2025. Domestically, it earned $343 million, with an additional $189 million from international markets. After a streaming run on Peacock, it's now set to reach an even wider audience on Netflix.
For those who missed it in theaters or want to give it another chance, Wicked: For Good offers a compelling mix of spectacle and emotion. The film explores the consequences of power, friendship, and betrayal, all set to a soundtrack that expands on the beloved Broadway score. It's a darker, more complex chapter that rewards patient viewers.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande is already moving on to her next big project. She'll join the cast of Focker-in-Law, the fourth film in the Fockers franchise, alongside Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson. The comedy is set for a theatrical release on November 25, 2026, via Universal Pictures.
If you're a fan of fantasy musicals or just curious about the buzz, Wicked: For Good is worth a stream. And if you're looking for more great content, check out The Ultimate Ranking of Netflix's Best Miniseries Ever or see what's new on the platform with Daryl Dixon's Final Season arriving just a day earlier.
For those who love epic fantasy, don't miss our list of The 30-Year Fantasy Hall of Fame: 10 Perfect Shows Ranked. And if you're a fan of the genre's darker side, Top 10 Dark Fantasy Video Games Ever might be your next obsession.
Mark your calendars: Wicked: For Good lands on Netflix on July 20, 2026. It's the perfect opportunity to revisit Oz—or discover it for the first time.
