So, you want to see the witches. Whether you’re trying to catch the 2024 Jon M. Chu cinematic spectacle starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, or you’re hunting for a way to watch the original Broadway stage production from your couch, things get a little confusing. People often mix them up. You can't just "rent" a live Broadway show like it’s a Netflix original, but the movie? That’s a different story. Honestly, the timing of your search matters more than anything else because digital release windows are constantly shifting.
How to Rent Wicked: The 2024 Movie Release
The movie is massive. It’s a two-part event, with Wicked: Part One hitting theaters in late 2024. If you are looking to rent the film right now, you have to understand the "Theatrical Window." Universal Pictures usually keeps their big blockbusters in theaters for at least 17 to 31 days before they even think about putting them on VOD (Video On Demand) platforms.
If the movie is still fresh in theaters, you aren't going to find it on Prime Video or Apple TV for $5.99 yet. You’ll likely see it pop up first as a "Premium Video On Demand" (PVOD) title. This is where it gets pricey. Instead of a standard rental, you’re looking at $19.99 or $24.99. It’s steep, but it’s basically the price of one movie ticket for your whole living room.
Where to look for the digital rental
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually the fastest to update.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Best for those who want 4K Dolby Vision quality.
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): Often has bundle deals if you want to buy both parts eventually.
- Google Play: Reliable, though the interface is getting a bit clunky these days.
Can You Rent the Broadway Version?
This is the question that breaks hearts. Short answer: No. Long answer: Sorta, but not really. The actual Broadway production of Wicked has never been officially released as a "Pro-Shot" (a professionally filmed stage play) for public rental. You can’t go to Netflix and watch Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth defy gravity in the original 2003 run. It’s the "Holy Grail" of musical theater recordings, and it stays locked in the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. You can actually go there and watch it if you have a valid research reason, but you can't take it home.
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However, there is a workaround for those who need a fix of the stage show. In 2018, NBC aired A Very Wicked Halloween to celebrate the 15th anniversary. While not the full show, it features the original cast and current stars performing the songs. Sometimes this is available to stream or rent on platforms like Peacock or YouTube, depending on current licensing.
Avoiding the "Free Movie" Scams
Listen, if you see a site promising you can rent Wicked for free or stream it on a site that looks like it was built in 1998, close the tab. These are almost always phishing sites or "cam" versions. A cam version is literally someone sitting in a theater with a phone. The audio is garbage. You can hear people eating popcorn. It ruins the experience of a movie that spent hundreds of millions of dollars on sound design. Just wait for the official VOD release. It’s better for your computer’s health and your ears.
The Peacock Factor
Since Wicked is a Universal Pictures film, it has a "home" streaming service: Peacock. Eventually, the movie will leave the rental market and land on Peacock as part of a standard subscription. If you already pay for Peacock, you might not need to rent it at all if you can wait about 4 months after the theatrical premiere. Universal has been pretty consistent with this timeline for movies like Oppenheimer and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
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Buying vs. Renting: The Math
Is it worth the $20 rental?
If you have a family of four, absolutely. If it’s just you, maybe wait for the price to drop to the standard $5.99 "Digital Rental" price point, which usually happens 60-90 days after the initial VOD release.
Why the price fluctuates
- Demand: If everyone is talking about it, the price stays high.
- Awards Season: If Cynthia Erivo starts picking up Oscar nods, Universal might keep the rental price at a premium longer.
- Part Two Hype: Expect the rental for Part One to go on sale right before Part Two hits theaters to drum up excitement.
Technical Requirements for the Best Experience
Don't rent this on your phone. Wicked is a visual feast. If you're renting on Apple TV or Amazon, make sure your internet speed is at least 25 Mbps if you want to stream in 4K. If your internet is spotty, choose the "Download" option instead of "Stream" after you pay for the rental. Most platforms give you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you’ve hit play.
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Actionable Next Steps
Check the current status of the film on a site like JustWatch. It’s the most accurate way to see if a movie has moved from "Theaters Only" to "Rent/Buy." If it's available, compare the price between Amazon and Apple TV; sometimes one will have a promotional credit. If you’re looking for the stage experience, check the official Wicked the Musical website for tour dates in your city. Sometimes a $30 "lottery" ticket for a live show is cheaper—and infinitely better—than a $25 digital rental.
Verify your streaming device is updated. Older smart TVs sometimes struggle with the high-bitrate audio used in modern musical films. If the dialogue sounds muffled compared to the music, check your "Dynamic Range" settings in your TV menu and set it to "Reduce Loud Sounds" or "Night Mode." This keeps the songs from blowing out your speakers while letting you actually hear what Elphaba and Glinda are saying during the quiet moments.