‘Wicked’ vs. ‘Gladiator II’: If you see only one movie this weekend, the choice is clear

“Wicked” and “Gladiator II” are in theaters this weekend.

“Gladiator II” and “Wicked” are facing off at the box office this weekend.

“Glicked,” a portmanteau of the dueling releases, may not live up to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon of 2023 — the two films would need to make over $2 billion at the box office to pull that off. But they’re both positioned for success as blockbusters.

“Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott, is the sequel to his 2000 film starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. Its protagonist is Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), a long-lost Roman heir sent away for his own safety by his mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), after the events of the first film.

“Wicked” is an adaptation of one of the longest-running Broadway musicals. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this film covers only the first act of the musical, which serves as an origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West from “The Wizard of Oz.” (The second part is coming in 2025.)

Having screened both of them, I can say it’s absolutely worth seeing both movies eventually, ideally in theaters. The double feature would be a good time, and far less existentially depressing than “Barbenheimer.”

But if you’ve got the time, money, and energy for only one movie this weekend, you should see “Wicked.”

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in “Wicked.” 

‘Wicked’ vs. ‘Gladiator II,’ by the numbers

Both movies have been well received so far and are certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, but critics and audiences generally seem to like “Wicked” a bit more.

If time is of the essence, there’s no tie-breaker — they’re nearly the same length.

If you want something you can see with the whole family, “Wicked” is more kid-friendly.

Now on to the more subjective stuff.

‘Wicked’ is a better movie than ‘Gladiator II’

The witches have it, folks. To briefly summarize my “Wicked” review:

• Erivo and Grande are extraordinary as Elphaba and Glinda. It’s not unlikely that Grande will pick up an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress (despite some hubbub over whether she belongs in that category) — and frankly, everyone should watch Erivo sing “The Wizard and I.”
• “Wicked” does make some frustrating choices and feels a bit self-indulgent.
• It’s still one of the best movie musicals in recent memory and makes a convincing argument for why it needed to be a two-part film.

“Gladiator II” is fun — but not quite as good, and narratively messy.

• It has trouble juggling its large cast and many contentious relationships. That results in an irritating underutilization of Pedro Pascal, who is otherwise just as heartstring-tugging as usual.
• But the action sequences are pretty fun, as long as you’re not too pedantic about historical accuracy. (Colosseum sharks.)
• Denzel Washington is great, even if his character, Macrinus, is a little inscrutable.

‘Gladiator II’ has more Paul Mescal in it, though

Paul Mescal is in “Gladiator II” and not “Wicked.” 

Can’t argue with that. Mescal is bloody, feral, leading-man material in “Gladiator II.”

Be warned that people might start singing at ‘Wicked’

Universal Pictures has scheduled sing-along screenings of “Wicked” that start on December 25. They can’t really come soon enough, though. The New York Times reported on audience members’ frustrations with their compatriots belting out songs — and that was just at early-access screenings.

Erivo and Grande as Elphaba and Glinda in “Wicked.” 

Let’s be clear: You should definitely not start singing along at “Wicked” unless it is a designated sing-along screening. It’s rude and disrupts other people’s enjoyment of the film. Do what the rest of us have done since we were children and strain your voice by belting “Defying Gravity” in the comfort of your own living room.

Ultimately, follow your own taste

“Wicked” and “Gladiator II” are both worth the price of admission (and maybe even of a popcorn and soda). Ultimately, it boils down to whether you have a strong preference for or against musicals.

If you’re thirsting for blood, go see “Gladiator II.” If you’re craving off-the-charts theater-kid energy, obviously go see “Wicked.”