The first songs Evil movies are all phenomenal, but they are not created equal. Of course, each of them came from the first act of the Broadway musical, which was written for the stories of Elphaba and Galinda by legend Steven Schwartz. These songs have been beloved for over 20 years, since the show debuted in 2003. Now, musical numbers like “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “One Short Day,” and “Defying Gravity” have been adapted for the screen in glorious fashion. effect. THE Evil The film put a few twists on these songs, while Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and the rest of the cast brought their own talent.
THE Evil The film allowed the original Broadway songs to become much more immersive than ever before, with detailed sets and practical and digital cinematic magic used to bring each number to life. Songs that weren’t typically considered fan favorites have been improved, while those that have long been considered masterpieces have been made even more impressive. So while Evil fans may have already had these ranked songs in mind for years, the 2024 film’s approach warrants another look at how each new title in the Evil soundtrack compares to the rest.
11
“Dear Old Shiz”
Performed by The Shiz University Choir (featuring Ariana Grande)
“Dear Old Shiz” is an often forgotten song from Evil theatrical production, and the same is more or less true for the 2024 film. The chorus order and meticulous structure of this song make it the perfect introduction to Shiz, especially under Madame Morrible’s strict rules. Still, there’s nothing particularly impactful about traditional school music.
THE Evil the film was faithful to the musical with this song, and Grande performed Galinda’s run admirably. The truly The notable thing about this moment in the film was the way Shiz himself came to lifebut this distracted from “Dear Old Shiz” itself.
10
“A sentimental man”
Played by Jeff Goldblum
Wizard’s “A Sentimental Man” is another song that often gets left out during conversations about Wizard’s wonderful music. Evil. It’s been a running joke that this song would be the moment the audience could take a bathroom break during the first act of the show 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 music.
Even in Evil movie, ‘A Sentimental Man’ can’t hold a candle to most other songs. However, Jeff Goldblum’s shadow puppet performance added something truly enchanting to the musical number. It’s still hard to like the Wizard, but it’s easy to see why Elphaba and Galinda would trust him, for a moment, and let themselves be swept up in his playful view of the world.
9
“Something bad”
Played by Peter Dinklage and Cynthia Erivo
Dr. Dillamond is a highly important character in Evil as it is through her 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 of Eviland the song “Something Bad” is how the Animals’ plight is first introduced to the public. Dillamond’s musical number is certainly foreboding, but there’s also a comedic element sprinkled throughout that makes it memorable.
While Broadway’s “Something Bad” may rank lower than “A Sentimental Man,” the Evil the film did something quite interesting with Dr. Dillamond’s music. Not only did Peter Dinklage deliver an excellent vocal performance, but the setting was changed to a secret animal encounter rather than Dillamond’s classroom conversation, which really added to the intrigue. Combined with the shadow puppets, “Something Bad” quickly became a much more impactful song.
8
“No one mourns the wicked”
Performed by Ariana Grande (featuring Andy Nyman, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Jeff Goldblum, Sharon D. Clarke and Jenna Boyd)
“No One Mourns the Wicked” is the first song on Eviland there could not have been a better choice for the opening number. The song finds the Munchkinlanders celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, while Galinda the Good apparently joins them. It perfectly sets the tone for the continuation of the story, but the true value of “No One Mourns the Wicked” is the hidden truths that only become clear to the audience when they watch it for the second time.
While the Munchkinlanders declare that no one would mourn Elphaba, Glinda herself is holding back her own grief over her friend’s death. This is something Grande captured perfectly in her performance. She was incredibly happy that the Witch was dead (for those who had never seen Evil), but there were subtle signs that she was in mourning. This is also when Grande really proved she had the vocal chops to play this character. Although not as powerful as others Evil songs, “No One Mountains the Wicked” certainly left its mark.
7
“I’m not that girl”
Played by Cynthia Erivo
Evil slows things down with ‘I’m Not That Girl’, meaning the thrill factor isn’t as high as other musical numbers. However, the emotional impact of this song allows it to stand out. There is something genuinely moving with Elphaba’s refusal to believe she could be worthy of love. She does her best throughout Evil Pretend you don’t care about these things, but it all disappears after your first moments of chemistry with Fiyero.
“I’m Not That Girl” is another song that Evil the film improved, allowing it a higher rating than the Broadway musical would have. Erivo certainly gave more powerful performances in the film, but her voice had a natural quality in this song that was deeply enjoyable to listen to. “I’m Not That Girl” covers a range that not all vocalists can, but Erivo allowed her voice to float over them without any real effort, all the while still bringing that soulful emotion to the words.
6
“A Short Day”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (with 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 about finally visiting this magical city where all their dreams will come true. It’s pure theater and a moment to Evilcast to shine. Still, that 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 of, the high position of this song comes down to Evil Perfectly placed cameos from the film.
THE Evil film took the song “One Short Day” and turned it into an homage to the Broadway musical as a whole, and accomplished this through the appearance of Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original Glinda and Elphaba. His interactions with Grande and Erivo were heartwarming and hilarious, as they embodied two unique characters with the unmistakable qualities of their original roles. It was among the Evil the film’s most impressive moments.
5
“Dancing for Life”
Performed by Jonathan Bailey (featuring Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode and Cynthia Erivo)
“Dancing Through Life” is pure fun on stage and the perfect introduction to Fiyero’s character. The musical number also acts as a catalyst for Elphaba and Galinda’s friendship, as it is during the party at the Ozdust Ballroom that their animosity collapses. For this reason, it is one of the most critical songs in Eviland the 2024 film held nothing back.
THE Evil The film took a new approach to the setting and choreography of “Dancing Through Life,” and it really took the song to a whole new level. Jonathan Bailey proved to be perfect to play Fiyero as he bounced around the library, dancing on the books and flirting irresistibly with all of him, her and them in Shiz. The music was pure electricity, which made Elphaba and Galinda’s highly emotional dance during intermission an even greater contrast.
4
“The Sorcerer and I”
Played by Cynthia Erivo (with Michelle Yeoh)
Elphaba’s first big song in Evil it can certainly never be ignored in any classification. The character’s optimism, which the audience already knows will come to nothing, makes “The Wizard and I” an ironic and moving song, but this contrasts greatly with Elphaba’s contagious joy. The lyrics are also ingeniously filled with irony and foreshadowing, as when Elphaba has a vision that all of Oz will celebrate her and that she will be so happy she might melt.
When Elphaba of Erivo sang about the Wizard “ungreening” her, a stained glass wind chime casts a series of colors over her skin, momentarily canceling out the green.
THE Evil The film took the poetry of “The Wizard and I” even further, taking advantage of Shiz’s stunning views. When Elphaba of Erivo sang about the Wizard “ungreening” her, a stained glass wind chime casts a series of colors over her skin, momentarily canceling out the green. Finally ending the song on the side of a cliff overlooking Oz made this whole moment simply stunning.
3
“What is this feeling?”
Played by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
“What Is This Feeling” is another fundamental song from Evil. It details how much Elphaba and Galinda “detest“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 rank highly among Evilfirst act songs, but the film again took it to another level.
2024 Evil turned the “What Is This Feeling” sequence into a montage, carrying over what should have been several days or weeks of conflict between Elphaba and Galinda. We see them fighting for space in their rooms, eating in the cafeteria, and even fighting with teams in a martial arts class. Therefore, this song not only describes their rivalry but also offers an insight into the everyday life of a Shiz student. Add the fantastic choreography and “What Is This Feeling” is an absolute winner.
2
“Popular”
Performed by Ariana Grande
Galinda’s hymn in Evil is the comedic high point of the musical. “Popular” has only gotten more deranged over the years, to the point where it simply screams girls’ sleepovers. Of course, this is also a significant connecting point for Elphaba and Galinda, defining their relationship after their moment in the Ozdust Ballroom. It’s a long time ago Evil fans were eager to see it on screen, and the 2024 film did not disappoint.
“Popular” was a lovely and unmistakable tribute.
Grande did spectacular justice in “Popular,” and the choreography and sheer chaos of it all was Galinda through and through. Still, what made this song so wonderful in the Evil movie is like seemed to be a tribute to the character and to all the women who have played her. After Elphaba fled, the Shiz hall was drenched in pink light and some additional major changes were added to the “lar lars,“extending the song for a few bars. The entire Evil the film deeply respected the original musical, but “Popular” was a lovely, unmistakable homage.
1
“Defying Gravity”
Performed by Cynthia Erivo (featuring Ariana Grande)
Of course, “Defying Gravity” is easily the song that stands out Evilregardless of whether it’s on stage or screen. This is Elphaba’s big moment, and the song through which she declares herself free from other people’s expectations is the emotional high point of the musical. “Defying Gravity” also carried the thematic weight of Evilwhich is all about doing what’s right and defending the defenseless, regardless of whether that’s what’s popular. THE Evil the film didn’t have to work too hard to make this musical number unforgettable – but it still managed to raise the bar to impossible heights.
The Wizard’s reaction to Elphaba’s power as the energy was literally drained from the Emerald City was truly delightful…
THE Evil The film made several changes to “Defying Gravity,” including a devastatingly emotional sequence in which Elphaba saw her inner child as she fell from the Wizard’s tower. This additional talent meant that Elphaba really had to work on this newfound power of flight. Still, it was those final moments of the song that brought it all together Evil. The Wizard’s reaction to Elphaba’s power as the energy was literally drained from the Emerald City was truly delightful, and Erivo’s vocal performance as she took full flight was electric. “Defying Gravity” was, without a doubt, the best song on Evil and the perfect way to end the first film.