"Wicked" and "Gladiator II" are both pretty good films, but if you only have time for one this weekend, see "Wicked."

As most have by now picked up, two disparate, big-budget films are sharing a release date: One, an R-rated historical epic stacked with a starry cast of Oscar hopefuls. The other, a musical based on a beloved property with plenty of

Wicked and Gladiator II are both off to a strong start at the box office; however, it won’t be as big of an opening weekend as Barbenheimer. Wicked and Gladiator II are both now playing in United States theaters.

Musical adaptation "Wicked" and action epic "Gladiator II" generated a combined $25.7 million from early screenings in the U.S. and Canada, setting off the biggest box-office battle since "Barbenheimer.

Wicked” and “Gladiator II” both drew less in Thursday previews than their “Barbenheimer” counterparts, but are still expected to help the fall box office.

Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying to recreate it. This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens against the chest-thumping sword and sandals epic “Gladiator II.

Wicked offers a gravity-defying origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West, while Gladiator II revisits the violence of ancient Rome.

Fans of 'Wicked' have been thrilled to see the behind-the-scenes photos since filming started, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo portraying Glinda and Elphaba respectively. Mea