5 Best Versions of The Wicked Witch of the West Ranked (And Wicked Isn’t #1)

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With the recent release of the movie Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good, everyone is revisiting the story of The Wizard of Oz. It’s no surprise – the Wicked Witch of the West has remained a compelling villain for generations. What’s fascinating is how different interpretations of her – some darker, some more sympathetic, and some completely wild – have all resonated with audiences. As interest in Oz grows again, it’s a great time to examine which portrayals of the Wicked Witch have truly stood the test of time and which ones haven’t made a lasting impression.

While many actresses have played the Wicked Witch of the West, only a handful have truly left a lasting impression. Here’s a ranking of the five best portrayals of this iconic character.

5) West (Emerald City)

As a fan, I honestly think this show is seriously underrated – not just when you compare it to other takes on the Oz story, but overall. It’s a real shame because it features, in my opinion, one of the best Wicked Witch of the West portrayals ever. Ana Ularu’s West in Emerald City really feels like she’s trying to bring a darker, more grown-up vibe to the character, which fits the show’s tone perfectly. But the series doesn’t quite give her the chance to fully shine. Ularu is fantastic – you can really feel the character’s bitterness and like she’s been disillusioned with Oz for years before the show even begins. Ultimately, though, the impact of her performance relies more on the show’s bigger vision than on her acting alone.

The show struggles to fully utilize the character, leaving her feeling like a promising concept that wasn’t developed enough. Despite this, she’s a fresh and interesting take on the classic Witch archetype – she’s got a great personality, a cool look, and a lot of potential, but her storyline doesn’t quite live up to it. While she’s an intriguing character to consider, she’s not particularly memorable.

4) Evillene (The Wiz)

Despite being released in the late 1970s, The Wiz isn’t a film many people discuss, likely because it’s hard to compete with the classic The Wizard of Oz. However, this version’s Wicked Witch of the West – known as Evillene and played by Mabel King – is truly unique. She’s powerful, flamboyant, and not at all restrained. Everything about this production is larger than life and more dramatic, and Evillene dominates every scene with her energetic performance. She’s a delightfully wicked villain – clearly evil, but incredibly entertaining to watch.

This performance perfectly captures the movie’s spirit and gives the story exactly what it requires: a strong, forceful presence and a complete disregard for niceties. What makes this Evillene so compelling is her honesty – she fully embraces being the villain, without any attempts to appear sympathetic or explain her actions. This straightforward approach makes her incredibly effective, especially in a high-energy musical. While she might not be the most complex version of the character, she’s undoubtedly one of the most fun to watch.

3) Zelena (Once Upon a Time)

Many viewers adore the portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in Once Upon a Time, largely because the show excelled at reimagining familiar characters. What makes this version so effective is that the Witch, Zelena (played by Rebecca Mader), isn’t just a fleeting villain; she’s a significant character throughout the series. The show transforms a classic villain into a complex figure driven by family issues. This Witch isn’t simply evil; she’s deeply insecure, resentful, and desperately seeks approval. It’s a rich and emotional character, and Rebecca Mader delivers a fantastic performance, handling all those layers with skill.

Zelena is a compelling villain because she’s both intimidating and surprising, which is perfect for a show full of unexpected turns. What really makes her stand out is that she remains a powerful character throughout the series – many TV villains become less interesting over time, but Zelena doesn’t. She’s a major force, with episodes devoted to exploring her history and her intense conflict with the show’s main character, Regina. While other villains are slightly more memorable overall, Zelena is easily the most fleshed-out and complex Wicked Witch ever seen on television.

2) Elphaba (Wicked)

For me, Cynthia Erivo is the Wicked Witch of the West now. Her Elphaba is so compelling because she doesn’t start out as evil. We see her become the ‘Wicked Witch’ through how others treat her, and that really resonates. It’s a powerful portrayal because it’s built on such a strong emotional core – it genuinely moves you. She perfectly balances that initial vulnerability with the strength of someone who’s finally had enough of being judged. Honestly, I think Erivo’s performance is the most complete and nuanced version of the character we’ve ever seen. She focuses on being truthful and real, and that’s what truly makes her stand out.

This Witch is likely the most relatable to audiences. It’s not that she’s kind, but her story feels authentic despite taking place in a magical world. She experiences rejection, unfair treatment, and political scheming, and still struggles with the consequences of trying to do what’s right. Although she’s presented as the villain, we see things from her point of view, understanding how she evolves – and that makes her easy to sympathize with. The cultural impact of the Wicked Witch of the West is largely thanks to the character of Elphaba; that much is clear.

1) The Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz)

Despite many strong portrayals of the Wicked Witch of the West over the years, the original from The Wizard of Oz still stands out. Margaret Hamilton’s performance remains iconic and has heavily influenced every version since. While newer interpretations, like Elphaba, have gained popularity, the 1939 Witch is instantly recognizable even to those who haven’t seen the film. Her appearance, voice, and mannerisms established the standard for the character, and continue to define the archetype today.

What’s truly remarkable is how simple and effective Hamilton’s performance is – it’s stood the test of time. Many predicted it would feel dated, but its directness and consistency have kept it iconic. While others have tried to add complexity or modernize the character – and some have done so brilliantly – Hamilton’s original portrayal remains the standard. She established the foundation for every Wicked Witch on screen, and despite strong competition, she continues to be considered the best. She’s the defining version, and every actor taking on the role seems to measure themselves against her, almost as if drawing inspiration is essential.

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2025-11-25 17:16