I can feel a collective thrill between audience now that Barbie has officially landed on Netflix.
The 2023 film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling became a culture moment when is realised in cinemas three years ago.
Have we forgotten the cool music or “Barbie’s dream house not Ken’s dream house’” monologues
I loved watching this film in cinema as it was so colourful and creative and quickly met my exceptiontioms. If you love the film as much as I do here are 10 movies like Barbie you should immediately watch after.
Facts About the Barbie Movie
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Star: Margot Robbie
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Air date: 2023
- Where to watch: Available on Netflix
What is the Barbie Movie About?
The plot follows Barbie as she leaves “Dreamland” and steps into the real world, expecting it to be just as perfect. However, the reality couldn’t be as far from how she imagined.
In the “real world”, she’s faced with a completely different reality, where women aren’t always treated equally to men, it’s nothing like the supportive, ideal world she came from.
Barbie has always imagined that a “normal” life in the real world would be exciting and freeing, but once she’s actually there, she starts to realise it’s way more complicated.
She begins to question who she is outside of being “perfect” all the time, and whether that version of herself even makes sense in a world like this.
This is a really great family friendly movie. If you loved watching Barbie or are even planning another re-watch, here are 10 movies to watch after it. Hope you enjoy it!
Legally Blonde
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Star: Reese Witherspoon
- Director: Robert Luketic
- Air date: 2001
- Where to watch: Available on various platforms (such as Netflix depending on your region)
Legally Blonde is such a classic early 2000s teen romcom that has become cherished by movie fans worldwide.
Starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods,the film follows her as she goes to extreme lengths to impress and hopefully win back her ex-boyfriend by enrolling at Harvard Law School.
This film all about female empowerment, and not being afraid to wear pink!
From the pink cars and cute outfits to Elle’s chic lifestyle, we all could do with a sprinkle of Elle on our lives. She truly positive and an inspiration, proving that she’s not just about looks as she had the brains too.
Clueless
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Coming of Age
- Star: Alicia Silverstone
- Director: Amy Heckerling
- Air date: 1995
- Where to watch: Available on Amazon Prime
Clueless is one of my all-time favourite movies. In this iconic 1995 film, we follow a girl named Cher (played by Alicia Silverstone), who has a keen eye for fashion and matchmaking.
She’s the most popular girl in her school, and anyone would be lucky enough to hang out with her.
Clueless is actually based on the novel Emma by Jane Austen (not Shakespeare).
It stars Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, and Paul Rudd.
If you’re looking for a super cool main character who is fashionable, confident, and loves helping others – just like Barbie – then look no further.
Mean Girls
Mean Girls is another iconic film to watch like Barbie. It’s about female friendships as well the toxicity that comes with it.
Much like Barbie, new girl Cady Heron believes that if she’s join the popular group her at new high school, the plastics, life will be very great. But that isn’t the case.
She deals with their mean side, bullying and gossiping.
Mean Girls is one of the few films I can instantly rewatch. And I’m sure Barbie would love that they have a day dedicated to wearing pink!
Enchanted
Similar to Barbie, but of course without the element of free choice, Princess Giselle is thrust into the real world from a fairytale land by her lover’s evil stepmother.
Giselle soon learns to adapt to her new world. .
Enchanted is the tale of a woman who enters the real world and finds love and a magical happily-ever-after.
It is a feel-good film with hilarious moments and a heartwarming romance, suitable for the whole family.
The Princess Diaries
If you’re in the mood for teen drama with dress-up, royalty, and romance, The Princess Diaries is for you.
Released in 2001, it stars Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, an awkward teen who discovers she’s heir to a European kingdom.
To make her fit for her title, Mia’ glamorous grandmother steps in as she prepares the teen Mia is with etiquette lessons, makeovers, and the rules of royal life.
This film used to really fascinate me and I loved the idea of a girl living a lavish and idealistic life. It gives power to females and shows positive transformation.
Ella Enchanted
This 2004 fantasy comedy is one to watch this year. The story follows Ella, who is cursed by Fairy Lucinda to obey any command.
When she grows up, this “gift” turns into a burden under her unkind family. Ella is therefore determined break the spell, setting out on a journey with the help of Prince Charmont to regain her freedom. This is such a great film to watch and you’ll immediately feel like your thrust into a new magical world.
Josie and the Pussycats
Think Barbie is great musical comedy. Well then you als haven’t seen Josie and the Pussycats yet. A kicksss all fuels group names Josie and the Pussycats. – Bright, over-the-top, and secretly a satire (very Barbie-coded)
Zoolander
– Absurd fashion-world satire (more chaotic but similar tone)
Little Women
Little Women is a great coming of age story. It follows four sisters as they grow up and take different paths in life,
Jo is independent aspiring writer; Meg, who dreams of a more traditional life; Beth is gentle and kind-hearted; and Amy is ambitious and wants to live as an artist.
This 2019 film showcases the expectations previously placed on women in society. Its themes of feminism and seeking independence mirrors those seen in Barbie.
Little Women stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. It was directed by Greta Gerwig.
If you’re looking for a wholesome and meaningful film also about romance and class divide – then Little Women is definitely worth watching.
The Devil Wears Prada
Think high fashion, chic looks, and the busy bustle of working at a reputable clothing magazine.
That’s the reality for aspiring journalist Andy (Anne Hathaway), who is suddenly thrust into this new world and must figure out her life while working under the demanding eye of Runway magazine boss Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).
This fun comedy-drama about navigating life in your twenties, from work to romance. Things aren’t easy for Andy, but she’s determined to succeed – no matter the cost.
