10 Must-Watch Films Similar to Barbie
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 cultural moment when it was released in cinemas three years ago.
Have we forgotten the cool music or the iconic quote, “Barbie’s dream house not Ken’s dream house.” I loved watching this film in cinemas as it was so colourful and creative, and it quickly met my expectations. If you love the film as much as I do, here are 10 movies like Barbie you should immediately watch after.
Rundown of the Barbie Movie – What You Need to Know:
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Air date: July, 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
- Stars: 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 is 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 in our lives. She is truly positive and an inspiration, proving that she’s not just about her looks, as she has the brains, too.
Clueless
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Coming of Age
- Stars: 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
- Genre: Comedy, Teen, Drama
- Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, Tina Fey
- Director: Mark Waters
- Air date: 2004
- Where to watch: Available on various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Paramount+, or Amazon Prime Video.
Mean Girls is another iconic film to watch similiar to 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 joins the popular group at her new high school, the plastics, her life will be 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
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Musical
- Stars: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon, Timothy Spall
- Director: Kevin Lima
- Air date: 2007
- Where to watch: Available on Disney+ in many regions.
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
- Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
- Stars: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore
- Director: Garry Marshall
- Air date: 2001
- Where to watch: Available on Disney+
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
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Romance
- Stars: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Vivica A. Fox, Joanna Lumley
- Director: Tommy O’Haver
- Air date: 2004
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on various digital platforms.
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
- Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance
- Stars: Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson, Alan Cumming, Parker Posey
- Director: Harry Elfont & Deborah Kaplan
- Air date: 2001
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on various digital platforms.
Think Barbie is a great musical comedy? Well, then you also 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 (it is very Barbie-coded).
Zoolander
- Genre: Comedy, Fashion, Satire
- Stars: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Christine Taylor, Penélope Cruz
- Director: Ben Stiller
- Air date: 2001
- Where to watch: Paramount+ or Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region.
In this film, we follow a famous male model named Derek Zoolander, who finds his career threatened by a younger rival. When he is pulled into a secret plot involving the fashion industry, Derek must discover his true worth while trying to stop a dangerous conspiracy. There are comedy and fashion elements and cool vibez overall.
Little Women
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Air date: 2019
- Where to watch: Available on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video
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 an 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
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci
- Director: David Frankel
- Air date: 2006
- Where to watch: Available on Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
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.
