Along with many other individuals, I have found myself seeking comfort in the nostalgia that the original 2000s Barbie movies bring me. From classic tales such as Barbie’s Princess and the Pauper to The 12 Dancing Princesses, nothing grants me as much child-like wonder as rewatching these movies does. As it turns out, I don’t seem to be alone in my reminiscence.
Given Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film–starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling–a natural resurgence of past Barbie media has been consuming the general public. Individuals are ranking their favorite Barbie movies from childhood on public forums, choir groups are recreating melodies from Barbie’s The 12 Dancing Princesses, and audio clips of Bibble from Barbie’s Fairytopia have been trending on TikTok. (If one is ever considering questioning my Barbie obsession, please know that I named my pet hamster after Bibble when I was a child). Under this barrage of Barbie influence, many have been finding themselves desiring to watch the Barbie movies of their childhood. Unfortunately, the classic films are not available on reputable sites without purchase, but some bootleg copies remain available on Youtube. That being said, a classic Barbie movie is–in my opinion–well worth the two-dollar splurge.
In an effort of complete transparency, I believe that there are additional elements to the growing desire to consume media from our collective childhoods. Firstly, there is a continued discussion amongst Millenials and Gen Z to unlearn behaviors that we were taught in our childhood, an example of which is being ashamed of femininity as well as the enjoyment of childish things. Barbie movies fall under both categories, and in a collective movement to disassemble systemic oppression in small ways, society has collectively decided to allow themselves to enjoy media that would have previously brought them shame. Secondly, there exists an oppressive stress on society and individuals with growing national and international political unrest, creating a desire for simple and uplifting media. Barbie movies allow for not only sweet nostalgia to blanket the viewer when watching but additionally provide entertaining yet low-stakes plots with a guaranteed happy ending.
Thus, Barbie has continued to be the heroine and icon that we know and love, providing us with comfort and humor in times when we need it most. So, if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed–or even just a bit melancholic–I suggest snuggling down and enjoying one of the many Barbie movies available to you.