The 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was a massive hit that resonated with audiences of all ages. If you loved the film’s themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and challenging societal expectations, here are 15 other movies to add to your watchlist.
1. Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Like Barbie, Elle proves there’s more to her than meets the eye as she excels in her studies and stays true to herself. With its humor, heart, and iconic “bend and snap,” Legally Blonde is a feel-good film about smashing stereotypes.
2. Wild Child (2008)
In Wild Child, Emma Roberts plays Poppy Moore, a spoiled American teenager who gets shipped off to boarding school in England. As Poppy adjusts to her new environment and makes friends, she undergoes a journey of growth and self-discovery. Wild Child shares Barbie‘s themes of finding your place in the world and learning to embrace your unique qualities.
3. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show is a thought-provoking film about Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), a man who discovers his entire life is a reality TV show. As Truman questions his manufactured world, the movie delves into ideas about identity, free will, and breaking free from society’s expectations. Like Barbie venturing into the real world, Truman must decide to either accept his “perfect” life or risk everything for authenticity and freedom.
4. Lady Bird (2017)
Before directing Barbie, Greta Gerwig made her solo directorial debut with Lady Bird. Set in 2002, the coming-of-age film follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she navigates her senior year of high school, college aspirations, and a turbulent relationship with her mother. Lady Bird beautifully captures the complexities of growing up and the search for identity, much like Barbie’s existential journey in Gerwig’s 2023 film.
5. The Stepford Wives (2004)
The Stepford Wives is a satirical take on gender roles and conformity. Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman) moves with her family to the seemingly perfect town of Stepford, Connecticut, only to discover that the wives are actually robots designed to be subservient to their husbands. With its commentary on societal expectations and the pressure to be “perfect,” The Stepford Wives shares thematic similarities with Barbie.
6. Clueless (1995)
Clueless is a classic teen comedy that follows Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), a popular and fashionable high school student who takes a new girl under her wing. As Cher plays matchmaker and navigates her own romantic feelings, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, love, and growing up. Like Barbie, Clueless is a stylish and clever film with a strong female lead.
7. Enchanted (2007)
In Enchanted, Amy Adams stars as Giselle, a fairy tale princess who finds herself transported from her animated world to real-life New York City. As Giselle adjusts to her new surroundings and falls for a cynical divorce lawyer, she brings her charm and optimism to the Big Apple. Enchanted shares Barbie‘s fish-out-of-water premise and themes of finding your place in an unfamiliar world.
8. Spice World (1997)
Spice World is a fun and campy movie starring the iconic ’90s girl group, the Spice Girls. As the band prepares for a big concert, they navigate fame, friendship, and a series of wacky adventures. With its celebration of girl power and sisterhood, Spice World captures the same spirit of female empowerment as Barbie.
9. I Feel Pretty (2018)
I Feel Pretty stars Amy Schumer as Renee Bennett, a woman who struggles with low self-esteem until a head injury makes her believe she’s stunningly beautiful. As Renee’s newfound confidence transforms her life, the movie explores themes of body image, self-acceptance, and the power of believing in yourself. Like Barbie’s journey of self-discovery, I Feel Pretty encourages viewers to embrace their unique qualities and love themselves as they are.
10. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
In 13 Going on 30, Jennifer Garner plays Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who makes a wish to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving” and wakes up as a 30-year-old woman. As Jenna navigates adulthood and tries to reconnect with her childhood best friend, she learns valuable lessons about staying true to herself and the importance of friendship. 13 Going on 30 shares Barbie‘s themes of self-discovery and personal growth.
11. Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart follows two academic overachievers, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein), who decide to break the rules and party on the night before their high school graduation. As the best friends embark on a wild adventure, they learn to let loose, take risks, and embrace their authentic selves. Like Barbie, Booksmart celebrates female friendship and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
12. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Josie and the Pussycats is a satirical comedy about a small-town girl band that skyrockets to fame under a manipulative record label executive. As Josie, Valerie, and Melody navigate the pitfalls of stardom, they must stay true to their friendship and their music. With its commentary on consumerism and the power of sisterhood, Josie and the Pussycats shares thematic similarities with Barbie.
13. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
But I’m a Cheerleader is a satirical romantic comedy about Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a high school cheerleader who is sent to a conversion therapy camp when her parents suspect she’s a lesbian. As Megan meets other LGBTQ+ teens and falls for another camper, she begins to embrace her true identity. Like Barbie, But I’m a Cheerleader challenges societal norms and celebrates individuality in a colorful, campy setting.
14. Frances Ha (2012)
Frances Ha, co-written by Greta Gerwig and directed by Noah Baumbach, stars Gerwig as Frances, a 27-year-old dancer struggling to find her place in New York City. As Frances navigates friendship, love, and career aspirations, the film captures the uncertainties and joys of young adulthood. Like Barbie, Frances Ha is a heartfelt and relatable story about a woman’s journey of self-discovery.
15. The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut, The Virgin Suicides, is a haunting and dreamlike film about five teenage sisters in the 1970s whose sheltered lives are upended by tragedy. As the neighborhood boys become obsessed with the enigmatic Lisbon sisters, the movie explores themes of repression, desire, and the mysteries of adolescence. While darker in tone than Barbie, The Virgin Suicides shares the film’s dreamy aesthetic and commentary on societal expectations for young women.
These 15 movies offer a diverse range of stories and styles, but they all share common themes with Barbie: female empowerment, self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and the power of friendship. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted comedy, a thought-provoking drama, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these films are sure to resonate with fans of Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster hit.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by these incredible stories of women finding their voices, following their dreams, and staying true to themselves. Because in the end, as Barbie herself learns, the most important thing is to be true to who you are – flaws and all. Happy watching!
