Barbie Smashes Box Office Records, Marks Milestone for Female Directors

Summer movie season in Hollywood is always full of big-budget blockbusters and this year proved no exception. Two of the most notable films this summer weren’t the usual superhero flicks, however. Barbie and Oppenheimer, not typically the subjects of big-ticket films, defied expectations and dominated the global box office

All hail the power of Barbie! This past weekend saw the iconic doll break records at the box office with a staggering $337 million in global ticket sales. The comedic take on Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, marks a pivotal milestone for female directors, surpassing the previous North American theatrical openings for Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman and Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s Captain Marvel.

The Barbie movie grossed an astonishing $155 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, setting a record as the biggest opening of 2023, distributor Warner Bros. said Sunday. In a cinematic battle dubbed “Barbenheimer,” the critically acclaimed Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, grossed $174 million globally.

The success of this film can be attributed to a variety of factors. For starters, the film features Margot Robbie in the title role, whose unique brand of humor is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages. Additionally, the wide variety of marketing used to promote the movie, which included product tie-ins with Mattel and Warner Bros.

There’s no denying Barbie’s massive success as a cultural and commercial icon, and this latest feat adds to her already impressive legacy. While it’s sure to propel Greta Gerwig further into the spotlight, it also stands as a reminder of the incredible potential that exists for female filmmakers. As we mark the milestone, let’s continue to celebrate women-led movies and cheer on more of their successes to come.