As popular as the animated Barbie movies are, I honestly still don’t think they get enough credit for how high-quality they are.
The fact that there are so many of these movies and every single one of them has a unique plot and inspiring message makes me so thankful that I got to grow up as they were being released!
I’ve re-watched many of these movies now that I’m older, and one of my favorite elements of them that makes me forget I’m watching a kid’s movie is the music. Rent was absolutely due in the recording studio for all of the Barbie songs.
- “The Cat’s Meow” from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper
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You can’t convince me that Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper isn’t one of the best movie-musicals ever made. I truly don’t care that it’s an animated children’s movie that went straight to DVD; in my opinion, this is an Oscar-worthy film!
If you haven’t seen the movie (first of all, go watch it now), this song is sung by one of the main characters to her cat, Wolfie, who barks instead of meowing.
When Wolfie expresses shame for his dog-like characteristics, she soothes him with this ballad about how, despite how he may be different from other cats, that doesn’t mean he should change. Instead, she loves him more for being himself!
Besides being catchy, this song is incredibly sweet and has such an adorable message about accepting your differences and finding the people who love you for who you are.
Although the lyrics might be a bit on the nose, as a young girl, I really appreciated this song as a reminder to embrace what makes you unique, and it remains a song I love and often revisit for nostalgia.
- “I Am a Girl Like You” from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper
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Maybe I’m a bit biased towards this movie, but what’s an article about Barbie songs without mentioning this one? It’s easily the most popular and iconic Barbie song, and you may know it from its popularity on TikTok.
This scene, in general, is so memorable and was life-changing for me as a kid. The beautiful dresses and choreography can’t be topped, and I wanted nothing more than to get to wear one of their outfits.
I also think the message about how much people can have in common despite their different backgrounds is super important and compelling!
- “I Need to Know” from Barbie as the Island Princess
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To be honest, I’m due for a re-watch of this movie because it wasn’t one of the most-watched in my household compared to some of the other movies featured on this list.
However, something that did stick with me from this movie has to be this song, which still holds up for me even years after hearing it for the first time.
The fact that this song was written for a children’s movie is insane to me! It’s so beautiful, and the lyrics are seriously so good. You could tell me this song came from a Broadway musical, and I would believe you.
- “Queen of the Waves” from Barbie in a Mermaid Tale
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I recently saw someone do a TikTok dance to this song, and it brought back so many childhood memories from watching this movie with my family.
Being Merliah Summers was a childhood dream of mine; what do you mean she can surf, she has the coolest hair, and is secretly a mermaid?
This song is one of my favorite parts of this movie, though I have to say, it’s pretty fantastic otherwise, too. I fear I need a pink dolphin now after re-watching this!
- “You Can Tell She’s a Princess” from Barbie: Princess Charm School
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Other than Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper, which I’ve already established as my childhood favorite, this movie probably takes the second spot. The plot twist of Blair Willows being the actual princess changed my life as a kid.
Looking back at this movie, the intro scene of her working in a cafe is also pretty iconic, especially thanks to this song playing in the background.
Maybe this song should’ve been pretty obvious foreshadowing for her being a princess, but I still didn’t see it coming when I watched this movie for the first time!
- “12 Dancing Princesses Theme” from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses
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Last on the list, but definitely not least, is the instrumental theme song from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses. I didn’t appreciate how beautiful this movie was when I was younger! This song doesn’t sound like it’s from a kid’s movie at all, and I still listen to it every now and then.
It’s so gorgeous, whimsical, and nostalgic, and it encapsulates the energy of the movie incredibly well.
Watching these movies now, I truly think the music is part of the reason why they hold up so well and remain captivating and entertaining, even for adults.
I remember as a kid my mom would comment on how much she loved the songs from the Barbie universe, and now that I’ve grown up, I definitely appreciate them more.
I’m so grateful to have this music to listen to whenever I want to reminisce and get in touch with my inner child!
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