Barbie movies were a hallmark of many childhoods, including mine. These movies have recently come back into popular culture on the app Tik Tok, which inspired me to make this list. Of course, this list is my opinion and was influenced by nostalgia.
10. Barbie: Princess Charm School (2011)
“Blair Willows is a 17-year-old commoner in the kingdom of Gardania who wins a lottery to attend a prestigious and magical school for princesses.”
I adored this movie for so many reasons. I loved the idea of being whisked away to a school for royalty, only to find out I was a long lost princess! There were really cool fairy sidekicks, fun makeovers, and great colors and costumes featured in this film.
9. Barbie in the Pink Shoes (2013)
“Kristyn and Hailey are whisked away to a magical ballet world ruled by an evil Snow Queen. The two ballerinas dance in their favorite ballets to defeat the queen and make their dreams come true.”
With a title that calls us back to 1948’s The Red Shoes, this film displays ballet accurately, something Barbie has done quite well over the years. Ballets such as Giselle and Swan Lake are highlighted, and the scene where the protagonists defeat the villain through dance is incredible!
8. Barbie & the Diamond Castle (2008)
“Barbie wants to teach her little sister the true value of friendship. So she and her best friend, Teresa weave a music-infused fairy tale about Liana and Alexa, two peasant girls. When a magic mirror reveals an evil plan to destroy the Diamond Castle and end all music worldwide, Liana and Alexa bravely set out to save the day.”
The concept behind this movie is really cool, and I especially like the incorporation of music and riddles into the plot. The way that the two girls interact with each other and the world around them is really fun to watch.
7. Barbie: Fairytopia (2005)
“The plot centers on a wingless flower fairy named Elina who must save the land of Fairytopia from an evil fairy named Laverna.”
I love how this movie focuses on a fairy without wings! It’s super original. The backgrounds and costumes are all really pretty, and of course, who didn’t love the fuzzy little sidekick Bibble?
6. Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia (2006)
“The plot follows a now-full-fledged fairy named Elina and a mermaid named Nori who attempt to rescue Nalu, a merman prince, from the clutches of the evil Laverna.”
Although it’s a sequel, this movie does not disappoint. Once again, the costumes and backgrounds are really pretty, and the villain’s plan is super interesting. Bibble performs an iconic opera, which is my favorite part of the movie.
5. Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)
“Barbie stars as Annika, who teams up with a winged horse to rescue her family and defeat the warlock who has imprisoned them.”
This movie takes us on an adventure around a snowy kingdom. We meet an adorable polar bear named Shiver, build a magic staff, and of course, fly with pegasi. I like how the film features ice skating and uses a lot of pinks and purples.
4. Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
“The evil wizard Rothbart turns Odette into a swan and takes the ball for himself. The fairy queen saves her but says that she will retain her human form by night and turn into a swan during the day.”
While not the most faithful adaptation of the classical ballet, this film is super fun and showcases lots of great dancing. I love that they included dances from the ballet-like Les Petite Cygnets and The Black Swan variation. I also really enjoy the happy ending.
3. Barbie as Rapunzel (2002)
“A devious witch keeps gorgeous princess Rapunzel in a high tower guarded by a dragon. Rapunzel discovers a secret tunnel beneath the tower and follows it into a whole new kingdom, where she meets a handsome prince.”
The visuals in this movie are stunning- Rapunzel’s paintings come to life beautifully. Mother Gothel makes for a formidable villain. Hobie the rabbit and Penelope the dragon make for great sidekicks and comedy relief. The scene where Rapunzel is getting ready for the ball and magically draws different dresses for herself is amazing to watch. The music in this movie is very pretty as well.
2. Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
“Princess Genevieve and her 11 sisters discover a secret entrance to a magical world where they can dance, even though they are forbidden by their strict cousin Duchess Rowena.”
This movie slaps. It’s so good. I love how every sister has their own personality and corresponding color. Of course, the ballet in this movie is super accurate and very pretty. I love how the sisters all work together to defeat their cousin and save their father’s life. The music in this movie is gorgeous.
Honorable mentions: Barbie as the Island Princess (2007), Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow (2007), Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008), Barbie and the Three Musketeers (2009), Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale (2010).
1. Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper (2004)
“Based on the story by Mark Twain. Barbie plays both a princess and a poor village girl – two girls who look amazingly alike. The girls’ paths are fated to cross when Princess Anneliese is captured and Erika, her look-alike, must try to save her.”
This movie is iconic. Absolutely legendary. The songs in this movie are good enough to rival Disney songs. The villain is hilarious. It doesn’t shy away from exploring socio-economic issues, which is surprising for a children’s movie. I love the ending- the Princess marries her tutor, and the Pauper marries a king- and of course, it’s a double wedding! This movie is easily the best Barbie movie, and I doubt it’ll ever be topped.