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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Barbie

Barbie is a fashion doll franchise created by Ruth Handler and manufactured by Mattel, which expanded into books, television, video games, and films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Barbie is a fashion doll franchise created by Ruth Handler and manufactured by Mattel. Introduced on March 9, 1959, the brand expanded into a multimedia franchise including books, television, video games, and films. The franchise includes numerous animated features and the 2023 live-action film directed by Greta Gerwig.

Origin

Barbie was created by Ruth Handler and introduced by Mattel on March 9, 1959. The doll was based on the German Bild Lilli doll and became a major fashion doll line. Barbie is one of Mattel's most commercially significant brands.

Media franchise

The Barbie brand expanded beyond toys into a multimedia franchise that includes video games, television series, animated films, and other media. The franchise has grown into one of the best-known toy-based entertainment properties. It includes numerous CGI-animated feature films and streaming television films.

Film adaptations

Barbie has appeared in numerous animated feature films and specials since 2001. The first live-action film, Barbie, was released in 2023. The animated films are often direct-to-video or streaming releases.

2023 live-action film

Barbie is a 2023 satirical fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The film follows Barbie and Ken on a journey between Barbieland and the real world.

Key facts

  • Barbie began as a fashion doll introduced by Mattel in 1959.
  • The brand developed into a multimedia franchise that includes films and television productions.
  • The first live-action Barbie film was released in 2023.
  • The 2023 film was directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
  • Barbie is one of Mattel's most commercially significant brands.
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Canadian context

Barbie is widely distributed and culturally recognized in Canada, where the 2023 film was released theatrically and the brand remains a familiar part of popular culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Barbie?
Barbie is a fashion doll franchise created by Ruth Handler and produced by Mattel, later expanded into a broad multimedia entertainment brand.
Is Barbie a film or a toy?
Barbie is originally a toy franchise, but it also includes films, television productions, and other media.
What is the first live-action Barbie film?
The first live-action Barbie film is Barbie (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig.
Who stars in the 2023 Barbie film?
The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
When was Barbie introduced?
Barbie was introduced on March 9, 1959.
Who created Barbie?
Barbie was created by Ruth Handler.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie
    Supports: Creation, introduction date, creator, manufacturer, and multimedia franchise background.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)
    Supports: 2023 live-action film details including director, cast, release, and premise.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Barbie_films
    Supports: Overview of the Barbie film series and animated/live-action entries.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Barbie-film
    Supports: Independent confirmation of the 2023 film, director, and its significance.