Entertainment • Film

Barbie (2023 film)

Barbie is a 2023 live-action satirical fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and based on Mattel’s Barbie dolls.

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

Barbie is a 2023 live-action satirical fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and based on Mattel’s Barbie dolls. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows them as they leave Barbie Land and confront the real world and questions about identity, gender roles, and purpose. The film is the first live-action Barbie feature film and was co-written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.

Plot

Barbie and Ken leave Barbie Land and encounter the complexities of the human world. The narrative uses comedy and fantasy to explore identity, social expectations, and the contrast between an idealized world and reality.

Cast

The film is led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, with a large ensemble cast portraying multiple versions of Barbie and Ken as well as human characters. Notable cast members include America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren, and Dua Lipa.

Production and release

Barbie was directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach. It premiered in theaters on July 21, 2023, and is the first live-action Barbie film.

Reception and themes

Coverage describes the film as a satirical take on the Barbie brand that addresses gender expectations and self-image. It became a major box office success and received awards attention, including multiple Oscar nominations.

Key facts

Barbie is the first live-action Barbie feature film.
It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
The story begins in Barbie Land, where Barbie and Ken live in a seemingly perfect world before entering the real world.
The film explores themes of gender roles, feminism, self-discovery, and identity.
It was directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach.

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Canadian context

Barbie is relevant to Canadian audiences as a major Hollywood release that played in Canadian cinemas and later became available through streaming in North America, including Canada depending on local platform rights.

Frequently asked questions

Who is in the Barbie movie?

The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, with supporting roles played by America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, Helen Mirren, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, Dua Lipa, and others.

Who directed Barbie?

Greta Gerwig directed Barbie.

What is Barbie movie about?

It follows Barbie and Ken as they leave Barbie Land and discover the real world, with the story focusing on identity, gender roles, and self-discovery.

When is Barbie movie streaming?

As of the available sources, Barbie is streaming on Netflix in the United States. The sources provided do not confirm a single global streaming date or every regional service.

Is Barbie movie appropriate for kids?

The film is rated PG-13, so it is generally intended for teenagers and older viewers rather than very young children.

References

IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/
Supports: Rating, runtime, and plot description
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)
Supports: Director, writers, live-action status, and plot overview
Netflix Tudum — https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/barbie-netflix-date-cast-details
Supports: Streaming availability in the United States and cast details
People — https://www.people.com/barbie-cast-everything-to-know-7509829
Supports: Cast list and director
Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-movie-cast-rating-release-plot-trailer-soundtrack-2023-5
Supports: Plot, rating, and release date
Collider — https://www.collider.com/barbie-cast-and-character-guide-margot-robbie-ryan-gosling-greta-gerwig/
Supports: Release date, runtime, director, and plot summary