Barbie, the beloved fashion doll introduced by Mattel in 1959, has become a cultural icon with a massive fan following worldwide. Over the years, she has transcended from being just a toy to a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity.
The Barbie Movie, a celebration of her legacy, is a delightful treat for fans, sprinkled with clever easter eggs that pay homage to her rich history. From subtle references to other films to nods to vintage Barbie dolls, let's dive deeper into the best Barbie easter eggs from the movie, a treasure trove of nostalgia and creativity. Let's go, Barbie lovers!
10 Classic Barbie Appearance
When Barbie makes her first appearance in the movie, she is dressed in the iconic black-and-white bathing suit that the original Barbie doll wore in 1959. This deliberate choice connects the modern-day Barbie with her vintage roots, evoking feelings of nostalgia and celebrating her timeless design.
It's a heartwarming tribute to Barbie's origins, reminding us of the doll's cultural significance over the decades. Barbie's been a trendsetter since day one, and that black-and-white bathing suit is her crown jewel.
9 Video Girl Barbie
In the movie, Barbie encounters a group of misfit Barbies in Barbieland at Weird Barbie’s mansion, including the Video Girl Barbie. This character is based on a real-life Barbie doll released in the late 2000s. Video Girl Barbie came with a functional video camera embedded in her necklace and a video screen on her back.
Designed to appeal to young girls who aspired to be "budding filmmakers," Video Girl Barbie became a fascinating addition to Barbie's ever-evolving line of dolls. That is... until it was discontinued in 2012.
8 Barbie And Ruth Tea Scene
Barbie and Ruth's heartwarming tea session in the movie was truly delightful, but it also carried a profound significance. Pay close attention because the scene has a subtle reference to Michelangelo's renowned painting The Creation of Adam. As Barbie and Ruth's hands touch, it mirrors the near-touching fingers of God and Adam in the timeless artwork.
This gesture symbolizes the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis, where God imparts life to Adam. In this context, the scene serves as a tribute to Ruth, who was Barbie's creator. Amidst tea, they slyly celebrate the genesis of a true legend.
7 Wizard Of Oz Poster
Follow the pink stiletto road, anyone? Throughout the movie, Barbie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, much like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. As she prepares to set off on her adventure, sharp-eyed viewers can spot posters of Dorothy in the background at the Barbie Movie Theatre.
This subtle reference not only showcases Barbie's cinematic world but also pays tribute to another iconic character who embarked on an unforgettable adventure.
6 Red Pill/Blue Pill - Matrix Reference
When it's time for some tough choices, Weird Barbie pulls a Matrix move on our girl Barbie. In one of the movie's pivotal scenes, Weird Barbie presents Barbie with two shoe options – a stiletto heel representing Barbieland and a Birkenstock symbolizing the real world.
This clever moment is a playful nod to the famous "Red Pill-Blue Pill" choice presented to Neo in The Matrix. It adds a touch of pop-culture flair to the movie, showcasing Barbie's relevance in contemporary storytelling.
5 Midge And Allan
An endearing character introduced as "Pregnant Barbie" in the movie is Midge, Barbie's long-time friend. Mattel created Midge in 1963 to be Barbie's bestie, and she became known for her down-to-earth personality, offering a relatable companion for Barbie's adventures.
In the movie, we also meet Allan, portrayed by Michael Cera, who is Midge's husband. This charming nod to their relationship reflects their history as part of the Barbie doll collection. These two lovebirds have a special place in Barbie's heart, and now they've got one in the movie too.
4 Space Odyssey Homage
The movie begins with a breathtaking homage to Stanley Kubrick's seminal sci-fi masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Barbie enters a desert landscape that resembles the iconic moment when the alien monolith arrives in Kubrick's film.
This powerful reference not only acknowledges the impact Barbie had on popular culture when she first debuted but also highlights her timelessness and enduring appeal. She's a cultural phenomenon, baby!
3 Barbie-fied Statue Of Liberty
On the sunny beaches of Barbieland, you can't miss it – the Statue of Liberty gets a Barbie makeover! During the beach scene in Barbieland, keen-eyed viewers can spot a playful, pink Barbie-fied version of the statue in the distance.
This imaginative touch embodies the creativity that the Barbie brand represents, transforming even renowned landmarks into Barbie's vibrant world. It serves as a reminder that Barbie's universe is limitless and boundless in its imagination. Who says you can't add a dash of pink to Lady Liberty?
2 Barbie Camper Van
As Barbie embarks on her thrilling adventure, she utilizes various modes of transportation, including a charming camper van. This is a nod to the original Barbie Country Camper, introduced by Mattel in 1971. The camper van became an iconic accessory for Barbie, embodying her spirit of wanderlust and her love for exploration.
It also serves as a delightful reminder of the countless adventures Barbie has taken fans on over the years. Barbie sure knows how to travel in style. Road trip, anyone?
1 BAX Airport
In a witty moment in the movie, Barbie passes by BAX, a playful reference to the famous Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Barbie's got her own airport, people! Who needs LAX when you've got Barbie as your pilot? This clever wordplay adds a touch of humor to the film and showcases the attention to detail in creating the Barbie universe.
It's just one of the many subtle Easter eggs that add depth and charm to the movie's narrative. Barbie's touch reaches all over the world, even the airport can't resist her fabulousness.