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14 Empowering Movies Like Barbie You Should Watch Now

June 28, 2023
Movies like Barbie

Barbie has been one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, and for good reason. Directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her critically acclaimed films such as Lady Bird and Little Women, Barbie is a fresh and exciting take on the beloved toy franchise. Gerwig’s unique storytelling style, coupled with her ability to capture the essence of complex female characters, is sure to bring the iconic Barbie to life on the big screen. If, like us, you enjoyed the whimsical, experimental and empowering world of Barbie, then for your consideration, we have curated a list of amazing movies like Barbie, have a look!

Barbie was no short of a talented star-studded cast, including Margot Robbie in the lead role as Barbie herself. Robbie is known for her dynamic acting range and ability to bring complex characters to life, bringing depth and nuance to the beloved toy character. The cast also includes Ryan Gosling (as Ken), Emma Mackey, Dua Lipa, Simu Liu, and Micheal Cera, among others, making it one of the most attractive star-studded ensembles of this year (Well, there’s of course, Oppenheimer!). Barbie is a film that has resonated with audiences of all ages and there is no doubt this movie will become one of the best movies of this year.

List of Movies Like Barbie

  1. Toy Story 
  2. Legally Blonde
  3. Barbie As The Princess and The Pauper 
  4. Mean Girls
  5. Lady Bird
  6. La La Land
  7. The Princess Diaries
  8. Frances Ha
  9. Marriage Story
  10. The Wizard Of Oz
  11. Clueless
  12. 13 Going On 30 
  13. 2001: A Space Odyssey
  14. Wreck-It Ralph

1. Toy Story (1995)

Assuming you haven’t already seen it, the animated Toy Story franchise is the first choice. Similar to movies like Barbie, Toy Story is about toys coming to life, but here it’s not an entirely different world of toys, the toys are alive when humans are not around. This movie brings the pure connection of a child with a toy in a heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining journey.

Toy Story, since the first one, spawned 3 sequels and is now a timeless classic. The movies are full of action, friendship, loyalty, with the fear of being replaced, something that feels so relatable. Toy Story‘s got many iconic characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear (Barbie shows up in one of the films too!) So, trust me and watch Toy Story after watching movies like Barbie.

Also Read: Spooky Halloween Movies For Toddlers

2. Legally Blonde (2001)

Elle Woods has become something of an icon for millenials, considering you haven’t seen it yet, Legally Blonde is more than just a pretty movie. Elle is a blonde girl with a fashion major who decides to enrol in Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. She might have begun her journey for a man but soon she proves just how intelligent and determined she can be in the world of Law.

Legally Blonde is the perfect choice for movies like Barbie for the very reason of how the movies prove that a girl can be more than what society assumes them to be. If you like to see movies that show you the strong female leads pursuing their dreams in a hilarious journey, this is a must watch. 

3. Barbie As The Princess and The Pauper (2004)

Are you enjoying the world of Barbie? There are a few great films about it and one of them is Barbie As The Princess and The Pauper. This animated movie tells the story of 2 barbie girls who look identical but come from different backgrounds. Known for its catchy songs, the movie gives an inspiring message about following one’s dreams.

As a musical film, Barbie As The Princess and The Pauper is no short of great songs for you to dance away! Similar to films like Barbie, there’s much to learn from this on friendship, self-discovery and staying true to yourself. So what are you waiting for? Grab your bowl of popcorn and see this amazing journey of 2 Barbies. 

4. Mean Girls (2004)

This movie is like no other high school teen chick flick movie. Mean Girls is a cult phenomenon that explores the social hierarchy of high school and the dangers of cliques. When a girl named Cady arrives at her new high school, she discovers there’s a group led by Regina, who is referred to as the plastics, and though she is warned about them, she finds herself becoming more like them as time goes by.

There are so many iconic dialogues and moments from this film that it’s hard not to go without watching the movie at least once! Though it’s a teen flick, it’s the king of all teen flicks! There may not necessarily be a ton in common between this and movies like Barbie, but there are honestly no reasons why I won’t recommend you to watch it.

5. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwing is a talented director who has given the world of cinema some great movies in the recent decade, Lady Bird is one such movie perfect for Barbie fans to watch. A coming-of-age story of a young girl who calls herself ‘Lady Bird’ and is in her high school senior year and dreams of leaving her hometown of Sacramento.

The movie is known for its authentic portrayal of teenage life and beautiful heartfelt performances by Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. Lady Bird captures Greta Gerwig’s talent similar to movies like Barbie.

Also Read: Movies like Call Me By Your Name

6. La La Land (2016)

Barbie is filled with wonder, celebration and music! If you enjoy movies that fall into the musical side, then La La Land is another great pick! La La Land tells the story of 2 struggling artists who fall in love in Los Angeles. Mia is an actress, played by Emma Stone, and Seb is a jazz musician, played by Barbie’s Ryan Gosling.

Ryan Gosling has done his fair share of thrillers, but this one truly proves why he’s such a brilliant choice for films like Barbie. La La Land is no short of stunning cinematography, and memorable songs. La La Land is a celebration of passion, romance, drama, and nostalgia.

7. The Princess Diaries (2001)

The Princess Diaries is a fairytale-like story of Mia Thermopolis, an unlikely high school student who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a European country. Mia (Anne Hathway) is a shy, awkward and invisible girl in her school, when she meets her grandmother (Julie Andrews), her world changes completely.

This comedic drama is similar to films like Barbie in ways that ittakes you into the world of royalty and charm. Just like Barbie, she goes through her journey of personal growth (For Mia, it is us who become more glamorous, while it may seem the other way around for Barbie!). The Princess Diaries is an underrated gem you should watch on the weekend. 

8. Frances Ha (2012)

Frances Ha is a special project by Greta because she is not only a writer alongside Noah Baumbach, but she also acts in the movie. Frances (Greta) is a 27-year-old aspiring dancer who struggles to find her place in the world. In the movie we discover the importance friends and our family hold for us, even in our most loneliest times. 

The movie is shot in black-and-white and though the tonality of this movie differs a lot from films like Barbie, it’s really just a deeply emotional and honest presentation of Greta’s talent. As a discovery of finding one’s place in the harsh realities of the world and the pursuit of dreams, there are few movies who make you feel something the way this one will!

9. Marriage Story (2019)

Marriage Story is a drama movie that explores the complexities of the process of divorce between a couple, played by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. Written by Greta’s husband Noah Baumbach, this movie is known for its raw and emotional performances, its honest portrayal of relationships, and its powerful storytelling. 

Marriage Story explores how people deal with love and loss, how challenging it is to face a crumbling marriage and the emotional toll it takes on a couple. Watching Marriage Story before Barbie will provide you with a contrasting perspective on relationships.

10. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)

The magical world of Barbie is so incredible that we wish we could just live inside it forever!  The Wizard of Oz is a classic movie that will make you feel the same way. This film tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl who is transported to a magical land and embarks on a journey to find her way back home.

The movie is iconic in the world of cinema, with memorable songs, and a timeless message about the power of friendship and believing in oneself. The Wizard of Oz is a must-watch for anyone who loves movies that transport them to a magical world and inspire them to follow their dreams.

Also Read: Wizard Of Oz

11. Clueless (1995)

Clueless is a comedy romance story about Cher, a popular high school student who takes on the challenge of transforming a new student into a popular girl. Based on Jane Austen’s Emma, this 90s teenage adaptation is remembered for its witty humour, iconic fashion, and commentary on teenage culture.

Watching Clueless before Barbie provides a nostalgic experience and offers insights into the dynamics of teenage relationships and the influence of popular culture around us. If you are searching to watch a comfort movie, you are sure to enjoy Clueless.

12. 13 Going On 30 (2004)

13 Going on 30 is a delightful romantic comedy that revolves around Jenna, a thirteen-year-old girl who yearns to escape her unpopular life in high school and become a grown-up, thriving woman. Just like any typical teenager, she dreams of becoming successful and good-looking. One fateful day, her wish miraculously materialises, and she awakens as her ideal 30-year-old self. With captivating portrayals by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, this film offers an unforgettable cinematic journey.

13 Going on 30 is a nostalgic storyline that reminds us what truly matters in life beyond all the glam and attention. This is a heartwarming message about the importance of being true to oneself. You should surely see it if you are on the lookout for films like Barbie. 

13. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Sounds like an unlikely recommendation, right? Because it is. Greta Gerwig made it very clear in her Barbie official trailer by referencing 2001: A Space Odyssey opening scene as the symbol of what Barbies meant for generations of young girls. 

2001: A Space Odyssey is a sci-fi movie that explores the relationship between humans and technology. Renowned for its revolutionary visual effects, profound philosophical themes, and enigmatic narrative, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a cinematic marvel. A masterpiece in the history of filmmaking, you should watch it whether or not you are a fan of Barbie! 

Interested in Space Genre? Also Read: Spectacular Space Movies like Contact

14. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Wreck-It Ralph is an animated movie that tells the story of Ralph, a video game villain who longs to be a hero. The movie is known for its creative and colourful animation, its heartwarming message about acceptance and friendship, and its fun references to classic video games.

Similar to Barbie, this movie looks at the protagonist stepping out of their bubble world and discovering realities beyond what they knew. Wreck-It Ralph features many beloved video game character cameos and is a must-watch for anyone who loves this world.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few movies like Barbie that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Barbie in the Nutcracker
  2. Barbie as The Rapunzel
  3. Barbie of Swan Lake 
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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