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"Barbenheimer" has become more than just a meme—it's a full-on cultural movement. And many moviegoers, including myself, bought tickets to see both Barbie and Oppenheimer, on opening day (yep, we're talking back-to-back screenings). Fans have gone above and beyond, even dressing in costume for the double feature. But was all the hype worth it?

Content warning: The movie Barbie is rated PG-13 and the movie Oppenheimer is rated R (please ask your parents before viewing). No spoilers ahead!

The plan

Me at "Barbenheimer"

My friend and I decided we would purchase tickets for both movies back in May. And tbh, we knew from the get-go that we wanted to go *all out*. We snagged our tickets from the box office the week before the premiere. We planned to watch Oppenheimer first, take a break for lunch and pics, then see Barbie in the afternoon. And, obvi, we would dress up in our best outfits.

Our expectations

Girls dressed in Barbie attire

I'm a big fan of Christopher Nolan movies like Inception, so I had a feeling Oppenheimer would be great. I'm also a big Greta Gerwig fan (who wants to rewatch Ladybird with me?), so I was beyond excited to see what she would do with Barbie. I was also dying to hear the Barbie soundtrack, which has some of my fave artists like Tame Impala, PinkPantheress and Charli XCX. (It also includes industry superstars like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Lizzo.) And ofc, I couldn't wait to see all of the outfits—not just the costumes in the movie, but the ones everyone wore to the theater! And let me tell you: The fans did *not* disappoint.

The showdown

Girls dressed for the double feature

Going into Oppenheimer in my bright pink jeans and colorful mesh top was def a little awkward until we saw others in the theater dressed up in similar Barbie fashion. The film was three hours long and, of course, the topic was not taken lightly—but we found the movie to be incredibly moving.

If you're looking for a funny, witty chick-flick to watch with your besties, Barbie is prob the film for you. The Barbieland set feels like your childhood dreams turned into reality. The cast is hilarious, and the movie has some great celeb cameos. It's filled with heartfelt moments that will make you tear up, as well as many moments of laughter. At the end of the movie, the audience clapped and sang along to the end-credits song, "Barbie World" by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice (with Aqua). I guess it really is Barbie's world!

Do you have Barbie fever? Check out these posts:
🪩 Your ultimate guide to the Barbie aesthetic
🪩 Our fave moments from Greta Gerwig's Barbie
🪩 EXCLUSIVE! Ariana Greenblatt told us everything (she could) about the Barbie movie

Did you watch either movie? Which was your fave? Tell us on Twitter @girlslifemag!

Graphic and all images: Roxanne Fernandes

by Roxanne Fernandes | 7/24/2023