List of Barbie films

This article is about the animated Barbie films. For the 2023 live-action film, see Barbie (film).

List of Barbie films
DVD covers of Barbie films
Based on	the Barbie characters created by Ruth Handler
Starring	Barbie voiced by Kelly Sheridan (2001–10, 2012–15) Diana Kaarina (2010–11) Erica Lindbeck (2016–17) America Young (2020–present)
Production companies	Mainframe Studios (2001–present) Mattel Television (2001–present) Curious Pictures (2006) Technicolor (2011, 2013) Arc Productions (2013, 2016)
Distributed by	Artisan Home Entertainment (2001–03) Lions Gate Home Entertainment (2004–06) Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2006–17) Netflix (2017–present)
Countries	Canada, United States
Language	English

Barbie, a fashion doll manufactured by American toy and entertainment company Mattel, has starred or featured in 52 animated theatrical and direct-to-video, and streaming platform films since 2001. The films have become a core component of the eponymous media franchise. Each Barbie film has a series of play line dolls and miscellaneous merchandise released alongside it.

The idea of Barbie animated films was first developed in response to a growing rise of digital and interactive media that coincided with the gradual decline of the sales in dolls, toys and accessories in the 1980s. The first film, Barbie in the Nutcracker, was released in 2001 on VHS. Subsequent titles were given home video releases via Artisan Home Entertainment (from 2001 to 2003); Lions Gate Home Entertainment (from 2004 to 2006); and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (from 2007 to 2017); alongside television premiers (from 2002 to 2017) on Nickelodeon. Since 2017, Mattel has moved away from home video releases and partnered with Netflix to release films via over-the-top streaming.

Release timeline

Classic era in pink
Fashion era in purple
Modern era in blue
Dreamhouse era in yellow

2001	The Nutcracker
2002	Rapunzel
2003	Swan Lake
2004	Princess and the Pauper
2005	Fairytopia
	The Magic of Pegasus
2006	Mermaidia
	The Barbie Diaries
	The 12 Dancing Princesses
2007	Magic of the Rainbow
	The Island Princess
2008	Mariposa
	The Diamond Castle
	A Christmas Carol
2009	Thumbelina
	The Three Musketeers
2010	A Mermaid Tale
	A Fashion Fairytale
2011	A Fairy Secret
	Princess Charm School
	A Perfect Christmas
2012	A Mermaid Tale 2
	The Princess & the Popstar
2013	The Pink Shoes
	Mariposa & the Fairy Princess
	A Pony Tale
2014	The Pearl Princess
	The Secret Door
2015	Princess Power
	Rock 'N Royals
	The Great Puppy Adventure
2016	Spy Squad
	Star Light Adventure
	A Puppy Chase
2017	Video Game Hero
	Dolphin Magic
2018
2019
2020	Princess Adventure
2021	The Lost Birthday
	Big City, Big Dreams
2022	Mermaid Power
	Epic Road Trip
2023	Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure
2024	Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue
2025	Recipe for Friendship

In 2023, the live-action film Barbie was theatrically released starring celebrity actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. It became the highest-grossing film of 2023 and spawned the cultural phenomenon "Barbenheimer". Due to its success, Mattel collaborated with Illumination to develop and release an animated Barbie film in theaters.

Eras

The 44 original Barbie animated films can be categorised into four main eras. The Classic era (2001–2009), primarily focused on elements of historical fantasy and fairytale fantasy – adapting pre-existing fairytales before experimenting with original storylines, notably the Barbie: Fairytopia trilogy. The Fashion era (2010–2015) primarily focused on elements of urban fantasy, incorporating fashion, pop music and Barbie's family and friends. The Modern era (2015–2017) was defined by the exclusive use of Barbie as herself, rather than 'playing' another character. The films focused on the various careers of Barbie. The Dreamhouse era (2017–present) are integrated into the canon of the inaugural Barbie television show, Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. Alongside the Modern era, there was a departure from the heavy use of fantasy and magic in the direction of the films.

Classic era (2001–2009)

Mattel launched its eponymous in-house entertainment division in 2001 and began the Barbie film series by adapting pre-existing classical ballets and fairytales. The films in this era primarily relied on elements of historical fantasy and fairytale fantasy. Elise Allen introduced original storylines to the series with the Barbie: Fairytopia trilogy. Each Barbie film came with a moral, presented in the form of a quote during the end credits.

Animation

CGI animation was originally provided by Canadian studio Mainframe Entertainment. American studio Curious Pictures pitched in by animating The Barbie Diaries (2006), which was the only film with a contemporary setting. In 2007, Mainframe was acquired by local post-production company, Rainmaker Animation and Visual Effects, rebranding as Rainmaker Animation initially and then Rainmaker Entertainment the following year.

Music

The films featured orchestral music, from on the classical ballet when applicable or original compositions. The main exception to this was The Barbie Diaries, which along with its unique animation style, released a pop rock soundtrack featuring Kesha. Brie Larson performed the promotional single for the Magic of Pegasus, entitled "Hope Has Wings".

Voice actors

Kelly Sheridan was the original voice of Barbie, appearing in all films in the Classic era. Well-known actors that voiced characters in this era included Tim Curry as The Mouse King in Nutcracker & Philippe in Three Musketeers; Anjelica Huston as Gothel in Rapunzel; Kelsey Grammar as Rothbart in Swan Lake; Maggie Wheeler as Odile in Swan Lake; Martin Short as Preminger in Princess and the Pauper; Catherine O'Hara as Duchess Rowena in 12 Dancing Princesses; and Andrea Martin as Queen Ariana in Island Princess.

Distribution

The films during this period were originally distributed on VHS and DVD by Artisan Entertainment and Family Home Entertainment from 2001 until 2004, when both were acquired by and folded into Lionsgate. In 2006, Mattel ceased distribution of the films on VHS and focused solely on DVD; at the same time, Universal (which already held their foreign distribution rights) took over the domestic distribution rights, after negotiations with Lionsgate broke down over the low amount offered by Mattel to continue distributing future Barbie films. Lionsgate was permitted to continue distribution of the titles released by them up to The Barbie Diaries for several years after; these rights eventually reverted to Mattel, who then authorized Universal to begin reissuing these titles. The direct-to-video releases were accompanied by television premiers (from 2002) on Nickelodeon.

List of Classic era Barbie films

#	Title	Release date	Director	Writer(s)	Distributor	Ref.
1	Barbie in the Nutcracker	October 2, 2001	Owen Hurley	Rob Hudnut, Linda Engelsiepen & Hilary Hinkle	Artisan Home Entertainment
2	Barbie as Rapunzel	October 1, 2002		Elana Lesser & Cliff Ruby
3	Barbie of Swan Lake	September 30, 2003
4	Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper	September 28, 2004	William Lau		Lions Gate Home Entertainment
5	Barbie: Fairytopia	March 8, 2005	Walter P. Martishius	Elise Allen & Diane Duane
6	Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus	September 20, 2005	Greg Richardson	Elana Lesser & Cliff Ruby
7	Barbie: Mermaidia	March 14, 2006	William Lau & Walter P. Martishius	Elise Allen & Diane Duane
8	The Barbie Diaries	May 9, 2006	Eric Fogel	Elise Allen & Laura McCreary
9	Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses	September 19, 2006	Greg Richardson	Elana Lesser & Cliff Ruby	Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
10	Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow	March 13, 2007	William Lau	Elise Allen
11	Barbie as the Island Princess	September 18, 2007	Greg Richardson	Elana Lesser & Cliff Ruby
12	Barbie: Mariposa	February 26, 2008	Conrad Helten	Elise Allen
13	Barbie & the Diamond Castle	September 9, 2008	Gino Nichelle	Elana Lesser & Cliff Ruby
14	Barbie in a Christmas Carol	November 4, 2008	William Lau	Elise Allen
15	Barbie: Thumbelina	March 17, 2009	Conrad Helten
16	Barbie and the Three Musketeers	September 15, 2009	William Lau	Amy Wolfram

Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)

Further information: Barbie in the Nutcracker

“Anything is Possible.” - End credits quote

Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann and The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the first film in the series stars Barbie narrating to her younger sister, Kelly, a story about a young girl named Clara who gets a beautiful wooden nutcracker from her aunt Elizabeth as a Christmas gift. Later that night, the toy comes alive to protect Clara from the evil Mouse King's soldiers. Clara gets shrunk to toy size, and, along with her brave Nutcracker, she searches for the Sugarplum Princess to change the spell.

Barbie in the Nutcracker won the Video Premiere Award for Best Animated Video Premiere Movie.

Barbie as Rapunzel (2002)

Further information: Barbie as Rapunzel

“Love and imagination can change the world.” - End credits quote

Based on the German fairy tale Rapunzel, recorded by the Brothers Grimm, the film stars Barbie as Princess Rapunzel, who is trapped in a tall tower by an evil witch named Gothel. Hidden from the outside world, Rapunzel spends much of her day painting and dreaming of a happier life. After discovering a magic paintbrush, Rapunzel goes on a journey with her friends Penelope the dragon and Hobie the rabbit to uncover the truth about her origins.

At the 2002 DVD Exclusive Awards, Barbie as Rapunzel won awards "Best Original Score" (Arnie Roth), and "Best Animated Character Performance" for Gothel (Anjelica Huston, Gino Nichele, Sebastian Brodin, Jean Gillmore, Sean Newton).

Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)

Further information: Barbie of Swan Lake

“You’re braver than you think.” - End credits quote

Based on Swan Lake by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky, the film stars Barbie as Odette, a young daughter of a baker, who one day follows a unicorn named Lila into an enchanted forest. After being transformed into a swan by a sorcerer named Rothbart, she decides to uncover how to break the spell upon herself and free the forest from Rothbart's evil clutches.

Barbie of Swan Lake won three awards at the Video Software Dealers Association Home Entertainment Awards 2004 – "Best Direct-to-Video/Limited Release from an Independent Studio", "Best Family Title of the Year From an Independent Studio", and "Sellthrough Title of the Year From an Independent Studio"

Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper (2004)

Further information: Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper

“Live your dream.” - End credits quote

Based on the classic novel by Mark Twain and the first musical in the series, the film stars Barbie in the dual role of blonde Princess Anneliese and brunette commoner Erika. The two discover the Queen's advisor, Preminger, has evil plans to take endless power for himself. Only Erika knows how to help Anneliese save the kingdom.

Following the original release of this film, Lionsgate would acquire Artisan Entertainment and Family Home Entertainment and thus in the process take over the original distribution rights of the films.

Barbie: Fairytopia (2005)

Further information: Barbie: Fairytopia

“What makes you different makes you special.” - End credits quote

The first original Barbie film starring Barbie as a wingless fairy named Elina who lives in a magical meadow with her puffball best friend, Bibble. Many of Elina's winged friends lose their flying abilities and become weak due to a green-colored potion spread throughout the meadow, by firebirds – sent by the dark fairy Laverna. Elina sets off to save her meadow and her friends by tracking down Azura the Guardian fairy.

This film was released in the spring, breaking the one-film-per-year fall release cycle of the previous films.

Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)

Further information: Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus

“There is always hope.” - End credits quote

The second original film in the series, starring Barbie as talented ice skater Princess Annika. When her family and village are attacked by the evil wizard Wenlock, she embarks on a journey to save them. Accompanied by a hunter named Aidan, her cursed older sister, Brietta, and a polar bear named Shiver, the group uncover family secrets and make a plan to defeat Wenlock to save their people.

This was the final film to be released on VHS.

Barbie: Mermaidia (2006)

Further information: Barbie Fairytopia: Mermaidia

“Trust your true self.” - End credits quote

The sequel to Barbie: Fairytopia. Prince Nalu has been kidnapped by Laverna's henchmen to learn the whereabouts of a special berry that will make Laverna the most powerful fairy in Fairytopia. Elina must work together with Nori, a headstrong mermaid who does not trust outsiders, to save Nalu.

The Barbie Diaries (2006)

Further information: The Barbie Diaries

The first film to star Barbie as herself. The Barbie Diaries is set apart with its distinctive toon-shaded style and modern setting. Barbie and her friends are sophomores in high school. With the help of a magical diary and charm bracelet, Barbie gains the confidence to be herself. Follow Barbie as she encounters love, magic, and true friendship.

Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)

Further information: Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses

“There’s a difference only you can make.” - End credits quote

Based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, a German fairy tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a widowed King Randolph and his 12 daughters, including Princess Genevieve – played by Barbie. To ensure his daughters grow up to learn to behave like proper ladies, the King enlists his less fortunate cousin, Duchess Rowena, to teach the girls about royal etiquette. Little does he know that the Duchess wants to end his life and take over the kingdom for herself.

Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow (2007)

Further information: Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow

“Together, we are strong.” - End credits quote

The third and final film in the Barbie: Fairytopia trilogy. The film follows Elina, who is chosen to attend fairy school at the Crystal Palace as an apprentice of the Guardian fairy Azura. Elina and the six other apprentices will prepare for the annual spring ritual, the "Flight of Spring", that produces the first rainbow of the season. The antagonist of the series, Laverna, is planning to stop the rite and plunge Fairytopia into ten years of winter. Elina must work together with the apprentices to defeat Laverna and save Fairytopia.

The last Barbie film produced by Mainframe under the Mainframe Entertainment name. In 2007, Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow won the Leo Awards for "Best Animation Program or Series" awarded to producers Luke Carroll and Tiffany Shuttleworth; and "Best Overall Sound in an Animation Program or Series" awarded to Peter Eliuk, Pat Haskill, Christine McLeod, Maureen Murphy, and Gordon Sproule.

Barbie as the Island Princess (2007)

Further information: Barbie as the Island Princess

“There may be miracles awaiting, They may be closer than we know, When we have love to guide us as we go.” - End credits quote

The second musical in the series, the film stars Barbie as a shipwrecked young girl named Rosella, who lands and grows up on an island along with its inhabitant anthropomorphic animals. One day, a prince named Antonio and his right-hand man, Fraser, arrive on the island and meet Rosella, who is known as Ro, and her animal friends. Together, they return to civilization and uncover the mystery behind Rosella's past.

This was the only film to be produced by Mainframe Studios under the Rainmaker Animation name following the Rainmaker Income Fund acquisition.

Barbie: Mariposa (2008)

Further information: Barbie: Mariposa and Her Butterfly Fairy Friends

“The most beautiful thing you can be is yourself.” - End credits quote

A spin-off from the Barbie: Fairytopia trilogy. Elina narrates a story about a fairy named Mariposa, who lives in a distant kingdom in Fairytopia known as Flutterfield. Flutterfield is protected by magical lights put in place by its ruler, Queen Marabella. However, when Queen Marabella falls ill and the lights threaten to dim, Mariposa and her friends must venture into unknown territory to find a cure and save the kingdom.

Barbie: Mariposa, was the first film to be produced by Mainframe Studios under the Rainmaker Entertainment name.

Barbie & the Diamond Castle (2008)

Further information: Barbie & the Diamond Castle

“Friendship is the true treasure.” - End credits quote

The original musical film stars Barbie and her best friend Teresa as Princesses Liana and Alexa, two florists who live in a cottage. After finding a muse named Melody trapped in a mirror, they embark on a journey to restore the Diamond Castle, before Lydia, a witch who has betrayed the muses, takes the castle for herself.

Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008)

Further information: Barbie in a Christmas Carol

“Keep the beauty of Christmas in your heart every day of the year.” - End credits quote

An adaption of the 1844 novella by Charles Dickens, Barbie tells her sister Kelly a story of an opera singer named Eden Starling with a hatred of Christmas. This would all change the night Eden is visited by three Christmas spirits – Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future. Eden only discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

Nikki appears for the first time a Barbie film. This film would feature the last appearance of Barbie's younger sister under the name Kelly as Mattel would change her name to Chelsea in 2011. This would also be the final film scripted by Elana Lesser and Clifford "Cliff" Ruby, who scripted the first film entry with former Mattel executive producer, Rob Hudnut, and were responsible for scripting most of the story adaptations in the films since its 2001 debut.

Barbie: Thumbelina (2009)

Further information: Barbie: Thumbelina

“Even the smallest person can make a big difference.” - End credits quote

Based on Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen the film stars Barbie as Thumbelina, who must work together with her friends to save the environment. The magical group of Twillerbees are one with nature and have amazing abilities to help plants and flowers flourish. Along with a young girl named Makena, Thumbelina must stop a construction company who is threatening the Twillerbee's land.

Barbie and the Three Musketeers (2009)

Further information: Barbie and the Three Musketeers

“True courage is pursuing your dream, even when everyone else says it’s impossible.” - End credits quote

Based on the 1844 French tale The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, this film stars Barbie as Corinne, a brave girl who longs to become a fighter and protect the French royal family just as her father has. Corinne is disappointed to discover girls are not allowed to become musketeers. Corinne and three scullery maids, Viveca, Aramina, and Renée all share the same desire to fight as musketeers and defend the royal family. All four are trained in secret by a swordmaster and soon put their talent to work to save Prince Louis, who has a hidden affection for Corinne.

The last Barbie film in the Classic era, Barbie and the Three Musketeers was also the first film in the series to depict the original debut Barbie wordmark logo, and the final Barbie film to be distributed by Lionsgate.

Fashion era (2010–2015)

The Fashion era is characterized by a shift towards modernized settings and plots involving fashion, music, and Barbie's family and friends. The films featured original pop music.

Animation

The majority of the Fashion era films were animated by Mainframe Studios under the Rainmaker Entertainment name. Technicolor partnered with Mattel on 2 of the films, as Arc Productions did, with the latter rewarded by Mattel after the latter was impressed by their animation work on the first non-Barbie-film production; the web series Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. The character design became more abstract. The Classic era character design resembled Barbie dolls, the Fashion era saw the facial proportions change, particularly the eyes became bigger, which reflected the character design seen in Walt Disney productions Tangled and Frozen which were popular during this time.

Voice actors

Diana Kaarina voices Barbie in the films A Fashion Fairytale, A Fairy Secret, Princess Charm School, and A Perfect Christmas, before Kelly Sheridan returns.

Distribution

Mattel reorganized and swapped the "Mattel Entertainment" banner in favor of "Barbie Entertainment" to reflect a shift in strategy for the Barbie films, Mattel would launch its in-house production division, Mattel Playground Productions on 16 October 2013, absorbing the "Mattel Entertainment", "Mattel Studios" and "Barbie Entertainment" name banners in the process; this name was not used on Barbie films until Barbie and the Secret Door in late 2014.

List of Fashion era Barbie films

#	Title	Release date	Director	Writer(s)	Distributor	Ref.
17	Barbie in a Mermaid Tale	March 2, 2010	Adam L. Wood	Elise Allen	Universal Studios Home Entertainment
18	Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale	September 14, 2010	William Lau
19	Barbie: A Fairy Secret	March 15, 2011
20	Barbie: Princess Charm School	September 13, 2011	Ezekiel Norton
21	Barbie: A Perfect Christmas	November 8, 2011	Mark Baldo
22	Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2	February 27, 2012	William Lau
23	Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar	September 11, 2012	Ezekiel Norton	Steve Granat & Cydne Clark
24	Barbie in the Pink Shoes	February 26, 2013	Owen Hurley	Alison Taylor
25	Barbie: Mariposa & the Fairy Princess	August 27, 2013	William Lau	Elise Allen
26	Barbie & Her Sisters in A Pony Tale	October 22, 2013	Kyran Kelly	Cydne Clark & Steve Granat
27	Barbie: The Pearl Princess	February 15, 2014	Ezekiel Norton
28	Barbie and the Secret Door	August 7, 2014	Karen J. Lloyd	Brian Hohlfeld
29	Barbie in Princess Power	February 26, 2015	Ezekiel Norton	Marsha Griffin
30	Barbie in Rock 'N Royals	August 13, 2015	Karen J. Lloyd

Barbie in a Mermaid Tale (2010)

Further information: Barbie in a Mermaid Tale

“What makes you different just might be your greatest strength.” - End credits quote

The Fashion era begins with the 17th film entry, Barbie in a Mermaid Tale. The film stars Barbie as Merliah Summers, a surfer who lives with her grandfather in Malibu, California. Believing that she is an ordinary teen, she learns of her true identity during a surfing tournament: she is a mermaid princess of a kingdom called Oceana. With new dolphin and mermaid friends, Merliah must save the kingdom and her mother Calissa.

This was the last Barbie film under the "Mattel Entertainment" banner.

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale (2010)

Further information: Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale

“Magic happens when you believe in yourself.” - End credits quote

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale stars Barbie as herself. Barbie rushes off to Paris to visit her Aunt Millicent, after being terminated from a film role in California. Barbie discovers her Aunt Millicent's fashion emporium is on the brink of closure, and sets out to save it with Millicent's assistant, Alice and the in-house mythical "flairies", Shimmer, Glimmer and Shyne.

Diana Kaarina makes her series debut as Barbie, marking the first film in the series where Barbie is not voiced by Kelly Sheridan. This was also the first title under the "Barbie Entertainment" banner. The film features Ken in his Barbie film debut and the return of Raquel from The Barbie Diaries and Teresa from Barbie & the Diamond Castle.

Barbie: A Fairy Secret (2011)

Further information: Barbie: A Fairy Secret

“Forgiveness lets you fly.” - End credits quote

When Ken is taken by a group of fairies, Barbie and Raquelle discover that Barbie's stylists Carrie and Taylor are secretly fairies. The four set off to Gloss Angeles, a secret fairy kingdom, to save Ken. Along the way, they face challenges and discover fairy magic but most of all they find the power of friendship.

The film stars Barbie, Ken, and Raquelle, with the latter gaining more screen time than in previous films.

Barbie: Princess Charm School (2011)

Further information: Barbie: Princess Charm School

“There’s a princess in every girl.” - End credits quote

Barbie portrays Blair Willows, a kind and generous young waitress living with her adoptive mother and foster sister in the humble peasant apartment of Gardania. Blair's life takes a dramatic turn when she wins a lottery spot at the prestigious Princess Charm School, where she can learn the ways of royalty. However, Blair's arrival at the school is met with hostility from Dame Devin, a selfish woman who suspects Blair may be the missing heiress to the throne of Gardania. Dame Devin wishes to ensure her daughter, Delancy, receives the crown. Blair finds support in her friends, Hadley and Isla, who must find an enchanted crown to prove Blair's true identity.

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas (2011)

“Being together is what makes a perfect Christmas.” - End credits quote

The third Barbie Christmas film. It stars Barbie and her sisters Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea together in their feature film debut as they pack up and head to New York City to visit her Aunt Millicent. Along the journey, unforeseen complications pop up, and the sisters find themselves stuck in Rochester, Minnesota, where they come across the festive hotel The Tannenbaum Inn. Their trip takes a musical turn in the picturesque snow-covered mountains.

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2 (2012)

Further information: Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2

“It feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself.” - End credits quote

The sequel to Barbie in A Mermaid Tale follows the return of Barbie as surfer-mermaid, Merliah Summers, to Australia to compete in a surfing competition. While Merliah is away from Oceana, a mermaid with evil intentions named Eris returns to attempt to take over the throne. Merliah and her friends are pushed to the limit as her love for both worlds are challenged.

This film marks the comeback of Kelly Sheridan as Barbie.

Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar (2012)

Further information: Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar

“There’s a star that’s right inside you, So come on and let it out, Find out what you’re about and just shout Here I am” - End credits quote

The second Barbie film adaptation of Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper", this time with a modern twist, stars Barbie as the dual roles of Princess Tori of Meribella and world-famous popstar Keira. The two teenagers meet and discover they both have the magic to swap places.

The film also stars Barbie sisters; Stacie as Meredith Renee and Chelsea as Trevi Renee.

Barbie in the Pink Shoes (2013)

“Listen to the beat of your heart and keep on dancing.” - End credits quote

Barbie in the Pink Shoes stars Barbie as a ballet dancer Kristyn and her friend Hayley, who are aspiring ballet dancers. A pair of magical pink shoes whisk them away to a mystical world. Kristyn learns must defeat the Snow Queen by dancing her favorite ballets, Giselle and Swan Lake.

This is the last Barbie movie to feature or be based upon fairy tales, ballet, plays, or classic literature. From this film until Barbie: Video Game Hero, every Barbie film would be originally released on DVD, Blu-ray and digital copies (branded as "Digital HD").

Barbie: Mariposa & the Fairy Princess (2013)

“The best way to make a friend is to be a friend.” - End credits quote

The sequel to Barbie: Mariposa and the second of 2 spin-offs of the Barbie: Fairytopia trilogy. Mariposa is sent by Queen Marabella as the royal ambassador from Flutterfield to the fairy kingdom of Shimmervale – to make peace with the inhabitant Crystal Fairies and the kingdom's ruler, King Regellius, and his daughter, Princess Catania. During the film, the two uncover an evil plot by Gwyllion to destroy Shimmervale by turning their crystals into rocks. Mariposa and Princess Catania must rely on their new friendship to save Shimmervale and make peace between the kingdoms.

Barbie & Her Sisters in A Pony Tale (2013)

“If you love something, set it free.” - End credits quote

Starring Barbie and her sisters Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea, as they set off to Switzerland for a summer horseback riding adventure. Barbie sets out to find a horse to bring back home to Malibu. Stacie is out to prove she is an excellent rider. Chelsea wants to ride the big horses, and Skipper isn't so thrilled about being outdoors. When Barbie discovers a mysterious wild horse in the woods, their visit takes a magical turn.

Barbie: The Pearl Princess (2014)

“Always leave things better than you found them.” - End credits quote

Barbie stars as Lumina, a mermaid who dreams of being a princess. As long as she can remember, she's had a magical power that makes pearls dance and glow. Lumina and her best friend Kuda, a pink seahorse, embark on an adventure to a majestic mer-kingdom. There, she uses her powers to help her friends prepare for the Royal Ball. Lumina then discovers that her magical pearls are the key to unlocking her true destiny and ultimately saving the kingdom.

The final film under the "Barbie Entertainment" banner.

Barbie and the Secret Door (2014)

Further information: Barbie and the Secret Door

“You never know what you can do unless you try.” - End credits quote

The film stars Barbie as Princess Alexa. She finds a secret door after singing in the royal garden. It leads her into a magical new world, a kingdom named Zinnia. Alexa encounters a fairy named Nori and a mermaid named Romy. They must save the land from the evil Princess Malucia, who is trying to steal all of the kingdom's magic.

This is the first Barbie film under the "Mattel Playground Productions" banner.

Barbie in Princess Power (2015)

“The power to change the world has been inside you all along.” - End credits quote

Starring Barbie as Princess Kara, a modern-day princess who wishes to trade her royal duties to help people in the community. After being kissed by a magical butterfly, Princess Kara is imbued with superpowers and begins saving people under the alias "Super Sparkle". Her jealous cousin Princess Corinne is also kissed by the butterfly and becomes "Dark Sparkle", to challenge her and gain the affection of the people of Windimere. however, when the two cousins discover a plot against the kingdom, they must work together to save the kingdom.

Barbie in Rock 'N Royals (2015)

“Rock your own story.” - End credits quote

The third Barbie film based on Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper, an upbeat modern musical film starring Barbie in a dual role of Princess Courtney and famous rock star, Erika Juno. Unfortunate mix-ups in a roll-call in two opposite camps see the two swap camps – with the princess landing in Camp Pop and the rock star landing in Camp Royalty. The two swap places to save both camps from destruction.

This is the last movie to feature protagonists not named Barbie.

Modern era (2015–2017)

Since 2015, Mattel began starring Barbie as herself and not another character in the films with different careers like treasure hunting, gymnastics, espionage, space exploration, golf cart driving and computer programming as well as taking a deep look into Barbie's fictional life to coincide with the debut of the Barbie Vlogger web series on YouTube.

Animation

On 25 October 2016, Rainmaker Entertainment acquired and merged with Frederator Studios and Erzin-Hirsh Entertainment into a new holding company known as WOW! Unlimited Media, LLC and rebranded as Rainmaker Studios. Arc Productions animated the other 2 of their 4 contracted films and was poised to add a 5th to their portfolio, but could only do pre-production on that 5th entry; Arc subsequently began to suffer from financial issues in the summer of 2016, then filed for bankruptcy weeks later. The 4th entry, titled Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase, would be brought over to Rainmaker Entertainment for completion.

Distribution

Mattel would retire the Mattel Playground Productions banner in mid-2016 in favor of their then-new banner Mattel Creations, which was created on 31 March that year.

List of Modern era Barbie films

#	Title	Release date	Director	Writer(s)	Distributor	Ref.
31	Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure	October 8, 2015	Andrew Tan	Amy Wolfram	Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
32	Barbie: Spy Squad	January 15, 2016	Conrad Helten	Marsha Griffin & Kacey Arnold
33	Barbie: Star Light Adventure	August 29, 2016	Andrew Tan	Kacey Arnold
34	Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase	October 18, 2016	Conrad Helten	Amy Wolfram & Kacey Arnold
35	Barbie: Video Game Hero	January 31, 2017	Conrad Helten & Ezekiel Norton	Nina Bargiel

Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure (2015)

The 31st film entry sees the return of Barbie and her sisters, Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea, as they head back to their hometown of Willows, Wisconsin while driving a camper. It follows Barbie, her sisters, and their Grandma's dog's puppies as they embark on a treasure hunt.

Barbie: Spy Squad (2016)

Barbie: Spy Squad stars Barbie, Teresa, and a new character, Renée, as talented gymnasts who are recruited as undercover agents. With the girls' special skills and teamwork, they track down a jewel thief who is responsible for a long series of robberies and prove they can be great spies.

This is the last Barbie film produced by "Mattel Playground Productions" before its absorption into "Mattel Creations" on 31 March 2016.

Barbie: Star Light Adventure (2016)

Further information: Barbie: Star Light Adventure

Barbie: Star Light Adventure was the 5th Barbie film to be given a limited theatrical release in the United States. Barbie, a cosmic princess, must lead a team of super-powered teenagers to save the stars of her galaxy from fading.

It is the first Barbie film produced by "Mattel Creations" since its launch on 30 March 2016. It would also prove to be the final full-length animation work of Arc Productions, as they shut down and filed for bankruptcy.

Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase (2016)

Barbie & Her Sisters in A Puppy Chase is about teamwork and stars Barbie and her sisters in their 4th feature film together, this time traveling to a tropical paradise in Hawaii for Chelsea's dance competition. When they explore a nearby Dancing Horse Festival, the girls get separated from their puppies and must find them before the big dance.

Barbie: Video Game Hero (2017)

Barbie: Video Game Hero was the last Barbie film to be originally released on home video formats and broadcast on Nickelodeon in the United States. In this film, Barbie gets magically transported into her favorite video game. She befriends two characters in the game called Bella, who is a roller-skating princess, and Kris. The two girls work together playing level after level to defeat an evil purple virus trying to control the entire game.

Dreamhouse era (2017–present)

The films in the Dreamhouse era follow the events before and after the television show, Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures.

Animation

Rainmaker Studios animated only one film before rebranding to Mainframe Studios.

Distribution

From 2017 onward, Mattel took advantage of the rise of streaming media services to revamp the Barbie feature films into streaming television films and have them predominantly released on Netflix in the United States, although they could be picked up by global television networks for telecast. Mattel would extend its partnership with Netflix on 21 October 2022, 4 days before the American debut of the franchise's inaugural interactive special, "Barbie: Epic Road Trip", which would also see the pre-2017 film catalog previously held by Universal made available through the service.

List of Dreamhouse era Barbie films

#	Title	Release date	Director	Writer(s)	Distributor	Ref.
36	Barbie Dolphin Magic	September 18, 2017	Conrad Helten	Jennifer Skelly	Netflix
37	Barbie: Princess Adventure	September 1, 2020		Ann Austen
38	Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday	April 16, 2021	Cassandra Mackay (credited as Cassi Simonds)	Ann Austen & Nathaniel "Nate" Federman
39	Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams	September 1, 2021	Scott Pleydell-Pearce	Christopher Keenan & Catherine "Kate" Splaine
40	Barbie: Mermaid Power	September 1, 2022	Emory Ronald "Ron" Myrick	Ann Austen
41	Barbie: Epic Road Trip	October 25, 2022	Conrad Helten	Aury Wallington
42	Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure	March 16, 2023	Steve Daye	Daniel Bryan Franklin
43	Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue	March 14, 2024	Conrad Helton	Kay Christianson-Donmyer & Margaret Dunlap
44	Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship	March 6, 2025	Karen J Loyd	Margaret Dunlap

Barbie Dolphin Magic (2017)

Further information: Barbie Dolphin Magic

Barbie Dolphin Magic marked the return of Barbie to Netflix, after the television series Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. Netflix would henceforth become the preferred destination for upcoming Barbie films and series. The film was originally marketed by Mattel as a television special and the pilot to the Dreamhouse Adventures television series. Although the film debuted on Netflix, Universal did make it available for sale on DVD and digital copies. It is also the first Barbie television film with a reduced one-hour length in duration – which Mattel would use in future mainstream Barbie film releases, in a transition to streaming media.

The film was dedicated to Canadian production editor David Hall; he and his pregnant wife were killed in a car accident a few months before the release of the film.

Barbie: Princess Adventure (2020)

Further information: Barbie: Princess Adventure

The 7th musical film follows on from the conclusion of the Dreamhouse Adventures television series. It stars Barbie as a blogger who gets invited by Princess Amelia to the kingdom of Floravia for a cultural exchange program. With Amelia nervous about becoming Queen, she and Barbie devise a plan to switch places. A rival prince tries to unravel their secret as Barbie and Amelia attempt to switch back before Amelia's coronation ceremony.

Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday (2021)

Further information: Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday

Barbie and her family go aboard a cruise ship to celebrate Chelsea's 7th birthday, which is the following day. When the ship crosses the International Date Line, Chelsea's birthday is gone. Chelsea goes on a quest at a nearby jungle island to find a magical gem, that will grant her a wish.

Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday features Barbie's youngest sister, Chelsea, in a starring role for the first time.

Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams (2021)

Further information: Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams

Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams stars Barbie Roberts, who leaves her home of Malibu and travels to New York City to join a summer performing arts program. Her new roommate is a girl from Brooklyn, also named Barbie Roberts. The two become new best friends and enjoy spending their time singing and exploring the city. Malibu and Brooklyn compete for the "Spotlight Solo" in Times Square. Their new bond is tested, however, they learn that friendship is more important than winning.

Following this film is the second streaming television series in the Barbie media franchise, Barbie: It Takes Two, which released throughout 2022. It follows the misadventures of Malibu and Brooklyn in New York City as they attempt to sign record deals and get their music out to the world while learning about each other's families, friends and contrasting cultures.

Barbie: Mermaid Power (2022)

Further information: Barbie: Mermaid Power

Barbie: Mermaid Power stars Barbie "Malibu" Roberts, Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts, Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea as they turn into mermaids to help Isla (from Dolphin Magic) in the underwater world of Pacifica. The Barbies take part in a competition to become the power keeper, a mermaid who can protect their world with the power of the four elements. Marlo (from Dolphin Magic) returns to continue seeking proof that mermaids are real with the unsuccessful help of her sidekick, Oslo.

Barbie: Epic Road Trip (2022)

Further information: Barbie: Epic Road Trip

The first interactive Barbie television special, follows Barbie Malibu and Brooklyn as they go on a cross-country adventure and make big decisions about the future. Viewers must decide which dream Barbie will choose.

On October 21, 2022 (four days before the release of Barbie: Epic Road Trip), Mattel extended its partnership with Netflix and included the pre-2017 film catalogue previously held by Universal on the service in selected countries.

Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023)

Further information: Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure

Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure stars Barbie's younger sister, Skipper, a touted babysitting expert, as she takes a summer job at a water park and tries out different jobs with her new friends. She uses her babysitting skills to save a nearly-collapsed birthday party at the park. The success renews Skipper's confidence in her babysitting business and she and her new friends start a babysitting squad.

Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue (2024)

Barbie and Stacie to the Rescue stars Stacie as the main protagonist. Barbie and her family attend a Hot Air Balloon Festival, Stacie feels left out, but she has to use her skills to save the day when Barbie and Skipper get into a mishap.

Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship (2025)

Further information: Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship

Barbie & Teresa: Recipe for Friendship stars Barbie's Hispanic best friend, Teresa. Barbie Malibu, Barbie Brooklyn, and Nikki help Teresa re-create a cherished family tamale recipe for the launch of her cousin's New York City restaurant.

Upcoming animated theatrical feature film

News broke from inside sources on 16 August 2024, following the success of the live-action film, that Mattel is planning a theatrically released animated Barbie film, with Illumination from Universal Pictures as a potential production partner. The director and lead star of 2023 live-action Barbie film, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, were said not to be involved.

The project was confirmed to have entered development on July 17, 2025. A release date, voice cast, and plot details have yet to be announced.

See also

• Barbie, 2023 live-action film
  • Barbenheimer
• Barbie Dreamtopia
• Barbie (media franchise)
• Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures
• Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse
• Toy Story (franchise)