Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has been a hit at the summer box office, earning both critical and popular acclaim. The film follows Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, as she faces an existential crisis and ventures into the human world, ultimately grappling with her identity and influence. Despite a strong opening week and a friendly rivalry with Christopher Nolan’s movie, Barbie’s journey to reach the coveted $1 billion mark at the global box office remains uncertain.
Released on July 21, 2023, Barbie has garnered a 90% approval rating from critics and an 86% score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Its clever script and talented cast contributed to its strong start, potentially placing it among the elite group of movies surpassing $1 billion in earnings. So far, only The Super Mario Bros. Movie has achieved this feat in 2023, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game.
Barbie’s financial performance has surpassed even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, making it a strong contender to join The Super Mario Bros. Movie in the billion-dollar club. The film’s early success suggests it might come close to the milestone, but whether it will surpass it remains to be seen.
Regardless of hitting the $1 billion mark, Barbie is already a box office success with a budget between $128-145 million, set to make a significant profit. Its positive reception and thought-provoking themes surrounding consumerism, feminism, and relationship dynamics make it a film likely to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Barbie’s willingness to explore new angles on complex topics makes it more than just a summer blockbuster. Its meaningful message and subversive storytelling can transcend the box office and resonate with viewers for years to come, solidifying its place as an important and popular film in cinematic history.