Barbie's Journey: A Mirror of Classic Movies

Barbie's References and Easter Eggs

Barbie's story mirrors a classic movie, drawing inspiration from toy references and pop culture Easter eggs. Greta Gerwig's 2023 hit perfectly parallels an 84-year-old movie in an incredibly subtle way. The Margot Robbie-led movie pulls from outside sources to establish its story, not just using Mattel's lineup of dolls but also following the setup of movies that came before it. Among Barbie's many references and Easter eggs are allusions to The Matrix and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Both fit with Barbie's core themes and its fish-out-of-water story. However, another one of Barbie's nods highlights a classic film with a plot that parallels that of Margot Robbie's Stereotypical Barbie well.

Margot Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie drives past a movie theater with Wizard of Oz posters in Barbie

Barbie contains several references to the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, but they're so subtle that only eagle-eyed viewers will notice them. The most obvious nod to The Wizard of Oz is when Barbie drives past a movie theater that has posters for the other film on the outside. An image of Judy Garland's Dorothy can be spotted as she passes, as can posters of Jack Haley's Tin Man and Bert Lahr's Cowardly Lion. Given that Warner Bros. owns both movies, it can include a direct reference to The Wizard of Oz in Barbie. However, that's not the only way it honors the beloved classic. TikTok user Cat Quinn noted that Stereotypical Barbie's gingham dress, which she wears when she passes the movie theater, has a pattern and style similar to Dorothy's in The Wizard of Oz — just in pink instead of blue. The movie also features a pink road to the human world, which bears similarities to The Wizard of Oz's Yellow Brick Road. It even ends with a rainbow, which could be a subtle nod to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'

Dorothy smiling in The Wizard of Oz in a corn field

Barbie vs. The Wizard of Oz

Barbie's journey throughout Barbie mirrors Dorothy's in many ways, starting with the fact that both characters venture from their home to a completely new world. Stereotypical Barbie and Dorothy are pushed to another world by the societal expectations laid out for them and their failure to meet these standards. And both women find themselves thanks to their journey, returning home with a new perspective — though Stereotypical Barbie leaves again, while Dorothy is glad to be back. Even so, it's clear that Barbie's central story mirrors that of The Wizard of Oz. Its Easter eggs drive that point home, giving viewers fun hints to pick up on.

Barbie's Journey: A Modern Classic

Barbie's journey in the 2023 hit movie is a modern classic, blending toy inspiration, pop culture references, and subtle nods to beloved movies like The Wizard of Oz. The film's parallels with classic cinema add depth to Barbie's story, creating an engaging narrative that resonates with viewers. With its clever use of Easter eggs and references, Barbie offers a fresh perspective on timeless themes of self-discovery and defying conventions. It's a journey that reflects the spirit of Dorothy's adventure while carving out its own unique path in the world of cinema.