Barbenheimer: The Internet Phenomenon That Became the Movie Event of the Year
How Two Opposite Films Captivated Millions of Movie Fans and Sparked a Cultural Phenomenon
If you’re a movie fan, you’ve probably heard of Barbenheimer by now. Everyone on social media is talking about it. But what exactly is it, and why is it so popular? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Barbenheimer, the internet phenomenon that became the movie event of the year.
What is Barbenheimer?
Barbenheimer is a portmanteau of Barbie and Oppenheimer, two blockbuster films that were released on the same day, July 21, 2023, in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. The contrast between the two films, which are diametrically opposed in genre, tone, and target audience, sparked a comedic response from internet users, who created memes, jokes, and fan-made posters about the unlikely pairing.
Barbie is a fantasy comedy directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as the iconic fashion doll who finds herself in the real world. Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the development of the first atomic bomb during World War II.
The two films have nothing in common, except for their prestige and critical acclaim. Barbie is a colorful and whimsical adaptation of a beloved toy franchise, while Oppenheimer is a dark and serious exploration of a historical figure and his moral dilemma. Barbie is rated PG-13 and runs for 113 minutes, while Oppenheimer is rated R and runs for 189 minutes.
How did Barbenheimer start?
Barbenheimer started as an internet phenomenon in late 2022, when Warner Bros. announced that Barbie would be released on July 21, 2023, the same date that Universal had already set for Oppenheimer. This decision surprised many movie fans and industry experts, who wondered why Warner Bros. would choose to compete directly with Nolan’s film, especially after Nolan had left Warner Bros. for Universal following a dispute over Warner’s streaming strategy.
Soon, social media users began to make fun of the situation, imagining scenarios where Barbie and Oppenheimer would interact or crossover. Some created posters that combined elements from both films, such as Barbie smiling in front of a mushroom cloud or Oppenheimer holding a pink suitcase. Others made jokes about how different the two films were and how confused the audiences would be.
The word Barbenheimer was coined by Twitter user @joshuaholmes on December 15, 2022, who tweeted: “I can’t wait for Barbenheimer next summer”. The tweet went viral and was retweeted by celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds. The term soon became a hashtag and a meme, with thousands of people joining in on the fun.
How did Barbenheimer become a movie event?
As the release date approached, Barbenheimer evolved from a joke to a genuine movie event. Many moviegoers expressed their interest in watching both films on the same day as a double feature, either out of curiosity or as a challenge. Some theaters offered special deals or discounts for Barbenheimer fans, while others organized themed screenings or parties.
The cast and crew of both films also embraced Barbenheimer and encouraged their fans to see both movies. Gerwig and Nolan exchanged compliments and praised each other’s work in interviews. Robbie and Murphy sent each other video messages and joked about swapping roles. Other celebrities joined in on the hype and posted photos or videos of themselves with tickets to both films.
Barbenheimer also received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Both films were hailed as masterpieces of their respective genres and received high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. Many critics noted that despite their differences, both films had something in common: they were original, creative, and captivating stories that celebrated the power of cinema.
Barbenheimer proved to be a huge success at the box office, breaking several records and earning over $1 billion worldwide. It also became a cultural phenomenon that inspired countless discussions, analyses, and fan works. It showed that movie fans are not limited by genres or labels, but are open to diverse and quality films that can entertain, educate, and inspire them.
Barbenheimer was more than just a meme. It was a movie event of the year.
