With Barbie playing in theaters nationwide starting Thursday night, people will be going to the theaters in droves to fulfill their “Barbenheimer” mission this weekend.
Greta Gerwig’s fourth film stars Margot Robbie as the beloved doll, and it’s already earned rave reviews and stands as a possible Oscar contender this awards season.
If you see Barbie this weekend, you might want to fire up a movie at home that’s either like it or helped inspire the tone and production design.
If so, we’ve got you covered with five recommendations that will keep you in the Barbie spirit this weekend and beyond.
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s third film stands as one of the true-blue masterpieces to come out of the 2010s, and it’s probably the best adaptation of Little Women we’ll ever get.
If you loved Barbie, be sure to check out Gerwig’s films before this one and cross your fingers that she’ll get to work with Saoirse Ronan again sooner than later.
Where to Watch: Starz, video on demand
The Wizard of Oz
We pointed out when one of the Barbie trailers was released the similarities between it and The Wizard of Oz, so you might refresh yourself on that 1930s classic after you check out the former.
There is technically never a bad time to watch The Wizard of Oz, so you should definitely spend some more time with Dorothy, Toto and the gang after you go on an adventure with Barbie and Ken.
It’s one of the greatest films of all time for a reason, after all.
Where to Watch: Max, TNT, TBS, truTV, video on demand
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Gerwig has cited Jacques Demy’s powerhouse musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg as one of the primary aesthetic influences for Barbie, and you’ve got to see this one if you haven’t.
Director Greta Gerwig revealed the technicolor inspiration behind her latest film @barbiethemovie citing classic works such as THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG ('64) which also used colorful production design to create a sense of "authentic artificiality." pic.twitter.com/eix9IW3rKc
— TCM (@tcm) July 15, 2023
It’s one of the best movies to come out of the 1960s, a devastating almost romance compete with some of the most gut-wrenching musical numbers you’re ever likely to see.
Where to Watch: Max, the Criterion Channel, Kanopy, video on demand
The Philadelphia Story
The classic screwball comedy The Philadelphia Story reportedly weighed heavily on the production of Barbie, as its one of star Margot Robbie’s favorite films and guiding lights for the project.
We have Greta Gerwig’s official Barbie watchlist!! 💖
“The Philadelphia Story—It was actually already one of Margot’s favorite movies; she already had that in her back pocket.” Full interview & list here: https://t.co/hsTwG1pgJI
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) July 13, 2023
It’s an irresistible and painfully funny film, bolstered by one of the best love triangles you’re going to get in a romantic comedy. This one practically wrote the book on how the screwball comedy functions at its peak. It’s a must-see.
Where to Watch: video on demand
The Lego Movie
If you want to watch another film that takes a beloved toy line and boosts it into the stratosphere with brilliant comedy and biting satire, be sure to check out 2014’s phenomenal The Lego Movie.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s masterwork features enough creativity to cover a year’s worth of movies and brings the Lego world to life in a way that makes a stunning jump from product placement to hard-won ingenuity. This one is one of the best animated films of the 2010s for a reason.
Where to Watch: Max, video on demand
