Photograph: Courtesy Mattel Inc.
Photograph: Courtesy Mattel Inc.

The 11 best Barbie movies of all time

The best Barbie movies place our leading lady in a variety of roles: equestrian, mermaid, cosmic princess and much more

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Though she be but little, Barbie is fierce. A marathon of the best Barbie movies prove that our leading lady seems up to any challenge that comes her way.

Whether she is warding off evil fairytale villains, switching places with rock 'n roll stars or diving underwater as a surfer-turned-mermaid, Barbie manages to keep little ones invested in tales of friendship and self-discovery. Parents, you'll want to add her flicks to your lineup of best sleepover movies and family movies—she'll surely inspire several screenings and a few helpings of popcorn. 

No matter which adventure tiny film buffs choose, the best Barbie movies are easily some of the coolest cartoons for kids around. Which ones are on your brood's watch list?

Best Barbie movies

1. Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)

Barbie embarks a Christmas classic that pairs perfectly with a mug of cocoa and a snowy afternoon. In this animated flick, our leading lady plays Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker for the holidays from her beloved aunt. But this isn't an ordinary present. When it comes to life to ward off the Mouse King—who viciously shrinks Clara in size—the two venture off in search of the Sugarplum Princess, who will break the nefarious Mouse King's spells. Rating unavailable. 

2. Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)

Duchess Rowena is raining on Barbie (Princess Genevieve's) parade, to say the least. When she is tasked with ensuring that the princess and her 11 sisters become prim and proper ladies, she forbids them from dancing. Unfortunately for Duchess Rowena, the girls find a magical realm that allows them to spin, twirl and jive. How will their father—who put his cousin Rowena up to the challenge—react to his daughters' discovery? Rating unavailable. 

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3. Barbie & the Diamond Castle (2008)

Discover the importance of frienship in Barbie's heartwarming tale of fantasy and music. In an effort to teach her little sis about strong bonds, Barbie shares the story of Liana and Alexa, BFFs who work together to save the Diamond Castle and the foreboding threat of music's end. Rating unavailable. 

4. Barbie: Thumbelina (2009)

Little Thumbelina lives among the Twillerbees in a field of beautiful blooms. What seems like a magical existence is quite literally uprooted when a rotten urbanite picks her flower and exposes our heroine to a plan that'll wipe out the wildflowers. How will Barbie's rendition of the Hans Christian Andersen favorite play out? Rating unavailable. 

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5. Barbie in A Mermaid Tale (2010)

Perfect for a summer sleepover, this underwater adventure centers on Merliah, a surfer who swaps her board for a tail when she is transformed into a mermaid. Rating unavailable. 

6. Barbie in The Pink Shoes (2013)

Lace up those dancing shoes! Budding ballerinas Kristyn and Hailey won't let the ornery Snow Queen dictate the rules. Once they defeat her evil ways by way of dance, they realize anything is possible. Rating unavailable.

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7. Barbie and her Sisters in A Pony Tale (2013)

We're not horsing around: Little equestrians will swoon over Barbie's adventure in the Alps, where she manages to train a wild horse. Rating unavailable. 

8. Barbie: Star Light Adventure (2016)

Sci-fi fans will gladly journey alongside Barbie in her intergalactic adventure where she must save the fading stars. Rating unavailable. 

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9. Barbie in Rock 'N Royals (2015)

Who's ready for a rockin' good time? Barbie is sure to inspire a sing-along when a princess named Courtney trades places with the guitar-shredding Erika. Rating unavailable.

10. Barbie: Spy Squad (2016)

Barbie and her athletic group of friends must turn to super sleuths when a streak of gem robberies seemingly has no end. Will the girls be able to crack the code? Rating unavailable. 

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11. Barbie: Video Game Hero (2017)

No need for a Nintendo this time—Barbie is the star of three video games and must save the magical lands she visits. Rating unavailable. 

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