This summer has been a significant time for the film industry, with the two top releases originating one of the most heated recent film debates: that of Barbie vs. Oppenheimer. Outfitted in pinks and pastels, fans of the classic Mattel children’s toy, Barbie, lined up to see the uplifting, feminist flick when it hit the big screen on Friday, July 21. Meanwhile, that same day, history and science buffs alike rushed to see the cinematic depiction of the creation of the atomic bomb in Oppenheimer, directed by none other than Christopher Nolan. With these two films, targeting seemingly opposite audiences, being released on the same date, fans shared their excitement to watch the contradictory flicks, pledging five-hour double features. Also taking social media by storm was the fan-made combined promotion of the films, coining the term “Barbenheimer” to describe the important day. Images depicting pink explosions spread like wildfire across social media while the debate remained: which would be the box office favorite?

As it turned out, the race wasn’t quite as close as many believed. Barbie ended up nearly doubling the box-office earnings of Oppenheimer with an astonishing $780 million compared to Oppenheimer’s $400 million. However, Oppenheimer does deserve some credit, as it became one of the highest-grossing R-rated biopics of all time. This conflict also had a wider scope, bringing attention back to the movie industry, and encouraging viewers to attend movie theaters as attendance has decreased in recent years. 

Like many of the eager fans anticipating this influential release date, I had the pleasure of viewing both films. While I would have to promote Barbie as my favorite, both held unique appeal, and I do not regret watching either. While Barbie’s bright pastel world was well-executed and exciting, symbolism in color is just as evident in Oppenheimer’s historical drama as scenes alternate in and out of black and white. As expected, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling graced the screen in their iconic roles, but Cillian Murphy certainly did not fail in his portrayal of the movie’s namesake, Oppenheimer. The main drawback separating the two competing flicks was likely the length, with Oppenheimer’s three-hour duration turning some possible viewers away. To conclude, while the numbers don’t lie, it is still up for debate which movie really deserves the crowning victory this summer, as both films executed their own opposing themes nearly to perfection.