What does Barbenheimer mean? Which film to watch first - Barbie or Oppenheimer?

There hasn’t been so much buzz around two Hollywood movies releasing the same day in the US and worldwide than there has been about Barbie and Oppenheimer. Both big-ticket movies released on July 21, 2023, and caused a social media frenzy like never before.

So confused were viewers as to what to watch on the day of release, that they decided to watch both films on July 21. Then the question arose as to what to watch first – Barbie or Oppenheimer?

And thus the term hashtag ‘Barbenheimer’ was born on social media. Let’s take a look at what it means.

What is the meaning of Barbenheimer?

To understand Barbenheimer, let’s first know about both films.

Barbie is produced by and starring Margot Robbie and directed by Greta Gerwig. In the filmmaker’s usual style, the Barbie movie of 2023 is against stereotyping the doll to be ultra-feminine and have a certain body type. The film carefully and playfully explores feminist, gender equality, and anti-patriarchal topics.

Oppenheimer is a serious and complex Christopher Nolan-directed film, again in his trademark style. It is a biography of J Robert Oppenheimer, the US scientist known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb. The film is visually rich though not all pink like Barbie. Oppenheimer explores the scientist’s dilemmas and controversies, and morality during wartime, especially.

The #Barbenheimer was created by fans who had plans to watch the two films back-to-back on the same day. But remember, it’s still #Barbenheimer and not #Boppenheimer.

Which movie to watch first – Barbie or Oppenheimer?

We have already explained each movie in the short above. So, it depends on what kind of movies or filmmakers you like to watch. You may not watch both movies, or you may watch one for yourself and the other just with your friends or family.

Barbie is all pink but not fluffy – it comes with multiple messages although based on a doll. It is about two hours long and enjoyable.

Oppenheimer is a three-hour, gripping, real-life film made on a grand scale. It does have a very strong anti-war and anti-nuclear test message and will make you ponder.

You could watch Barbie first and then Oppenheimer. Or if that would feel heavy for you, watch the Cillian Murphy starrer first, take a break for food, and then go in for Barbie with your friends.

FAQs

When is Barbie releasing on OTT?
Barbie released in cinemas on July 21, 2023. The film may release on Max in the US in August or September 2023. The date is not out.

Who are the supporting cast in Barbie?
Apart from lead stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie stars Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, Dua Lipa, America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, and Kate McKinnon, among others.