Two of the most anticipated films of the summer are opening on the same day: Barbie and Oppenheimer. Both films have big stars, acclaimed directors and high budgets. But they are also very different films and they will appeal to different audiences.
Barbie is a live-action comedy directed by Greta Gerwig. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, and a supporting cast that includes Will Ferrell, Simu Liu and Kate McKinnon. The film is said to be a subversive take on the Barbie character and is sure to be a fun and colorful film for audiences of all ages.
Oppenheimer is a historical drama directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. The film poses as a serious and intense film, and it is sure to be a challenging and thought-provoking film for audiences.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
Barbie
- Genre: Live-action comedy
- Director: Greta Gerwig
- Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon
- Plot: A subversive take on the Barbie character, following her as she leaves Barbieland and goes on an adventure in the real world.
- Audience: All ages
Oppenheimer
- Genre: Historical drama
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh
- Plot: The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb.
- Audience: Adults
Some additional factors to consider when making your decision:
- Your interest in the subject matter: If you are a fan of Barbie or the Manhattan Project, then you will probably enjoy the respective film more.
- Your tolerance for violence and mature themes: Oppenheimer is a more serious film and it contains some violence and mature themes. If you are sensitive to these topics, then you may want to avoid Oppenheimer.
- Your budget: Films nowadays cost an arm and a leg so if you are on a budget, you may want to wait for them to be released on streaming services. But if you want the ultimate experience, see them in theaters.
So, What’s It Gonna Be?
Ultimately, the decision of which movie to see is up to you. But if you are looking for a fun and lighthearted film, then Barbie is the clear choice. If you are looking for a serious and challenging film, then Oppenheimer is the clear choice.
For me? I’ll be seeing Oppenheimer first followed by Barbie. Yes, you read that right. I’ll be seeing both.

Hermantown boy living in the desert.