This summer, two powerhouse films debuted in theatres, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” two vastly different films in both look and content, finally hit the big screen after months of waiting. Thanks to the long wait, both films gained enough notice due to their all-star casts and award-winning directors to create a new trend in modern media. The portmanteau “Barbenheimer” was used to describe the anticipated competition of the success of both films. 

When it was announced that both films would not only be released in the same month, but also the same day, millions of fans worldwide started debating about which one to see, or in which order. It became an overnight sensation to dress up for viewing the films in bright pinks and somber brown and greys, respectively.  

In terms of the contest, “Barbie” was a clear winner with its revenue of $155 million in the first weekend, earning almost double the intake of “Oppenheimer.” Along with an impressive initial revenue that slotted “Barbie” as the most successful movie of 2023, “Barbie” became the only film to be solely directed by a woman to earn $1 billion, helping its director, Greta Gerwig, break yet another record. 

Stacked with a powerhouse cast including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, “Barbie” provides a fresh narrative about being true to yourself and being comfortable with your emotions. Gerwig uses inspiring speeches, inside jokes and catchy songs to help tie the movie together. Overall, fans say that “Barbie” is a feel-good movie that will make the viewer laugh and cry. 

Mary Soutter Pack (9) has grown up watching Barbie movies and playing with the dolls. She enjoyed seeing the movie with her friends, who all dressed up in iconic pinks for the movie. 

“It was a nostalgic experience watching the new “Barbie” movie. I liked the music the best,” Pack said. “I liked Barbie’s meaning of self-worth and learning your own identity and what makes you special.” 

Despite the success of “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” was still a box-office hit, earning $851.3 million its first weekend in theatres. Christopher Nolan’s eye-opening film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film featured a well-rounded cast consisting of stars such as Cillian Murphy, who played the titular character, Robert Downey Junior, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Rami Malek.  

Since its release, “Oppenheimer” has been praised for Nolan’s use of sound and imagery to make the film even more captivating. Thanks to a strong story line and a creative use of cinematography, the film is not one to be overlooked in favor of “Barbie.” 

Emie Cate Green (12) has viewed both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” twice, and has a clear favorite. 

“I liked “Oppenheimer” more; it was so mind-blowing. I felt very informed after watching it, and it was a good movie overall,” Green said. 

Both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” had box office blowouts their first weekend in theatres. When pitting two creative and imaginative directors together, both with an all-star cast at their disposal, choosing the winner of the battle of the summer will have to come to personal preference. 

For Dorothy Salley (12), “Barbie” was the winner after viewing both films, though she enjoyed both. 

“I think they were very different films and they affected me in different ways. Personally, ‘Barbie’ is a movie that I have thought about a lot since watching it, I think it had the biggest effect on me,” Salley said. “It was such an emotional and thought-provoking film. The message was incredible and really made me think and feel. Greta Gerwig is by far my favorite director, and I think she did an amazing job with making another incredible and relatable film.”