The Barbie movie (2023) is based primarily on the protagonist’s sudden existential crisis, a psychological phenomenon that can be compared to an identity crisis characterized by high-anxiety and the quest for self discovery (Andrews, 2026). At the beginning of the movie, Stereotypical Barbie notices some drastic changes in her everyday life : her ability to float off the roof is replaced by a fall from her rooftop, her previously invisible showers become cold, her heels are on the ground instead of their regular stiletto shape, and she has thoughts about death. These awkward experiences lead her to depart from her world to the real world, where she seeks for answers, only to find herself confronted with even more questions. Barbie’s second phase of identity crisis will take place after the Kens gain power in Barbieland, and once again when everything is back to normal. Despite the resolution of the problems, she still feels like something is wrong. Ultimately, Barbie will get out of this existential crisis through the council of various women, giving her the ability to finally feel like herself.
This scenario differs immensely from previous iterations of the Barbie cinematic franchise. While Barbie (2023) is the first live-action Barbie movie and stands apart from its predecessors, there are more than forty other cartoon Barbie movies. Unlike the predominantly lighthearted narratives of the animated Barbie films, where Barbie assumes roles such as princess, dancer, fairy, or an ordinary girl, the 2023 live-action adaptation delves into more nuanced themes. The animated films cater a younger audience, teaching them elements like moral values (Angginie et al., 2019). Conversely, Barbie (2023) departs from this formula, positioning itself as a real cinematographic production released in theaters and acclaimed with multiple accolades. Nonetheless, both of their structures are relatively similar, characterized by a conflict, an adventure, a resolution and a moral or a lesson with a happy ending.