They are among the biggest films of the year and both have star casts. They both come from renowned filmmakers and will be released on the same day. They couldn’t be more different. Barbie And Oppenheimer are officially here, marking the arrival of “Barbenheimer,” a term coined on the internet to mark the July 21, 2023 release of these two contrasting films.
Whether audiences will only see one of these films, or both, or even see both as an inspired double film, has yet to be decided. However, “Barbenheimer” isn’t the first notable film pairing to hit theaters on the same day.
10 “Barbie” & “Oppenheimer” – July 21, 2023
Images via Warner Bros. and Universal PicturesEver since it was revealed that Barbie and Oppenheimer are opening on the same day, everyone has been obsessed with the Barbenheimer phenomenon. The former directed by Greta Gerwigbased on the iconic Mattel toy line and sees Barbie (Margot Robbie) Embark on an adventure in the real world.
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The latter directed by Christopher nolanis the true story of Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and the creation of the atomic bomb. With “Barbie” set to be a colorful and comedic adventure and “Oppenheimer” a thrilling historical epic, moviegoers will have plenty of variety from July 21st.
9 “Toy Story” and “Casino” – November 22, 1995
Images via Disney/Pixar and Universal PicturesSimilar to Barbie and Oppenheimer, two very different films were released on November 22, 1995. There was Pixar’s lover toy storyAnd Martin Scorseseis the thriller casino. Both received critical acclaim, but it was Toy Story that stood out and changed the animation landscape.
In Casino, as before, Scorsese returned to the familiar world of gangsters Goodfellas, which some say is the better film of the two. However, because it was the first computer-animated feature film, Toy Story was a milestone in filmmaking and remains one of the most popular films of all time.
8 “Jumanji” and “Heat” – December 15, 1995
Images via TriStar Pictures and Warner Bros.In a scenario reminiscent of “Toy Story” and “Casino” less than a month earlier, another hit family film and dark crime drama was released on the same day, this time on December 15, 1995. The first was jumanji with Robin Williamsand the second Michael man‘S heat.
Both films were, and continue to be, highly acclaimed, the first a fantastical adventure showcasing Williams’ legendary talent and the second an epic heist starring the likes of… Robert DeNiro And Al Pacino. It is safe to say that by the end of 1995 both children and parents would have been very happy with the viewing opportunities.
7 “The Matrix” and “10 Things I Hate About You” – March 31, 1999
Images via Warner Bros. and Touchstone PicturesA sci-fi masterpiece and an iconic teenage romantic comedy both hit theaters on March 31, 1999. If viewers felt edgy and a little punky, they would go for it The Matrixand if they felt funny and a little romantic, they would try 10 things I hate about you.
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Both were great choices. Thanks to its groundbreaking themes and imagery, The Matrix established itself as one of the most influential science fiction films of all time. While 10 Things failed to keep up at the box office, over the years it has become a cult classic and one of the defining coming-of-age films of the era.
6 Before Midnight and Fast & Furious 6 – May 24, 2013
Images via Sony Pictures Classics and Universal PicturesTwo films perhaps even more opposites than Barbie and Oppenheimer – one a mega-franchise blockbuster and the other an indie romantic drama – hit theaters on May 24, 2013. Fast & Furious 6 And Before midnight are films that have absolutely nothing in common.
The first, of course, was the sixth installment in the adrenaline-pumping action series, and the second Richard Linklateris the thoughtful conclusion to his critically acclaimed work Before Trilogy. While Fast 6 predictably eclipsed Before Midnight at the box office, Linklater’s film resonated with its target audience and earned an Oscar nomination for a masterful screenplay.
5 “Ghostbusters” and “Gremlins” – June 8, 1984
Images via Columbia Picures and Warner Bros.ghostbusters And gremlinstwo of the most legendary films of the 80’s, both were released on June 8, 1984. Both are comedic fantasy films with a spooky atmosphere, and the two have had a major impact on pop culture, starting their own franchises.
The two films had similarly positive results at the box office, which is not surprising considering how popular and how often they are watched even today. On this day in 1984, older children and adults were treated to two great opportunities that offered action, laughter and thrills in equal measure.
Images via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros.On June 26, 1987, two very different war films hit theaters. someone was space ballsa sci-fi parody film Mel Brooksand the other full metal jacketa brutal interpretation of the Vietnam War Stanley Kubrick. Viewers couldn’t find another two different films to watch that opening weekend.
RELATED: The best war movies of all time, ranked according to IMDb
Known for his parodies of film genres and conventions, Brooks primarily focused on making fun of her war of stars and its characters, while Kubrick observed the Marines’ relentless and dehumanizing journey from boot camp to actual battlefield. As different as they may be, both films achieved what they set out to do.
3 “The Dark Knight” and “Mamma Mia!” – July 18, 2008
Images via Warner Bros. and Universal PicturesIn what could be called the original Barbenheimer, ABBA set musical Mamma Mia! and superhero epic The dark knight — which, incidentally, is also directed by Christopher Nolan — both hit theaters on July 18, 2008. At the box office, it was about the Greek Islands vs. Gotham City.
Moviegoers can choose either the romantic adventures of a bride-to-be or the thrilling adventures of a caped crusader. With an all-star cast and plenty of whimsy, Mamma Mia! was a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, The Dark Knight redefined the superhero genre and introduced one of cinema’s most iconic villains Heath Ledgeris joker.
2 “Blade Runner” and “The Thing” – June 25, 1982
Images via Warner Bros. and Universal PicturesTwo of the most famous science fiction films of all time, Ridley Scott‘S blade runner And John Carpenter‘S the thingreleased the same day in 1982. The two were darker and more violent portrayals of the genre and, surprisingly, were not instant classics upon release.
Both films didn’t do particularly well at the box office, but in the years that followed, they gained the recognition and recognition they deserve. The Thing was groundbreaking for its impressive (and often grotesque) practical effects, while Blade Runner offered a visually arresting and thought-provoking viewing experience.
1 “Eleven” and “Love Actually” – November 7, 2003
Images via New Line Cinema and Universal PicturesAudiences received the best Christmas present ever in 2003 with the simultaneous release of Eleven And love actually. The Former Stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, his most popular role to date, while the latter plays an all-star British cast in a series of love stories around the holidays.
Over the years, the two have become Christmas classics and are must-haves around the holiday season. Whether viewers are in the mood for silly comedy or heartfelt romance, both films have plenty of Christmas cheer and an endless reunion factor.
NEXT: The best movies to watch this Christmas