One year ago, on July 21, Christopher Nolan’s film about J. Robert Oppenheimer and Greta Gerwig’s vibrant satire Barbie both hit theaters, creating a significant impact at the global box office. Despite their contrasting themes, both movies achieved remarkable success.
Barbenheimer Weekend Takes Over: During the weekend of their release, Barbenheimer saw a combined opening weekend total of $310.8 million in the US, making it the fourth highest opening weekend ever, following Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Barbie Surpasses Expectations: Barbie not only outperformed Oppenheimer globally but also became Warner Bros’ highest-grossing film in US history, surpassing Nolan’s 2008 superhero hit, The Dark Knight. Greta Gerwig’s direction helped Barbie become the highest-grossing film by a female director, surpassing Jia Ling’s 2021 comedy Hi, Mom, and earning over $1 billion globally, a phenomenon dubbed “Barbenbillion.”
Oppenheimer’s Biopic Success: Oppenheimer also achieved significant milestones, grossing $976 million and becoming the highest-grossing biopic, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody. Additionally, it became the second highest-grossing R-rated movie after Joker.
Oscar Triumphs: While Barbie triumphed at the box office, Oppenheimer excelled at the Academy Awards, securing 13 nominations and winning Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., along with awards for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Original Score. This made Oppenheimer the highest-grossing and longest Best Picture winner since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003. Barbie received eight nominations, winning Best Original Song for Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and a nomination for Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken.”
