I went to see the 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' double feature, and I think 'Barbenheimer' could save cinema

Melissa WellsJul 26, 2023, 20:22 IST

Melissa Wells with two speech bubbles featuring the "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" posters.Melissa Wells/Insider

The double promise of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" has moviegoers attending theaters in droves.
"Barbenheimer's" opening-weekend success is a testament to the power of film ... and marketing.

After experiencing the "Barbenheimer" double feature this weekend, I left the theater a newly minted "Barbie" girl in an "Oppenheimer" world, and I'm not the only one.

With the industry at a crossroads amidst the SAG and WGA strikes, "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" serve as a reminder that this kind of artistry — and the huge fanfare that surrounds it — translates to success at the box office.

With all the excitement leading up to the films, I had to experience them for myself opening weekend. Here's what it was like seeing the movies back-to-back, and why I left believing "Barbenheimer" might just save cinema.

Ahead of the release of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" on July 21, expectations were high.

A huge digital billboard for "Barbie" in New York City in July 2023.Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

I've slowly been returning to the movie theater post pandemic, and I wasn't going to miss opening weekend of "Barbenheimer." But it took some careful planning.

A selfie at my AMC theater.Melissa Wells/Insider

Of course, I selected a "Barbie"-inspired look for the big day: a hot-pink dress and a string of flower-shaped pearls.

Wearing a hot-pink dress in front of "Barbie" movie photo backdrop.Melissa Wells/Insider

First, it was time for "Oppenheimer." My local theater didn't have any vibrant displays for the movie like it did for "Barbie," but it didn't need them.

At the Dolby Cinema entrance for "Oppenheimer."Melissa Wells/Insider

I came out of "Oppenheimer" stunned by what I had just seen, but the movie theater's vivid displays were quick to get me in the mood to visit Barbieland.

Pink and white Barbie-labeled balloons.Melissa Wells/Insider

The "Barbie" photo backdrop was the most popular aspect of this AMC's nod to Greta Gerwig's Barbieland.

'Barbie' movie photo backdrop.Melissa Wells/Insider

For $65, the theater was even selling a hot-pink convertible car as a popcorn bucket and a Margot Robbie-inspired Barbie doll.

The movie theater was selling a Barbie doll and a toy pink convertible.Melissa Wells/Insider

I did, however, spring for a pink flamingo drink floatie. Then it was time for me to watch "Barbie."

Pink Barbie drink floatie and popcorn bucket.Melissa Wells/Insider

After seeing the double feature, I thought both movies lived up to the hype.

"Barbie" poster next to "Oppenheimer" poster.Melissa Wells/Insider

And more importantly, I think "Barbenheimer" has reignited the passion for which we go to the movies in the first place.

Side-by-side photos of Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer and Margot Robbie as Barbie.Universal Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures

The clash of these two movies — one pink and one dark — created a phenomenon which means we'll remember July 21, 2023, for years to come. I know I will.

Melissa takes a selfie with the "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" movie posters.Melissa Wells/Insider

Behind-the-scenes photos show how the 'Barbie' travel montages came together without the use of CGI

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