Barbie vs Oppenheimer: What is the Barbienheimer trend?

The blockbusters – directed by Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan respectively – have captured our attention to become the most likely but highly anticipated double feature.

For the past year, film fanatics have compared every teasing detail from both pictures including the trailers, star-studded casts and the UK premieres.

Cinephiles haven’t seen a divide like Barbie vs Oppenheimer since July 2008 when The Dark Knight and Mamma Mia! went head-to-head at the Box Office.

Despite the box office battle, fans on either side – not to mention the ones that fall in both camps – have produced a stream of hilarious memes in their own special corner of the internet.

So sit back, relax, turn off your phone and grab your popcorn because here’s the Barbenheimer phenomenon explained.

When did the Barbenheimer trend start?

The origin of the Barbeneimer phenomenon is Warner Brothers’ announcement in early 2022 that the release date of Greta Gerwig‘s film would coincide with Universal Pictures’ Oppenheimer (directed by Christopher Nolan).

From that moment on, the internet was in a frenzy.

Twitter users noted the film’s contrasting themes and vibes immediately and quickly began curating a bank of memes to highlight their intense differences.

It started with ‘Oppenheimer bf”https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/”Barbie gf’ memes with social media users debating which person ‘has more say‘ in their relationship depending on which film they see first.

The memes escalated into full-blown unofficial trailers, merchandise and then an entire itinerary or the ultimate watching order for fans to see the film.

Barbie vs Oppenheimer: Which film should I see first?

Radio 1 DJ Greg James says the correct Barbenheimer viewing order is Bombs – Brunch – Barbie.

As always, Zoe Ball is right pic.twitter.com/5ChQ0SI5Pj

— Becca Carey ???? (@becca_carey_) July 19, 2023

Meanwhile, BBC presenter Zoe Ball disagrees, having seen Barbie in the morning and Oppenheimer in the afternoon.

Speaking to Oppenheimer actors Emily Blunt and Matt Damon on BBC Radio 2, she revealed: “It was the right way to go”.

The broadcaster added: “I was worried that it was the wrong way to go and I thought that I would need to be alleviated, but it was the perfect way to go”.

Fans have been weighing in on the debate with many sharing their thoughts in the comments.

One person shared: “I’m doing Barbie, Oppenheimer, Barbie.”

A second user commented: “Oppenheimer is a masterpiece but can be a downer for sure, I’ll need some uplifting thoughts afterwards, so Barbie after.”

A third said: “Oppenheimer first then Barbie. I’ve made my bed and I hope I’m right.”

While a fourth person joked: “First Oppenheimer, then Oppenheimer again for some lightness.”

The truth is – there’s no right answer but we hope we’re right all the same.

What are Barbie and Oppenheimer predicted to make at the Box Office?

Barbie is predicted to make $110 million on its opening weekend in the North American box office, Forbes reports.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is projected to make $50 million in the same period.

Barbie and Oppenheimer Rotten Tomatoes

Ahead of the film’s release on July 21, here are the current scores from critics on the film review website Rotten Tomatoes:

Barbie: 90%

Oppenheimer – It doesn’t have one right now but we’ll update you when it does

Barbie and Oppenheimer age ratings

Here are the age ratings for both Barbie and Oppenheimer

Barbie: PG-13

Oppenheimer: 15 in the UK, R in the US