by Brianna Fox-Priest August 31, 2023

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Hiya, Barbie! 

When just about every popular anime gets a live-action deal, why not the other way around, too?

Since the turn of the century, our blonde-donning Barbie has debuted in 42 CGI movies and streaming television films. Even inspiring multiple PC and console games throughout the years. The recently celebrated Barbie movie officially surpassed this year’s other releases as the highest-grossing film of 2023 with $1.38 billion globally. Barbie’s influence is undeniable, including sparking creativity within the anime industry.

If you ever dreamed of Barbie leaving Barbie Land for a bright and cheery anime world, it’s your lucky day. Let’s take the time to appreciate these works of art by Barbie enthusiasts.

Now, we wish we could break exciting news of a Barbie anime series (maybe one day?!), but we found the next best thing; Barbie as an anime girl. We recently came across some mighty talented creators who have done the internet a favor and delivered their own take on 1990s anime-inspired Barbie art. Take a moment to visualize Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie’s character) as a Sailor Scout; we’re certain this would be her look. 

Thanks to their animated art style reminiscent of Sailor Moon, Hanavbara, brings Mattel’s iconic Barbie into the world of magical anime girl series. As seen in Barbie The Movie, the Barbies are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way and look good while doing it. Barbie Land It’s the perfect plot for a girl gang of Barbies to rescue the world from evil. All they need to do is use their magical mirror to transform into their magical girl uniforms, slide down to the Malibu Dreamhouse driveway, and hop into Barbie’s pink Star ‘Vette. It’s the perfect setup.

If you weren’t convinced that Barbie could make it as an anime, it’s undeniable that Barbie goes through her own hero’s journey. What festers as questioning the utopia built around her, Barbie must rediscover her purpose as a pop cultural icon for young girls and the women who grew up playing with and feeling the impact of Barbie’s cultural significance, all with the support of her trusted Barbie friends (and Skipper). 

With the animation style decided, now comes the theme music. Sticking with the 90s inspiration, the opening to this Barbie anime would very obviously be Aqua’s 1997 Barbie Girl but translated into Japanese for authenticity. How would that sound, you ask? Like a bop. Just listen to YouTuber Thai McGrath and Just Cosplay Sing’s remix of the famous pop song. 

Don’t worry, we thought of the perfect ending theme to add the cherry on top to this sundae: A genius remix of Neon Genesis Evangelion’s A Cruel Angel Thesis by Yoko Takahashi and Aqua’s Barbie Girl. Both songs sound effortlessly made for one another, in A Cruel Barbie’s Thesis by Matt Nguyen-Ngo.

 However you look at it, Barbie The Movie as an anime just makes sense. This Barbie is…the magical girl we’ve been waiting for.