Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, navigating their lives across the fantastical Barbieland and the very real landscape of Los Angeles. Since its U.S. debut in July 2023, the film has amassed nearly $1.5 billion worldwide, setting records as the top-grossing movie of 2023, Warner Bros.' most successful release ever, and the 14th highest-grossing film of all time. It's in the running for eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Song with hits like "I'm Just Ken" and "What Was I Made For?"
The majority of the film was shot at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, in England, drawing heavily on Mid-Century design aesthetics, a nod to both Southern California's architectural heritage and Barbie's own iconic style. Ruth Handler, Mattel's co-founder and the brainchild behind Barbie, introduced the doll at the American International Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. The movie's real-world escapades unfold in Los Angeles, mirroring the location of Mattel's actual headquarters.
Scenes from Barbie highlight LA's diversity, from Downtown LA to Venice Beach and Long Beach, celebrating the art and design that flourished from the 1930s through the 1970s. Key locations like the LAX Theme Building, Randy's Donuts, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier are cleverly incorporated into Barbieland's landscape. Inside Mattel HQ, the iconic Hollywood Sign and the Downtown LA skyline serve as the backdrop.
The film's production design, inspired by Southern California's signature Mid-Century modernism, saw the Barbie Dream Houses drawing inspiration from Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. Weird Barbie's abode pays homage to the eerie house featured in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, a real structure you can visit on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour.
For fans eager to trace Barbie and Ken's footprints through Los Angeles, consider embarking on a personalized journey with Elite Adventure Tours. These signature private ground tours offer an exclusive way to explore the iconic sites featured in Barbie, allowing guests to delve into the city's rich tapestry of art, culture, and cinematic history.