The rivalry between the films Barbie and Oppenheimer was reignited at the Oscars when Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, representing their respective movies, playfully bantered about their mid-summer box office competition. Despite their different genres, both films drew comparisons after their simultaneous release on July 21, 2023.
Barbie vs. Oppenheimer: Box Office Battle
Barbie, depicting the story of a plastic woman navigating the real world, earned a staggering $1.4 billion at the box office, overshadowing Oppenheimer’s impressive $960 million take. While both films achieved significant financial success, Barbie emerged as the clear winner with nearly $500 million more in earnings.
Critical and Audience Reception
In terms of critical acclaim, Oppenheimer gained an edge over Barbie. The biopic received a 93 percent Tomatometer score and a 91 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Barbie’s 88 percent Tomatometer score and 83 percent audience score. Despite Oppenheimer’s critical acclaim, Barbie’s early reviews were still positive.
No Clear Winner
With financial success on one side and critical acclaim on the other, there is no clear victor in the Barbie and Oppenheimer rivalry. The competition extended to the Oscars, where both films were nominated for Best Picture. The outcome of the 2024 Oscars could ultimately determine which movie receives the most recognition and praise.
The Continuing Banter Between Blunt and Gosling
Blunt, representing Oppenheimer, and Gosling, representing Barbie, engaged in playful banter at the Oscars, with Blunt downplaying the rivalry and Gosling teasing that Oppenheimer was “riding Barbie’s coattails.” Their onstage exchange reflects the ongoing competition between the two films and adds a lighthearted touch to their rivalry.
FAQ
What were the competing movies in the Barbie and Oppenheimer rivalry?
The rival films were Barbie and Oppenheimer, released on the same day in 2023.
Who represented each film at the Oscars?
Emily Blunt represented Oppenheimer, while Ryan Gosling represented Barbie.
Which film won the box office battle?
Barbie emerged as the financial victor, earning $1.4 billion compared to Oppenheimer’s $960 million.
How did the films fare critically?
While Oppenheimer received higher critical acclaim with a 93 percent Tomatometer score, Barbie also garnered positive reviews, earning an 88 percent score.
What was the outcome of their rivalry at the Oscars?
The outcome of their rivalry at the Oscars remained uncertain, as both films were nominated for Best Picture, leaving the decision to the Academy.