The simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer was so widely anticipated that the internet gave the historic opening weekend a name: Barbenheimer.
Barbie, written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, brings the world’s favorite doll to life in a fantasy-filled, comedic adventure with an epic soundtrack. In an entirely different direction, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a three-hour biopic about the father of the atomic bomb. The combined debut was a success, bringing in more than $311 million for the fourth-highest-grossing opening weekend in U.S. history. And both movies generated existential questions that have left fans wanting more.
Spotify’s Podcast Editorial team curated an evolving list of the best Barbie vs. Oppenheimer podcasts, which can be found under podcast browse. Take a listen to learn more about the business behind Barbie or the conspiracy theories that surround the Manhattan Project, or just sit back and hear people gush about Ryan Gosling’s performance as Ken.
“Mattel Bets Big on Barbie”
The Journal.
Spotify Studios
After watching Barbie, many were left curious about Mattel’s unique role in the film. The Journal. is here to answer all your questions and then some. Robbie Brenner, Executive Producer at Mattel Films, discusses the challenges they faced while bringing the beloved Barbie doll to life in cinematic form. Plus, she shares some exciting news about what’s to come from Mattel Films (did somebody say Polly Pocket movie?).
“The Manhattan Project”
Conspiracy Theories
Spotify Studios
This episode of Conspiracy Theories covers the true story of the top-secret military program that inspired Oppenheimer. Not only does the episode cover the official story in detail, but also all the captivating conspiracy theories it inspired—from aliens to a fluoride cover-up to a pagan cult.
“The Enduring Appeal of Barbie”
Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders
Vulture
Barbie and fashion have always gone hand in hand. In this episode of Into It, host Sam Sanders sits down to talk all things Barbiecore with two fashion experts: Danya Issawi, fashion writer for New York Magazine and The Cut, and Darnell–Jamal Lisby, a fashion historian. Expect to hear some personal stories of what it was like for them to grow up with the doll that defines American girlhood.
“Christopher Nolan on ‘Oppenheimer,’ Mr.Cartoon on ‘Just My Imagination,’ Brooklyn Sudano on The Treat”
The Treatment
KCRW
Who better to hear from than the Oppenheimer filmmaker himself? On this episode of The Treatment, host Elvis Mitchell speaks to director and writer Christopher Nolan about his work. The pair discuss themes that run through Nolan’s work and are especially apparent in Oppenheimer, including “the danger of knowledge.”
“‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’s’ Epic Weekend Face-Off”
The Town with Matthew Belloni
The Ringer
On this episode of The Town, a podcast that covers all things Hollywood, host Matthew Belloni is joined by David Herrin. Herrin is the founder of Quorum, the industry leader in film data research and insights. Conversations include the marketing strategy behind Barbie, the birth of “Barbenheimer,” and the role COVID-19 played in creating an opening weekend unlike anything they have ever seen.
“The Barbie Tapes: A Toy is Born”
LA Made: The Barbie Tapes
LAist Studios
From the time Barbie first entered the toy scene in 1959 until the release of Barbie in 2023, the brand and the doll have been at the center of controversy and culture. “The Barbie Tapes: A Toy is Born” is the first episode in season two of LA Made that tells the true story of Barbie in the words of her creators. The series covers Barbie’s colorful history from start to finish, illuminating details that we all may have missed.
“A Barbie v. Oppenheimer Game”
Pop Culture Happy Hour
NPR
First, play along as the NPR hosts discuss “pop culture’s most contentious matchups.” Then, if your friends still haven’t seen Oppenheimer and you don’t want to spoil it for them, listen to this episode to hear the hosts gab about the plot, the cast, and the complicated history behind the movie. And when you finish listening to “Oppenheimer,” you can check out one of Pop Culture Happy Hour’s two episodes on Barbie, one with spoilers and one without.
“The ‘Barbie’ Deep Dive w/Greta Gerwig!”
The Big Picture
The Ringer
Greta Gerwig is the mastermind behind Barbie. On this episode of The Big Picture, she discusses her approach to recreating the iconic doll for the big screen, the unique challenges she encountered, themes that run through Barbie and her previous work (Lady Bird and Little Women), and the movie’s overall cultural impact.
Whether you want to revisit history or take a trip to Barbie Land, Spotify’s Podcast Editorial team has you covered on podcast browse. Check out these podcasts and more on our Barbie vs. Oppenheimer shelf.
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