The highly-anticipated cinematic duo of Barbie and Oppenheimer finally graced the theaters in the United States over the weekend, and it was Barbie that emerged triumphant at the box office.
Directed by the brilliant Greta Gerwig, Barbie soared to new heights by garnering a staggering $155 million during its opening run, setting a groundbreaking record as the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman, as reported by Variety.
In the past, the title of highest-grossing debut for a film directed by a woman was held by Captain Marvel, co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, which achieved $153 million in 2019. Similarly, Wonder Woman, helmed by Patty Jenkins, had the record for a film solely directed by a woman with a respectable $103 million in 2017, according to the outlet.
The success of Barbie did not end there; it also clinched the title of the biggest opening weekend of 2023, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s $146 million, which was achieved earlier in the year, as Variety reported.
At the same time, Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic gem, Oppenheimer, made a significant impact as well, raking in an impressive $80.5 million during its initial three days in theaters. The film’s success further solidifies Nolan’s position as a celebrated director in the industry.
As the world eagerly anticipated the arrival of these two highly-awaited films, they exceeded expectations, captivating moviegoers and leaving them in awe of the artistic brilliance brought to the silver screen by these talented directors. Both Barbie and Oppenheimer have set a new standard for excellence in filmmaking, and their accomplishments will undoubtedly be remembered as historic milestones in the world of cinema.
The enchanting Barbie stars the exceptional Margot Robbie, alongside a stellar ensemble cast including Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Michael Cera, and many more esteemed actors and actresses. Meanwhile, Oppenheimer boasts an equally impressive lineup, featuring acclaimed stars such as Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Kenneth Branagh, among others.
In the realm of the domestic box office’s top films in 2023, Barbie and Oppenheimer join forces with other blockbusters like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Little Mermaid, and Avatar: The Way of Water, as revealed by Box Office Mojo.
With these outstanding films now gracing the theaters, audiences have been treated to an extraordinary cinematic experience brought to life by the passion and talent of the industry’s finest. Barbie and Oppenheimer are undoubtedly shining stars in the cinematic constellation, and their magic is captivating audiences far and wide.
