Kait Mae

Ever since Barbie came out, I’ve been dying to see other nostalgic movies from my childhood adapted. So, I put together a list of the Barbie movies I’d like to see (or just think would do well in live-action as well) in live-action. Instead of going through every single film and saying yes or no – that would take way too long to write out – I’m going to just list the ones I would say yes to.

‘Nutcracker’

It’s the OG. Of course, I want to see it in live-action. I’ve never been able to see the ballet production all the way through – my family isn’t as into stage productions as I am – so I just want the Barbie version.

This was such a great take on the ballet’s story with a slight twist. And just imagine that transformation with the CGI we have now. And Mattel could hire real dancers like they did for the animated movie to do the ballet scenes. It would be magical.

‘Rapunzel’

I know so many are waiting around for a live-action Tangled, and while I am, too, I would honestly rush to theaters to see this Barbie movie in live-action. Yes, Disney has a lock on princess movies, but Barbie’s Rapunzel was so good.

Instead of the typical Rapunzel story that Disney kind of followed, Barbie’s Rapunzel was taken to spite a king, and then Gothel tried to start a war – this was low-key more high-stakes than Disney has made in a long time. Can Mattel make this happen, please?

‘Swan Lake’

Again with the ballets. I just want to see this in live-action. I haven’t seen Swan Lake on stage yet, so I’m not even going to touch on if the story was the same or not.

I just want to see that swan dress – you know the one I’m talking about – in live-action. Cosplayers have made it with low budgets, so I’m sure Mattel could handle doing this movie dress justice in live-action.

‘The Princess and the Pauper’

This is commonly called “the best Barbie movie” and I’ve seen several people say their ideas for adapting it to stage and live-action. And while it’s not my favorite (that’s coming up in a few minutes), I would love to see this adapted.

It’s a classic that so many already love – imagine Mattel listens to the audience and gives us a faithful adaptation, maybe with a few new songs.

‘Fairytopia’ series

There’s something about fairies that just draws me in. Fairytopia is a favorite for so many fans; I’m surprised we haven’t gotten any more movies in this world since Magic of the Rainbow.

I genuinely think this trilogy could be better than the Disney live-actions if given the chance in theaters. Plus, Bibble! Who doesn’t want more of that little fuzzball?

Read More: Disney Should Bring Back the Disney Fairies Franchise

‘Magic of Pegasus’

Maybe it’s the lack of ice-skating movies we’ve had recently, but I really want to see this movie adapted. Many fans on TikTok say this movie is their original enemies-to-lovers, so I know there’d be several fans in the theater if this was adapted.

I don’t know how we’d make the flying pegasus, but I really want to see the beautiful ice skating and dancing. And just like with Fairytopia, we have a cute little sidekick in Shiver, who might not be very helpful, but she’s so adorable.

‘The 12 Dancing Princesses’

Now, we’ve finally gotten to my personal favorite Barbie movie. I watch this every year, and if adapted to live-action, I’d have two versions to watch every year. What more could I ask for?

There are so many ways they could do an adaptation of this film, but I just want to see the sisters dancing their way out of the magic world. Just imagine all the colors and pretty dresses they’d get to make for it.

‘Mariposa’ series

Just like Fairytopia, there’s something about the fairy movies (other than Thumbelina) that just won me over. Mariposa is a relatable character that we don’t see in adventure and fantasy films often.

The duology could easily be created in a live-action format while still remaining faithful to the story. If we can make “underwater” movies like The Little Mermaid and Aquaman, we can get the Fairytopia and Mariposa movies.

‘The Diamond Castle’

This might not be one of my favorite Barbie movies, but I really want to see that diamond castle in a live-action movie. (And the dancing dogs.)

I had a few gripes with some of the side characters in this movie, so if Mattel was given a chance, I’d hope they make the less-likable characters more likable. But please, keep Liana and Alexa exactly as they are.

Read More: How I’d Make a Live-Action Bratz Franchise

‘The Three Musketeers’

Say what you will about the newer movies, but I genuinely love Barbie and the Three Musketeers. Yes, there were some moments that weren’t as great as the OG Barbie movies, but as a whole, the movie was great.

It was a girl power movie that I’ve been searching for in live-action since. The guys in the film were either antagonists or were just there. So, Mattel should really cash in on this movie again and adapt it to live-action.

‘Mermaid Tale’ series

If we can get The Little Mermaid from Disney, Mattel can make A Mermaid Tale and its sequel, no problem. It’s not every day Barbie movies get sequels, so when they do, you know they’re special.

Merliah was such a likable character that I actually got excited for the sequel. And the story was really nice and interesting – we hadn’t really seen it before, either from previous Mattel or other productions.

‘Princess Charm School’

This might be the only time I say that Mattel should adapt one of their animated movies into a live-action show. I remember watching this movie and just wanting more about the characters in the school.

It felt rushed, but everyone I’ve talked to about it has loved the movies. If given the chance, it could be expanded, and characters (like Blair) could get the actual character arcs they deserve.

‘The Pink Shoes’

I’ll be honest – I don’t love this movie. That said, I think it would translate really well into live-action. There are not a lot of magical elements that would require much CGI, but there are still a lot of fantasy elements to make it lovable.

For those that haven’t watched it, The Pink Shoes sees Barbie as Kristyn as she and her friend are transported into The Snow Queen by a pair of magical pink ballet shoes. It focuses on Kristyn’s journey as a dancer – and it’s ties back to her real life outside the ballet.

Read More: How I Would Adapt ‘The Selection’

‘Star Light Adventure’

Last on this list, we have the only science fiction Barbie movie – Star Light Adventure. If you liked Disney Channel’s Zenon trilogy, then you’ll probably agree that this would be a hit.

In the film, Barbie is tasked with leading a team to save the stars. It’s a terrific story that nobody really talks about because it came out among some other not-as-amazing movies in the mid- to late-2010s.

Did I miss your favorite Barbie movie? Which would you love to see in live-action?