One year since Barbenheimer: A look back at an iconic week in cinema history

One year since Barbenheimer, we look back at the top 10 memes from this iconic week in cinema history.

A year ago, the internet was abuzz with excitement over two films about kids' dolls and weapons of mass destruction—an unlikely pair that captivated audiences worldwide. Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie" and Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer" both hit cinemas, and their simultaneous release created a cultural phenomenon dubbed "Barbenheimer."

The hype around these movies couldn't have been more different. "Barbie" was characterized by its pink, pretty, and plastic aesthetic, while "Oppenheimer" dealt with the grim realities of the atom bomb, fire, and brimstone. Despite these contrasts, social media embraced the dual release, and cinemas geared up to show both movies back-to-back. Filmgoers debated the best viewing order, with some advocating for "Oppenheimer" first, then "Barbie" (Oppenbarbie), and others suggesting the reverse order (Barbenheimer).

The meme factory went into overdrive, producing a plethora of hilarious and creative content. To commemorate this iconic week in cinema history, we have collected the top 10 memes from the Barbenheimer craze...

https://t.co/RdsLSaTp8L pic.twitter.com/dpzxCy36z9

— n 🌙 (@ninekissses) July 16, 2023

This might be the best #Barbenheimer edit I've seen. pic.twitter.com/0BhzpL2xeQ

— tasavvur (@thomashelby_obe) July 9, 2023

It is June 15, 2005. Christopher Nolan's movie is opening against a blonde lead actress

It is July 18, 2008. Christopher Nolan's movie is opening against a blonde lead actress

It is July 21, 2023. Christopher Nolan's movie is opening against a blonde lead actress#Barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/re0gdFoqsf

— Matthew (@mattbo_0) July 14, 2023

The beauty of Barbenheimer is the juxtaposition of our nostalgia for both sides of the American 1950s aesthetic.

Conspicuous consumption and nuclear annihilation. pic.twitter.com/YNj2lkzVVj

— Sam (Mach/Tristero) (@futurenomics) July 17, 2023

Happy Barbenheimer Week To All Who Celebrate #Barbie #Oppenheimer #Barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/Z8QMpT7f4z

— Heath (@LeastHesFunny_) July 17, 2023

As silly as it is...#Barbenheimer reminds me what I enjoy about the movie sphere again. After years of having constant divided, bickering on what's 'woke', what should fail, what movies have agendas and laughing at box off stumbles it's nice to have a celebration of movies again pic.twitter.com/BKy0Hj2kAy

— Steve GhostWorld🖖🏾🏒📐📖 (@MyGhostWorld) July 12, 2023

Me on Barbenheimer day pic.twitter.com/C1PjXrj8wU

— Pete 🏳️‍🌈 (@PeteAscolese) July 10, 2023

The Oppenheimer marketing team has an opportunity to do the funniest thing possible https://t.co/LTI644XiTm

— express yourself (it’s one on one) (@bootcutgenes) June 26, 2023

whoever made this is insane 😂 pic.twitter.com/mJdw36JIJz

— The Cinegogue (@TheCinegogue) June 28, 2023

Their entire lives have led up to the Oppenheimer / Barbie release pic.twitter.com/w2FgLwhDg1

— Yann (@yannhatchuel) June 26, 2023

As we reflect on this unique moment in film history, it's clear that Barbenheimer was more than just a marketing triumph—it was a cultural event that brought people together in unexpected ways.