Considering the recent buzz around the 2023 live-action Barbie movie, it’s easy to forget that Barbie’s cinematic universe extends far beyond this latest adaptation.
This article aims to explore all the popular Barbie movie characters. I will explore a range of 33 characters, not just from the perspective of Barbie herself but also her friends, villains, and even pets!
Each character has key traits and character arcs that have significantly impacted the storyline of their respective movies. So, let us check them out!
Central Characters Of Barbie Movies
The Barbie film franchise has featured various memorable characters, and the following table summarizes the 11 such movies.
Related Read: How Many Barbie Movies Are There?
I have also included their descriptions and the movies they appear in:-
| Barbie Movie Characters | Popular Appearance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eden Starling/Barbie | Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008) | A self-absorbed theatre star who learns the value of kindness and generosity after being visited by three spirits |
| Catherine | Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008) | Eden’s loyal friend and costume designer who stands by her despite her initial selfishness |
| Fred | Barbie in A Christmas Carol (2008) | Eden’s warm-hearted nephew who contrasts her cold demeanor with his genuine Christmas spirit and concern for others |
| Princess Anneliese | Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper (2004) | A princess eager to experience life outside the palace walls, whose switch with Erika opens her eyes to the realities and needs of her people |
| Erika | Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper (2004) | A poor seamstress who dreams of freedom, and uses her opportunity to switch places with Anneliese to save the kingdom from a villainous advisor |
| Preminger | Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper (2004) | The manipulative royal advisor whose ambition drives the main conflict |
| Barbie | Barbie (2023) | A fashion-forward and optimistic character who evolves from a glamorous figure into an empowering symbol, inspiring audiences with her resilience and ability to overcome challenges |
| Ken | Barbie (2023) | Barbie’s supportive love interest who provides stability and companionship and embraces his individuality while remaining steadfast in his support for Barbie |
| Weird Barbie | Barbie (2023) | An eccentric counterpart to Barbie who adds humor and unpredictability to the story, and challenges societal norms to encourage Barbie to embrace her uniqueness |
| Liana | Barbie & The Diamond Castle (2008) | A girl who, along with her best friend Alexa, embarks on a journey to save the magical Diamond Castle, showcasing courage and the power of friendship |
| Alexa | Barbie & The Diamond Castle (2008) | Liana’s best friend whose shared journey to the Diamond Castle tests and ultimately strengthens their bond, portraying the enduring power of friendship |
Now that we are done with the snippet, let’s review all the popular characters from all the Barbie movies.
1. Barbie As Eden Starling – Barbie In A Christmas Carol (2008)
Eden, a self-absorbed theatre star, learns the value of kindness and generosity after being visited by three spirits. Her transformation from a greedy diva to a caring individual is central to the storyline, illustrating the true spirit of Christmas.
2. Catherine – Barbie In A Christmas Carol (2008)
Catherine is Eden’s loyal friend and costume designer, who stands by her despite her initial selfishness. Catherine’s constant kindness and patience are crucial in Eden’s transformation, underscoring the theme of true friendship.
3. Fred – Barbie In A Christmas Carol (2008)
Fred is Eden’s warm-hearted nephew. He contrasts Eden’s cold demeanor with his genuine Christmas spirit and concern for others, helping to initiate her change of heart.
4. Barbie As Princess Anneliese – Barbie As The Princess And The Pauper (2004)
A princess eager to experience life outside the palace walls. Her switch with Erika opens her eyes to the realities and needs of her people, shaping her into a more empathetic and decisive leader.
5. Erika – Barbie As The Princess And The Pauper (2004)
A poor seamstress who dreams of freedom, Erika uses her opportunity to switch places with Anneliese to save the kingdom from a villainous advisor. Her courage and resourcefulness highlight the film’s theme of finding strength in one’s identity.
6. Preminger – Barbie As The Princess And The Pauper (2004)
Preminger is the manipulative royal advisor whose ambition drives the main conflict. His schemes catalyze the adventures of Anneliese and Erika, emphasizing the story’s focus on integrity and justice.
7. Barbie – Barbie (2023)
Barbie is portrayed as a fashion-forward and optimistic character. Throughout the film, she remains kind and determined to achieve her dreams, which drives the storyline forward.
As the plot progresses, Barbie evolves from a glamorous figure into an empowering symbol, inspiring audiences with her resilience and ability to overcome challenges.
8. Ken – Barbie (2023)
Ken serves as Barbie’s supportive love interest, providing stability and companionship.
With his relaxed demeanor and loyalty, Ken stands by Barbie, offering encouragement and guidance as she faces obstacles. His character development focuses on embracing his individuality while remaining steadfast in his support for Barbie.
9. Weird Barbie – Barbie (2023)
Introduced as an eccentric counterpart to Barbie, Weird Barbie adds humor and unpredictability to the story. Through her unconventional fashion choices and quirky behavior, she challenges societal norms and encourages Barbie to embrace her uniqueness.
Weird Barbie’s whimsical antics and authentic personality prompt Barbie to discover the importance of staying true to herself.
10. Barbie As Liana – Barbie & The Diamond Castle (2008)
A girl who, along with her best friend Alexa, embarks on a journey to save the magical Diamond Castle. Liana’s character shows growth through courage and the power of friendship, which is central to the narrative’s exploration of loyalty and bravery.
11. Alexa – Barbie & The Diamond Castle (2008)
Liana’s best friend, whose shared journey to the Diamond Castle tests and ultimately strengthens their bond. Alexa’s development is pivotal in portraying the enduring power of friendship.
12. Lydia – Barbie & The Diamond Castle (2008)
Lydia is the antagonist whose envy and desire for control over the Diamond Castle create the primary conflict. Her actions challenge Liana and Alexa, reinforcing the moral lessons about the dangers of greed.
13. Barbie As Mariposa Barbie: Mariposa And Her Butterfly Fairy Friends (2008)
Mariposa is a butterfly fairy whose love for reading and adventure propels her into a quest to save the Queen of Flutterfield. Mariposa’s journey from a reserved librarian to a heroic figure underscores themes of self-belief and perseverance.
14. Queen Marabella – Barbie: Mariposa And Her Butterfly Fairy Friends (2008)
The benevolent ruler whose illness due to Henna’s poison sets Mariposa on her quest. The Queen’s condition and leadership style are central to the storyline, emphasizing the importance of wise and kind rule.
15. Henna – Barbie: Mariposa And Her Butterfly Fairy Friends (2008)
Henna is the antagonist whose ambition to rule Flutterfield drives the conflict in the story. Her actions against the Queen and Mariposa highlight the contrasts between self-serving power and benevolent leadership.
16. Barbie As Princess Genevieve – Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Genevieve, one of the twelve sisters, leads her siblings into a magical world where they can dance freely, away from their restrictive lives. Her courage and love for dance help save her family from an evil plot, showcasing leadership and the power of passion.
17. King Randolph – Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
The father of the twelve princesses, who is concerned about his daughter’s well-being, inadvertently invites trouble by bringing his cousin to teach them discipline. His character highlights the themes of parental care and misunderstanding.
18. Duchess Rowena – Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Duchess Rowena is the manipulative cousin who tries to take over the kingdom by curtailing the princesses’ freedoms. Her ambitions and actions drive the conflict, emphasizing the film’s message about standing up against oppression.
19. Barbie – Barbie & Her Sisters In A Pony Tale (2013)
In this adventure, Barbie joins her sisters at a horse academy in the Alps, where she develops her equestrian skills and uncovers a family secret. Her leadership and resourcefulness are crucial in resolving the story’s challenges and uniting her family.
20. Skipper – Barbie & Her Sisters In A Pony Tale (2013)
Barbie’s sister explores music and technology during their stay at the academy. Skipper’s subplot highlights personal growth and the importance of pursuing one’s interests even when away from home.
21. Max – Barbie & Her Sisters In A Pony Tale (2013)
Max is the charming yet secretive owner of the academy who helps Barbie and her sisters in their quest. His character development from a reserved individual to a supportive friend underscores themes of trust and openness.
22. Barbie As Rosella – Barbie As The Island Princess (2007)
Rosella, raised by animals on an island, is adventurous and kind-hearted.
Her journey to a prince’s kingdom after saving his life explores themes of self-discovery and adapting to new worlds, illustrating the importance of staying true to oneself while embracing change.
23. Prince Antonio – Barbie As The Island Princess (2007)
The adventurous prince who brings Rosella to his kingdom. His curiosity about her island life and support in her quest to discover her past highlight the themes of acceptance and the value of exploring one’s heritage.
24. Queen Ariana – Barbie As The Island Princess (2007)
The film’s antagonist, Queen Ariana, tries to control her son’s kingdom by exploiting Rosella’s mysterious background. Her actions provide the central conflict, testing Rosella and Antonio’s resolve and deepening the narrative’s exploration of deceit and integrity.
25. Princess Annika – Barbie And The Magic Of Pegasus (2005)
Annika defies an evil wizard who threatens her family and kingdom. Her determination to save her loved ones and her kingdom with the help of new magical friends encapsulates themes of bravery and the quest for freedom.
26. Aidan – Barbie And The Magic Of Pegasus (2005)
A former skeptic turned ally, Aidan’s journey with Annika through trials to defeat the wizard showcases his growth from a disillusioned loner to a brave and loyal friend, emphasizing redemption and the power of support.
27. Wenlock – Barbie And The Magic Of Pegasus (2005)
Wenlock is the evil wizard whose demand for Annika’s hand in marriage sets off the adventure. His tyranny and transformation highlight the consequences of power misuse and the transformative power of love and courage.
28. Barbie As Rapunzel – Barbie As Rapunzel (2002)
Trapped in a tower by the witch Gothel, Rapunzel uses her creativity and a magical paintbrush to fight for her freedom. Her journey from captive to liberator demonstrates the strength of creativity and the desire for freedom.
29. Prince Stefan – Barbie As Rapunzel (2002)
The prince discovers Rapunzel and becomes instrumental in her quest for independence. His relationship with Rapunzel fosters mutual respect and support, highlighting the film’s emphasis on partnership and courage.
30. Gothel – Barbie As Rapunzel (2002)
The witch who holds Rapunzel captive is driven by fear of losing control over her. Gothel’s actions catalyze Rapunzel’s journey and serve as a cautionary tale about the destructiveness of possessiveness and deceit.
31. Barbie As Odette – Barbie Of Swan Lake (2003)
An evil sorcerer transforms Odette into a swan by night, and she must overcome her fears to save the Enchanted Forest. Her transformation from a shy village girl to a brave heroine captures the essence of courage and self-discovery.
32. Prince Daniel – Barbie Of Swan Lake (2003)
Prince Daniel helps Odette in her quest to defeat the sorcerer. His character supports the themes of true love and bravery, reinforcing the idea that genuine affection can inspire great courage and change.
33. Rothbart – Barbie Of Swan Lake (2003)
Rothbart is the sorcerer who curses Odette, setting the plot into motion. His desire for control over the Enchanted Forest drives Odette to rise to the challenge, emphasizing themes of power misuse and the struggle between good and evil.
His defeat marks the triumph of Odette’s bravery and the restoration of peace.
Some Related Reads:
Conclusion: What is Your Favourite Barbie Movie Character?
This comprehensive overview explores memorable characters that have graced the Barbie film franchise over the years. From Eden’s self-reflective journey to the brave princess Annelissa, we have learned about kindness, friendship, and being true to ourselves.
Most of these films were part of my childhood, as I excitedly waited for 8 p.m. on Sundays. Thankfully, you do not have to wait. You can simply enjoy the magic of fairytales on streaming platforms.
So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link in the table and (re)visit the franchise.
