Barbie in The Nutcracker Lands on Netflix, and It's a Nostalgic Watch for Parents and Kids
Elisabeth Sherman | Mon, September 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM UTC
Key Takeaways
- Barbie in the Nutcracker: Barbie’s inaugural movie is now streaming on Netflix, invoking nostalgia among parents and delighting a new generation of children.
- Special Edition: Featuring updated characters and a fresh narrative, this special will premiere in November to commemorate the film's 25th anniversary.
- New Barbie Dolls: Mattel has launched a collection of Nutcracker-inspired Barbie dolls, encouraging kids to immerse themselves in the magic of the story during playtime.
Barbie has maintained her cultural relevance for over six decades, effortlessly integrating herself into each new era and the evolving interests of children. She's portrayed various roles—from an astronaut and doctor to a figure skater—but one of her most iconic characters was as a ballet dancer in 2001's The Nutcracker adaptation.
For kids born in the aughts, Barbie in The Nutcracker (and perhaps for millennials with children) holds fond memories as Clara, the film's star. Now, parents and kids can relive this nostalgia at home by streaming it on Netflix—a Barbie classic passed down to a new generation.
Technically, Barbie in The Nutcracker was Barbie's first movie. Two TV specials aired in 1987, detailing her adventures as a space rock star.