The 8 Best References to Past Barbie Dolls in the New ‘Barbie’ Film

In the first shot of the movie, in a scene that spoofs the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey, we see the arrival of Barbie. Naturally, star Margot Robbie is dressed in the same ensemble that outfitted the first-ever Barbie doll from 1959. It's a glorious wink to the doll that started it all.

Barbie's bestie, Midge (Emerald Fennell), shows up in the film, and she's pregnant, just like the controversial 2002 Mattel doll that was quickly pulled off shelves (because some people thought it encouraged teenage pregnancy).

Speaking of Midge, her hubby Allan makes an appearance as well (and he's comically played by a red-haired Michael Cera).

Perhaps one of the strangest Barbies ever created—the “Sugar Daddy” doll (played by Rob Brydon)—makes a cameo in Barbie too. As he jokes in the film, his name is “Sugar Daddy” because he's the daddy to his dog, Sugar.

In a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment in Barbie, John Cena appears as a merman, seemingly playing off this sea-cruising doll that was introduced in 2020.

This Barbie loved screens so much that she even had a TV in her back. No wonder she appears on the big screen in Barbie.

Skipper was designed by Mattel in 1964 to be Barbie's younger sister, so of course she got a little screen time in Barbie.

Barbie collectors may recognize the film's nod to this ’90s doll, which could actually talk to its owners (but it only had a few different catchphrases).