“Barbie” Ranks 119th in Film Inclusion Despite Box Office Success

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Despite its record-breaking $1.45 billion box office success in 2023, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig‘s “Barbie” ranks only 119th on the annual Inclusion List, a data-driven ranking of the most inclusive films from 2019 to 2023. The list, presented by Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation, evaluates films based on gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, disability, and age representation.

“Our goal with the Inclusion List is to celebrate those who are showcasing and working with exceptional talent from all backgrounds,” stated Dr. Smith in a press release. “In the second year of its release, the newest iteration of the Inclusion List spotlights films, filmmakers, and distributors who clearly demonstrate that inclusion is a part of great entertainment.”

Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s “The Woman King” (2022) topped the list, while 2023’s “A Thousand and One,” directed by A.V. Rockwell and starring Teyana Taylor, ranked second. Other notable films in the top 10 include “Bottoms,” “The Color Purple,” and “The Blackening.”

For context, “Barbie” scored in the top 3.33% for gender inclusion, while “A Thousand and One” ranked in the top 0.67% for overall inclusivity. Films like “Joy Ride,” “The Marvels,” and “Priscilla” also scored highly for representation of underrepresented groups, LGBTQ+ characters, and people with disabilities.

The Inclusion List also recognized directors and editors for their commitment to diversity. Catherine Hardwicke, Olivia Wilde, and Destin Daniel Cretton were among the top directors, while editors like Annette Davey and Terilyn A. Shropshire were celebrated for their inclusive work.

Universal Pictures led major studios with 29 films on the list, followed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Independent distributor A24 topped the list with 14 films.

The full report and methodology are available on the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s website, along with rankings for the most inclusive TV series from 2021 to 2023.