The Official Charts Company has announced that the soundtrack for the new Barbie movie has made a significant impact on the UK singles charts, breaking previous records in the process.
Accompanying the Greta Gerwig-directed comedy, “Barbie: The Album” has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first film soundtrack ever to secure three top five songs simultaneously. Among the chart-topping hits, American singer Billie Eilish’s soul-stirring track, “What Was I Made For?”, claimed the third position this week. Following closely behind at number four is Dua Lipa’s catchy tune “Dance The Night,” and the fifth spot belongs to the reworked version of Aqua’s classic “Barbie World,” featuring rappers Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice.
The Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, generated immense anticipation and excitement leading up to its release in UK cinemas last week. Audiences flocked to see the film, propelling it to become a box office sensation.
The Barbie album boasts a star-studded lineup, including Charli XCX’s high-energy track “Speed Drive,” Gosling’s captivating ballad “I’m Just Ken,” and Lizzo’s infectious tune “Pink,” all of which secured spots within the top 40 songs on the charts.
Vue International, a leading cinema operator, reported that it experienced the most significant surge in UK cinema ticket sales in four years following the release of “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller “Oppenheimer,” centered on physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The success of “Barbie” extends beyond the UK, with the movie enjoying a record-breaking opening weekend in North America, grossing an impressive $162 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada.
At the European premiere in London, Margot Robbie, who portrays the beloved title character, shared why Barbie’s on-screen world holds such appeal: “To really do something unexpected and fun and clever and silly on such a big scale, it feels like a very unique opportunity… Barbieland feels like a female utopia. But you do, by the end of the film, see the flaw in that – I mean, a hierarchy in anyone’s power is not necessarily the best thing. But it is fun, it’s very pretty.”
Ryan Gosling, Robbie’s co-star playing Barbie’s partner, added that he was motivated to take on the film by his own children’s enthusiasm for Barbie. He said, “All things Barbie landed in my house at the same time – Barbie the doll and also the film. It was just sort of like a Barbie avalanche, I had to reckon with it.”
The success of “Barbie” and its chart-topping soundtrack showcase the enduring charm and impact of the iconic doll, captivating audiences young and old alike.