As highly anticipated, the new Barbie movie was the biggest hit this summer. Audiences were not only drawn to the empowering storyline and diverse characters, but as attorneys, we were also excited to see the incorporation of many well-known trademarks and brands throughout the film. This intersection of entertainment and branding presents a unique opportunity for marketers to reach their target audiences in a creative and engaging way.

Fashion took center stage in the movie. As Barbie explores the world, she is adorned in exquisite ensembles from leading fashion brands, such as Chanel, Moschino, and vintage Versace. The movie’s star, Margot Robbie, was also seen wearing various designers throughout the Barbie movie tour, such as pink Valentino and Prada.

In the realm of transportation, automotive, and aviation, brands like Chevy, Hummer, and Volkswagen elevate Barbie’s travels in the movie. These strategic brand integrations, like showcasing Barbie jumping into the brand-new Chevy Blazer SS EV, drove sales for these brands tremendously.

In addition to the movie, Mattel (the manufacturer and brand owner of the Barbie toys) granted various licenses for brands to release limited-edition Barbie merchandise and experiences. For example, Microsoft’s Xbox created a pink Barbie console series, Airbnb offers a “Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse” available for rent in Malibu, California, and Balmain rolled out a Balmain x Barbie clothing collection. The list goes on.

The film’s successful brand integration and partnerships is a testament to the power of collaboration and meaningful storytelling. The practice of integrating brands into movies, known as brand placement or product placement, has become a common marketing strategy in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Barbie merchandise continues to drive sales for these companies as the movie continues to break ceilings with over US$1 billion in box office sales within one month of the movie’s release.

Overall, brand placements in movies offer a win-win situation, where filmmakers gain additional resources for their productions, and brands benefit from increased exposure and positive associations with a compelling narrative and beloved characters. Considering the triumph of the Barbie movie, we don’t anticipate this being an unparalleled concept as we are already witnessing a burgeoning trend with others following suit. For example, Mattel Films recently announced plans to produce another toy-centric film based on the American Girl dolls. Although collaborations of this nature pose risks and challenges for a brand, the resounding success of the Barbie movie serves as a compelling testament to the potential of strategic co-branding, demonstrating its capacity to amplify revenue and reach for businesses.