How to Plan Your ‘Barbie’ and “Oppenheimer’ Double Feature in California

The beautiful California sun is out, and the blockbuster summer movies are releasing, so it’s the perfect time to make it out to the movies. It’s actually the perfect time too with the meme-turned-hype double feature of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” two diametrically opposed movies releasing on the same day.

The hype for a double feature started when people realized both movies were releasing on the same day. It’s rare that two blockbuster films come out at the same time. “Oppenheimer” is the next outing by dynamite director Christopher Nolan based on the life and impact of Robert Oppenheimer, an infamous scientist that played a major role in the creation of the atomic bomb.

“Barbie,” on the other hand, stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling, as Ken in a bubbly pink romp through the lens of the iconic doll brand. The Barbie doll movie, you could imagine, couldn’t be further from the gloomy “Oppenheimer,” but both films do share a similar quality. They are both created by great directors with a keen sense of what makes films great. Greta Gerwig’s success with “Lady Bird” cemented her status as an up-and-coming director. Nolan is an established names with hits like “The Dark Knight” and “Dunkirk” to his name.

So, hop on the trend and catch both movies. Make a fun-filled cinematic day of it. But what’s the best way to approach this? With the plethora of great activities available in California, we have some tips to make your “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” double feature a packed day that will be memorable on many fronts.

Oppenheimer and Breakfast

It’s pretty clear that “Oppenheimer” will be the downer of the two. It guarantees to be a heady film that explores complex themes. This is why we recommend catching an early showing of the film followed by breakfast. This will allow you to see the film and spend a delicious breakfast at one of California’s top spots discussing the major themes and impact the film had on you. It might even be fun to see how many California locations you can identify in the film.

Nolan suggests, if possible, catching the film in IMAX 70mm format for the best experience. These theaters are rare, with only 30 theaters showing the film this way. Luckily, the Golden State has seven theaters with the film in this remarkable format.

Take a Break Then Grab Lunch

Regardless of where you are in California, there’ll be something fun to do during the midday. You likely won’t want to jump back into a theater immediately; we get it. Take this time to explore and have some fun. Maybe you’re feeling more interested in science after seeing “Oppenheimer.” If that’s the case, a trip to a local museum would be a great option to explore further the fascinating sciences explored in Nolan’s film. If you want to prepare for “Barbie” and are near the coast, a quick trip to the beach would be a great way to enjoy the beautiful California weather and get in the fun-loving mood for “Barbie.”

Grab some lunch at one of the many great restaurants in California. There’s no shortage of options from traditional affairs to more unique experiences for the adventurous among you.

Barbie and Dinner 

The evening is for “Barbie.” This movie is sure to be a fun, light time full of laughs and nostalgia. You want to end the day on a feel-good note, and that’s what “Barbie” will deliver. Take the good vibes further by going to dinner and keep the good times going. There are plenty of excellent California restaurants to choose from, including a plethora of Michelin Star restaurants across the Golden State.