This Was the Most Popular Barbie Doll The Year You Were Born
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Life in plastic is fantastic, and Barbie has been making life look effortless since 1959. With the release of Barbie, the highly anticipated movie featuring Margot Robbie in the iconic role—and the Barbiecore phenomenon, featuring home décor and wardrobes in Barbie's signature pink—the doll is only getting more popular in her sixties.
While she always looks great in pink, Barbie's look has evolved over the years: From '60s eyeliner to '80s hair, she's tried virtually every trend each decade has had to offer. She's also taken on a ton of different careers and adapted to make the world of Barbie more inclusive and diverse over the years.
The "Totally Hair Barbie" from 1992 featured the longest tresses ever and still stands as the best-selling Barbie doll to date — but even if you weren't born that year, maybe you were lucky enough to have a birth year that honored one of Barbie's other major milestones or most legendary looks. In honor of our favorite doll and her fab friends, we're taking a trip down toy memory lane and highlighting the new (and thus, usually the most popular) Barbie that hit the scene each year since 1959.
1959
Barbie makes her official debut as "Teenage Fashion Barbie," in a fabulous one-piece.
1960
Accessorized with a sassy hat and her portfolio, "Fashion Designer Barbie" sashays onto the scene.
1961
With her strapless black dress and long gloves, "Barbie Solo In The Spotlight" becomes one of the more glamorous dolls ever.
1962
"Barbie Red Flair" debuts a new hairdo: an on-trend bubble style with volume that'll rival her later '80s looks.
1963
In her "Career Girl" look, Barbie gets ready to stylishly take on office life. Back then, there were no casual Fridays, let alone casual any-days.
1964
Barbie proves that a little black dress is timeless in this "Evening Wear" ensemble, accompanied by an equally formal Ken.
1965
Though she'll have many, many, many careers over the years, the most out-of-this-world one was her stint as "Astronaut Barbie."
1966
"Color Magic Barbie" takes to the beach and beyond in a fashionable romper with bold hues.
1967
Like many other women during this decade, "Barbie Twist 'n Turn" experiments with bangs.
1968
"Talking Barbie" practically comes to life, thanks to a string in the back that, once pulled, prompts her to speak.
Also 1968
Meet Barbie's new friend — and one of the first Black dolls — Christie, who wears a cover-up in a very-'60s swirling print.
1969-70
Another Barbie joins the "Twist 'n Turn" series, this time with a perfect hair flip.
1971
This is the year of the beachy doll we all know and love: "Malibu Barbie."
1972
Barbie's fashion-forward friend "Smashin' Satin Francine" stuns in bold shorts and a hair flip.
1973
"Surgeon Barbie" does her rounds, adding doctor to her ever-growing resume.
1974
Though we're surprised it took this long, Barbie takes the crown as "Miss America."
1975
It's time to hit the slopes! "Olympic Skier Barbie" makes cold-weather gear look fabulous in a way only she can.
1976
Dressed in a white bodysuit and tutu accented with a red ribbon, "Ballerina Barbie" becomes the inspiration for many a ballet class.
1977
Though she's been a model in every decade, the 1977 "Fashion Model Barbie" is a favorite for her colorful ensemble.
1978
1977's "Superstar Barbie" gets a partner in 1978's velvet-and-satin-clad Ken.
1979
In the couple's off-time in 1979, they can be found at the beach in matching bathing suits.
1980
The first Black Barbie ushered in the glamorous '80s with a bold red dress with cut-out sleeves.
1981-1982
"Golden Dream Barbie" goes in a very metallic direction, with an ensemble that brings together a strapless jumpsuit, opera-length globes, a sheer capelet and a sheer overskirt.
1983
Puffy '80s sleeves accent the gown of "Loving You Barbie."
1984
"Dream Date Barbie" meets her match in a tuxedo-ed Ken. (Check out the contrast pants!)
1985
"Day-to-Night CEO Barbie" has a practical outfit plan to get her from the office to an evening date in no time: It's all about layers — and jaunty hats.
1986-1987
Barbie debuts her new band, "Barbie and the Rockers," and arguably her most '80s look yet. From the big hair and the shoulder pads to the wide belt and the slouchy boots, she is wearing all the trends.
1988
"Fashion Magic Barbie" is living her best life in an outfit that is very familiar to anyone who lived through the '80s.
1989
"Super Star Barbie" says goodbye to the '80s in a big way, with the most voluminous hair we've seen yet, sequins, sparkles, tulle AND a faux fur wrap.
1990
The '90s brings new designer collaborations to the Barbie world, like this Bob Mackie creation.
1991
The designer collaborations don't put a stop to Barbie's impressive resume-building. This year, she's an Air Force pilot.
1992
"Totally Hair Barbie" lets little hands get extra-creative with hairstyling. Not only did she have extra-long hair, but she also came with a tube of Dep styling gel! Perhaps this is why she became the best-selling Barbie in Mattel history.
1993
Following up her turn as a pilot, Barbie decides to try out being a police officer.
1994
Not one to shy away from a new hobby, "Scuba Barbie" explores the depths of the ocean.
1995
After helping out her community's police department, "Firefighter Barbie" joins the firehouse.
1996
"Gymnast Barbie" effortlessly takes the gold in a very patriotic ensemble.
1997
Enviably full hair and blue heels add style to "Dentist Barbie's" work ensemble.
1998
"Lead Singer Barbie" puts a '90s spin on her rock-and-roll look, with a high-necked, mesh-sleeved mini dress and thigh-high boots.
1999
"Working Woman Barbie" climbs the corporate ladder with a mobile phone, an overflowing workbag, a pencil skirt and a long jacket.
2000
With very camera-ready hair and an outfit that completely matches from head to toe, Barbie throws her hat into the ring as a presidential candidate.
2001
"Olympic Swimmer Barbie" takes to the podium with a sleek bob, warm-up jacket and, of course, the gold.
2002
"Art Teacher Barbie" brings a creative sense of style to the classroom, with a brightly patterned skirt, fun scarf and a bright red belt that matches her shoes.
2003
Another designer collaboration out of many, "Kate Spade Barbie" has an enviable wardrobe and adorable accessories (including a sweet little pooch).
2004
Barbie's 2004 turn as a presidential candidate sees her opt for a bright pantsuit instead of the skirt suit she wore in 2000.
2005
"Producer Barbie" is all edge, with a dramatic 'do and an olive-hued outfit that means business.
2006
Like the '70s ballerina look, '00s "Ballerina Barbie" wears a tutu and pointe shoes — but in her signature pink, of course.
2007
"Chef Barbie" wears a bright tee and apron that will pop on camera.
2008
"Soccer Coach Barbie" looks sporty and stylish as she takes to the field with her adorable team.
2009
Barbie goes back to the hospital for work, but this time, she's a doctor specializing in the care of newborns.
2010
Barbie joins the tech revolution as a computer engineer, complete with a themed shirt.
2011
Perhaps inspired by decades of various Dream Houses, "Architect Barbie" establishes her own practice.
2012
Proving her eye for design isn't limited to homes and buildings, "I Can Be a Fashion Designer Barbie" starts her own line of clothing.
2013
In a clever throwback to her astronaut days, "I Can Be a Mars Explorer Barbie" takes us to a whole new planet.
2014
Barbie takes her startup to the next level as "Entrepreneur Barbie," accessorized with an always-in-reach smartphone and a bag for her business plans.
2015
2015 was an exciting year for Barbies, with the debut of FindYourStyle — a line that features a diverse array of dolls in on-trend outfits.
2016
This year is even better, with the Fashionistas line that offers a variety of body types (and more outfits) to choose from.
2017
The Fashionista line expands to Ken dolls, with an array of different boyfriends for Barbie to choose from.
2018
Barbie celebrates icons with the "Inspiring Women" line, which includes Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart and Katherine Johnson.
2019
This is the year the "Role Model" line expanded to be even more inclusive, featuring a doll with a prosthetic leg and a doll with a wheelchair.
2020
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbie started the #ThankYouHeroes campaign, where the company highlighted its career doll line. For each doll sold, they donated a doll to the family of essential frontline workers.
2021
Barbie's Career of the Year as a music producer gave her some fashionable DJ vibes with colorful hair.
2022
In honor of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, this very stately collectible was released.
2023
The year of the Barbie movie, of course, features the doll modeled after the perfectly cast Margot Robbie — in a signature pink gingham dress, naturally.
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