Yep, That’s Right, We Ranked Our Fave American Girl Dolls
- 1/17
Yep, That’s Right, We Ranked Our Fave American Girl Dolls
Whether you grew up with American Girl dolls or not, you’ve probably seen the collectible dolls around (maybe your cousin had one and you were super jealous so you cut her hair, it’s fine). These popular 18-inch dolls were created by the Pleasant Company (now owned by Mattel) and usually have personalities that girls can relate to and some sort of adversity to overcome. While you can now get modern dolls and even custom dolls to look like you, the Historical Dolls, sometimes called the BeForever dolls, are some of the brand’s most popular and feature characters from past times, and there are books (and sometimes movies) that give color to what their lives were like back then. Sometimes they even get to have friends, and they always have super-cute wardrobes and accessories. And let’s be honest, some of them have more interesting lives than others.
While most of these dolls are still available, American Girl does occasionally “retire” some favorites (and sometimes brings them back for limited releases in mini form). So if you are having a nostalgic moment or want to get your kid or nieces and nephews hooked (to, ahem, make up for ruining their mom’s childhood doll), you can still snag most of these today.
- 2/17
16. Maryellen
Some of the BeForever dolls face some serious real-world hardships (e.g., homelessness, systemic racism, loss of a parent, war, etc., etc.), but Maryellen Larkin just has to deal with a heavy case of sibling rivalry in the 1950s. She is part of a large family and spends her time dreaming up TV show episodes where she gets to be the focus. Sorry not sorry, Maryellen!!
- 3/17
15. Kirsten
One of the first three dolls produced by American Girl in 1986, Kirsten Larson is a Swedish immigrant whose family moves to Minnesota Territory in 1854. Kirsten’s challenge is having to learn to speak English and adjust to life in America. Cool-cool-cool.
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- 4/17
14. Samantha
This “Victorian,” or more properly, Edwardian-era doll lives in 1904 and is an orphan who lived with her grandmother. Samantha’s best quality might have been befriending the servant girl Nellie and helping out the underprivileged family. A young AnnaSophia Robb brought the character to life in Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.
- 5/17
13. Caroline
Arguably one of the most pampered of the American Girls (which is saying a lot), in 1812, Caroline likes sailing and ice skating, but she gets a chance to show some bravery and skills when her captain father is captured.
- 6/17
12. Rebecca
Rebecca Rubin is a Russian Jewish young woman whose family immigrated to the Lower East Side of New York in 1914. Adapting to a new American life, she aspires to be an actress.
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- 7/17
11. Nanea
This Hawaiian native lives in Honolulu during the 1940s and struggles with the bombings at Pearl Harbor, where her father works. She’s got a super-cute dog, Mele, too.
- 8/17
10. Marie-Grace & Cécile
Now retired, this pair of dolls were released as equals (instead of the typical main character and best friend sidekick doll). This duo of friends lives in New Orleans in the 1850s. Together, these friends cope with the yellow fever that is ravaging their community. Cécile speaks French and was only the second Black character made by American Girl.
- 9/17
9. Felicity
From Williamsburg, Virginia, set in the midst of the American Revolution, Felicity is a free spirit and revolts against the customs that society has put upon women of her era. She also stands up to bullies. Shailene Woodley played her in the movie Felicity: An American Girl Adventure.
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- 10/17
8. Julie
She’s partially this high on the list because she’s got some of the coolest accessories. (Srsly, where can I find a bright-orange egg chair in my size??) Julie Albright’s story is that of a 1970s San Francisco girl dealing with a changing society (feminism, a divorced family, gender equality, and more). Her now-retired Best Friend doll Ivy Ling was the only Asian American historical character produced.
- 11/17
7. Molly
During 1944, Molly McIntire is living in Illinois during the end of World War II, while her doctor father is overseas caring for injured soldiers and her mother is working for the Red Cross. While living a bit of a privileged life, she’s into ice skating and tap dancing, but she learns that she has a part in helping soldiers during the war. She gets a high spot on the list because no one rocked a pair of glasses like Molly. Also, she had the companion doll Emily, a British girl sent to live in America to stay safe during the war.
- 12/17
6. Melody
One of only a handful of Black dolls in American Girl’s historical line, Melody Ellison grew up in Detroit in the 1960s during the civil rights movement. Moving from her urban landscape to Alabama, Melody encounters a lot of racial prejudice and is afraid to go to church because of a bombing but finds inner strength in the face of injustice.
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- 13/17
5. Kaya
Her full name is Kaya’aton’my, which means She Who Arranges Rocks, and she’s part of the Nez Pearce tribe in the Pacific Northwest. Living in 1764, this brave young woman wants to be a leader. She’s the only Native American doll created by American Girl, and she’s got a horse and a dog that looks like a wolf.
- 14/17
4. Courtney
The newest historical American Girl doll was just released this year, and this ’80s gal is so amazing, she’s already high on our list. Courtney Moore has the absolute best accessories: With a Pac-Man arcade game, a Walk-man, and a Care Bear sleeping bag, she’s got that retro vibe down. This newbie doll shows that girls can be arcade heroes while rocking a killer side pony. She is also obsessed with outer space and encourages women to be leaders and join the space program.
- 15/17
3. Josefina
As a young Mexican girl in 1824 living in New Mexico, Josefina Montoya has to adapt to the loss of her mother, and she learns to become a healer by her aunt. She’s also got a pet goat, which makes me v jealous.
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- 16/17
2. Addy
Addy Walker and her mother escape slavery, fleeing a plantation to seek freedom in Philadelphia in 1964, during the Civil War. Her story focuses on freedom, racism, and prejudice, and while there was a stage production of her story, it’s a real shame there wasn’t a movie about her life.
- 17/17
1. Kit
Kit Kittredge has an awesome alliterative name and the best of the American Girl movies. This wannabe reporter was played in the movie Kit Kittredge: An American Girl by Abigail Breslin, a movie that also features Chris O’Donnell, Julia Ormond, Joan Cusack, and Stanley Tucci. Stanley Tucci! Kit’s the coolest tomboy who would rather be outdoors and watch baseball than talk about fashion. Set in 1934 against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Kit adjusts quickly to helping her family when they are down on their luck. Plus, she’s busy investigating crime, publishing articles in the paper, and helping the homeless. Kit 2020!