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Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” is a fantasy comedy film based on the eponymous iconic Mattel toy figure. Starring Margot Robbie, the film features the doll on a soul-searching journey in the real world. “Barbie” swiftly became one of the most popular films of 2023, due to its grand production design, star-studded cast, extravagant marketing campaign, and nostalgic elements. Released on July 21, 2023, the film earned a total gross of $1.44 billion at the worldwide box office, making it the highest-grossing movie of 2023.
The “Barbie” movie is available to stream on Crave, the Bell Media-owned Canadian streaming platform. The film can be streamed on Crave in 4K with Closed Captions (CC) and Described Video (D) features.
Alternatively, you can also watch the “Barbie” movie on Max. Due to geo-restrictions, Canadian viewers are required to subscribe to a VPN provider to access Max, since it is only available in the US and select European regions.
The “Barbie” movie is also available on several video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, such as Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Cineplex Store, YouTube Movies, and Prime Video, if you prefer to rent or buy a digital version of the film.
For those interested in buying a physical copy, the “Barbie” movie is available on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD.
In this article, we will examine the available options for streaming the Barbie movie in Canada and compare their benefits and prices.
Table of Contents
1. Crave
The “Barbie” movie is available to stream on Crave, the Bell Media-owned Canadian streaming platform. On Crave, you can stream the “Barbie” movie in 4K with Closed Captions (CC) and Described Video (D) features in English and Canadian French. The film’s ASL version is also available to stream on Crave.
Crave supports devices like smartphones, smart TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, web browsers, game consoles, and media players like Apple TV and Roku. There’s also a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
To watch the “Barbie” on Crave, subscribe to any of the following membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Video resolution | Simultaneous streams |
| Basic with ads | CAD$9.99 | CAD$99.90 | 720p | 1 device |
| Standard with ads | CAD$14.99 | CAD$149.90 | 4K | 4 devices |
| Premium ad-free | CAD$19.99 | CAD$199.99 | 4K | 4 devices |
2. Max
The “Barbie” movie has been available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) since the 15th of December 2023. On Max, you can also watch the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted version of the film there, making it more accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The “Barbie” movie streams in 4K with Closed Captions (CC) and Audio Descriptions (AD) features and subtitles in several languages.
Max is compatible with various devices, such as iOS and Android mobile phones, smart TVs, laptops, computers, tablets, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and streaming media such as Roku and Fire TV Stick. Unfortunately, Max no longer offers a free trial since its relaunch.
Max is only available in the US and select European territories, so you must use a VPN if you want to stream the “Barbie” movie via Max in Canada.
How to Watch the Barbie Movie On Max In Canada
The only way to watch the “Barbie” movie on Max in Canada is by using a VPN service:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. (ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation)
- Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open the Max website or app, then log in or sign up.
- Prepare a US-issued form of payment. Max accepts credit/ debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal.
- Search for “Barbie” in its library, hit play, and enjoy streaming.
Tip: Using a VPN provides plenty of other benefits besides bypassing geo-restrictions. A VPN can also help mask your IP address, enhance secure browsing on public WiFi networks, reduce the risk of tracking from malicious entities, and even secure discounted deals on select online purchases.
Although VPNs are completely legal in Canada, Max actively blocks IP addresses that are connected to VPNs, which can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, ExpressVPN, our top VPN recommendation, has proven to be a secure and proficient tool for bypassing Max’s geo-restrictions in Canada.
With ExpressVPN, you are eligible to avail of a 30-day risk-free trial if you use the link below:
To stream the “Barbie” movie in Max, sign up for an account and subscribe to any of the following membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
3. Apple TV
The “Barbie” movie is available on Apple TV Plus for CAD$6.99 for rent and CAD$24.99 for purchase. You can stream the film in 4K on Apple TV with dynamic Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos features. Accessibility features for viewers with hearing and visual disabilities are also available, such as Closed Captions (CC) and Audio Descriptions (AD). The film’s subtitles are available in more than 30 languages.
4. Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is another fitting VOD option where you can buy or rent the “Barbie” movie. At the Microsoft Store, you can buy the film for CAD$24.99 or rent it for CAD$6.99. It streams in SD, HD, and UDH, for the same prices. Upon renting, you will have 14 days to start watching the film and 48 hours to finish it.
5. Cineplex Store
You can also buy the “Barbie” movie at the Cineplex Store for CAD$13.99, while rentals cost CAD$6.99. The movie streams in HD with Closed Captions (CC).
6. YouTube Movies
The “Barbie” movie is also available for rent on YouTube Movies for as low as CAD$5.99 and purchase for CAD$19.99. The film streams in UHD with Closed Captions (CC) in English.
7. Prime Video
On Prime Video, the “Barbie” movie is available for rent for CAD$6.99 with a 4K video resolution. You can also buy it for CAD$24.99 with the same streaming resolution. Prime Video does not provide subtitles for the “Barbie” movie.
What is the Best Streaming Option to Watch Barbie in Canada?
The best streaming option to watch “Barbie” in Canada is through Max. While both Crave and Max offer the Barbie movie for streaming, we think that Max is the superior choice due to its larger content library, additional features such as American Sign Language for the Barbie movie, and the flexibility of its subscription plans across multiple households. Opting for Max in this context is ideal for users who value flexible and high-quality features and diverse content selection and do not mind paying for an expensive membership plan.
For users who prefer to own or rent their favorite movies digitally, we highly recommend Apple TV. Although Apple TV’s prices cost almost twice as much as a monthly streaming subscription, its high-quality visual and audio features justify its expensive price tag. Compared to the other VOD alternatives, only Apple TV offers the “Barbie” movie in premium Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision features. These features are known for enhancing a film’s visual and audio quality to dynamic, cinematic heights. This is perfect for users seeking an immersive “Barbie” streaming experience, especially since the film is well-known for its visually striking cinematography.
What Is the Barbie Movie About?
The “Barbie” movie is a live-action fantasy comedy film that follows the titular Mattel doll on a self-discovery journey in the real world after experiencing random thoughts of death. The film provides an insightful yet comedic exploration of relevant themes such as feminism, misogyny, capitalism, and existentialism. The movie also depicts the iconic fashion doll as a unique, resilient, and empowered individual who refuses to conform to societal standards that degrade women. Check out the official trailer for the film below:
Who Directed the Barbie Movie?
The creator of the “Barbie” movie is the burgeoning American filmmaker Greta Gerwig, who also wrote the screenplay alongside screenwriter Noah Baumbach. Warner Bros. Studios serves as the movie’s main distributor. Gerwig is best known for her films that explore themes of feminism and the trials and triumphs of womanhood, as seen in her widely acclaimed works such as “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.”
Who Are in the Cast of the Barbie Movie?
Headlining the movie as the iconic doll is Margot Robbie, who is famously known for her roles in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Suicide Squad,” “Babylon,” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” Alongside Robbie is Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “The Notebook”), who takes on the role of Ken, Barbie’s love interest. Here’s the star-studded cast of “Barbie”:
- Margot Robbie as Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as Ken
- Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO
- America Ferrera as Gloria
- Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha
- Emerald Fennell as Midge
- Micahel Cera as Allan
- Jamie Demetriou as a Mattel executive
- Connor Swindells as an intern
- Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie
- Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie
- Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie
- Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie
- Ana Cruz Kayne as Judge Barbie
- Nichola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie
- Issa Rae as President Barbie
- Ritu Arya as Journalist Barbie
- Hari Nef as Doctor Barbie
- Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie
- Kingsley Ben-Adir as another Ken
- Simu Liu as another Ken
- Ncuti Gatwa as another Ken
- Scott Evans as another Ken
- Helen Mirren as narrator
Who are the Main Characters of the Barbie movie?
- Barbie – A free-spirited and adventurous fashion-forward doll who experiences an existential crisis.
- Ken – Barbie’s naive boyfriend who recently discovers the concept of patriarchy.
- Gloria – An anxious Mattel employee struggling to connect with her teenage daughter. She plays with her daughter’s Barbie doll, unwittingly transferring her existential thoughts to Barbie.
- Sasha – Gloria’s angsty teen daughter who lost interest in her Barbie dolls.
Why Is the Barbie Movie So Popular?
“Barbie” gained widespread popularity amongst audiences and critics due to its grand production design, stellar cast, comedic performances, witty humor, feminist undertones, and for its plot’s originality. The film’s success was also largely attributed to its over-the-top marketing campaigns, which involved collaborations with countless brands for merchandise, clothing, food, events, and more. The unintentional “Barbenheimer” double feature significantly boosted the film’s popularity as well, as viewers anticipate its coinciding release date with Christopher Nolan’s dark and hard-hitting biopic “Oppenheimer,” which offers a drastic contrast to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the “Barbie” movie.
What Do Critics Say About the Barbie Movie?
Before its official release, “Barbie” had already gained widespread acclaim from critics. Countless critics have raved about the film’s meticulously crafted production set, which perfectly captures the vibrant doll world of Barbie, along with the screenplay’s underlying commentary. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s standout performances as Barbie and Ken were also praised.
“Barbie” holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. See why critics love “Barbie”:
- “Barbie,” director and co-writer Greta Gerwig’s summer splash, is a dazzling achievement, both technically and in tone. It’s a visual feast that succeeds as both a gleeful escape and a battle cry.” – RogerEbert.com
- “Barbie is Greta Gerwig’s best film to date and one that serves as a love letter to womanhood.” – We Live Entertainment
Where to Buy the Barbie Movie’s Merch in Canada?
For fans of the Barbie film, you can also buy official “Barbie” merchandise, such as dolls, clothing, DVDs, and Blu-rays, at Mattel Creations, its official merch store. Other types of merchandise are also available on the Amazon platform.
