Mattel Spotlights ‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’ with 25th Anniversary Celebration

In 2001, Barbie made her feature-length debut with Barbie in the Nutcracker, setting the stage for another two decades of animated Barbie adventures. As the film turns 25 this year, Mattel is celebrating with new toys, television specials, and more for fans of all ages.

Leading the celebration is an all-new Barbie in the Nutcracker television special. Coming to Netflix this November, the animated special puts a new spin on the beloved 2001 classic, this time casting Barbie “Malibu” as Clara and Barbie “Brooklyn” as the Sugar Plum Fairy. On their adventure to rescue Ken the Nutcracker, the friends will travel through a variety of enchanted lands, face off against the mischievous Rat King, and discover that if kids truly believe in themselves, magical things can happen.

The ballet is also getting some more modern moves, thanks to dance legend Debbie Allen. As the special’s co-executive producer and choreographer, Allen created unique numbers that blend classical dance with today’s hip hop, all set to music by Macy Schmidt. The late Tim Curry also returns to the voice cast as the Rat King’s Father, the natural progression of his appearance as the Rat King in the original.

But families don’t have to wait until November to return to the Land of Sweets. The classic 2001 Barbie in the Nutcracker is now available to stream on Netflix, so parents who grew up with the original Clara and the Sugarplum Princess can share the magic of the film that kicked off more than two decades of animated adventures with a new generation of fans.

The anniversary celebration continues off-screen with a new Barbie in the Nutcracker toy collection. Available now at major retailers, kids can re-create the classic story with dolls inspired by Clara, Daisy, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Land of Sweets ballerinas, Chelsea Snow Fairies, and more, complete with poseable bodies that mimic real ballet positions. Each doll features a variety of enchanting accessories and outfits, and select toys can even magically transform their tutus with a twirl.

Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel, said, “At Barbie, we’re proud to create stories that inspire imagination and spark joy across generations. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Barbie in the Nutcracker, this collection honors the enduring magic of dance and storytelling while inviting today’s families to create new holiday traditions and memories together.”