box office and theater
The Highest Grossing Film of 2023: ‘Barbie’ Premieres for Digital Ownership and Rental
“Experience the record-breaking success of ‘Barbie,’ the highest grossing film of 2023, now available for digital ownership and rental.”
Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Barbie as the highest-grossing film of 2023, “Barbie,” makes its highly anticipated debut for digital ownership and rental on September 12. Directed by the talented Greta Gerwig and featuring an all-star cast, this global phenomenon has taken the box office by storm, surpassing $1.38 billion worldwide. Let’s dive into the details of this extraordinary cinematic achievement.
A Record-Breaking Success:
“Barbie” has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing film in Warner Bros. Pictures’ century-long history. Its phenomenal success is a testament to the captivating storytelling and the incredible performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, who bring the iconic characters of Barbie and Ken to life. As the highest-grossing film ever from a female filmmaker at the domestic box office, “Barbie” has made history and paved the way for more female-driven narratives in Hollywood.
The Journey to Barbie Land:
In “Barbie,” viewers are transported to Barbie Land, a world of perfection and wonder. However, even in this idyllic setting, existential crises and the struggles of Ken add depth and relatability to the story. With Greta Gerwig’s directorial prowess, the film strikes a balance between fantasy and introspection, creating a truly unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Digital Release Details:
On September 12, “Barbie” will be available for early Premium Digital Ownership at home for $29.99, allowing fans to own this cinematic masterpiece. Additionally, a 48-hour rental option via PVOD will be available for $24.99 on popular digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, and Vudu, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
An All-Star Cast:
Apart from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, “Barbie” boasts an impressive ensemble cast. America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell bring their talents to this extraordinary production. The film also features Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Emma Mackey, Helen Mirren, and many other talented actors, making “Barbie” a true celebration of cinematic excellence.
“Barbie” is not just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its record-breaking success and the visionary direction of Greta Gerwig, this film has set a new standard for storytelling and representation. As it arrives for digital ownership and rental on September 12, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Barbie Land from the comfort of their homes. Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey with Barbie and Ken—get ready to be dazzled!
About “Barbie”
From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”) comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie (“Bombshell,” “I, Tonya”) and Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Half Nelson”) as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera (“End of Watch,” the “How to Train Your Dragon” films), Kate McKinnon (“Bombshell,” “Yesterday”), Issa Rae (“The Photograph,” “Insecure”), Rhea Perlman (“I’ll See You in My Dreams,” “Matilda”), and Will Ferrell (the “Anchorman” films, “Talladega Nights”). The film also stars Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Juno”), Ariana Greenblatt (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “65”), Ana Cruz Kayne (“Little Women”), Emma Mackey (“Emily,” “Sex Education”), Hari Nef (“Assassination Nation,” “Transparent”), Alexandra Shipp (the “X-Men” films), Kingsley Ben-Adir (“One Night in Miami,” “Peaky Blinders”), Simu Liu (“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”), Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), Scott Evans (“Grace and Frankie”), Jamie Demetriou (“Cruella”), Connor Swindells (“Sex Education,” “Emma.”), Sharon Rooney (“Dumbo,” “Jerk”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton,” “Derry Girls”), Ritu Arya (“The Umbrella Academy”), Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Dua Lipa and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”).
Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story,” “The Squid and the Whale”), based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominees David Heyman (“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” “Marriage Story,” “Gravity”), Robbie (“Birds of Prey,” “Promising Young Woman,” “I, Tonya”), Tom Ackerley (“Promising Young Woman,” “I, Tonya”) and Robbie Brenner (“Dallas Buyers Club”), with Gerwig, Baumbach, Ynon Kreiz, Richard Dickson, Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.
Gerwig’s creative team behind the camera included Oscar-nominated director of photography Rodrigo Prieto (“The Irishman,” “Silence,” “Brokeback Mountain”), Oscar-nominated production designer Sarah Greenwood (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Anna Karenina”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Little Women,” “Anna Karenina”), editor Nick Houy (“Little Women,” “Lady Bird”), visual effects supervisor Glen Pratt (“Paddington 2,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and music supervisor George Drakoulias (“White Noise,” “Marriage Story”), with a score by Oscar winners Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt (“A Star Is Born”), who also contributed to numerous songs on the film’s soundtrack. The soundtrack includes an impressive roster of today’s hottest music artists, including Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice with Aqua, Charli XCX, KAROL G feat. Aldo Ranks, Tame Impala, Dominic Fike, HAIM, The Kid LAROI, Khalid, PinkPantheress, GAYLE, Ava Max, FIFTY FIFTY and more.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a Heyday Films Production, a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, an NB/GG Pictures Production, a Mattel Production, “Barbie.” The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
About Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales
Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales (WBDCS) is one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming, bringing award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the homes and screens of millions across North America. Licensing content from Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network, TBS, and more, WBDCS brings fans of Warner Bros. Discovery’s content even more ways to watch when and how they want across streaming, video-on-demand, cable, satellite and broadcast networks, local television stations, airlines and through digital purchases and physical media sales.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.
SOURCE Warner Bros. Home Entertainment/ PR Newswire
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Entertainment
Food Truck: Stolen Love… and Moo Deng Heads to Select U.S. Theaters Before Netflix Debut
Food Truck: Stolen Love and Moo Deng opens March 20 in select U.S. theaters before its global Netflix premiere later in 2026. Here’s what to know.
An international comedy adventure is making a quick stop in U.S. theaters before heading to Netflix worldwide later this year. Food Truck: Stolen Love… and Moo Deng opens March 20 in select U.S. markets, giving moviegoers a chance to catch the film on the big screen ahead of its global streaming release.
According to Monarchs Screen Entertainment, the limited theatrical rollout includes cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, and Boston, with tickets already on sale. The early response appears strong. Scott Kennedy, founder and CEO of Falling Forward Films, said tickets are moving quickly in several key markets.
What the film is about
The story follows a wild road trip involving three friends, a runaway Korean boy, and a famous baby hippo, all traveling together in a Thai food truck. As the group moves through a fast-paced mix of humor, danger, and hidden truths, a young mother is in a race to find her missing son.
The film blends comedy and adventure with a more emotional core, leaning into themes of friendship, family, and the unexpected bonds that can form under pressure.
Cast and release details
The movie stars Korean singer and actress Yulee Choi in her debut film role, joined by Thai star Mario Maurer and Chun Padchun Hiranprateep. The production also includes Tony Sarandos and Keyun “Country” Parker of Parker’s Communication & Entertainment Services as consulting producers.
After the theatrical run, Food Truck: Stolen Love… and Moo Deng is set to launch globally on Netflix later in 2026, expanding its reach to international audiences.
Why it stands out
What makes this release worth watching is its cross-cultural setup and offbeat premise. A Thai food truck, an international cast, a runaway child, and a baby hippo is not a combination audiences see every day. That unusual mix could help the film stand out in both theaters and on streaming.
For viewers looking for something lighter but still grounded in emotional stakes, this one may be worth adding to the watchlist.For more information, visit www.foodtruckthemovie.com
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The Entertainment section on STM Daily News covers the stories, trends, and moments shaping film, television, music, and pop culture.
Entertainment
Vision Films Sets Jan. 13 TVOD Release for Joan Collins Whodunnit A Murder Between Friends
Vision Films will release Joan Collins-led whodunnit A Murder Between Friends on transactional VOD Jan. 13, 2026, across major U.S./Canada platforms.
The company announced a North American transactional VOD release for A Murder Between Friends on Jan. 13, 2026, via a deal with Scott J. Jones and Artist View Entertainment. The “murder-com” feature stars — and is produced by — Dame Joan Collins (Dynasty), with Mark Rozzano writing and producing and Jacob Young and Trent Garrett co-directing.
The film was shot on location at Úsobí Castle in the Czech Republic and leans into classic country-estate mystery energy: six friends on vacation, one of them murdered, and everyone suddenly a suspect.
Synopsis (official): When six friends vacation at the country estate of a legendary true-crime TV star (Collins), the last thing they expect is to find one of their own murdered. Everyone is a suspect as they try to determine who among them would have the means, motive, and opportunity. As tensions grow, they enlist the aid of their celebrity sleuth hostess to uncover the truth before the killer can strike again.
The cast includes Nadia Bjorlin, Jacob Young, Trent Garrett, Toby-Alexander Smith, Simon Cotton, India Thain, Hana Vagnerová, Jim Borstelmann, and internet personality Espen Hatleskog (IG’s @pilotviking).
Vision Films CEO Lise Romanoff called it a twist-heavy mystery that keeps flipping expectations, with Collins bringing “authenticity and humor for a suspense-filled ride.”
Trailer: https://youtu.be/eUdW9Jt_rxw
Where to watch: A Murder Between Friends will be available on most major streaming and cable platforms across the U.S. and Canada on Jan. 13, 2026. Pre-orders are live on iTunes/Apple TV (US, CA) and Vudu/Fandango at Home (US).
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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animation
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
Ariel Award-winning animated short SHIMMER by director Andrés Palma premieres on Short of the Week. A stunning exploration of fatherhood and regret created with Unreal Engine 5. Watch now.
Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Ariel Award-Winning Animated Short ‘SHIMMER’ Makes Its Digital Debut on Short of the Week
A haunting tale of fatherhood, obsession, and redemption comes to life through groundbreaking animation technology
The world of independent animation just got a stunning new addition. Director Andrés Palma’s SHIMMER, an Ariel Award-winning animated short film, premiered December 8th on Short of the Week, the premier destination for curated short film content reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
A Father’s Dream, A Daughter’s Pain
Set against a desolate shoreline littered with the skeletal remains of forgotten shipwrecks, SHIMMER tells the emotionally charged story of Ricardo, a father whose single-minded obsession with building a towering lighthouse blinds him to the emotional wreckage he’s creating within his own family. As he chases what he believes will be salvation, his eldest daughter Lucía grows increasingly resentful—until her choices force Ricardo to face the devastating consequences of his dreams.
“Every project that matters to me comes from a place of unresolved emotion,” Palma explains. “Art is how I process pain and transform it into something meaningful. I trust the audience will resonate with that.”
This isn’t just animation—it’s personal healing rendered in light and shadow.
Link to related article: https://stmdailynews.com/gizmodo-premieres-award-winning-animated-short-shimmer/
Technical Brilliance Meets Emotional Depth
Short of the Week’s managing editor Rob Munday didn’t hold back in his praise: “A genuinely compelling, high-quality piece of 3D animation, marked by beautiful design work, strong character rigging, and impressive world-building. There’s tremendous potential here – it’s an exciting calling card for its creators.”
What sets SHIMMER apart technically is its innovative use of Unreal Engine 5, blending retro-futuristic aesthetics with cutting-edge visual design. The film’s most striking visual element—ethereal fish that shimmer across the night sky—was created using the Niagara particle system, merging procedural motion with hand-crafted animation cycles to achieve something that feels both organic and otherworldly.
A Collaborative Vision
Marking Palma’s directorial debut, SHIMMER benefits from powerhouse executive producers including celebrated Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three) and Andrés Buzo. The film was developed through a groundbreaking collaboration between professionals and students at Mexico City’s Escena Animation Studio, the project-based learning arm of Escena Animation School.
The creative team includes associate producer Karla Vazquez, co-writer Santiago Maza Stern, and composer Alex Otaola—a collective effort that proves the power of mentorship and collaborative storytelling.
Why This Matters for Independent Animation
SHIMMER represents more than just another festival darling. It’s proof that independent creators with vision, backed by the right collaborators and technology, can produce work that rivals major studio productions. The film is currently being considered for FYC (For Your Consideration) in the Best Animated Short Film category—and based on its technical achievement and emotional resonance, it’s easy to see why.
For audiences hungry for animation that dares to explore complex emotional territory while pushing visual boundaries, SHIMMER delivers on both fronts. It’s a meditation on the cost of obsession, the weight of parental expectations, and the possibility of redemption—all wrapped in visuals that haunt long after the credits roll.
Watch Now
SHIMMER is now streaming exclusively on Short of the Week at ShortOfTheWeek.com/2025/12/08/shimmer
For more information about the film and its creators:
- Official Film Website: ShimmerShort.com
- Director’s Website: AndresPalma.com
- Follow the journey: @ShimmerShort, @Andres.Palma.c, @EscuelaEscena
For publicity inquiries, contact Patricia at info@ChicArt.world
PR coordination: Sophia at pr@chicart.world
Website: www.ChicArt.world
