When Barbie was first introduced by the Mattel toy company in 1959, few people could have predicted how popular the doll would become.
Barbie, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, began as an 11.5-inch version of a young, suburban, blonde-haired, white female. She debuted at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, and the doll sold for $3 that year.
Since then, more than 1 billion Barbies have been sold in over 150 countries, making Barbie l one of the most popular toys of all time.
As the 60th birthday of Barbie nears, 24/7 Wall St. has created a list of the most popular Barbie dolls. We used average ratings of the most reviewed Barbie dolls on Amazon.com to determine popularity.
Click here to see the most popular Barbie dolls of all time.
Mattel enhanced Barbie’s popularity by associating the doll with popular television shows such as “Charlie’s Angels” in the 1970s and to special events like the Kentucky Derby horse race. The toy company also created Barbies from different nations.
Over time, Mattel created Barbies with different hair colors and skin tone to reflect the diversity of the United States.
Barbie’s idealized body shape also came under scrutiny, and in response, the doll’s makers created different body types for a Barbie that is more realistic.
Even as overall toy sales have declined, Barbie remains popular. Sales of the doll rose 9% in the fourth quarter of 2017 and are about $1 billion annually.
50. Barbie Doll & Horse
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49. Barbie Collector The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Katniss Everdeen Doll
48. Barbie Star Trek 50th Anniversary Uhura Doll
47. 2015 Ballet Wishes Barbie Doll
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46. Barbie Doll and Glam Convertible
45. Barbie Beach Cruiser and Ken Doll
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44. 2016 Ballet Wishes Barbie Doll
43. Barbie Birthday Wishes Doll
42. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II Rosalie Doll
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41. Barbie Careers Eye Doctor Playset
40. Barbie Careers Farm Vet Doll & Playset
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39. Barbie Collector Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Wonder Woman Doll
38. Barbie Misty Copeland Doll
37. Barbie and Toddler Student Flippin Fun Gymnastics Dolls
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36. Barbie 2015 Holiday Doll
35. Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen Doll
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34. Barbie Fashionistas Doll 15 Smile With Style – Original
33. Barbie Fashionistas in The Spotlight Gown Doll, Pink
32. Barbie Titanic Rose
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31. Barbie Cheerful Check Fashion Doll
30. Barbie Fashionistas Barbie Doll – Pink and Silver Dress
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29. Barbie Collector Romero Britto Barbie Doll
28. Barbie Fashionistas #64 Lovin’ Leopard Doll, Curvy
27. Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse – Skipper Doll
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26. Barbie Collector Auburn University Doll
25. Barbie The Look Red Carpet Black Label Collector: Gold Dress Barbie Doll
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24. Barbie Doll with Puppy Accessory
23. Barbie Collector Audrey Hepburn Sabrina Doll
22. Barbie Collector University of Arkansas Doll
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21. Barbie Sparkle Style Salon & Brunette Doll Playset
20. Barbie Sisters Stacie Doll with Bunkbeds
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19. The Barbie Look Barbie Doll – Music Festival
18. Barbie Made to Move The Ultimate Posable Martial Artist Doll
17. Barbie Collector Gabby Douglas Doll
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16. Barbie Fashionistas 59 Pink Halter Floral Skirt Doll
15. Barbie Fairytale Groom Doll
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14. Barbie Star Light Adventure Lights & Sounds Hoverboarder
13. Barbie Dreamtopia Endless Hair Kingdom 17″ Doll
12. Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse Raquelle Doll
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11. Barbie Fashionistas #66 Beautiful Butterflies Doll
10. Barbie Career of The Year Director Nikki Doll
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9. Barbie Totally Hair 25th Anniversary Doll
8. Barbie Careers Ice Skater Doll
7. Barbie I Love Valentines! Doll
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6. Barbie Cupcake Chef Doll
5. Barbie The Look: Lace Dress Doll
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4. Harley Davidson Barbie Collectible Ken Doll #2
3. Barbie Fashionistas Doll – Silver Stars
2. Barbie The Look Doll
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1. Barbie I Can Be Zoo Keeper Doll
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