Barbie in the Nutcracker

Barbie in the Nutcracker follows Clara after a cruel spell from the Mouse King that makes her shrink to a miniature size. Stranded in a world that suddenly towers over her, Clara teams up with the Nutcracker, drawn into a perilous trek that blends whimsy with danger. Their goal is to locate the Sugarplum Princess, a figure rumored to hold the power to reverse the enchantment and restore Clara to her normal height. Along the way they encounter talking toys, tasty landscapes, and a cast of colorful helpers who offer aid and tests of nerve. The stakes hinge on friendship, bravery, and a clever plan to outsmart their foe. Their adventure also showcases giant confections and magical contraptions that heighten the sense of scale.

Directed by Owen Hurley and released in 2001, Barbie in the Nutcracker reimagines the familiar ballet for a young audience. It adapts the Barbie universe to the classic Nutcracker setup, with contributions from writers Hilary Hinkle Rob Hudnut and Linda Engelsiepen, and voice work by Sheridan, Morrow, and Curry.

Box office numbers arent part of this release since it debuted direct-to-video. There were no theatrical grosses reported, and the film is positioned as a home viewing title within the Barbie film line, distributed by Mattel and its partners for video markets.

Within the Barbie video canon, this entry helped extend the brand into fairy tale worlds while keeping a kid friendly sensibility. It features Kelly Sheridan as Clara and Kirby Morrow as the Nutcracker, with Tim Curry delivering a theatrical performance as Mouse King that fans remember.

Reception among families tends to praise the film for its cheerful tone and colorful design. The shrinking prop becomes a lens for showing clever problem solving and teamwork, especially between Clara and the Nutcracker. IMDb records a 6.9 out of 10 from about 1,098 votes.