Barbie: The Smiling Doll (2024) reimagines the beloved doll in a chilling psychological horror. When 12-year-old Lily receives a rare, vintage Barbie as a birthday gift, she is captivated by its flawless design and unsettling, ever-present smile. At first, the doll seems harmless, but soon, strange and disturbing events begin to unfold in her home.
Lilyโs family starts experiencing eerie occurrencesโwhispers echoing through the house at night, furniture shifting on its own, and the doll appearing in places where no one left it. At school, Lilyโs behavior changes; she speaks to Barbie as if itโs alive, and her once-bright personality darkens. Her parents grow concerned, but every attempt to dispose of the doll only makes it reappear, its grin seemingly wider each time.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lily investigates the dollโs origins and discovers a terrifying history. Every owner of this particular Barbie has mysteriously vanished over the decades, with only the doll left behind. Legends speak of a curse tied to its creationโan unspeakable force lurking behind its plastic facade, waiting for its next victim.
As the entity behind Barbie grows stronger, Lilyโs grip on reality weakens. Her dreams become nightmares, and shadows move even in daylight. Those who try to intervene meet tragic fates, pushing Lily deeper into the dollโs sinister influence. She must find a way to break the curse before she, too, disappears like the others.
In a heart-stopping finale, Lily faces the evil within Barbie, uncovering the terrifying truth of what the doll really is. But is it too late? With one final smile, Barbieโs influence spreads, ensuring that her next owner will continue the nightmare.
