The Most Popular Barbie Doll the Year You Were Born
We'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for 1992 Barbie — and she just so happens to be the best-selling one of all time.
Life in plastic is fantastic, and Barbie has been making life look effortless since 1959. With the release of Barbie, the highly anticipated movie featuring Margot Robbie in the iconic role — and the Barbiecore phenomenon, featuring home décor and wardrobes in Barbie's signature pink — the doll is only getting more popular in her sixties.
While she always looks great in pink, Barbie's look has evolved over the years: From '60s eyeliner to '80s hair, she's tried virtually every trend each decade has had to offer. She's also taken on a ton of different careers and adapted to make the world of Barbie more inclusive and diverse over the years.
The "Totally Hair Barbie" from 1992 featured the longest tresses ever and still stands as the best-selling Barbie doll to date — but even if you weren't born that year, maybe you were lucky enough to have a birth year that honored one of Barbie's other major milestones or most legendary looks. In honor of our favorite doll and her fab friends, we're taking a trip down toy memory lane and highlighting the new (and thus, usually the most popular) Barbie that hit the scene each year since 1959.
1959
Barbie makes her official debut as "Teenage Fashion Barbie," in a fabulous one-piece.
1960
Accessorized with a sassy hat and her portfolio, "Fashion Designer Barbie" sashays onto the scene.
1961
With her strapless black dress and long gloves, "Barbie Solo In The Spotlight" becomes one of the more glamorous dolls ever.
1962
"Barbie Red Flair" debuts a new hairdo: an on-trend bubble style with volume that'll rival her later '80s looks.
1963
In her "Career Girl" look, Barbie gets ready to stylishly take on office life. Back then, there were no casual Fridays, let alone casual any-days.
1964
Barbie proves that a little black dress is timeless in this "Evening Wear" ensemble, accompanied by an equally formal Ken.
1965
Though she'll have many, many, many careers over the years, the most out-of-this-world one was her stint as "Astronaut Barbie."
1966
"Color Magic Barbie" takes to the beach and beyond in a fashionable romper with bold hues.
1967
Like many other women during this decade, "Barbie Twist 'n Turn" experiments with bangs.
1968
"Talking Barbie" practically comes to life, thanks to a string in the back that, once pulled, prompts her to speak.
Also 1968
Meet Barbie's new friend — and one of the first Black dolls — Christie, who wears a cover-up in a very-'60s swirling print.
1969-70
Another Barbie joins the "Twist 'n Turn" series, this time with a perfect hair flip.
1971
This is the year of the beachy doll we all know and love: "Malibu Barbie."
1972
Barbie's fashion-forward friend "Smashin' Satin Francine" stuns in bold shorts and a hair flip.
1973
"Surgeon Barbie" does her rounds, adding doctor to her ever-growing resume.
1974
Though we're surprised it took this long, Barbie takes the crown as "Miss America."
1975
It's time to hit the slopes! "Olympic Skier Barbie" makes cold-weather gear look fabulous in a way only she can.
1976
Dressed in a white bodysuit and tutu accented with a red ribbon, "Ballerina Barbie" becomes the inspiration for many a ballet class.
1977
Though she's been a model in every decade, the 1977 "Fashion Model Barbie" is a favorite for her colorful ensemble.
1978
1977's "Superstar Barbie" gets a partner in 1978's velvet-and-satin-clad Ken.
Angel Madison is a commerce editor for Hearst, covering LEGOs, trending products, toys, plus-size fashion, wellness, home, tech and more. Previously she covered entertainment, pop culture, and parenting for a variety of publications. When she's not at her desk you can find her hanging with her daughter and cat, finding offbeat roadside attractions, or doing crafts.
The Best Toys and Gifts for 7-Year-Olds
Best Toys and Gifts for 6-Year-Old Girls
Best Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls
The Best Gifts for 5-Year-Olds
