Greta Gerwig's Barbie film has surpassed USD 1 billion at the box office just 17 days after its release, making her the first solo female director to achieve this milestone.

The movie's success marks a significant moment in the cinema industry's recovery after pandemic challenges.

President of domestic distribution in the US Jeff Goldstein said that long queues at movie theaters and multiple viewings "prove that movies are back" after the cinema industry suffered following the coronavirus pandemic and its lockdowns, in addition to streaming competitors.

Starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film has received critical acclaim and sparked a social media frenzy.

Toy-maker Mattel plans to replicate this success with other film projects featuring their brands, such as Barney, Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket.