WILL THESE END BRATZ? A Brutally Honest Review of Barbie Dream Besties Barbie "Brooklyn" and Teresa!

Hey Angelz! Or should I say... Besties? Since late December 2023, rumors and leaks of the long-awaited "Barbie Dream Besties" (previously referred to as "Dream Teens") have been making the rounds in the online doll community. Just as Alwayz Bratz, the brand's first foray into brand-new playline since 2016, was hitting shelves, Dream Besties and My Scene Collector doll listings shook the table even more.
Could Barbie Dream Besties give Bratz a run for its money, or will Mattel treat this brand like it has all of its other Barbie alternatives in the past 23 years? Only time will tell, but let's take a deeper dive into Mattel's Bratz-esque competitors over the years and how this launch sizes up next to Alwayz Bratz. There may even be a few surprises as we walk through this semi-controversial release! ;)
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[@LookinBratz]

I think some of the placement of music and pictures went off-sync when exporting this video... sorry y'all!

[@EndlessUnboxingSurprises]

When I first saw Dream Besties, my first thought was "Oh they look like giant Barbie mini extras." I was genuinely confused as to why they are being compared to bratz. To me, they don't give Bratz at all. As someone who loves both Bratz and Barbie, I don't think Mattel was intentionally trying to come for Bratz with the Dream Besties line. I genuinely think they were trying to make bigger versions of the minis. Now, with the Myscene reboot, yeah, they're definitely trying to come for Bratz with that! 😂 You're right though, both companies have their issues.

[@ducky19991]

"Opinions are like bratzholes" 😭😭😭 gagged

[@B3TTY14]

I very impressed Dom! Most Bratz fans have been very critical and putting insane standards on these dolls (standards Bratz doesn’t even follow) just because theyre a competitor to Bratz, but you treated them like their own doll and when you did mention them it was never anything like “they stole Bratz entire identity!!” So props to you for keeping it real👏

[@LookinBratz]

Thank you! Alwayz creepin' it real!

[@coolasbae]

The sound quality is much better when you’re recording from your phone

[@nolasdollsandaquatics9386]

Yes

[@Unholydiamonds]

Agreed, colors are better too

[@beauxdejour808]

Soo in my opinion, no I don’t think Barbie Dream Besties will be the line to end Bratz. I don’t think any line can really end Bratz tbh, whether that’s Barbie, Dream Besties, MyScene etc. because…”only Bratz are BRATZ!” 💜 If you know what I mean. & especially since MGA won their lawsuit & was given their rights to the brand back in the day, the brand is secured legally. But competition wise, yeah I think this line will sway some profits back to Mattel. Especially with younger audiences because that’s what DB looks like it’s marketed for. While Bratz (correct me if I’m wrong) was originally aimed for a market that wasn’t being tapped into as much- teens that were “aging out” of the fairytale/mermaid Barbie style dolls & were getting more interested in makeup & fashion, etc. bratz got that market to be interested in dolls again and prolonged that age group’s interest in dolls which turned out to be very lucrative. I’m rambling at this point, but I think competition is good at the end of the day. I’m all for it because that’s when brands (whether it’s Mattel or MGA) tries to outdo each other and put out their best work & the consumers win at the end of the day getting amazing dolls. We’ve seen that in the past with both brands between 2001-2007 producing the best lines before the lawsuits through a wrench in things & stopped MGA/Bratz in their tracks. Thank god that’s been settled & shouldn’t be a threat in the future. Legally stay in your lane & let the “doll wars” begin 🥳🩵💸💸💸 lol

[@katydoodles]

The way you were so proud and giddy about finally showing off your Mattel Bratz brought me joy xD

[@IIlittlem0nstaII]

Their faces look like ever after high to me.

[@myalbumsmisdiscos]

I want the my scene dolls line back

[@LookinBratz]

Stay tuned!

[@Staggerleet]

This is a good fair review of The Dream Besties. I agreed with pretty much everything you had to say about them!

[@tapioka2990]

No but, why did this video feel so cozy🥰I love your longer videos.

[@MythsofVirgo]

I’m not a fan of the head and eye shapes but it’s not bad at all. The fashion isn’t my style either but I understand the direction.

[@jpmercado5775]

They are cute but I still love bratz. The only problem with MGA is the slow releases compared to MATTEL.

[@LookinBratz]

I appreciate MGA not burning out the way Mattel is, but I do wish MGA was a bit more frequent! Maybe 2-3 months between releases instead of 6?

[@jpmercado5775]

@@LookinBratz Exactly! But maybe they are saving for the best. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sonyasaville5042]

Dude, this is the review I have been waiting for….one of the best honest ones. I have mixed feelings about collecting this Barbie Besties because I am trying to limit my doll collection spaces. I am over the moon on best quality of the dolls with their clothes and the accessories. That what got me collecting Bratz for the first time in 2001. I quit in 2007 because I was inbox collector and I have no space for all of them. Lol. So I start downsizing it which was my biggest regrets. When I get LOL OMG dolls for the first time in 2021 to unbox them…I just flipped. It spoke to me. Same with Rainbow High…in three months later because their clothes is like the right spot on but I wasn’t the fan of the design of their leg articulation. Now this Barbie besties. I need to test the water to buy one of these to check their body to see how it feels…since I wasn’t fan over Barbie Extra because they feels so lightweight and too plasticky. But i really love My First Barbie….and the reproduction of Silkstone original Barbie’s, too. It’s the quality of the doll I am focusing to collect in my collection. Barbie Besties have incredible beautiful faces I love. Thanks for sharing the reviews and these comoarisions of all these dolls in different shapes and form. 👍👍

[@LookinBratz]

Thank you so much, I'm really glad you enjoyed it!!! I get what you mean, and also the bodies are very similar (if not the same) as Barbie Extra in regards to plastic type. :/ But would definitely recommend getting one if you're curious! They're cute!

[@sonyasaville5042]

@@LookinBratz thank you for saying about being similar as Barbie Extra body type. Yes, I bought Barbie the Movie dolls…that I have unboxed three of them (extras to be dressed with fashion packs) - I was pretty impressed with it. They are so light….that I thought they could be easily break that it may not able to survive for another 50 years like vintage Barbies. I will try one as you suggested. Again, Thank you! 👍👍

[@especiallyqiao]

The Felicia by the window tho 👀

[@sia_mae]

Glad to see another long video from you! It’s so cozy to watch your reviews while restyling dolls 😊

[@Radiospossessor]

I'd like to see a review for the other two when you get them. I think this line is better than most of what barbie has out and I plan to buy them all 😊 (I normally don't like barbie so take that as you will 🤭)

[@Radio.Killer]

Omg 😱 I'm not a doll person. Never played with dolls as a child. The only time I bought a doll was when I was 18 and wanted to take up sowing doll clothes as a hobby. I really love the design of this Teresa doll.

[@LookinBratz]

Oh wow! She's so cute! Do you think you'll get her?

[@Radio.Killer]

@@LookinBratz sure. If I decide to start sowing doll clothes again.

[@jackiecook8753]

The face is Barbie Extra Mini, but with a smile & on a full size doll. That's what I see.

[@rnvol3931]

Tbh im a barbie fan and a bratz fan also but barbie will NOT end bratz barbies quality has dipped drasticlly in the recent years but bratz still has good dolls with great quality unlike barbra

[@PeachYReviews19]

Oop, this is gonna be good!🍵👀

[@LookinBratz]

😋

[@alittleoddme1940]

The tea is hot 🔥

[@MidnightMistique]

Btw i know a lot of people IDed Yasmin's outfit as Ludovic De Saint Sernin but i haven't seen a lot of people mentioning Jade's is a mix of a few Maison Margiela pieces from their co-ed 2023 collection. Cloe and Sasha prob reference something too but I can't really point towards a specific designer (altho Cloe's jacket reminds me of a designer piece I saw somewhere). Alwayz is def for the more glamorous than the Dream Besties who aren't super fashion forward 😅 They're super cute dolls but I'm not sure I wanna buy them at this point in time, especially cause in Europe they're just 2€ less than an Alwayz

[@Shin_chan20]

I’m personally loving the dream besties, I like their proportions and quality for the price point. I’m even debating if I want to buy more monster high or get these cute girls! Loved the video very thorough and entertaining!

[@LookinBratz]

I'd lowkey say go for Dream Besties!!!

[@hayley623]

They are cute the outfits could be better but they are still cute. Loved the review 😌

[@ZayaMillis]

I hope the new My Scene doll are a higher quality Barbie Extra style doll line but way more fashion-forward.

[@michaelbrambila1]

Just a heads up on your camera, the overheating thing is a setting the camera come with, you have to go into the settings and turn it off, there are lots of videos that can show you how to adjust it so that it doesn’t turn off when it “overheats”

[@LookinBratz]

Ooh thank you so much!!! 💜

[@thecartoondollemporium]

I can’t explain how much i love your honest reviews 👏 feels like a facetime call with a friend!! ❤️

[@LookinBratz]

[@jitteryjason3179]

Hey Dom! Is there any plans on filming a Slumber Party Repro video? If not, it’s completely fine! I just wanted to see if I should look forward to it or not. Sending love and thank you for another great video!! ❤️

[@LookinBratz]

Eventually! I’m just not sure when. 😓

[@shee-p]

For the ace sculpt, Idk how people are not compearing them to EAH scult bc fir me they are one of the same!!

[@jackiecook8753]

I collect both Barbie & Bratz. I love the details in Bratz fashion & accessories. I just got the Slumber Party reproduction. Ohhhhh, so good ! The real plushies are something Barbie never does. They give a hard plastic teddy bear. 🙄 But these dolls have more than basic articulation. Bratz barely bend their knees. So...they're both good. They're just different.

[@defreynmusic]

Omg Dom Loved this!! Also the part of mini Dom was soooo relatable ❤❤❤

[@royd.6831]

Very interesting and fair video. I appreciate your acknowledging that Teresa, Christie, Kira and all of Barbie’s diverse friends have been around since the 1960’s (so they’re not copying Bratz). Surprised that you didn’t mention how much the Besties look like Mattel’s Ever After High dolls, lol. Honestly, for $20 I think these dolls are super cute and I plan to get them all…😊

[@strawberryswirrl716]

i like how you admit when you may be biased i would be too as a bratz fan

[@mattkon1808]

Am I the only one that would kill to have a Bratzillaz reproduction series? Or a reboot like alwayz bratz? I mean, they were really amazing but didn't last enough. It was 2013 i was too little to have my own money, now that I have them I can't find these dolls nowhere. All the resellers on the second hand market are crazy with those prices. I can't even complete the 5 basic girlies

[@LookinBratz]

A revamped version with better quality would be cool!

[@mattkon1808]

@LookinBratz exactly. But I think that it would never happen 😭. Btw what happened to your instagram profile? It tells me that it doesn't exist (maybe there's a restriction for the people outside U.S)

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

Those Barbie besties very beautiful awesome amazing dolls collection I have to get them very soon the quality on them are very nice I'm a huge fan of Bratz dolls

[@jpmercado5775]

Please do the slumber party review! 🤭

[@lotsofstuff_littlespace]

I think they are really cute. Do I like them as much as Bratz? No. But I think I'll buy one or two of them at some point... I'm also very excited about the announced video content 😉

[@LookinBratz]

Yay!!!

[@pepercat17]

I haven’t seen any hype for the bratz dolls. Am I missing something?

[@moni5620]

I have so much to say but ill keep it brief: I think these dolls reveal the nepotism and exclusionary hiring at mattel.

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

I wish the Barbie best is came with the second outfit

[@royd.6831]

Also, not to defend “soulless corporation” Mattel, but they still are the only doll company to really prioritize representation (not just racial, but body sizes, ethnicities, LGBT, non-binary and dolls with prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, hearing & vision loss, vitiligo, Down Syndrome and other conditions. Yes, they have moved away from fashion but Barbie has had hundreds of careers, lol…😄

[@LookinBratz]

This is definitely territory I wish MGA would explore more! I think, if granted the chance, Bratz would make a great candidate to lead that sort of change in MGA's brand if it's able to fully realize itself on the market.

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

Mattel CEO is very awesome handsome man

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

I miss the Liv dolls by spin master

[@frankiesoiree]

mattel needs more people with platforms to be more critical. thank u for sharing that. i quit collecting monster high because of their antics with their skullector dolls. people complain, but continue to support it. and the ones who are able to get the dolls or are given them in PR don’t actually care about the rest of the community. it’s exhausting. i hate mattel.

[@LookinBratz]

Ugh I'm sorry! I wonder how long Mattel will keep up it up and if most of the fans are going to throw in the towel eventually. I feel like we saw some signs of it happening late last year with the Mattel Creations Disney and MH Midnight Runway releases, but the launches seem to be more popular this year.

[@Theoriginaldollbritney]

I prefer the Bratz 💕 but they're cute and nice try Mattel 👍 I honestly need to get doubles of my always Bratz so I can open 1

[@mattkon1808]

It cracks me everytime I see Mattel trying to compete with MGA. I mean, stay in your barbie happy hippie world. Why try to something you're not? Mattel has lost the word "fashion" in their dolls since they rebooted fashionistas back in 2014ish and killed ever after high and monster high g1. MGA usually makes slaying fashions and so on. Mattel is more childish and rainbowish now. That's why I'm not considering these dolls a direct competition to bratz. Just my opinion btw. (And I'm not even comparing the actual quality of materials, just ideas and designs)

[@katerinaevangelia]

Brooklynn looks cute amd I'm a Bsrbie hater. I love you Dom you're such a nice guy thank you for all the content! Greetings from Finland, Europe. And yea hugs and forehead kisses to you too love ❤

[@LookinBratz]

Aww thank you!!!

[@lukam8548]

My personal opinion is only bratz are bratz! Why Mattel want copy with this bad doll 😫ok the mini Barbie land nice idea but out after mini bratz succes

[@berakfilip]

???. J.want

[@xochantal421]

bRATZ Doesn't have to worry im not buying these

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

You are a very handsome man

[@MK_1Ultra]

My opinion and a hot take, but I hate the tinsel in Brooklys hair, hate the eye shapes on these except Renee and not into some of the fashion choices. I like Renee and Brooklyn's outfits but hate the accessories. I'm selling Brooklyn and Barbie but keeping Renee and possibly Teresa (changing her outfit to Brooklyn's)

[@meganroberts2937]

Honestly the fact that Mattel (who created barbie) sued Bratz and your wearing a barbie tshirt. Are you really a biased Bratz fan? Hahaha I’m joking dom. I know your into Bratz wayyy more

[@bryqe]

dom!!!

[@LookinBratz]

😭😭😭😭thank you!!!

[@jackiecook8753]

The face is Barbie Extra Mini, but with a smile & on a full size doll. That's what I see.

[@JustTRodriguez]

Barbie and the Rockets, Generation Girl, My Scene, Diva Starz, Flavas, etc. And now, Barbie Dream Besties-another Mattel doll line that won't last

[@nueshb4797]

I was showing my dad pictures of the barbie dream besties and he was the first person to point out to me that they look like the bratz. He also playfully calls me a traitor when he sees me post myscene stuff. He might be a bigger bratz fan than me.

[@LookinBratz]

Awww!!!

[@ТараБургустина]

I think they look too "childish"

[@myidolgwen359]

biased? yes, VERY. however, there NEEDS to be more vocal mga apologists. i started collecting at a time where mga was sinking (lalaloopsy was the only thing keeping them afloat) and mattel was THRIVING and there were ONLY mattel stans. bratz stans mga stans were silenced or non existent and as you said i believe even multiple times, bratz-mga IS the punching bag of the fashion doll industry. it has always been trendy to just rip on them. and at this time very few had anything good to say about them. so own the fact that you have a heavier microscope lens over mattel than some, those effers canceled LITD which was my reason for existence at one point and i dont even think that era of barbie was touched upon here (that was literally the 2010s margot robbie barbie movie BEFORE the barbie movie)

[@Prettyprincessofficial-l1h]

NO! NOTHING REPLACES BRATZ HI YAHHHHHHHDNDNDNDJDJSJJXJS

[@megansutton9699]

This is a case of history repeating itself

[@MercyCooK-h6l]

I wish the Barbie besties came out with a second outfit

[@xochantal421]

they should do those bratz dolls they are pretty

[@shawnbay2211]

This camera takes such pretty video. It feels almost vintage … cinematic. Perfect 4 the Bratz aesthetic. But iPhone microphone quality is superb.

[@shawnbay2211]

Oh but if iPhone is easier, stick with that. iPhone camera quality is crisp. I think the other camera is good if u wanna take pretty shots of the dolls.

[@Spidrick]

Dom, this was a great video. I loved the the way you compared the lines and throughly enjoyed the commentary. Also, I don't know if the glasses are new, but they look great on you! What do you think the chances are for a Bratzilla reproduction?

[@LookinBratz]

Thank you!!! I honestly feel like the chances are slim, but who knows! I loved Bratzillaz, maybe they'd be cool to include in a Mini Bratz series as a nod to the brand?

[@meganroberts2937]

It better fkn not end Bratz!!! Also to me they look similar to Bratz and I like them but I will never get them.

[@meganroberts2937]

Oh wow Mattel Bratz looks like ever after high X Bratz I don’t mind her actually

[@Lawofsara]

I really like these new dolls. Im not a collector, just a mom with young daughters (3, 5 & 7) that are really into dolls. Id say the barbies at present are disposable. The bratz have always been more of a premium doll and my daughters loves them but they tend to lose the feet which is my only gripe about bratz. I know that its the design but I really wish they sold shoes separately like they do with rainbow high dolls for this reason only. I believe my daughters will love these new bestie dolls. Bratz are very expensive to keep buying when one shoe gets lost. So these bestie dolls will be a good alternative IMO.

[@LookinBratz]

I hope Bratz starts making shoe packs again!!!

[@dustinatwood2620]

Umm there is no way these are gonna hurt Bratz as these are pathetic cutesie knocks offs with absloutely no way original or original. These are just Barbie only because Barbie is falling out of her movie era, they are reaching and grasping for something to cling to. The names are the same years old used names from Barbie, how can Barbie be friends with herself? I think Theresa is cute , but she would be competition for Yasmin , and Theresa will never be Yasmin. I think these will hit clearance shelfs fast , by christmas they will be barbies best attempts. I like the stand alone Art on the Always Bratz, as I do only collected Yasmin and Sasha as their atittudes match mine better. However the Always Bratz line made me buy my first ever Chloe . As I liked Chloe's box art.