During the period known as the Disney Renaissance, Walt Disney Studios released commercially unparalleled hits like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King to name a few. At this time, the studio also released a sleeper hit that went on to become a cultural phenomenon with fans around the world clamoring to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Do you know which film this is?
As hard as it is to believe, A Goofy Movie debuted 25 years ago on April 7, 1995. The film follows single dad Goofy who forces his perpetually angsty teenage son Max on a road trip. Max, who was hoping to spend his summer pursuing his crush Roxanne, is less than enthused. Especially when he convinces her the trip with his dad was actually to attend a concert by his pop idol Powerline. Goofy is just hoping to bond with his son and do a little fishing, while Max is trying to find a way to the concert across the country.
Throughout the trip, Goofy and Max find themselves at Lester’s Possum Park, face to face with Bigfoot, and whitewater rafting, before actually ending up on stage at the Powerline concert. Amid Goofy’s cringey dad jokes and Max’s passive aggressive attitude, the film features the incredibly catchy tunes “After Today,” “On the Open Road,” and Powerline’s “I2I” and “Stand Out.” By the end of the film, the father-son duo overcame an emotional layer to understand each other better for a trip that is heartfelt and fun.
Initially developed as a direct to video spinoff to 1992’s Goof Troop, A Goofy Movie was developed independently to modest box office returns. The feature was produced by Dan Rounds based on a screenplay by Jymm Mahon, Chris Matheson and Brian Pimental, and marked the animated directorial debut of Kevin Lima. The voice cast included Bill Farmer as Goofy, Jason Marsden as Max, Tevin Campbell as Powerline, Jim Cummings as Pete, Rob Paulsen as P.J. and Kellie Martin as Roxanne.
Even a quarter century after its initial release, A Goofy Movie has remained a favorite among Disney fans and cemented its status as a true cult classic. In 2009, fans recreated the opening musical number “After Today” in a video that has amassed millions of views on YouTube; the 20th anniversary celebration at D23 was celebrated with rock concert-level enthusiasm; Disneyland’s ‘90s throwback night with Max saw the longest lines of the evening; and Powerline’s “I2I” dance number is currently taking over TikTok.
But wait, there’s more! D23 is inviting fans to take a break from modern livin’ and join them on a virtual road trip from Lester’s Possum Park to Powerline’s concert. This Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM ET toon in to a virtual viewing party with never before heard stories from members of the film’s cast and creative team. The reunion will include Farmer (Goofy), Cummings (Pete), Paulsen (P.J.), Lima (director), and Magon (writer). At 8 PM ET, D23 will also host a global party to watch the film “eye to eye” with fellow Disney fans, play along on with virtual bingo cards, live tweet, and enjoy behind the scenes tidbits along the way.
