1995 Retrospective Review
Earlier this year in April, A Goofy Movie turned 30 years old. Originally released in 1995, it’s not just a staple of animation—it’s a staple of my childhood. I have so many fond memories tied to this film, and I just got back from a D23 30th Anniversary screening at Disney Springs. That made this the perfect time to finally talk about a movie I’ve wanted to cover since I started my channel nearly seven years ago.
Directed by Kevin Lima, A Goofy Movie features Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, and more. While it wasn’t a major hit in theaters at the time—especially compared to Disney’s other Renaissance-era releases—it found new life on VHS, through reruns on Disney Channel, and in the hearts of kids like me who wore out their tapes. For my sister and I, this movie was on constant repeat, and rewatching it now brought all that nostalgia flooding back.
At the D23 screening, fans were given commemorative pins and memorabilia, but the real highlight was seeing Kevin Lima, Bill Farmer (Goofy), and Jason Marsden (Max) appear on stage. For me, it was surreal. Bill Farmer has been the voice of Goofy across decades of projects, and Jason Marsden is an actor whose work goes far beyond just Max. Having them there alongside the director gave the whole event this special, once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
The screening was interactive—audience call-outs, glow sticks, sing-alongs—which was fun, though I’ll admit, the movie-lover side of me struggled a bit with all the distractions. It wasn’t the quiet, cinematic experience I usually prefer, but even through the chaos, the heart of this movie shined.
The story itself is timeless. Goofy, worried about drifting apart from his teenage son, takes Max on a cross-country road trip. Max, however, has his own plan—to impress his crush Roxanne by promising to show up at a Powerline concert. What unfolds is a perfect blend of slapstick comedy, heartfelt family drama, and music that has remained iconic.
What really stands out on rewatch is how A Goofy Movie transforms Goofy from a one-note slapstick character into someone with genuine depth and heart. Before this film, Goofy was largely just comic relief in shorts and Goof Troop. But here, he’s given emotional weight. He’s a dad trying desperately to stay connected with his son, even as Max wants nothing more than to pull away. Max’s fear of “becoming his father,” illustrated so perfectly in the film’s opening dream sequence, adds another layer of relatability.
The emotional beats still hit hard. Pete’s revelation to Goofy that Max has changed their road map is a turning point. Goofy’s silent heartbreak as he realizes his son lied to him is one of the most poignant moments Disney has ever animated. It’s silly, yes—but the somber, quiet beats resonate just as much as the comedy.
Of course, the music is unforgettable. Eye to Eye and Stand Out by Powerline are as beloved as ever, with Eye to Eye arguably one of the most celebrated Disney songs of the ’90s. Watching a theater full of fans sing along was proof of just how deeply this soundtrack has endured. And the animation—classic, hand-drawn, slightly grainy—carries that 1990s Disney charm. Seeing it on the big screen again, even with modern projection, reminded me how unique and endearing that style was.
Characters like Bobby (voiced by Pauly Shore) still steal scenes despite small screen time, and Roxanne remains one of those unforgettable childhood crush characters for many fans. But at its core, A Goofy Movie isn’t about side gags or romance—it’s about family, and the bittersweet struggle between parents and kids as they try to understand one another.
Three decades later, A Goofy Movie has earned its place as one of Disney’s most beloved cult classics. It may not have had the box office dominance of The Lion King or Aladdin, but it has something arguably even more enduring: heart.
If you haven’t revisited it yet, this anniversary is the perfect excuse. And if you’ve never seen it, you’ll find a film that balances humor, music, and genuine emotion in a way that makes it more than just “goofy.” It’s a heartfelt, timeless story about parents and kids, about growing up, and about the bonds that hold us together.
Rating: 10/10.