A Goofy Movie Animators Celebrate 30 Years of Inspiration
It’s been 30 years since A Goofy Movie first hit theaters, and its emotional storytelling, memorable music, and heartfelt father-son road trip have left a permanent mark on a generation of Disney animators. What started as a niche film in 1995 has become a cult favorite — and, more importantly, a creative spark for some of Disney’s top talent today.
Many animators across Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, and Disney Television Animation credit the film for fueling their passion. For Turning Red director Domee Shi, it wasn’t just the slapstick humor or catchy Powerline songs. It was the way A Goofy Movie blended emotional depth with outrageous fun. “When you see [Goofy] genuinely worry about his son… that sucker punches you with emotion,” Shi reflected.
From VHS to the Storyboard
Animator Andrew Feliciano, known for his work on Big Hero 6 and Moana 2, still uses scenes from the film to get into a creative headspace. “It just makes me happy,” he said. “It made you want to animate like that.”
The film’s reach goes beyond its viewers — it helped launch careers. Animator Bert Klein’s first job at Disney was as an in-betweener on A Goofy Movie. One of his early assignments? Helping animate that now-iconic gooey cheese pizza scene with P.J. “You have no idea what’s going to be interesting years later,” he laughed.
As these artists reflect on the movie’s impact, they all agree that a Goofy Movie still holds up. Its visuals, music, and emotional beats have aged gracefully—not just as entertainment but as animation that “affects people’s hearts in a deep way,” as Klein described.
Passing the Powerline to a New Generation
For many fans now in their 40s, the film is something they’re passing on to a new generation. And for those who worked on it — or were inspired by it — the legacy is personal and powerful.
Shane Houghton, co-creator of Big City Greens, grew up watching the film on VHS and now sees its animation as timeless. “Good animation done well lasts forever,” he said.
From I2I concert finales to Disney Parks anniversary events and TikTok challenges, A Goofy Movie continues to connect with fans in new ways.
👉 For more heartfelt reflections from Disney and Pixar animators on A Goofy Movie. Read the full post at The Walt Disney Company Blog.
