Why “A Goofy Movie” Is the Most Impressive Disney Renaissance Film

(No, I’m Not Kidding)

When we think of Walt Disney’s best 90’s films, the titles that tend to come up are box office smashes and Oscar winners. Yet judging by how much A Goofy Movie was trending last week for its 25th anniversary, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that despite its lack of awards and critical prestige, the film may actually be one of the most beloved of the era. I certainly fell in love with it as a kid and made it the first film I watched on Disney+ release day. This rewatch helped me realize why the film spoke to me, and indeed why it seems to have spoken to many others. The phenomenal music, acting, and animation certainly help, but the writing is where the film is at its strongest. This is, in my opinion, what makes it an impressive departure from Disney’s usual fare.

Simply put, A Goofy Movie had what I always wished Finding Nemo had: a real reconciliation between the father and son. Nemo and Marlin’s reunion is super short despite the whole movie having built up to it. Rather than talk out their differences, Marlin is forced into a sort of trolley problem where he has to decide whether to save Nemo’s life or Dori’s. Nemo never has to change much even though it was him ignoring his father that got him abducted in the first place. As far as we know, he never even learns what…