Cult classic "A Goofy Movie" returns to big screen with Saturday show at Ragtag Cinema

Is it possible for a Disney movie — featuring one of the animated giant's most enduring characters — to become a cult classic? When the film in question is 1995's "A Goofy Movie," the answer is absolutely.

The film that's become a cultural touchstone for younger millennial viewers returns to the big screen in Columbia, playing Saturday afternoon as part of Ragtag Cinema's "Screentime: Discover Film, Together" series.

In 2020, Vanity Fair's Drew Taylor detailed the film's journey from a very modest hit to something much greater.

"Eager fans have made live-action tributes to it that have earned millions of views on YouTube. A Goofy Movie merchandise has become a hot ticket at several retailers. A 20th-anniversary cast reunion at the 2015 D23 Expo, Disney’s official biannual fan convention, felt more like a rock concert than a celebration of a seemingly obscure animated favorite," Taylor wrote.

Featuring the voice talent of Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, Jim Cummings, Kellie Martin and some very '90s names — Tevin Campbell and Pauly Shore, among them — the film revolves around a road trip undertaken by Goofy and his teen, Max. Father-son dynamics, the awkwardness of adolescence, first loves and a pop star named Powerline all come into play.

Many moments commend the film, dedicated viewers testify. But director Kevin Lima believes the Goofy-Max relationship lends "A Goofy Movie" its surprising staying power.

"I think at the core of anything that lasts is something that’s truthful," Lima told Vanity Fair. "And at some point or another, we all feel this way about our parents. We want to disconnect with our parents, only to realize years later that they were okay. They were doing their best. They loved me."

"Screentime: Discover Film, Together" is a Ragtag series dedicated to similar family ties, inviting multiple generations to gather and "foster a life-long love of moviegoing," according to its website. Past titles have included "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "The Goonies" and "Jumanji."

"A Goofy Movie" screens at 1 p.m. Saturday. Learn more and check ticket availability at https://ragtagcinema.org/film/a-goofy-movie/.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: How to see "A Goofy Movie" Saturday on a Columbia big screen