Nearly three decades after its release, A Goofy Movie is finally getting the flowers it deserves—and Disney+ is leading the tribute. Not Just a Goof, a brand-new documentary directed by Eric Kimelton and Christopher Ninness, is set to premiere on the streaming platform, diving deep into the making—and surprising legacy—of the 1995 animated film that went from overlooked oddity to cultural classic.
In the trailer, A Goofy Movie director Kevin Lima reflects on the risky, out-of-the-box ambition behind the film. “I was a first-time director. I had a first-time head of story. I had a first-time lead editor,” Lima explains. “I thought we had the opportunity to make a John Hughes movie in animation.”
And that’s exactly what they did. While Disney was known for fairytale spectacles during the ’90s renaissance—Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King—Lima wanted to tell a more grounded, heartfelt story. “Let’s make a movie that’s about contemporary teenagers, as opposed to what feature animation was doing, which was all talking animal movies and fairy tales,” he said.
The film’s emotional core—a father-son road trip between Goofy and his son Max—was sparked by a real-life inspiration. Lima recalls a conversation with then-Disney Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg, who spoke about a strained relationship with his daughter and a planned trip to reconnect.
The official trailer for #NotJustAGoof, a documentary about the creation, struggles, and lasting impact of #AGoofyMovie. Streaming April 7 on @disneyplus! pic.twitter.com/5Xo2zbfYfK
— Not Just A Goof (@GoofyDocFilm) April 3, 2025
When A Goofy Movie debuted on April 7, 1995, it earned a modest $37.6 million at the box office—just barely doubling its $18 million budget. It was delayed from its original November 1994 release and largely treated as a low-priority project within the studio. But something funny happened after it hit VHS: the movie caught fire with audiences, especially among Black and millennial fans who resonated with its music, its message, and Max’s relatable teen angst.
With a standout R&B soundtrack—anchored by Tevin Campbell as fictional pop star Powerline—A Goofy Movie found its second wind. Songs like Eye to Eye (I2I) and Stand Out became cult anthems, and over time, the movie grew into a beloved touchstone for an entire generation.
Not Just a Goof will premiere on April 7 on Disney+.
