“Not Just a Goof”: Disney+ Documentary Honors the Legacy of a Cult Classic
The Goofy Movie is regarded as a cult classic to many, now in a new documentary we will be able tp see how it all unraveled. Credit to Disney.
Los Angeles, California (April 10, 2025)- Disney+ has released Not Just a Goof, a heartfelt new documentary that takes viewers deep into the untold story behind A Goofy Movie. Premiering on April 7, the release marks the 30th anniversary of the original film and offers an emotional, nostalgic, and revealing look at how a once-overlooked animated feature became one of Disney’s most beloved cult classics.
The documentary traces the journey of a young, passionate team of animators who were taking on their very first Disney feature. At the time, A Goofy Movie was a bold departure from Disney’s mainstream animated hits, both in tone and style. It focused on the often-overlooked character Goofy and his son Max, telling a deeply personal story about family, identity, and growing up—far from the fairy tales and princesses that typically defined the studio’s brand. Despite the team’s creative efforts, the movie struggled to make an impact upon its release in 1995, receiving mixed reviews and a modest box office performance.
However, over the decades, the film found new life. A generation of fans who grew up watching it on VHS and television embraced its heartfelt narrative, distinctive art style, and memorable music, turning it into a cherished classic. Songs like “Stand Out” and “Eye to Eye” became iconic, and the film’s portrayal of father-son relationships resonated deeply with viewers. Not Just a Goof dives into this unexpected cultural impact, exploring why the film continues to hold such a powerful place in the hearts of those who grew up with it.
The documentary doesn’t just highlight the movie’s popularity, but also the challenges and triumphs behind its creation. Featuring rare archival footage, production notes, and candid interviews with the people who made the film, it presents a raw and intimate portrait of life inside Disney Animation during a time of transition. As the studio navigated the pressures of building on its ‘90s Renaissance era, A Goofy Movie served as a quieter, more personal project that didn’t fit the usual mold—but would eventually stand the test of time in its own unique way.
Rather than simply serving as a retrospective, Not Just a Goof aims to explore broader themes of artistic risk, creative persistence, and the unpredictable nature of legacy. It shines a light on the emotional investment of the artists involved and the enduring connection the film forged with its audience. In doing so, it also reflects the broader evolution of Disney Animation itself, from a rigid storytelling formula to a studio more willing to take narrative risks and center more diverse voices and themes.
Disney+ continues to lead the way in bringing this kind of thoughtful and emotionally resonant content to fans. As the premier destination for everything Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more, the platform not only offers access to new releases and exclusive originals, but also to in-depth stories that honor the studio’s rich creative legacy. With titles like Not Just a Goof, Disney+ is providing a space where underappreciated gems can be reexamined, celebrated, and given the recognition they deserve.
Not Just a Goof is a love letter to the film, the fans who kept it alive, and the creators who poured themselves into a story that mattered. For Disney lovers, animation historians, and 90s kids alike, it’s more than just a documentary—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful stories are the ones that take the longest to be understood.
