9 Times ‘The Goldbergs’ Recreated Classic ’80s Movie Scenes (PHOTOS)
Blast From the Past
First they adventured like The Goonies, then they took the day off like Ferris Bueller, and now they're getting ready for some Dirty Dancing.This year, for their annual full movie tribute episode, The Goldbergs will be paying homage to the classic '80s film, Dirty Dancing. With three major homages under their belt, the show is no stranger to making viewers feel nostalgic about the decade of big perms and bright neon. Take a look at the countless other '80s movie references that the show has recreated over three seasons.
Dirty Dancing
Season 3, Episode 17: “The ‘Dirty Dancing’ Dance” (full episode tribute)
This season, The Goldbergs had “the time of their lives” recreating the popular Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey movie. Erica (Hayley Orrantia) and Geoff (Sam Lerner) tried to mimic Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey by showing off their dance moves in the high school gym. However, to truly pull off the iconic lift scene at the end of the movie, Erica had some help from a few cable wires. Ultimately, nobody put Baby—um, Erica—in the corner.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Season 2, Episode 14: "Barry Goldberg's Day Off" (full episode tribute)Bueller? Bueller? Goldberg? Barry executed his plan to recreate the movie by having his own day off. However, in true Goldberg fashion, things got pretty messy, with Barry (Troy Gentile), Adam (Sean Giambrone), and Pops (George Segal) reenacting iconic scenes with some unique flair. Plus, two very important elements made the homage complete: a bright red Ferrari and a cameo from Charlie Sheen.
The Goonies
Season 1, Episode 16: "Goonies Never Say Die!" (full episode tribute)Showrunner Adam F. Goldberg fulfilled a childhood dream by paying homage to his favorite movie of all time. Recreating the The Goonies meant mirroring the movie as much as possible, beginning with Adam finding a treasure map in the attic that triggered an adventure for him and his siblings.
Say Anything
Season 1, Episode 5: “The Ring”
80s movie references started early out in this ABC show. At the beginning of the Season 1, Adam tries his hand at winning the heart of his neighbor by transforming into Say Anything-era John Cusack, hoisted boombox and all. Meanwhile Beverly and Murray dealt with their own romantic turmoil when it’s revealed that Beverly’s engagement ring was actually intended for someone else. The episode focuses on the trivial nature of love, whether old or new, and gives the viewer hope that maybe it really can be like the movies.
Risky Business
Season 3, Episode 1: "A Kick-Ass Risky Business"Barry began Season 3 by throwing a Risky Business-themed party (while the parents were away) and doing his best Tom Cruise slide in a white button down and shades! And to show things getting out of hand, the episode also recreated the memorable “Porsche in the water scene” from the film, which reminded viewers of the things teens do when the parents are out of town.
The Princess Bride
Season 2, Episode 21: "As You Wish"Desperate to remake The Princess Bride with his friends, Adam took up fencing to fool Murray (Jeff Garlin) into getting him a sword that would help set up his favorite Westley (Cary Elwes) scene. And to really make the episode feel authentic, Adam F. Goldberg even got permission to include film footage.
Caddyshack
Season 3, Episode 4: "I Caddyshacked the Pool"While struggling with embarrassment over his changing body, Adam tried every possible excuse to avoid swimming in the school’s pool. Eventually, he was inspired by the "Baby Ruth" gag from Caddyshack (dropping a chocolate bar in the pool to pretend it’s poop), but it naturally landed him in some trouble with the coach.
Top Gun
Season 3, Episode 9: “Wingmom”
Barry became a maverick when his obsession with Top Gun led him to join the high school’s junior ROTC program. Despite nicknaming himself Sky Shark and channeling Tom Cruise again, Barry quickly realized he couldn’t make it through training, which forced him to recruit Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) to get him out.
A Christmas Story
Season 3, Episode 10: "A Christmas Story"The cult classic Christmas movie was given a nod when Barry and Adam dared each other to lick an icy flag pole—and got their tongues stuck to it. The episode also focused on Beverly’s efforts to get her family excited about Hanukkah, but her “Super Hannukkah” traditions began to look more and more like Christmas traditions, only in blue and silver colors.
The Goldbergs, Wednesdays, 8:30/7:30c, ABC
