Remember A Goofy Movie?
Probably not. It wasn’t exactly a blockbuster hit, but I loved it as a kid. They even made a spinoff show (Goof Troop) and a sequel called An Extremely Goofy Movie. You can actually stream them on Disney+ now—nostalgia at your fingertips!
I honestly didn’t even know the sequel existed until recently. I was probably too busy studying or surviving school life when it came out. It seems like one of those made-for-TV Disney Channel movies—low expectations, big heart.
Anyway, I ended up watching An Extremely Goofy Movie with my son at a local “Movies in the Park” night. It was a lovely evening: lots of families, lots of laughter, and, of course, overpriced food truck ice cream. Classic.
And you know what? Even though those movies are now 25 to 30 years old, the messages still hold up—surprisingly well, actually. Goofy still has a lot to teach us.
He was my favorite Disney character growing up. Goofy didn’t try to be anything other than himself—awkward, funny, full of heart. And in both movies, that’s exactly what saves the day.
In the first movie, Max lies to impress a girl, steering his and Goofy’s father-son road trip toward a Powerline concert instead of the intended route. Max could’ve done the right thing—but peer pressure and insecurity got the better of him.
In the sequel, Max goes off to college and Goofy, now sad and unemployed, has to go back to school for a degree. Where does he end up? You guessed it—Max’s college. Max, embarrassed as ever, tries to get rid of his dad by encouraging him to join a rival fraternity. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go well.
But here’s the heart of it: in both movies, Max messes up, and Goofy shows up—because that’s what love looks like. Unconditional, clumsy, well-meaning love.
Yes, I teared up. Again.
These movies reminded me of something we often forget as adults: we are enough. So often we tell ourselves, I’m not good enough, not cool enough, not worthy enough. We compare, we doubt, we sabotage.
Max spends both movies pushing away his dad, embarrassed by who Goofy is. But by the end, he realizes the truth—his dad is awesome. Why? Because he accepts Max for exactly who he is. No need to win the College X Games or crash a Powerline concert to be loved.
Goofy’s got that horseshoe philosophy: keep showing up, stay true to yourself, and eventually, everything will clang into place.
That message hit home for me. I’ve spent much of my life doubting myself:
- I’ll never get the girl.
- I won’t land the job.
- Success isn’t for people like me.
But I’m learning that mindset matters more than we think. Instead of asking “Why me?”, maybe it’s time to ask:
“How am I good? How am I great? How am I awesome?”
If Goofy can save the day—not once, but twice—and get two movies and a whole cartoon series, then honestly? We’ve all got a shot at greatness.
So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you just aren’t “enough,” maybe cue up a Disney classic. Laugh a little. Cry a little. Remember that awkward can be amazing, love is powerful, and believing in yourself might just be the goofiest and most powerful thing you ever do.
Even with a dad like Goofy, you’re gonna be just fine.
Blind Can You Can 