The Top 10 Most Movie Reference-Packed Simpsons Episodes
While only 2% of all episodes of The Simpsons in the first 13 seasons contain no movie references at all, some of our favorite episodes cram in dozens.
The key to these reference-heavy episodes is that they provide some kind of platform for parodies, like a trip to the movie theater, a sci-fi convention, or maybe an annual dose of Treehouse of Horror movie mashups and creepy credits.
In this article we break down the top 10 most movie-reference heavy episodes of The Simpsons from the first 13 seasons, including the set pieces that enable so many parodies, the most timely references, the deepest cuts you might have missed, and more.
A box office packed with movie references at the Springfield Googolplex in “Jaws Wired Shut” (S13E19).
10. “Jaws Wired Shut” (S13E9)
Air Date: January 27, 2002
Showrunner: Al Jean
Writer: Matt Selman
Director: Nancy Kruse
Total References: 19
Major References: 2 (11%)
SMRDb Additions: 5 (26%)
Average Reference Year: 1978
Appropriately enough, our first mega-movie reference episode starts with a trip to Springfield Googolplex Theatres. Starting with the box office window, this serves as a perfect platform for movie title gags and full-on parodies, accounting for 37% of all movies references in the episode.
Like many of us moviegoers today, the Simpson family has to sit through a seemingly endless series of advertisements and previews, resulting in Homer leading a revolt. These previews include an Itchy & Scratchy short titled “To Kill a Talking Bird”—a reference to To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)—and a trailer for “Soccer Mummy,” which seems to be a parody of Angels in the Outfield (1994), and similar supernatural sports movies.
Title Parody: Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
Deepest Cut Movie Reference: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Valley Ranch” appears on the Springfield Googolplex marquee, although it's only ever partially visible in a few freeze frames.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Chocolat (2000), 1 year and 1 month after the release of the movie. "Chocolat 2: The Vanilla-ing" appears on the Springfield Googolplex marquee, a mashup with Piranha II: The Spawning (1982).
Other Movie References at the Springfield Googolplex Box Office:
C.H.U.D. (1984) & Air Bud (1997). “Air CHUD” is a mashup of these two movies.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) & Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985). “Final Chapter - A New Beginning” is a reference to the contradictory subtitles of these two sequels in the chronicles of Jason Voorhees.
Dude, Where's My Car? (2000). “Dude, Where’s My Pepsi?”
The Simpson family visits Planet Springfield’s collection of movie memorabilia (including the cane from Citizen Kane) in “Guess Who’s Coming to Criticize Dinner?” (S11E3).
9. “Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?” (S11E3)
Air Date: October 24, 1999
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writer: Al Jean
Director: Nancy Kruse
Total References: 19
Major References: 4 (21%)
SMRDb Additions: 5 (26%)
Average Reference Year: 1972
The first five episodes of season 11 mark the densest period of movie references in the first 13 seasons of The Simpsons, and “Guess Who’s Coming to Criticize Dinner” is the first of four episodes from that period on this list.
In this episode, that density is thanks first and foremost to the Simpson family’s visit to Planet Springfield, a thinly veiled parody of Planet Hollywood. So thinly veiled, in fact, that the first movie reference we encounter there is the score playing “Hooray for Hollywood,” a classic musical number from Hollywood Hotel (1937) that the show often uses to represent show business. Inside Planet Springfield, we encounter 63% of all movie references in the episode in the form of movie memorabilia (listed below).
In one meme-worthy moment at the restaurant, Lisa balks at one of the props, saying that “there is no cane in Citizen Kane.” However, not only is there a cane in this 1941 cinematic classic, but it was even depicted on The Simpsons in “Marge Gets a Job” (S4E7). (Boy, I really hope somebody got fired for that blunder.)
Title Parody: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967).
Deepest Cut Movie Reference: Léon: The Professional (1994). The French restaurant owner is modeled after the assassin protagonist of this movie, including his stubble and wool beanie. The scene of this character assembling his whisk is also modeled after a similar scene of Léon assembling a rifle.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Titanic (1997), 1 year and 10 months after the release of the movie. A model of the Titanic and an iceberg can be seen hanging from the ceiling at Planet Springfield.
Other Movie References at Planet Springfield:
A Trip to the Moon (1902). The man in the moon from this movie can be seen on the wall.
The Sound of Music (1965). A poster for this movie is hanging on the wall.
The Love Bug (1968). Herbie, the car from this movie, can be seen hanging from the ceiling.
Star Wars (1977). A poster and several other displays from this movie are hanging on the wall.
Heartbeeps (1981). The coffee mug from this movie is featured in one of the displays.
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987). A poster for "Ernest Goes Straight to Video" hangs on the wall.
It's Pat: The Movie (1994). An "It's Pat" poster hangs on the wall.
Mars Attacks! (1996). A replica of one of the Martians from this movie is on display.
The Cable Guy (1996). The “awful” script for this movie is on display.
Groundskeeper Willie transforms eratically like the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) inside a broader parody of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) in “Treehouse of Horror VI” (S7E6).
8. “Treehouse of Horror VI” (S7E6)
Air Date: October 29, 1995
Showrunners: Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein
Writers: John Swartzwelder, Steve Tompkins, and David X. Cohen
Director: Bob Anderson
Total References: 22
Major References: 6 (27%)
SMRDb Additions: 7 (32%)
Average Reference Year: 1973
Unsurprisingly, the Treehouse of Horror series is one of the richest sources of movie references on The Simpsons. Not only do these episodes typically include three segments, with at least one parodying a well-known horror or sci-fi movie, but nearly all of them also include “creepy credits” for the cast and crew that are full of nods to the history of horror cinema.
The first and second segments of “Treehouse of Horror VI” (S7E6), are a particular highlight for movie lovers. “Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores” is mostly a parody of its namesake, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958), with nods to other sci-fi B movies of the era like Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957) and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961).
Meanwhile, “Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace” offers a detailed parody of A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and its sequels A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987), A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), and New Nightmare (1994).
But the creepy credits (listed below) are the heaviest hitters of this episode, accounting for 32% of all references in the episode.
Other Title Parodies: Alien 3 (1992). “Homer³” (Segment 3) is a reference to how the title of this movie was styled graphically on the poster and title card.
Deepest Cut Movie Reference: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961). In the first segment, the radio says, “Astronomers… have just reported an ionic disturbance in the vicinity of the Van Allen Belt.” The Van Allen Belt is a major plot point of this movie.
Most Recent Movie Reference: New Nightmare (1994), 1 year after the release of the movie. Groundskeeper Willie coils his elongated tongue around Martin during a nightmare sequence, much like Freddy does to Heather in this movie.
Other Creepy Credit Movie References:
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941). ”Dan CastellanetaarghaGAHEGGA (Smash) Gurgle Mr. Hyde.”
It Came from Outer Space (1953). “It Came from Steve Tompkins.”
The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). “The Abominable Dr. Reiss.”
Blacula (1972). “Domi 'Blackula' Bro.”
Piranha II: The Spawning (1982). “Forrester II ‘The Brentening’.”
The Terminator (1984). “Travis ‘The Trephinator’ Powers.”
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995). “Mikey Morphin’ Power Scully.” (Indirect via TV)
Guest star Mark Hamill performs a Star Wars-themed medley of “Hooray for Hollywood“ from Hollywood Hotel (1937) and “Lucky Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls (1955) in “Mayored to the Mob” (S10E9).
7. “Mayored to the Mob” (S10E9)
Air Date: December 20, 1998
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writer: Ron Hauge
Director: Swinton O. Scott III
Total References: 22
Major References: 7 (32%)
SMRDb Additions: 1 (5%)
Average Reference Year: 1974
Sometimes, a movie star guest playing themselves offers the alibi for a glut of movie nods. In this case, Mark Hamill visiting Springfield’s Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con leads to a bevy of references to the Star Wars trilogy. At one point, Hamill even encouraging Homer to “use the forks!”
In classic Hamill fashion, he also seems eager to prove that he’s more than just Luke Skywalker. At a local dinner theater, he plays Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (1955), singing "Luke, be a Jedi tonight" to the tune of "Luck Be a Lady.” But if the part of the song where he literally sings the words “guys and dolls” sounds familiar, that’s because it’s actually to the tune of “Hooray for Hollywood” (see above) from Hollywood Hotel (1937). Hamill also plays the owner of Leavelle’s Bodyguard Academy in this episode, which serves as a platform for various bodyguard-themed movie parodies, like Executive Action (1973) and The Bodyguard (1992).
But the Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con itself also offers a perfect platform for genre references, accounting for 41% of all references in this episode.
Title Parody: Married to the Mob (1988).
Deepest Cut Movie Reference: This Island Earth (1955). At the sci-fi convention, an attendee is dressed like the aliens from this movie.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Lost in Space (1998), 8 months after the release of the movie. At the sci-fi convention, Bart approaches actor Jonathan Harris and says, “I saw that Lost in Space movie. You are not Dr. Smith!”
Other Costume & Character References from the Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con:
The Invisible Man (1933)
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Godzilla (1954)
This Island Earth (1955)
Barbarella (1968)
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979, indirect via TV)
Lost in Space (1998)
The X-Files (1998, indirect via TV)
Homer takes a break from his parody of The Omega Man (1971) to watch a parody of Tommy Boy (1995) in “Treehouse of Horror VIII” (S9E5).
6. “Treehouse of Horror VIII” (S9E5)
Air Date: October 26, 1997
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writers: Mike Scully, David X. Cohen, and Ned Goldreyer
Director(s): Mark Kirkland
Total References: 23
Major References: 3 (13%)
SMRDb Additions: 6 (26%)
Average Reference Year: 1973
This edition of Treehouse of Horror features two movie mashup sequences. In the first segment, Homer finds himself wandering a post-nuclear Springfield in a parody of The Omega Man (1971), but he takes a break from his apocalyptic reality to watch Tommy Boy (1995) at Springfield’s Aztec Theatre. The second segment, on the other hand, is primarily a plot parody of The Fly (1958), although the teleportation pods resemble the 1986 remake.
But in this case, the creepy credits steal the show. This episode contains the most creepy credit references of any Treehouse of Horror in the first 13 seasons, accounting for 74% of all movie references in the episode.
Title Parodies: "The HΩmega Man" (Segment 1): The Omega Man (1971). “Fly vs. Fly” (Segment 2): The Fly (1958) and The Fly (1986) via Mad Magazine’s Spy vs. Spy.
Deepest Cut Movie Reference: The Devil in Miss Jones (1973). “The Devil in Rich Appel” appears in the credits, one of the few references to an X-rated movie on the show.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Jerry Maguire (1996). Alexander “Show Me the Mummy” Duke appears in the credits.
Other Creepy Credit Movie References:
Frankenstein (1931). ”Bill Frankenfreesh.”
The Mummy (1932) & Jerry Maguire (1996). “Alexander ‘Show Me the Mummy’ Duke.”
Death of a Salesman (1951). “Matt ‘Death of a’ Selman.”
The Thing That Couldn't Die (1958). “The Thing That Wouldn’t Doyle.”
Psycho (1960). “Norman ‘Bates’ Macleod.”
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane O’Brien?“
The Raven (1963). “Brad ‘Nevermore’ Bird.” (Indirect via Poem)
Blacula (1972). “Domi ‘Blackula’ Bro.”
Dawn of the Dead (1978). “Don ‘of the Dead’ Nick Cary.”
The Terminator (1984). “Travis The Trephinator Powers.”
Monkey Shines (1988). “J. Monkeyshines Mendel.”
La Femme Nikita (1990). “La Femme Sirkota.”
Jurassic Park (1993). “Jurassic Jim Reardon.” (Unconfirmed)
Needful Things (1993). “Needful Things Goldreyer.”
The X-Files (1998). “Mike ‘Agent’ Scully.” (Indirect via TV)
The Simpson family watches “The Poke of Zorro,” a mashup of The Mask of Zorro (1998), The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), The Three Musketeers (1993), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982), and Deep Blue Sea (1999), featuring King Arthur.
5. “E-I-E-I-(Annoyed Grunt)” (S11E5)
Air Date: November 7, 1999
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writer: Ian Maxtone-Graham
Director: Bob Anderson
Total References: 23
Major References: 7 (30%)
SMRDb Additions: 2 (9%)
Average Reference Year: 1980
We’re back at Springfield Googolplex Theatres, but this time, the Simpson family will actually get to see their feature film.
After a fake-out advertisement for Buzz Cola that looks a whole lot like the brutal opening of Saving Private Ryan (1998), the family watches “The Poke of Zorro.” While The Mask of Zorro (1998) is clearly the primary inspiration for this parody, it’s more of a satire of the broader trend of “historical” action movies, including references to The Three Musketeers (1993) and The Man in the Iron Mask (1998). It even speculates whether a reboot of The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982, TV movie) could be next.
Between the movie itself, the box office sign gags, and the end credit rap (see below), the Springfield Googolplex sequence accounts for 61% of all references in this episode.
Title Parody: None.
Deepest Cut: Deep Blue Sea (1999). The rap over the end credits of “The Poke of Zorro” was improvised by Hank Azaria to make fun of this trend, as exemplified by this movie's closing credits, which feature a song by star LL Cool J. The credits also include lines for Gus from Gus (1976) as “mule beating man“ and Curtis 'Booger' Armstrong from Revenge of the Nerds (1984) as the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), 5 months after the release of the movie. "My Dinner with Jar Jar" appears on the Springfield Googolplex marquee.
Other Movie References at the Springfield Googolplex Box Office:
Mars Needs Women (1968). “Mars Needs Towels.”
Das Boot (1981) & Booty Call (1997). “Das Booty Call.”
My Dinner with Andre (1981) & Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). “My Dinner with Jar-Jar.”
Shakespeare in Love (1998). “Shakespeare in Heat.”
Ned Flanders stands in for the hooked killer of the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise in “Treehouse of Horror X” (S11E4).
4. “Treehouse of Horror X” (S11E4)
Air Date: October 31, 1999
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writers: Donick Cary, Tim Long, and Ron Hauge
Director: Pete Michels
Total References: 25
Major References: 7 (28%)
SMRDb Additions: 13 (52%)
Average Reference Year: 1976
In the 10th installment of Treehouse of Horror, the first two segments feature movie mashups that help make this one of the most reference-heavy episodes ever.
The first segment starts out as a parody of I Know What you Did Last Summer (1997) and Weekend at Bernie’s (1989), with the family being haunted by a murderous Ned Flanders after trying to cover up an accidental manslaughter of their old neighborino.
In the second segment, which seems to be modeled after the campy Adam West Batman TV series (and its feature-length incarnation Batman: The Movie from 1966), Comic Book Guy’s villainous alter ego, the Collector, boasts quite a menagerie of geeky movie and TV references references, including Willy Gilligan from Rescue from Gilligan's Island (1978, indirect via TV), Spock from Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979, indirect via TV), and a two-sided lightsaber from Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999).
Once again, creepy credits account for a hefty 36% of all references, but in this case, the couch gag also helps put this episode over the top, with the family dressed up in their costumes from previous Treehouses of Horrors: Marge as The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Bart as The Fly (1958), and Homer as the Jack-in-the-box from an episode of The Twilight Zone that was adapted into the 1983 movie version.
Title Parodies: “I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did” (Segment 1): I Know What you Did Last Summer (1997). “Desperately Xeeking Xena” (Segment 2): Desperately Seeking Susan (1985).
Deepest Cut Reference: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). In the first segment, when the family looks around their front yard after killing Flanders, they see Sherri and Terri sinisterly playing jump rope, just like the end of this movie. (unconfirmed)
Most Recent Movie Reference: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), 5 months after the release of the movie. The Collector has a Darth Maul double-edged lightsaber from this film, which even includes Darth Maul on the packaging.
Other Creepy Credit Movie References:
Frankenstein (1931). ”Bill Frankenfreesh.”
The Mummy (1932). “Mummy Mitzman Gaven.”
Psycho (1960). “Norman ‘Bates’ Macleod.”
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966). “Haloed Great Pumpkin David Pritchard.”
The Omen (1976). “Carolyn Omen.”
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). “Nightmare on Selman Street.”
Full Metal Jacket (1987). “Tim I-Scare-You-Long-Time.”
Ishtar (1987). “Jim Ishtar Reardon.”
Spice World (1997).“Peter Scary Spice Michels.” (Indirect via Music)
In the middle of the famous parody of The Shining (1980) in “Treehouse of Horror V” (S6E6), Moe drags Homer out of the walk-in freezer with the help of the Universal Monsters, Jason, Pinhead, and Freddy Kreuger.
3. “Treehouse of Horror V” (S6E6)
Air Date: October 30, 1994
Showrunner: David Mirkin
Writers: Bob Kushell, Greg Daniels, Dan McGrath, and David X. Cohen
Director: Jim Reardon
Total References: 26
Major References: 3 (12%)
SMRDb Additions: 6 (23%)
Average Reference Year: 1963
Whenever we talk about movie references on The Simpsons, “Treehouse of Horror V” looms large. The first segment’s parody of The Shining (1980) is perhaps the most iconic parody in the history of the show, serving as an entry point into the world of film history for countless budding cinephiles.
But this episode also boasts a significant number of references overall, thanks in part to a moment in “The Shinning” when Moe recruits a gaggle of film history’s most famous movie monsters to retrieve Homer, including Universal’s Dracula (1931), The Mummy (1932), and The Wolf Man (1941), as well as more recent additions like Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th Part III (1982), Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and Pinhead from Hellraiser (1987). This moment alone accounts for 27% of all references in the episode, but it’s still not enough to overtake the creepy credits at 38%.
Title Parodies: “The Shinning” (Segment 1): The Shining (1980). “Time and Punishment“ (Segment 2): Crime and Punishment (1935, indirect via book).
Deepest Cut Reference: A Chorus Line (1985, indirect via musical). The ending musical number with the fog that turns people inside out is a parody of "One," the closing number from this musical and movie.
Most Recent Movie Reference: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), 2 weeks after the release of the movie. “The Shaws-hank Azaria” appears in the credits.
Other Creepy Credit Movie References:
Dracula (1931). ”Count Greg Danula.”
Frankenstein (1931). “Franken Tsumara-Stein.”
Casper the Friendly Ghost (1945). “Dave The Friendly Ghost Sacks.”
Rodan (1956). “Ro-Dan Castellaneta.”
Pal Joey (1957). “Bewitched, Bludgeoned & Bewildered Bonita Pietila.”
Mothra (1961). “David H.B. ‘Mothra’ Cohen.”
Reptilicus (1961). “Mike ‘Reptilicus’ Reiss.”
The Shining (1980). “Redrum Richard Sakai.”
Poltergeist (1982). “Pamela Poltergeist Hayden.”
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). “Danny Skellingelfman.”
Dr. Hibbert, dressed as Dr. Frank N. Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), stands outside of the Springfield Film Festival, a platform for many a movie parody in “A Star Is Burns” (S6E18).
2. “A Star Is Burns” (S6E18)
Air Date: March 5, 1995
Showrunner: David Mirkin
Writer: Ken Keeler
Director: Susie Dietter
Total References: 26
Major References: 9 (35%)
SMRDb Additions: 3 (12%)
Average Reference Year: 1976
After Al Jean and Mike Reiss wrapped up their two-season stint together as showrunners of The Simpsons, they left to start their own series with James L. Brooks called The Critic. If you love Springfield, but always thought it needed even more movie references, this animated sitcom about film critic Jay Sherman is for you. So it’s not surprising that one of the most reference-heavy episodes of The Simpsons is “A Star Is Burns,” a crossover episode written primarily by The Critic’s staff.
When Jay is invited to judge the Springfield Film Festival, it unleashes a deluge of movie parodies. Most notably, Mr. Burns’s entry, directed by Señor Spielbergo, allows him to finally play a cinematic hero for once. Usually, parodies using Mr. Burns cast him as Darth Vader from Star Wars (1977), the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz (1939), or Charles Foster Kane from Citizen Kane (1941) at best, but in his own biopic, he gets to play Emiliano Zapata in Viva Zapata! (1952). E.T. in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jesus Christ himself in Ben-Hur (1959). Between these and several other parodies at the film festival, this sequence accounts for 54% of all references in this episode.
Title Parody: A Star is Born (1937, 1954, 1976).
Deepest Cut: Koyaanisqatsi (1982). The fast-moving clouds in Barnie’s short film are modeled after a few recognizable shots from this movie.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Pocahontas (1995), 3 months before the release of the movie. Jay Sherman says disgustedly that Barney's film is titled "Pukahontas."
Other Film Fest References:
Hollywood Hotel (1937)
King of Kings (1961, unconfirmed)
The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965) (On the commentary, the writers say that the opening titles and score of Mr. Burns's film parodies this movie, although we think they look more like Ben-Hur.)
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Cabaret (1972)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Bright Lights, Big City (1988)
Mo' Better Blues (1990)
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Mel Gibson prepares to chop off the president’s head with the Seal of the United States in his Homer-inspired action remake of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).
1. “Beyond Blunderdome” (S11E1)
Air Date: September 26, 1999
Showrunner: Mike Scully
Writer: Mike Scully
Director: Steven Dean Moore
Total References: 31
Major References: 7 (23%)
SMRDb Additions: 4 (13%)
Average Reference Year: 1982
The secret to this episode’s outstanding movie reference density is that it boasts not one, not two, but three platforms for movie-related gags.
Firstly, we have the episode’s special guest, Mel Gibson. Since this episode is a (today, rather cringey) love letter to Gibson’s career, it gives brief nods to many of his biggest roles from the Lethal Weapon series (1987), Braveheart (1995), and Payback (1999). Altogether, 29% of movie references in this episode feature Gibson in a starring role.
Secondly, the plot of the episode revolves around a action-packed remake of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), giving opportunities for a few nods to Frank Capra’s other best-known movies like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Harvey (1950), as well as action movie tropes like the end of High Noon (1952, unconfirmed) or the building-busting explosions of Independence Day (1996, unconfirmed). This remake accounts for 35% of all references in the episode.
Finally, the family takes a visit to the Hollywood Auto Museum, which features cars from TV shows (and their movie adaptations), like Batman: The Movie (1966, indirect via TV), Munster, Go Home! (1966, indirect via TV), Head (1968), The Love Bug (1968), The Flintstones (1994, indirect via TV), and The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997, indirect via TV). This sequences adds up to 23% of all references in the episode.
All three threads come together during the climactic car chase where Mel Gibson and Homer flee from their producers by stealing a replica of Lord Humungous' car from Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), and eventually try to moon them into submission, inspired by Braveheart (1995).
Title Parody: Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985).
Deepest Cut: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977, unconfirmed). The scene where Homer drives an electric car off a dock, into the ocean, and back out onto a beach bears a strong resemblance to the amphibious car sequence in this movie.
Most Recent Movie Reference: Payback (1999), 7 months after the release of the movie. Homer asks Mel Gibson, “Did Payback run away?” (His character’s name in the movie is Porter.)
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