Springfield's Secret: Five Films That Shaped The Simpsons
A dedicated research group has tracked every movie reference across 13 seasons of The Simpsons, revealing surprising patterns in how Hollywood's greatest films influenced Springfield's most famous residents.
The Simpsons has always been a treasure trove of movie references. From subtle background details to complete scene recreations, the show's writers have consistently drawn inspiration from cinema's greatest hits. But which films have actually influenced the series most?
Springfield Googolplex, a research project dedicated to cataloging film references throughout the animated series, has compiled definitive data covering the first 13 seasons. Their database separates references into 'Total References' and 'Major References,' with the latter category focusing on clear, confirmed nods to classic cinema.
The Citizen Kane Connection
Orson Welles' 1941 masterpiece 'Citizen Kane' tops the list, and for good reason. The film's influence runs deep throughout Springfield, with Mr. Burns serving as the show's version of Charles Foster Kane. Both characters share the same first name and similar tragic arcs as wealthy, isolated figures.
Season five's 'Rosebud' episode represents the most obvious homage. Named after Kane's beloved sled, the story follows Burns through a similar narrative structure. The writers have repeatedly borrowed Kane's election speech moments, celebration scenes, and the fortress-like Xanadu mansion concept for Burns' storylines.
Horror Movie Gold
James Whale's 1931 'Frankenstein' claims second place, largely through the 'Treehouse of Horror' segments. The 'Homer's Nightmare' segment from 'Treehouse of Horror II' directly adapts Mary Shelley's story, with Burns transplanting Homer's brain into a robot body.
The very first Halloween special pays tribute to Whale's film through Marge's pre-show warning. Both Marge and actor Edward Van Sloan step before a curtain to caution viewers about upcoming scares. The format became a Halloween tradition.
Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' from 1960 rounds out the top three. The show's recreation of the famous shower scene in 'Itchy & Scratchy & Marge' remains one of television's finest movie parodies. After watching similar violence on the cartoon show, baby Maggie attacks Homer with a mallet. Every detail matches Hitchcock's original, from the scream to paint spiraling down a drain.
Pop Culture Phenomena
George Lucas' 1977 'Star Wars' represents an entire generation of writers who grew up with the franchise. References split into two eras: 1990s callbacks to the original trilogy, and post-1999 jokes mocking the prequel films. Comic Book Guy became the show's vehicle for countless Star Wars references.
Mark Hamill's guest appearance in 'Mayored to the Mob' stands out as a highlight. Playing an exaggerated version of himself, Hamill insults fans and performs 'Luke Be a Jedi' in a bizarre musical number mixing Star Wars with Broadway.
'The Wizard of Oz' from 1939 completes the top five, though its presence might surprise viewers. Victor Fleming's adaptation has become so embedded in American culture that its references often go unnoticed. The show regularly uses the 'And you were there' dream sequence gag, includes 'Fly, my pretties!' jokes, and borrows the film's visual motifs for various episodes.