15 'Seinfeld' Nods To Hit Movies
Its safe to assume that when an episode of Seinfeld completely changes its tone and shooting style, it's because its paying homage to a popular movie. Grab some popcorn like George, and read these 15 times Seinfeld parodied some box office hits.
JFK (1991)
NBC, Warner Bros.
Jerry, Kramer and Newman recreate the famous bullet trajectory scene from JFK. Only instead of a bullet it is a much more fatal loogie. Wayne Knight appeared in the scene in JFK, making it the perfect fit for parody.
In the Line of Fire (1993)
Kramer recreates the chase scene from In the Line of Fire, even borrowing the line “I’ve got something on the stove.”
Who knew Kramer could jump across rooftops like a feral cat.
The Fugitive (1993)
Warner Bros.
Elaine’s search for “the sponge” prompts a reference to The Fugitive.
“I’m gonna do a hard target search of every drug store, general store, health store, grocery store in a 25 mile radius.”
The Graduate (1967)
Jerry’s heated conversation with his girlfriends step mother about speed dial placement is shot almost identically to a similar scene in The Graduate.
What’s the deal, with you trying to seduce me?
Marathon Man (1976)
Kramer scurrying away from a mob of foreigner’s who saw him commit a faux mugging is a reference to an identical scene from Marathon Man. In both scenes the subject is followed by a woman screaming “stop that man” on a crowded NYC street.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
NBC, Paramount Pictures
Newman’s speech warning Kramer of the Postmaster General is a recreation of a speech in Three Days of the Condor.
“You may be walking when a mail truck will slow beside you and the door will open, and a mailman you know, maybe even trust will offer to give you a lift.”
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
In Sunset “I am big, it’s the pictures that got small.” In Seinfeld “I’m still big, it’s the bootlegs that got small”
*Slow claps being in back of room.*
Basic Instinct (1992)
Yet another homage to one of Wayne Knight's films. Newman’s interrogation of Jerry for allegedly committing mail fraud is a reference to Wayne Knight’s performance in Basic Instinct.
This list is a great reminder of how much work Wayne Knight had in the 90’s. Let’s bring that back.
Taxi Driver (1976)
The shower heads Kramer and Newman go check out in the back of a van, are referencing the gun salesmen from Taxi Driver.
In both instances the dealer says one of the choices is only for elephants.
The Godfather Series(1992)
Seinfeld references the Godfather series several times in the show. Our favorite being when Kramer is appointed to be the new godfather of a friend's baby over Jerry, and the family closes the door exactly like Godfather III.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Elaine’s trip into the jungle in order to find J. Peterman pays homage to Apocalypse Now.
Apocalypse Now honestly could have been improved if the urban sombrero were more heavily featured.
Absence of Malice (1981)
Wilford Brimley makes a cameo as the Postmaster General in Seinfeld as an homage to his role in Absence of Malice.
As a 90’s kid, I mainly know Wilford from his work with diabeetus, but it’s good to know he did other things too.
Batman (1989)
Warner Bros
“You wanna get nuts! Let’s get nuts!” feels so George Costanza that I didn’t even realize it was a reference to the original Batman.
Wait…have you ever seen George and Batman in the same room?
Citizen Kane (1941)
NBC
J. Peterman’s mother’s last words were “Bosco” before dying in her bed. This is obviously a Citizen Kane “Rosebud” reference.
Actually Bosco represents the simple childhood she missed out on.
Broadway Danny Rose (1984)
Orion Pictures
Jerry ripping up his one dollar bills with a fellow opera attendee to show off his wealth is a reference to Broadway Danny Rose. Only they rip up twenties.
Stop buying Cadillacs for your family and you could afford to rip twenties.
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Top Image: NBC and Paramount Pictures
