Every Pop Culture Reference in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The post Every Pop Culture Reference in the Marvel Cinematic Universe appeared first on Consequence.

This article is part of Consequence‘s Marvel Pop Culture Week, examining all the ways in which the MCU invokes our world’s pop culture and creates its own. Here, we dig into just how often Marvel actually does reference other pop culture tropes. (It happens a lot.)

To understand something, first you have to know its full scope. Which is why we did… this. The below represents an attempt to capture all the times, and all the different ways, Marvel films and TV shows have mentioned pre-existing pop culture while telling stories of super-powered heroics.

How we created this list: Consequence intern Aurora Amidon led the way on compiling the references included, utilizing IMDB’s Connections listings for each film and other guides to the MCU. We then curated and edited this list to check that we were identifying the earliest possible references.

For what ended up becoming the most significant type of data involved in this list was dates, which became a fascinating lens into just what kind of pop culture references do and don’t make sense within the MCU. The primary example of this, we discovered, was how the Batman and Superman references made in 2019’s Eternals don’t actually break continuity, and even make a certain amount of sense given when those characters were created.

Another example: In Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) says, “Ninja Turtle, you better stop poking me!” to one of Korath’s (Djimon Hounsou) henchmen. Dates matter here, because the reference being made here could be one of a few different options: the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or the many, many screen versions that have been adapted from creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s originally self-published black-and-white comics.

In this case, the key is the fact that Peter Quill was abducted from the planet Earth in 1988, two years prior to the release of the blockbuster New Line film… but just after the premiere of the popular kids’ animated series, which debuted December 28, 1987 as a five-part miniseries, before going into proper syndication in October 1988. Actually, that is cutting it a little close, but it’s safer to assume that prior to his abduction eight-year-old Peter happened to catch the hot new cartoon of the year, as opposed to what was then still a relatively underground comic book.

In addition to exploring questions like this, one other fascinating element that came out of making the list was discovering what MCU properties leaned the hardest on referencing external pop culture. As you can see in the chart below (click to expand)…

Created for Consequence by Kinetic Energy Entertainment

The clear winner was Captain Marvel, and as you’ll see in the list, there’s one scene that’s the reason for it topping the charts: When Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) returns to planet Earth after years in space, she does so by crashing into a period-accurate Blockbuster Video, packed with VHS tapes of films that would conceivably have been available for rent in 1995.

With Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness only just now out in theaters, we had limited time and ability to parse it fully, and so we’ll save its potential inclusion for future updates. In addition, if you’re wondering, the following shows were not included in this list:

• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
• Agent Carter
• Inhumans
• Daredevil
• Jessica Jones
• Luke Cage
• Iron Fist
• The Punisher
• The Defenders
• Runaways
• Hellstrom
• Cloak and Dagger
• The animated kids’ series

The reason is simple: In trying to create a unified sense of the MCU, we chose to focus on the theatrically-released films plus the Disney+ series, as those are the projects overseen by MCU megamind Kevin Feige and thus confirmed as 100% canon. While many of the above shows have clear ties to core Marvel projects, many of them (looking at you, Runaways) have only a vague connection to Marvel continuity, and others (looking at you, Inhumans) we might have good reason to forget about entirely.

Check out the full chronological list below, or visit it in spreadsheet form via this link. There’s sure to be nitpicking that ensues with a project like this — if we missed anything, we’re sure to hear about it on social media — but this represents at least an attempt to tackle the madness (in this one very specific cinematic universe).

Iron Man (2008)

Reference: Apocalypse Now (1979, Film)
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) says, “I love the smell of burning metal in the morning!”

Reference: Forrest Gump (1994, Film)
Tony Stark calls one of the soldiers riding in the Humvee “Forrest.”

Reference: Mad Money With Jim Cramer (2005-present, TV News)
The real Jim Cramer tells his viewers to sell their stock in Stark Industries.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Reference: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Film)
In the first scene in the soda factory, one of the machine sounds is the same sound as the carbonite freezing unit in Cloud City.

Reference: The Incredible Hulk (1977, Scripted TV)
The theme from the TV series gets used as background music.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Reference: Supernanny (2005, Reality TV)
Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) tells Tony Stark, “If you try to escape, or play any sort of games with me, I will tase you and watch Supernanny while you drool into the carpet.”

Thor (2010)

Reference: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938, Film)
A SHIELD agent describes Fandral (Josh Dallas) in his radio report about the arrival of the Warriors Three: “Base, we’ve got Xena, Jackie Chan, and Robin Hood.”

Reference: Xena (1995, Scripted TV)
See above. The “Xena” in this case is Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander).

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Reference: Peter Pan (1904, Fairy Tale)
A soldier heckles Steve Rogers (Chris Evans): “Nice boots, Tinker Bell!”

The Avengers (2012)

Reference: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000, Film)
Tony’s “Glow Stick of Destiny” line refers to the Green Sword of Destiny.

Reference: Point Break (1991, Film)
Tony Stark calls Thor (Chris Hemsworth) “Point Break.”

Reference: Rock of Ages (2005, Theater)
“What, Rock of Ages giving up so easily?”

Reference: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1949, Song)
Iron Man calls Loki “Reindeer Games” because of his horned crown.

Reference: Snow White (1937, Film)
After falling from the sky, Iron Man wakes up saying: “Please tell me nobody kissed me.”

Reference: The Lord of the Rings (2001, Film)
As Iron Man takes Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to a rooftop, he says “Better clench up, Legolas,” referring to the archer played by Orlando Bloom in the Tolkien adaptations. (Yes, this could also be a reference to the books.)

Reference: The Wizard of Oz (1939, Film)
Steve Rogers reacts to the mention of “flying monkeys” by exclaiming, “I understood that reference!”

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Reference: A Christmas Story (1983, Film)
Tony Stark says to a kid reminiscent of Ralphie, “I loved you in A Christmas Story.”

Reference: Dora the Explorer (2000, Kids TV)
Tony wears a Dora watch.

Reference: Super Friends (1973, Kids TV)
Happy (Jon Favreau) refers to the Avengers as the “Super Friends.” (Another subtle reference to the DC universe!)

Reference: Westworld (1973, Film)
Tony Stark calls Eric Savin (James Badge Dale) “Westworld,” presumably due to his resemblance to Yul Brynner. (It’s unlikely that this was a reference to the HBO show, given that Iron Man 3 predates the series by three years.)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Reference: I Love Lucy (1951, Scripted TV)
Reference: Rocky I, II, and III (1976, Film)
Reference: Star Trek (1966, Scripted TV)
Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
On Steve Rogers’ original catch-up list.

Reference: Trouble Man (1972, Album)
On Steve Rogers’ catch-up list, after Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) recommends the soundtrack.

Reference: Top Gun (1986, Film)
When a helicopter flies by S.H.I.E.L.D HQ, a soldier says, “Negative, the pattern is full,” quoting that film.

Reference: Pulp Fiction (1994, Film)
There is a Pulp Fiction quote on Nick Fury’s tombstone.

Reference: WarGames (1983, Film)
“Shall we play a game?” Natasha (Scarlett Johansson) says.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Reference: ALF (1986, Scripted TV)
Peter Quill’s spaceship includes an Alf sticker.

Reference: Cobra (1986, Film)
Another quote: “You’re the disease.” / “I’m the cure.”

Reference: Footloose (1984, Film)
Quill tells Gamora (Zoe Saldana) all about the classic dance film starring Kevin Bacon.

Reference: Slither (2006, Film)
A meta-reference, but the alien slugs from James Gunn’s Slither are in the Collector’s collection.

Reference: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 (cartoon series premiere), Kids TV)
Quill calls one of Horath’s henchmen a “ninja turtle.”

Reference: Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Lost Ark (1981, Film)
Reference: The Maltese Falcon (1941, Film)
Quill drops multiple references in this line: “This orb has a real shiny blue suitcase, Ark of the Covenant, Maltese Falcon sort of vibe.”

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Reference: Long Day’s Journey into Night (1956, Theater)
Tony Stark says his day has been “Eugene O’Neil” long.

Reference: Pinnochio (1940, Film)
Ultron sings and quotes “I’ve got strings” multiple times.

Reference: The Man Who Would Be King (1975, Film)
“The man who wouldn’t be King,” Stark says.

Ant-Man (2015)

Reference: In Like Flint (1967, Film)
During a heist, Kurt (David Dastmalchian) says that Lang is “in like the Flint.”

Reference: Sofia the First (2012, Kids TV)
Cassie Lane (Abby Ryder Fortson) has a Sofia the First bucket.

Reference: The Andy Griffith Show (1960, Scripted TV)
“No, don’t whistle. No whistling. It’s not The Andy Griffith Show. No whistling,” says Scott (Paul Rudd).

Reference: The Little Mermaid (1989, Film)
Cassie has a stuffed Flounder toy.

Reference: Thomas & Friends (1984, Kids TV)
During the climax, Ant-Man and Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll) shrink and battle in a Thomas the Tank Engine playset.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Reference: Raging Bull (1980, Film)
Before turning into Giant Man, Ant Man quotes Raging Bull: “I’m the Boss.”

Reference: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Film)
Peter gets inspiration from the film’s AT-AT battle when attacking Giant Man.

Reference: The Manchurian Candidate (1962, Film)
Tony Stark refers to Bucky (Sebastian Stan) as the Manchurian Candidate, as he was also brainwashed.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Reference: Miami Vice (1983, Scripted TV)
Tony Stark calls Peter “Crockett.”

Reference: Mr. Mom (1983, Film)
Vulture (Michael Keaton) asks Peter if he wants a bourbon or a scotch, something Keaton’s character in Mr. Mom also says.

Reference: Sesame Street (1969, Kids TV)
Spider-Man calls Vulture “Big Bird.”

Reference: The Big Bang Theory (2007, Scripted TV)
Peter wears a shirt that says “The physics is theoretical, but the fun is real,” in reference to the slogan of the game “Research Lab,” which Sheldon created in the episode “The Guitarist Amplification.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Reference: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983, Kids TV)
Quill mentions taking the form of Skeletor with his god powers.

Reference: Knight Rider (1982, Scripted TV)
Ego takes the form of Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff), after Quill reveals that as a kid, he used to imagine that Hasselhoff was his real father.

Reference: Pac-Man (1980, Video Game)
During his battle with Ego, Quill turns into a Pac-Man.

Reference: Starman (1984, Film)
Meredith Quill says, “I can’t believe I fell in love with a starman.”

Reference: The Smurfs (1981, Kids TV)
Quill calls Nebula “Smurfette.”

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Reference: Mission: Impossible (1966, Scripted TV)
Grandmaster roughly quotes the franchise’s iconic catchphrase: “The mission, if you choose to accept it.”

Reference: Point Break (1991, Film)
Thor’s password on the Quinjet is “Point Break,” a callback to Tony’s nickname.

Black Panther (2018)

Reference: Bonnie and Clyde (1967, Film)
Ulysses Klaue mentions the famous bank robbers, immortalized in this film.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Reference: Aliens (1986, Film)
Onboard the Black Order’s ship as it leaves Earth, Peter comes up with a new battle plan inspired by another 1980s classic — the James Cameron sequel to Alien.

Reference: Defender (1981, Video Game)
Groot plays the video game on a handheld console.

Reference: Flash Gordon (1980 (film), 1936 (serials))
Stark uses this reference as a nickname for Peter Quill.

Reference: Footloose (1984, Film)
Quill, not having been to Earth since the 1980s, asks if Footloose is “still the greatest movie in history?” Responds Parker: “It never was.”

Reference: McDonaldland (1963, Kids TV)
Quill calls Thanos “Grimace.”

Reference: SpongeBob SquarePants (1999, Kids TV)
Stark calls one of Thanos’s minions “Squidward.”

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Reference: The Jeffersons (1975, Scripted TV)
Scott references George Jefferson from that show.

Reference: The Partridge Family (1970, Scripted TV)
Scott sings the theme song on his home karaoke machine.

Reference: Train to Busan (2016, Film)
A poster is faintly visible.

Captain Marvel (2019)

Reference: 9½ Weeks (1986, Film)
Reference: A Story About Love (1995, Film)
Reference: Bad Girls (1992, Film)
Reference: Braveheart (1995, Film)
Reference: Bride of the Monster (1955, Film)
Reference: Death Game (1977, Film)
Reference: Father of the Bride (1991, Film)
Reference: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, Film)
Reference: First Knight (1995, Film)
Reference: Ghostbusters (1984, Film)
Reference: Highlander II: The Quickening (1991, Film)
Reference: Hook (1991, Film)
Reference: In the Line of Fire (1993, Film)
Reference: Jaws: The Revenge (1987, Film)
Reference: JFK (1991, Film)
Reference: Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986, Film)
Reference: Junior (1994, Film)
Reference: Just Cause (1995, Film)
Reference: Kiss of Death (1995, Film)
Reference: Kolya (1996, Film)
Reference: Last Action Hero (1993, Film)
Reference: Legends of the Fall (1994, Film)
Reference: Léon: The Professional (1994, Film)
Reference: Lethal Weapon 3 (1992, Film)
Reference: Live and Let Die (1973, Film)
Reference: Mac and Me (1988, Film)
Reference: Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966, Film)
Reference: Marked for Death (1990, Film)
Reference: MASH (1970, Film)
Reference: Maverick (1994, Film)
Reference: Mommie Dearest (1981, Film)
Reference: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993, Film)
Reference: Natural Born Killers (1994, Film)
Reference: North (1994, Film)
Reference: On Deadly Ground (1994, Film)
Reference: Philadelphia (1993, Film)
Reference: Pink Flamingos (1972, Film)
Reference: Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957, Film)
Reference: Rain Man (1988, Film)
Reference: Repossessed (1990, Film)
Reference: Robot Monster (1953, Film)
Reference: Sabrina (1995, Film)
Reference: Samurai Cop (1991, Film)
Reference: Showgirls (1995, Film)
Reference: Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987, Film)
Reference: Singin’ in the Rain (1952, Film)
Reference: Singles (1992, Film)
Reference: Speed (1994, Film)
Reference: Striptease (1996, Film)
Reference: Super Mario Bros. (1993, Film)
Reference: Supergirl (1984, Film)
Reference: The Brain from Planet Arous (1957, Film)
Reference: The First Wives Club (1996, Film)
Reference: The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987, Film)
Reference: The Hudsucker Proxy (1994, Film)
Reference: The Lonely Lady (1983, Film)
Reference: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, Film)
Reference: The Remains of the Day (1993, Film)
Reference: The Right Stuff (1983, Film)
Reference: The Swarm (1978, Film)
Reference: Things (1989, Film)
Reference: To Live and Die in L.A. (1985, Film)
Reference: Troll (1986, Film)
Reference: Troll 2 (1990, Film)
Reference: Wam Bam Thank You Spaceman (1975, Film)
Video boxes can be seen in a Blockbuster Video.

Reference: True Lies (1994, Film)
Standee can be seen in a Blockbuster Video.

Reference: Babe (1995, Film)
Poster can be seen in a Blockbuster Video.

Reference: Happy Days (1974, Film)
A “Fonzie” lunchbox can be seen.

Reference: Space Invaders (1978, Video Game)
A “Space Invaders” pinball machine is shown.

Reference: Mallrats (1995, Film)
Stan Lee reads the “Mallrats” script on a train.

Reference: MacGyver (1985, TV Show)
Fury says, “You should see what I can do with a paper clip,” a reference to the improvising P.I.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Reference: Back to the Future (1985, Film)
Reference: Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989, Film)
Reference: Hot Tub Time Machine (2010, Film)
Reference: Quantum Leap (1989, Scripted TV)
Reference: Somewhere in Time (1980, Film)
Reference: Star Trek (1966, Scripted TV)
Reference: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986, Film)
Reference: The Terminator (1984, Film)
Reference: Time After Time (1979, Film)
Reference: Timecop (1994, Film)
Mentioned while the team discusses the possibilities of time travel.

Reference: Die Hard (1988, Film)
Mentioned when talking about time travel (as a film that does not include it).

Reference: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Film)
Rhodey (Don Cheadle) expects a temple to be booby-trapped like in “Raiders.”

Reference: Ratchet & Clank (2002, Video Game)
Tony calls Rocket “Ratchet.”

Reference: The Big Lebowski (1998, Film)
Stark calls Thor “Lebowski.”

Reference: Thumbelina (1835, Fairy Tale)
Tony calls Ant-Man “Thumbelina.”

Reference: Yellow Submarine (1968, Film)
Tony Stark calls Nebula a “Blue Meanie.”

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Reference: The Bodyguard (1992, Film)
The song “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston plays during the Tony Stark tribute video.

Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
Peter has a toy TIE Advanced fighter on his bedroom shelf.

Reference: King Henry the Fourth, Part Two (1600, Theater)
“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,” Nick Fury quotes.

Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
“Stark said you wouldn’t get that because it’s not a Star Wars reference,” says Nick Fury about his Shakespeare reference.

Reference: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993, Kids TV)
Mr. Bell (J.B. Smooth) says, “They joined forces like the Power Rangers” while watching a battle.

Reference: Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984, Kids TV)
Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr) corrects him: “Voltron! You’re thinking of Voltron!”

WandaVision (2021)

Episode 3

Reference: Oz the Great and Powerful (2013, Film)
The town theater displays this title on the marquee. (An out-of-continuity reference, timeline wise, but this is the show for it.)

Reference: The Brady Bunch: Kitty Karry-All Is Missing (1969, Scripted TV)
The doll Vision (Paul Bettany) uses to practice diaper changes is Kitty Carryall from The Brady Bunch.

Episode 5

Reference: Father Knows Best (1954, Scripted TV)
Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) name-drops this title.

Reference: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987, Kids TV)
Norm (Abilash Tandon) says, “Cowabunga, dude.”

Reference: Dance Dance Revolution (1998, Video Game)
During a flashback, Wanda’s sons are playing this game.

Episode 6

Reference: Freddy vs. Jason (2003, Film)
One person in a Halloween costume is dressed as Jason Voorhees, and his sweater is striped like Freddy Krueger’s.

Reference: Kick-Ass (2010, Film)
A meta-reference: Pietro (Evan Peters) says “Kick-ass,” referencing the movie starring both Peters and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (the actor who originally played Pietro in the MCU).

Reference: Psycho (1960, Film)
Pietro mimicks Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score as he chases the twins around the couch.

Reference: The Creature Walks Among Us (1956, Film)
Playing in the background during the Halloween festival.

Reference: The Incredibles (2004, Film)
Reference: The Parent Trap (1998, Film)
Titles displayed on the town theater marquee.

Reference: Top Gun (1986, Film)
Pietro and Tommy say, “I feel the need… the need for speed.”

Episode 8

Reference: Bewitched (1964, Scripted TV)
Reference: I Dream of Jeannie (1965, Scripted TV)
Reference: I Love Lucy (1951, Scripted TV)
Reference: Malcolm in the Middle (2000, Scripted TV)
Reference: The Addams Family (1964, Scripted TV)
Reference: The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961, Scripted TV)
Reference: Who’s the Boss? (1984, Scripted TV)

Featured in the Maximoff family DVD collection.

Reference: Blade Runner (1982, Film)
“Tannhauser Gate” is shown on a theater marquee, a phrase from Roy Batty’s (Rutger Hauer) iconic “Tears in the Rain” monologue.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Episode 2

Reference: Good Morning America (1975, TV News)
John F. Walker (Wyatt Russell) appears on Good Morning America.

Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
Zemo’s (Daniel Bruhl) prison cell number is 2187, which is a reference to Princess Leia’s prison cell.

Episode 3

Reference: King Kong (1933, Film)
Sam compares Madripoor to Skull Island.

Loki: Episode 5 (2021)

Episode 5

Reference: Ghostbusters II (1989, Film)
Kid Loki is seen drinking a carton of Hi-C Ecto Cooler.

Reference: Mars (1930, Kids TV)
A sign in the Void for the Wrightville Drive-In Theatre advertises the Oswald the Rabbit short (“Oswald as the Martian”).

Black Widow (2021)

Reference: DuckTales (1987, Kids TV)
Seen playing on TV during the opening flashback; also seen during the opening credits (alongside other, more vintage pieces of animation).

Reference: Moonraker (1979, Film)
Natasha watches the James Bond classic while hiding out in Norway.

What If…? (2021)

Episode 3

Reference: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, Film)
Coulson mentions Middle Earth.

Episode 5

Reference: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001, Film)
When getting picked up and flown away by the Cape, Scott Lang yells, “Wingardium Leviosa!”

Reference: Sex and the City (1998, Scripted TV)
Peter Parker mentions “those ladies from Sex and the City” as something else, including the Mets and the Chrysler Building, you might find in New York City.

Episode 6

Reference: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969, Film)
Tony compares himself and Killmonger to Butch & Sundance.

Reference: Dragon Ball Z (1989, Kids TV)
Killmonger states he likes anime, and one of his eventual designs resembles Dragonball Z Saiyan armor.

Reference: The Wire (2002, Scripted TV)
Killmonger says, “You come at the king, you best not miss.”

Episode 7

Reference: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997, Film)
Surtur quotes, “Yeah, baby.”

Reference: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, Film)
Darcy mentions E.T.: “Huh. I expected him to look more like…” “Like what? E.T.?”

Reference: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, Film)
Nick Fury refers to Thor as “Spicoli.”

Reference: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983, Kids TV)
“If there’s a Thor and a Loki, then there must be an Odin and a Frigga and a Heimdall!” “Uh, he-man-who-now?”

Reference: Poltergeist (1982, Film)
Darcy says, “They’re here…”

Reference: Top Gun (1986, Film)
Darcy calls Carol “Maverick” after her cat is named Goose.

Episode 8

Reference: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Film)
Natasha says it’s her favorite movie.

Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
Clint quotes the line, “The Death Star plans are not in the main computer.”

Reference: The Terminator (1984, Film)
Carol Danvers refers to Ultron as Skynet.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Reference: Aladdin (1992, Film)
Reference: Armageddon (1998, Film)
Along with Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) sing “A Whole New World” and Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in a private karaoke room.

Reference: Kung Fu Hustle (2004, Film)
Reference: The Godfather (1972, Film)
Reference: The Warriors (1979, Film)
Movie posters hanging in “Shaun’s” apartment.

Reference: Planet of the Apes (1968, Film)
Trevor Slattery says that seeing this movie as a child inspired him to be an actor.

Reference: Dragon Ball (1986, Kids TV)
Katy mentions the “Kamehameha” energy wave to their friends during drinks at the film.

Eternals (2021)

Reference: Batman (1939, Comic Book)
Karun (Harish Patel) is compared to Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred.

Reference: H.G. Wells (1895, Literature)
Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) wears an H.G. Wells shirt.

Reference: Peter Pan (1902, Fairy Tale)
Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) mentions the classic story to Sprite.

Reference: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Film)
Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) has a book about this at his home.

Reference: Superman (1938, Comic Book)
Phastos’ son calls Ikaris (Richard Madden) Superman.

Hawkeye (2021)

Episode 2

Reference: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966, Film)
Kate compares Clint to the Grinch, asking when his heart shrank three sizes.

Episode 4

Reference: Die Hard (1988, Film)
Reference: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Film)
Reference: Elf (2003, Film)
Reference: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, Film)
Reference: The Polar Express (2004, Film)
Reference: The Santa Clause (1994, Film)
Included in the DVDs Kate (Hailee Steinfeld) brings with her for the Christmas movie marathon.

Reference: Forrest Gump (1994, Film)
Jack (Tony Dalton) misquotes the film: “Life is short, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

Episode 5

Reference: Sex and the City (1998, Scripted TV)
One of the Widows mentions the show to Yelena (Florence Pugh) during the episode’s opening scene: “And then, you and Natasha will be reunited and go live your Sex and the City fantasy in New York.”

Reference: The Sopranos (1999, Scripted TV)
Tony Soprano is mentioned by the Tracksuit Mafia as a figure they potentially resemble in their titular apparel.

Reference: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, Film)
The two Tracksuit Mafia members reject this as a reference point: “Royal Tenenbaums? Come on. Do we look like Royal Tenenbaums?”

Reference: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, Film)
“Christmas Time Is Here” is heard in this episode.

Reference: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966, Film)
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” plays over the closing credits.

Episode 6

Reference: Big (1988, Film)
When Kate takes aim from the upper story of FAO Schwarz, she steps on a walking piano.

Reference: Elf (2003, Film)
In the elevator with Yelena, Kate tries to push all the buttons to slow Yelena down which is what Buddy also did.

Reference: Ladyhawke (1985, Film)
Kate jokes that her superhero name should be “Lady Hawk.”

Reference: Star Wars (1977, Film)
Ivan says “red one in position,” a tribute to Red Squadron.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Reference: Donkey Kong Junior (1982, Video Game)
Happy’s condo contains an old Donkey Kong Jr. arcade cabinet.

Reference: Goodfellas (1990, Film)
Happy Hogan mentions this one: “There’s a saying in Goodfellas. What did they say in Goodfellas?”

Reference: Scooby Doo, Where Are You! (1969, Kids TV)
“Please Scooby-Doo this shit,” Doctor Strange asks of three teenagers now responsible for cleaning up his messy spell.

Reference: Spider-Man (1967, Kids TV)
Multiple Spider-Men pointing at each other references the meme originated in the animated Spider-Man episode “To Catch a Spider/Double Identity.”

Reference: Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983, Film)
We get a glimpse of LEGO Palpatine.

Reference: The Equalizer (1985, Scripted TV)
Strange says that “they shot an episode of The Equalizer here in the ’80s” — here being the spooky basement of the New York Sanctum Sanctorum.

Moon Knight (2022)

Episode 1

Reference: Avatar (2009, Film)
When Harrow talks about “avatars,” Steven says that he likes the movie.

Reference: Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005, Kids TV)
When Harrow talks about “avatars,” Steven asks if he means the anime.

Reference: Finding Nemo (2003, Film)
The pet shop owner mentions Nemo when Steven tells her about his goldfish’s now-magically-replaced fin.

Episode 5

Reference: The Simpsons (1989, Scripted TV)
Steven describes Dr. Harrow’s looks as “very Ned Flanders.”

Every Pop Culture Reference in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Liz Shannon Miller

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