Top 10 Surprising Garfield Cameos and References in Movies and TV

“DC League of Super-Pets” (2022)
While DC’s Extended Universe floundered, Warner Animation Group introduced audiences to a comedic new angle for DC’s dynamic heroes. Here, they played second fiddle to a cast of super powered pets led by Superman’s loyal Labrador, Krypto. One of the pup’s allies is Merton McSnurtle, a semi-aquatic turtle who becomes super speedy after coming into contact with orange kryptonite. Unfortunately, the hero’s newfound powers didn’t help her poor eyesight. Merton regularly mistakes inanimate objects for other animals, and her flirtations with them become a running gag. After PB’s unpredictable powers squash Merton against a window, she comes face to face with a Garfield window cling - and immediately tries to put the moves on him.

“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)
After spending six seasons with the Planet Express crew, fans of “Futurama” likely weren’t surprised to learn that Zoidberg lacked the knowledge and skill required to do his job. What was surprising was just how spectacularly he got it wrong. When Fry comes to the ship’s doctor for help getting cactus pins out of his hand, Zoidberg accidentally gives the out of time human a progressive cartoon-based disease. Each new “cure” changes Fry’s shape to a new popular character, one of which is Garfield. Given the state of the rest of the crew, he seems to have gotten off easy.

“Bojack Horseman” (2014-20)
Set in an alternate Hollywood (or, should we say, Hollywoo), “Bojack Horseman” has featured several real world actors over the course of its six seasons. Some of these appearances, like Naomi Watts, Margot Martindale, and Henry Winkler, are done by the actual actors playing themselves, while others are performed by people doing impressions. Andrew Garfield’s cameo is the latter. At one point, the British actor’s ex-girlfriend implies he loves lasagna and hates Mondays - a fitting combination for his last name, which amuses Todd. Interestingly, the reiteration of the joke in-world implies that the Garfield we know exists in “Bojack.” We can only hope the cat’s post-TV show career fared better than the title character’s.

“I Think You Should Leave” (2019-)
This surreal sketch comedy show is one of those things you have to see to believe. Created by comedians Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, “I Think You Should Leave” takes cringe comedy to new heights, with its genius cast of actors playing out several unbelievably awkward (and hilarious) scenarios. Garfield enters the mix at the end of the show’s first season finale, when an intervention is held in a woman’s elaborately themed home. It’s all Garfield. Although the guests try to remain serious about their friend’s struggle with addiction, the house’s owner repeatedly pivots the conversation back to their absurd surroundings. She believes that the fully furnished house once belonged to the comic’s creator, Jim Davis. Unfortunately, the truth is far more sinister.

“Last Man Standing” (2011-21)
Finding the perfect Halloween costume as a teenager is a delicate balance. The ideal choice ideally rides the line between being fashion forward and family approved. Unfortunately, Mandy’s costume in the first season of “Last Man Standing” misses the mark for her father. Instead of picking up his daughter’s desired kitty costume, Mike opts to rent her a giant Garfield suit. It’s hilarious, and really well made, but not at all what Mandy expected to be partying in. Before the night is over, she ends up editing the suit into an outfit she feels more comfortable in, crafting what might be the world’s skimpiest Garfield costume.

“Yellowjackets” (2021-)
Focused on a group of teens who spent months stranded in the wilderness, “Yellowjackets” doesn’t exactly seem like the kind of show to have a whimsical reference to America’s favorite fat cat. And yet, it does! As adults, the Yellowjackets are understandably wary of their former teammate Lottie’s cult-like camp, and skeptical that any of her new “treatments” could have a positive impact on their lives. Nonetheless, they eventually relent to each trying out a different method. Misty ends up with “guidance.” Submerged in a tank of water, she experiences a charming musical fantasy, which ends with an imagined call between her and her admirer, Walter. If you pay close attention, you’ll see that Walter’s phone during the sequence is a novelty Garfield phone!

“Chungking Express” (1994)
After a bad breakup, an unnamed cop begins talking to the objects in his home, comforting them about being lonely. Of course, he’s actually comforting himself with these monologues, which he directs at everything from a bar of soap to a thread-bare towel. It’s not until he meets the eccentric Faye, and gets to know her, that he truly begins to heal. He notices his positive change in demeanor, and it translates into his late night pep talks with the objects in his home - which now includes a large Garfield stuffed animal! This stuffed toy is actually a significant prop in the film, initially appearing in its first half in one of the only scenes directly connecting the anthology’s first and second segments.

“Zombieland” (2009)
Following the death of voice actor Lorenzo Music, the live-action adaptation of Garfield needed to find a new way for its protagonist to sound. They ultimately found that new voice in Bill Murray - though the actor would later admit that he took the role by mistake, believing the 2004 movie was written by the Joel Coen famous for “Fargo,” not the Joel Cohen famous for “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Five years later, Murray would play a version of himself in “Zombieland,” and name “Garfield” as his only regret. This hilariously meta gag took on new meaning in “Double Tap,” when the mid-credits scene revealed that the “Zombieland” world was set to have even more Murray Garfield films than our real world.

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Everyone knows that Leslie’s top three priorities are waffles, friends, and work, but did you know she’s also a Garfield fan? It’s not as obvious as her other interests, but if you keep an eye out you’ll see the fat cat comes up quite a bit in “Parks.” When a word cloud is made of things Leslie frequently mentions in emails, ‘Garfield’ is one of the words, and a DVD of the 2004 movie can be seen in her home. Ironically, April references the comic by calling herself “Odie,” Garfield’s positive dog pal who seems more akin to her upbeat boss. Of course, the true Garfield fan may actually be co-creator Michael Schur, as his other show, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” also includes a few referential lines.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

A Silly Phone for a Serious Call, “Ninja Terminator” (1985)
This Iconic Prop Choice Added Character to the Film’s Delightfully Bad Dubbing


Emerald’s Night Shirt, “Nope” (2022)
Only Garfield Could Sleep Through an Alien Invasion


Puss in Boots Hates Mondays, “Shrek 2” (2004)
Puss in Boots & Garfield Have More in Common Than the Color of Their Fur

Jane Expresses Her Lasagna Love, “Smiley Face” (2007)
One of Many Reasons to Frame a Picture of Garfield in Your Home

Ralph’s Mistake, “Once Upon a Studio” (2023)
A Surprising Reference to One of the Few Characters Disney Doesn’t Own

“Fresh Off the Boat” (2015-20)
If there was a prize for the world’s biggest Garfield fan, Grandma Huang would be a top contender. The “Fresh Off the Boat” matriarch even stole books compiling Jim Davis’s comics from her local library! Some of our favorite moments of her fat cat fandom, however, are her annual viewings of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Wearing a Garfield t-shirt, she eagerly awaits her favorite character’s appearance in balloon form, dissing any characters who dare to steal his spotlight. Of course, Garfield isn’t a character solely to be celebrated on Thanksgiving - he’s perfect for any holiday! In a Christmas episode, Jenny adds the character to the family’s winter village set-up, explaining one of her many reasons for loving him as she does.

Were you aware of these unconventional Garfield cameos? Let us know your favorites in the comments!