The Goonies: A treasure trove for graphic designers
So here we are… The Goonies 2 is officially happening, and I’m unsure if I should be excited or nervous. Part of me feels like the original was so close to perfect that it doesn't need a follow-up. It takes me back to the 80s, with classics like Short Circuit, Indiana Jones, Gremlins, Back to the Future, E.T. and Ghostbusters. Those were the days… This was a golden age for family-friendly storytelling, and I would go as far as to say it sparked my passion for creative disciplines before I knew being a professional designer was a career option. But here’s the thing. I wasn’t a fan of the Ghostbusters reboot, and the fact that I haven’t watched the sequel yet says it all. There’s always a risk when you meddle with something almost perfect (looking at you, Rings of Power). Still, I’m trying to keep an open mind, hoping that The Goonies 2 will stay true to what made the original so damn good. But that is not why I am here today. I don’t need much of an excuse to a trip down memory lane. The Goonies was the complete package, combining great storytelling, nostalgia, and… brilliant branding. Let's look at why it became such a standout example of how to do it right, both in design and storytelling. The Goonies: From 80s Hit to Cult Classic Released in 1985, The Goonies quickly became a hit, with its thrilling mix of adventure, comedy, and camaraderie that captivated young audiences and adults alike. Directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg, it followed a group of kids on a treasure hunt to save their neighbourhood from foreclosure. Its unique blend of action and heartfelt storytelling, coupled with its endearing characters, resonated at the time and has kept it relevant for generations. I can watch it with my kids and they love it. The film tapped into the adventure genre, which had seen a resurgence in the 1980s, largely driven by Spielberg’s influence through films like Indiana Jones and E.T. The Goonies was particularly influenced by Spielberg's love for the rite-of-passage (coming-of-age) stories and classic treasure-hunt tales. The narrative structure was tight and fast-paced, designed to engage children and adults by intertwining high-stakes treasure hunting with the themes of friendship and loyalty.