All The Garfield Movies And Specials

The much-anticipated release of The Garfield Movie in 2024 marks a significant milestone in the cinematic journey of everyone’s favorite fat orange cat. However, while Chris Pratt’s portrayal may seem like the ultimate rendition of Jim Davis’ beloved comic character, a deeper dive into Garfield’s cinematic history reveals a rich tapestry of adaptations spanning movies, specials, and TV shows. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and explore each of these Garfield incarnations in detail.

Table of Contents

Garfield Prime Time TV Specials (1982 – 1991)

Garfield made his initial foray into the world of television through a series of prime time specials, captivating audiences with his lazy charm and witty humor. Voiced by the talented Lorenzo Music, these specials became instant classics, setting the standard for future portrayals of the iconic feline. Over the span of 13 specials airing on the CBS network, Garfield charmed his way into the hearts of viewers with timeless adventures, including:

Here Comes Garfield (1982)
Garfield on the Town (1983)
Garfield in the Rough (1984)
Garfield’s Halloween Adventure (1985)
Garfield in Paradise (1986)
Garfield Goes Hollywood (1987)
A Garfield Christmas (1987)
Garfield: His 9 Lives (1988)
Happy Birthday, Garfield (1988)
Garfield’s Babes and Bullets (1989)
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
Garfield’s Feline Fantasies (1990)
Garfield Gets a Life (1991)

While each special had its unique charm, Garfield on the Town (1983) stands out as a fan favorite, serving as the inspiration for elements in The Garfield Movie. Notably, the transition from animated specials to a permanent fixture in Saturday morning cartoons marked a significant milestone in Garfield’s television journey.

Garfield TV Series (1988 – TBD)

Building on the success of the prime time specials, Garfield transitioned into his first TV series, solidifying his status as a beloved animated character. The debut of Garfield And Friends in 1988 marked a new era for the lasagna-loving cat, entertaining audiences with his hilarious antics and endearing personality. Voiced by Lorenzo Music throughout the series’ seven seasons, Garfield continued to charm viewers alongside his faithful companions.

Following the conclusion of Garfield and Friends, subsequent TV projects such as The Garfield Show (2009 – 2016) and Garfield Originals (2019 – 2020) kept the Garfield legacy alive, introducing new generations to the iconic character. The upcoming untitled Garfield series promises to usher in a new chapter in Garfield’s television journey, further cementing his place in pop culture.

Garfield Movies (2004 – 2009, 2024)

Despite Garfield’s success on the small screen, it wasn’t until 2004 that he made his cinematic debut in Garfield: The Movie. Directed by Peter Hewitt and starring the legendary Bill Murray as the voice of Garfield, the film brought the beloved comic strip to life in a new and exciting way. Murray’s casting added a layer of authenticity to the character, captivating audiences with his lazy charm and quick wit.

The success of Garfield: The Movie spawned a sequel, Garfield: A Tail Of Two Kitties (2006), further solidifying Garfield’s status as a cultural icon. Subsequent direct-to-DVD releases, including Garfield Gets Real (2007), Garfield Fun Fest (2008), and Garfield’s Pet Force (2009), continued to delight fans with new adventures featuring their favorite lasagna-loving cat.

Now, in 2024, Garfield returns to the big screen with the highly anticipated release of The Garfield Movie. Led by Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield, the film promises to capture the essence of the beloved character while introducing him to a new generation of fans. With its star-studded cast and cutting-edge animation, The Garfield Movie is poised to become a modern classic in the pantheon of Garfield adaptations.

The Garfield Movie Trailer

As anticipation builds for The Garfield Movie, fans are treated to a glimpse of the iconic cat’s latest adventure in the official trailer. From his lazy antics to his insatiable appetite for Italian cuisine, Garfield is back and better than ever in this exciting new chapter. The trailer offers a tantalizing preview of the humor and heartwarming moments that await audiences in theaters.

Garfield is a famous lazy orange tabby cat from a comic strip of the same name. Here’s a quick rundown:

Creation: Debuted in 1978, created by Jim Davis.
Personality: Known for being overweight, sarcastic, and obsessed with lasagna.
Loves: Sleeping, eating (especially lasagna!), and dislikes Mondays.
Relationships: Lives with his owner Jon Arbuckle and constantly annoys Odie, the dimwitted dog.
Legacy: Held the record for the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip.

The Garfield Gang:

Jon Arbuckle: Garfield’s long-suffering owner, a clumsy and nerdy guy with a love for cheesy romance novels.
Odie: Jon’s goofy yellow beagle, a constant target of Garfield’s pranks.
Liz Wilson: Jon’s veterinarian with whom he has an on-again, off-again relationship.
Nermal: A fluffy white kitten, Garfield’s nemesis, who constantly seeks attention and boasts about his cuteness.
Arlene: A beautiful Persian cat who lives next door, Garfield’s occasional love interest.

Beyond the Food Bowl:

Lasagna: Garfield’s holy grail, the ultimate food that fuels his desires and inspires his cunning schemes.
Hating Mondays: A universal Garfield trait, symbolizing his love for naps and disdain for anything resembling responsibility.
Double Identity: Garfield can sometimes stand on his hind legs and walk, often used for comedic effect.
TV & Movies: Garfield has spawned a massive media franchise with TV shows, movies, and merchandise.

Fun Facts:

Originally named Jon, the comic strip was renamed Garfield after Jim Davis’ grandfather.
Garfield’s signature orange fur and black stripes were chosen for their contrast and readability in black and white newspapers.
Despite his flaws, Garfield remains a beloved character for his relatable laziness, sarcastic wit, and undeniable love for food (especially lasagna!).

Conclusion: A Legacy of Laziness and Laughter

The enduring legacy of Garfield spans decades, captivating audiences with his irreverent humor and lovable personality. From his humble beginnings as a comic strip character to his latest cinematic outing, Garfield has remained a beloved cultural icon, bringing joy to millions around the world. As The Garfield Movie prepares to hit theaters, fans old and new can look forward to another unforgettable adventure with everyone’s favorite fat orange cat. So grab some lasagna, cozy up with a blanket, and get ready to embark on a purr-fectly delightful journey with Garfield!