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Good Burger
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBrian Robbins
Written by
Based on
All That
by
Characters created
by
  • Dan Schneider
  • Kevin Kopelow
  • Heath Seifert
Produced by
  • Michael Tollin
  • Brian Robbins
Starring
CinematographyMac Ahlberg
Edited byAnita Brandt-Burgoyne
Music byStewart Copeland
Production
companies
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release dates
Running time
95 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$8.5 million[2]
Box office$23.7 million[3]

Good Burger is a 1997 American teen comedy film starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. It was directed by Brian Robbins, and written by Dan Schneider with Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert. The film is a spin-off of the "Good Burger" comedy sketch from the Nickelodeon variety series All That, with Mitchell reprising his role as Ed. The story follows Dexter Reed, a high school student who, in order to pay off the damages he made to his teacher's car, takes a summer job at the titular fast food restaurant, where he and Ed, his dimwitted co-worker, stumble upon an evil plot by a rival fast-food restaurant.

The film was produced by Nickelodeon Movies and Tollin/Robbins Productions, and was filmed from March to April 1997. It premiered on July 19, 1997, and was released worldwide on July 25 of the same year by Paramount Pictures.[1] The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $23.7 million. In the years after its release, the film received a cult following.

A sequel titled Good Burger 2 was released on November 22, 2023, on Paramount+.[4]

Plot

[edit]

On the first day of summer, slacker high school student Dexter Reed takes his mother's car on a joyride while she is away on a business trip but is indirectly involved in a car crash with his school teacher, Mr. Wheat. With no driver's license or car insurance, Dexter is in danger of going to jail, but Mr. Wheat agrees to let him pay for the damage in exchange for not calling the police on him. With the damage estimated at $1,900 (which later becomes $2,500), Dexter decides to take a summer job to pay for the expenses.

After his dismissal from the new and soon-to-open Mondo Burger restaurant for clashing with the owner and manager Kurt Bozwell, he ends up working for Good Burger instead. There, he meets and reluctantly befriends the dimwitted but well-meaning cashier Ed alongside its other employees. While both are working together, Dexter realizes that Ed caused his car crash, but eventually forgives him.

Mondo Burger becomes an immediate success with its large burgers, hurting Good Burger's business. Dexter discovers that Ed made a tasty sauce for his lunch and suggests adding it to the burgers, which saves Good Burger and vastly increases its sales. Dexter exploits Ed's gullibility to extort money from him so that he can pay off his debt sooner, having him sign a contract that gives Dexter 80% of the bonus he receives for his sauce while warning Ed to never reveal the ingredient to anyone. After failing to entice Ed with a higher hourly wage at Mondo Burger, Kurt, who wants the secret sauce for his restaurant and Good Burger shut down, sends an employee named Roxanne to seduce him into revealing the recipe. However, while on a double date with Dexter and co-worker Monique, Ed accidentally and clumsily injures her repeatedly, and she quits her job.

The next day, Monique finds Dexter's contract and scolds him for taking advantage of Ed, causing Dexter to feel remorseful. Dexter tries to apologize to Ed, but before he can do so, he and Ed discover a stray dog rejecting a discarded Mondo Burger for a Good Burger. Suspicious, the two infiltrate Mondo Burger's kitchen in disguise and discover that their burgers are artificially enhanced with an illegal food chemical known as Triampathol. Kurt discovers them and has them committed to the Demented Hills Asylum to prevent them from sharing their discovery. Afterward, Kurt and his henchmen break into Good Burger and taint Ed's secret sauce with a synthetic toxin called shark poison. Otis, an elderly employee who was sleeping on the premises, catches them and attempts to call the police, but Kurt sends him to Demented Hills as well. After Otis informs Ed and Dexter about Kurt's scheme, they escape from Demented Hills and commandeer an ice cream truck to head back to Good Burger. Two Demented Hills employees chase after them in a truck, but Ed pelts their windshield with ice cream, eventually obstructing their view and causing them to crash. Ed arrives at Good Burger just in time to prevent an elderly woman from eating the poisoned sauce.

Ed and Dexter return to Mondo Burger to expose their crimes to the police. While Dexter creates a distraction, Ed takes multiple cans of Triampathol and pours them into the meat grinder. As Kurt corners Dexter on the roof, Ed suddenly arrives with an empty can just before Mondo Burger collapses, as the burgers start exploding due to the excessive Triampathol. Afterwards, Mondo Burger is shut down and Kurt is arrested for poisoning Good Burger's sauce and using illegal Triampathol on his meat. After giving Mr. Wheat a down payment, Dexter apologizes to Ed for taking advantage of him and tears up the contract, telling him that he gets to keep all the profits. Ed and Dexter return to Good Burger, where their co-workers hail them as heroes.

Cast

[edit]
  • Kenan Thompson as Dexter Reed, a 16-year-old high school student who gets a summer job at Good Burger following an accidental car crash with his school teacher Mr. Wheat's car
  • Kel Mitchell as Ed, the dimwitted 15-year-old cashier of Good Burger
  • Abe Vigoda as Otis, an elderly Good Burger employee who works the deep-fryers
  • Dan Schneider as Mr. Baily, the owner and manager of Good Burger and Dexter and Ed's boss
  • Shar Jackson as Monique, a Good Burger employee and Dexter's love interest
  • Jan Schweiterman as Kurt Bozwell, the owner of rival fast food place Mondo Burger
  • Linda Cardellini as Heather, a Demented Hills patient who has a crush on Ed
  • Sinbad as Mr. Wheat, Dexter's accident-prone teacher
  • Ron Lester as Spatch, the head fry cook of Good Burger
  • Josh Server as Fizz, the drive-thru employee of Good Burger
  • Ginny Schreiber as Deedee, a female employee at Good Burger and a vegetarian
  • Shaquille O'Neal as himself
  • George Clinton as Dancing Crazy, a Demented Hills patient
  • Robert Wuhl as an angry customer
  • Marques Houston as Jake, Dexter's schoolmate
  • J. August Richards as Griffin, one of Kurt's henchmen
  • Hamilton Von Watts as Troy, one of Kurt's henchmen
  • Carmen Electra as Roxanne, a spy for Mondo Burger who attempted to get the recipe for Ed's sauce (uncredited)[5]
  • Floyd Levine as the Ice Cream Man
  • Lori Beth Denberg as Connie Muldoon, a motormouthed customer
  • Carmit Bachar as a Demented Hills dancer
  • Kelly Devine as a Demented Hills dancer
  • Matt Gallant as a reporter
  • Brian Peck as an upset customer[6]

Production

[edit]

Filming for Good Burger took place over six weeks from March 9 to April 21, 1997.[7] Most of its scenes were recorded along Glendora Avenue in West Covina, California, including at a restaurant currently known as Peter's El Loco.[8] The role of Kurt Bozwell went to Jan Schweiterman, who died February 28, 2025.[9]

Release and reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Good Burger was released on July 25, 1997, by Paramount Pictures. Theatrical screenings were preceded by an episode of Nickelodeon's series Action League Now! titled "Rock-a-Big Baby". In its opening weekend, the film grossed $7.1 million, finishing #5 at the US box office. It went on to gross $23.7 million worldwide.[3] It was released in the United Kingdom on February 13, 1998, where it reached #14.[10]

Critical response

[edit]

Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approval rating of 33% based on 45 reviews and an average rating of 4.3/10. The consensus reads, "Good Burger might please hardcore fans of the 1990s Nickelodeon TV series that launched leads Kenan and Kel to stardom, but for all others, it will likely prove a comedy that is neither satisfyingly rare nor well done."[11] On Metacritic the film has a score of 41 out of 100 based on 17 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[12]

Lisa Alspector of Chicago Reader wrote, "The perceived notion that kids want their movies fast and furious is barely in evidenced in this 1997 comedy, a laboriously slow suburban adventure in which a teenager's summer of leisure slips through his fingers when he has to get a job—an experience that proves almost life-threatening because of the cutthroat competition between two burger joints."[13] Andy Seiler of USA Today gave the film two stars out of four, saying that, "Good Burger is not very well done, but it does have energy."[14]

Leonard Klady of Variety wrote, "The meat of the piece is definitely FDA cinematically approved, and perfect if you like this brand of entertainment with the works."[15] Siskel and Ebert gave it two thumbs down on the July 26, 1997 episode of their program. Gene Siskel disliked the film more than Roger Ebert did, calling it a "stupid kids comedy".[16] In his other review for the Chicago Sun-Times, Ebert gave the film two stars out of four, writing "It didn't do much for me, but I am prepared to predict that its target audience will have a good time."[17]

Retrospective reviews well after the initial release have described its continued popularity; Nathan Rabin said that the film "obviously connected with a lot of children at the time of the film's release and holds up surprisingly well 18 years later."[18] Courtney Eckerle said, "The 90s generation will never forget [this deliciously terrible movie]"[19] and Tara Aquino of Mental Floss called it "a silly cult hit that's indelibly a part of Generation Y."[20]

Other media

[edit]

Home media

[edit]

Paramount Home Video released the film on VHS on February 17, 1998,[21] with the cassettes specially made of orange plastic, and on DVD on May 27, 2003, with a lack of bonus features.[22]

The film was released on Blu-ray on February 16, 2021.[23] On July 19, 2022, a limited edition Blu-ray steelbook of the film was released to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Like the original DVD and first edition Blu-ray, the 25th anniversary lacks any special features except for the original "Good Burger" sketch from All That.

Publications

[edit]
  • 1997: Joseph Locke: Good Burger: A Novelization, Pocket Books, ISBN 978-0671016920
  • 1998: Steve Holland: Good Burger 2 Go, Aladdin, ISBN 978-0671023997

Soundtrack

[edit]
Main article: Good Burger (soundtrack)

A soundtrack containing hip hop, R&B, funk and punk rock was released on July 15, 1997, by Capitol Records. It peaked at 101 on the Billboard 200 and 65 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It features the single "All I Want" by 702, which reached number thirty-five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Sequel

[edit]
Main article: Good Burger 2

After twenty-six years since the original film's release, a direct sequel was released on November 22, 2023, through Paramount+. Both Thompson and Mitchell returned to reprise their roles as Dexter Reed and Ed respectively. Additional cast members of Good Burger who appeared in Good Burger 2 included Shar Jackson, Josh Server, Carmen Electra, Lori Beth Denberg, George Clinton, and Sinbad.[24]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Good Burger

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Good Burger is a American teen directed by and starring as Dexter Reed and as Ed, two employees at a fictional who must thwart a rival burger chain's attempts to drive their workplace out of business. The film originated as a recurring sketch on the series , where Mitchell portrayed the dim-witted but enthusiastic cashier Ed, and Thompson played various customers and characters interacting with him at the counter. Produced by in association with and released by , Good Burger marked the second feature film from following earlier that year. The screenplay was written by , , adapting the sketch into a full-length story centered on Dexter's sentence at Good Burger after a car accident, where he teams up with Ed to expose the corporate sabotage by Mondo Burger's owner, Kurt Bozwell (played by ). Filming took place primarily in , , capturing the film's lighthearted, low-stakes humor aimed at a young audience. The film premiered on July 25, 1997, and grossed $23.7 million at the North American against a of approximately $9 million, making it a modest commercial success for a family-oriented summer release. Critically, it received mixed reviews, with a 33% approval rating on based on 45 critic scores, praised for its energetic performances by the young leads but criticized for its formulaic plot and uneven pacing. Variety noted its appeal as a "modest fast-food joint peopled by teen misfits," highlighting the Nickelodeon-style that resonated with its target demographic. Over the years, has achieved status among nostalgia enthusiasts, spawning merchandise, video releases, and inspiring a real-life Good Burger . Its legacy continued with the sequel , a Paramount+ original film released on November 22, 2023, reuniting Thompson and Mitchell as Dexter and Ed, who return to the restaurant to battle a tech-driven burger , alongside returning cast members like and new additions such as . The follow-up maintained the original's comedic spirit while updating themes for a modern audience, though it earned similarly mixed reception for its humor.

Background and development

Origins in All That

All That is a sketch comedy television series that aired on from April 16, 1994, to October 22, 2005, spanning ten seasons and produced by in association with Productions. Created by , Mike Tollin, and , who also served as head writer and executive producer starting from the show's pilot, it featured original comedic sketches parodying popular culture, performed by a young ensemble cast. The series was a cornerstone of Nickelodeon's Saturday Night Nickelodeon (SNICK) programming block, which ran from 1992 to 2005 and aired weekly from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, targeting family audiences with live-action content. The "Good Burger" sketch debuted in season 1 of All That in 1994, specifically in episode 101 ("Da Brat"), introducing viewers to the fictional fast-food restaurant where chaotic orders and absurd customer interactions unfolded. Kenan Thompson portrayed Dexter Reed, the exasperated cashier attempting to maintain order, while Kel Mitchell played Ed, the dim-witted but enthusiastic employee known for his wide-eyed expressions and the iconic catchphrase, "Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?" The sketch was conceived by head writer Dan Schneider and cast member Kel Mitchell, who originated the role of Ed based on his improvisational style. This initial sketch established the core dynamic of the duo navigating bizarre scenarios, such as mistaken orders and over-the-top reactions, which quickly resonated with young audiences. Over the subsequent seasons, the "Good Burger" sketch evolved into a recurring staple through the first five seasons of All That, appearing in multiple episodes with escalating absurdity and guest cameos. Variations featured plot twists such as food fights, celebrity guests like Tyra Banks in episode 305 where Ed hilariously "marries" her, or entire casts overwhelming the counter, amplifying the sketch's chaotic energy. The sketch's popularity surged among 1990s child audiences, becoming one of All That's most beloved segments due to its relatable teen humor, memorable characters, and quotable lines that captured the era's youth culture. Fan demand for more content grew steadily, with letters and viewer feedback highlighting the duo's chemistry, ultimately inspiring Nickelodeon to expand the concept beyond television.

Pre-production

Following the success of the "Good Burger" sketch on the Nickelodeon series All That, Nickelodeon decided to greenlight a feature film adaptation in 1996, capitalizing on the sketch's popularity among young audiences. The screenplay was developed by Dan Schneider, along with All That writers Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert, who expanded the simple diner-based comedy into a full-length buddy film narrative centered on two employees thwarting corporate sabotage from a rival mega-chain, Mondo Burger. Schneider contributed additional uncredited rewrites to refine the script's humor and structure, drawing from the characters' established dynamic on the TV show. Casting began with the confirmation of leads Kenan Thompson, then 18, as the street-smart Dexter Reed, and Kel Mitchell, then 17, as the dim-witted but endearing Ed, selected for their proven on-screen chemistry from All That. Auditions for supporting roles included All That alumni such as Josh Server, who was cast as the eccentric inventor Fizz, helping to maintain the film's ties to the originating sketch series. The project was budgeted at approximately $8.5 million, funded primarily by in partnership with . was attached as director, brought on board due to his recent success helming the 1995 drama The Basketball Diaries, which showcased his ability to handle youthful ensembles and blend humor with tension. This planning phase emphasized a fast-tracked production to align with a summer release, allowing creative freedom within the modest financial constraints.

Content

Plot

Dexter Reed, a high school slacker played by , takes his mother's car for a joyride without a on the first day of summer, resulting in a crash into his teacher's vehicle and owing $1,900 in damages. To repay the debt, Dexter is forced to work at the local diner Good Burger during the . There, he encounters Ed, a cheerful but dim-witted employee portrayed by , who enthusiastically greets customers with "Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?" and befriends the reluctant Dexter despite initial annoyances. Good Burger soon faces stiff competition when the massive chain Mondo Burger opens across the street, offering oversized "Mondo Burgers" laced with an illegal hallucinogenic substance called "shark poison" to enhance their appeal and sabotage rivals. Dexter briefly attempts to work at Mondo Burger but clashes with its ruthless owner, Bozwell, and is fired. In response, Ed invents a delicious secret that revitalizes Good Burger's , drawing customers back and highlighting themes of and ingenuity amid anti-corporate . Subplots involve quirky staff like the elderly fry cook Otis, who is rescued from a mental institution after being wrongfully committed, and , a coworker with a crush on Dexter, while Spatch experiments with bizarre inventions such as fly-based condiments, embodying teen comedy tropes of eccentric ensembles. Determined to eliminate the competition, Bozwell schemes to steal Ed's sauce recipe, planting the at Good Burger to frame them and having Dexter, Ed, and Otis committed to Demented Hills Asylum. The trio escapes with help from allies, leading to a climactic confrontation at Mondo Burger where a massive ensues. During the chaos, customers consume the tainted Mondo Burgers, hallucinate wildly, and expose Kurt's illegal operations, resulting in his arrest and Good Burger's ultimate triumph as a symbol of community resilience.

Cast and characters

The film stars as Dexter Reed, a street-smart but reluctant high school student sentenced to at Good Burger after crashing his car into his teacher's vehicle, bringing a wheeler-dealer energy that contrasts with the diner's wholesome vibe. plays Ed, the naive and literal-minded cashier whose disarming innocence and inventive spirit, including his creation of a secret sauce, drive much of the comedy through his catchphrases like "Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger." Supporting roles include Sinbad as Mr. Wheat, Dexter's groovy, 1970s-inspired teacher whose retro style adds humor to the opening mishap. Dan Schneider, the film's co-writer, portrays Mr. Bailey, the no-nonsense manager who oversees the diner's operations with a mix of sternness and fairness. Jan Schwieterman embodies Kurt Bozwell, the dismissive and scheming owner of rival chain Mondo Burger, serving as the primary antagonist with his aggressive business tactics. Abe Vigoda appears as Otis, the gruff elderly fry cook whose deadpan delivery provides understated comic relief amid the chaos. Additional ensemble members feature as Monique, a capable Good Burger employee who develops a rapport with Dexter, as Spatch, the hulking head fry cook known for his bizarre inventions like fly condiments, and as Fizz, another quirky staffer contributing to the diner's eccentric team dynamic. Notable guest spots include as Roxanne, a Mondo Burger hostess; in her film debut as Heather, Dexter's classmate; and as himself in a brief cameo. All That alumni like appear as Connie Muldoon, a Mondo Burger worker, tying into the film's sketch origins. Thompson and Mitchell's performances, honed from their All That collaboration, deliver complementary chemistry that amplifies the film's lighthearted, moralistic tone, with Ed's purity balancing Dexter's cunning to subvert expectations while maintaining character integrity.
ActorRoleDescription
Kenan ThompsonDexter ReedStreet-smart teen navigating at Good Burger.
Kel MitchellEdGoofy, inventive cashier with naive charm and secret sauce expertise.
SinbadMr. WheatDexter's flamboyant teacher involved in the inciting accident.
Dan SchneiderMr. BaileyStrict diner manager enforcing rules on the staff.
Jan SchwietermanKurt BozwellAntagonistic fast-food executive plotting against Good Burger.
Abe VigodaOtisElderly, world-weary fry cook offering wry observations.
Shar JacksonMoniqueSupportive coworker and subtle romantic interest for Dexter.
Ron LesterSpatchHulking fry cook with eccentric inventions like fly condiments.
Josh ServerFizzEccentric Good Burger employee adding to the team antics.

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Good Burger took place over six weeks from March 9 to April 21, 1997, primarily in the Los Angeles area. The production utilized a mix of soundstages and practical locations to capture the film's vibrant, comedic energy. The Good Burger diner set was constructed on soundstages at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Exterior shots of the Good Burger restaurant were filmed at Peter's El Loco, a real burger joint located at 437 S. Glendora Avenue in West Covina, California. Interiors for the rival Mondo Burger were also built on soundstages. Additional practical locations included Malibu Castle Park in Redondo Beach for chase scenes and the Old Anoakia Mansion in Arcadia for the Demented Hills asylum sequences. On-set, leads and incorporated improvisation to enhance their characters' dynamic, with Mitchell notably developing Ed's distinctive voice and mannerisms spontaneously during early takes. Production faced scheduling challenges due to the young cast's commitments to the series and , requiring careful coordination to avoid conflicts during the rushed shoot. Director fostered an energetic, kid-friendly comedic tone by granting actors creative freedom, aiming to amplify the sketch's absurdity into a feature-length "one notch higher" in exaggeration and action. Cinematographer Mac Ahlberg handled the visuals, employing bright, saturated colors to capture the film's playful 1990s aesthetic. Practical effects were key for food-related gags, including simulations of exploding Mondo Burgers in the climax.

Post-production

Following principal photography, the post-production phase of Good Burger focused on refining the raw footage into a cohesive teen comedy. Editor Anita Brandt-Burgoyne assembled the film with rapid cuts and energetic pacing to amplify its humorous, sketch-comedy roots, culminating in a final runtime of 95 minutes. Sound design enhanced the film's slapstick elements through targeted audio work. Foley artists created exaggerated effects for comedic sequences, such as burger preparation and chaotic chases. Automated dialogue replacement (ADR) was supervised by Christopher Flick to sharpen punchlines and clarify overlapping banter, while licensed music cues from the soundtrack were integrated to underscore key scenes. Visual finishing touches included to produce the bright, saturated palette typical of films, emphasizing the whimsical diner setting. The of America (MPAA) assigned a PG rating, citing mild and cartoonish violence as the primary content concerns.

Release

Distribution and premiere

Good Burger premiered on July 21, 1997, at the Paramount Theatre in Hollywood, , with attendance by key cast members, director , and Paramount executives including . The film was distributed by and received a wide theatrical release in the United States on July 25, 1997. International distribution followed in various markets throughout 1997 and into 1998, including on September 5, 1997, and the and on February 13, 1998. Paramount targeted family audiences with a season rollout, opening in 1,887 theaters across to capitalize on school breaks and 's young viewer base. Promotional posters highlighted the film's iconic catchphrases, such as "Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?", while marketing leveraged tie-ins, including television spots aired during episodes of All That and related merchandise like promotional buttons and apparel. At the , early plans for a release were discussed, leading to the film's debut by Paramount Home Video on February 17, 1998, followed by DVD on May 27, 2003, and Blu-ray on February 16, 2021. The theatrical rollout contributed to strong initial performance for a production.

Box office performance

Good Burger was released in 1,887 theaters on July 25, 1997, earning $7,058,333 during its opening weekend and ranking fifth at the North American behind Air Force One, Men in Black, Contact, and Nothing to Lose. The film ultimately grossed $23,712,993 domestically, with negligible international earnings, resulting in a worldwide total of $23,712,993 against a production budget of $9 million, rendering it profitable. This performance placed it below the previous Nickelodeon Movies release Harriet the Spy, which earned $26,570,048 domestically, amid intense summer competition from major blockbusters; however, its targeted appeal to preteens helped sustain steady attendance over its theatrical run. Post-theatrical earnings benefited from family-oriented viewership, with releases driving additional revenue, including an estimated $405,841 from domestic Blu-ray sales as of the latest available data.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Good Burger received mixed reviews from critics, reflected in aggregate scores of 33% on based on 45 reviews and 41 out of 100 on from 17 critics. The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus described it as a that might appeal to fans of the originating series but otherwise proved unsatisfying, with humor deemed fuzzy and second-hand. Critics praised the energetic performances and chemistry between leads and , particularly Mitchell's portrayal of the dim-witted Ed, which Variety highlighted as "ingeniously played" and forming a strong comedy duo with Thompson's Dexter. The review called the film "a winning comedy [that] serves up a hearty helping of fun and wholesome values." Similarly, noted Mitchell's delivery as "hysterically funny" and the character as "immensely likable," contributing to the film's appeal for young audiences familiar with the sketch. On the negative side, awarded the film 2 out of 4 stars, commending its innocence and energy but criticizing its lack of sophistication, stating it was tailored strictly for children aged 4 to 11 and unlikely to engage adults due to underdeveloped plotting and reliance on basic . Common complaints centered on the script's formulaic nature and lowbrow, pandering humor, with some reviewers decrying it as overly simplistic and derivative of the source material.

Cultural impact and legacy

Good Burger has achieved cult status among , who grew up with programming in the and continue to celebrate its humor and quotable moments as a hallmark of nostalgic . The film's portrayal of quirky fast-food antics and underdog triumphs resonates as a lighthearted reflection of adolescent absurdity, frequently revisited in analyses that highlight its enduring appeal. Iconic catchphrases, particularly Ed's eccentric order-taking routine delivered by , have become staples of online humor, inspiring memes and viral recreations that proliferated on platforms like in the early and in subsequent years, amplifying the movie's comedic legacy. The film influenced 's approach to live-action comedy, pushing boundaries for children's movies with its edgy humor and ensemble-driven sketches that echoed the network's sketch-show roots from . This style contributed to the broader evolution of films, emphasizing irreverent, character-focused narratives in subsequent productions. Good Burger has also been referenced in popular media, appearing in episodes of , such as the 2006 installment "Barely Legal," where it nods to the film's absurd scenarios. In the , retrospective articles examined Good Burger as a key artifact of 90s kids' media, underscoring its role in shaping comedic tropes around hijinks and corporate tailored for young audiences. As of November 2025, the original film streams regularly on Paramount+, sustaining its visibility and fueling ongoing fan enthusiasm that contributed to the development of a sequel. In February 2025, cast member Jan Schwieterman, who played JP Man, died at age 52 after a battle with stage 4 cancer. In March 2025, teased the possibility of Good Burger 3 during a panel at 90s Con, expressing excitement about potential future installments.

Soundtrack and music

Album details

The official soundtrack album for Good Burger, titled Good Burger: Music From the Original Motion Picture, was released on July 15, 1997, by Capitol Records. It features 12 tracks blending hip-hop, R&B, and rock elements, including contributions from artists such as 702, Warren G, and The Pharcyde. The album was executive produced by Karyn Rachtman, with production on individual tracks handled by various collaborators, including for "Friends" and for "That's The Way (It's Goin' Down)." It incorporates a mix of original recordings and licensed hits designed to enhance the film's comedic diner setting, with songs integrated into key sequences like the opening credits and celebratory party moments. Commercially, the soundtrack experienced moderate success, peaking at number 101 on the and number 65 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, driven primarily by sales of the single "All I Want" by 702.

Notable songs and contributions

The soundtrack for Good Burger features several key hip-hop and R&B tracks that amplify the film's comedic energy and urban teen vibe. Featured artists include on "It's All Good." These songs collectively extend the film's hip-hop aesthetic.

Other media

Home media releases

Good Burger was first made available for home viewing on VHS on February 17, 1998, by Paramount Home Video. The film received its DVD release on May 27, 2003, also from , featuring basic extras such as trailers. In 2013, Warner Home Video issued a DVD re-release, which contributed to the film's estimated domestic sales revenue of over $400,000. A Blu-ray edition followed on February 16, 2021, distributed by , including the original "Good Burger" sketch from the series All That as its sole special feature. Paramount marked the film's 25th anniversary with a limited-edition SteelBook Blu-ray on July 19, 2022, retaining the same special feature. Digital purchase options became available on platforms including iTunes and Amazon. The movie has been offered for streaming on Paramount+ as part of its catalog of Nickelodeon titles.

Tie-ins and merchandise

A tie-in novelization of the film, titled Good Burger, was published in 1997 by Pocket Books as part of Nickelodeon's media extensions. Written by Joseph Locke, the 160-page paperback adapts the movie's plot, featuring the antics of Dexter and Ed as they defend their restaurant from the rival Mondo Burger, including guest appearances by characters portrayed by Shaquille O'Neal and Sinbad. To promote the film, Nickelodeon released an interactive Shockwave game titled Good Burger: Burger Builder on its website in 1997. The browser-based mini-game allowed players to assemble burgers by stacking ingredients, simulating the fast-food theme and tying into the movie's setting at the Good Burger restaurant.

Sequel

Development and production

The development of Good Burger 2 was spurred by the enduring cult following of the original 1997 film, leading Nickelodeon Studios and Paramount+ to greenlight the project as a direct-to-streaming sequel. The official announcement came on March 17, 2023, confirming that original stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell would reprise their roles as Dexter Reed and Ed, respectively. Scripting was handled by , the original film's co-writers and co-creators of the "All That" sketch, who had been developing sequel ideas for several years. The story reunites the now-adult characters 26 years later, with Dexter returning to Good Burger amid a failed tech invention, where he and Ed confront a disruptive, technology-driven rival burger chain threatening the diner. The production had a budget of approximately $30 million, with Thompson's newly launched production company, Kenan & Kel Productions, contributing $10 million toward it. Casting featured Thompson and Mitchell in the lead roles, alongside returning original members such as as Spatch and as Connie Muldoon. New additions included as Katt Bozwell, the CEO of the antagonist MegaCorp, and as lawyer Cecil McNevin, with numerous surprise cameos from comedy alumni to enhance the ensemble. Principal photography, directed by Phil Traill, took place primarily in from mid-May to late June 2023, utilizing locations in North Providence, Providence, , and East Greenwich to stand in for the diner's setting. Traill and the writers aimed to blend nostalgic humor—recapturing the original's and character dynamics—with modern twists on themes like technological disruption in everyday life, ensuring accessibility for both longtime fans and younger audiences. Post-production wrapped in time for the film's exclusive Paramount+ premiere on November 22, 2023, following the release of its official trailer on October 30.

Plot and reception

Good Burger 2 follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson), who returns to his old job at Good Burger after a failed app venture leaves him destitute. Reuniting with longtime friend and colleague Ed (Kel Mitchell), now the restaurant's owner, Dexter proposes a new delivery app to boost business. However, their plans are threatened by rival chain Mega Good Burgers, which uses to produce addictive, chemically enhanced burgers that endanger customers. With the help of quirky new employees and cameos from original cast members like Sinbad as Dexter's business manager, Dexter and Ed embark on a chaotic mission to save Good Burger and expose the rival's scheme. The sequel premiered exclusively on Paramount+ on November 22, 2023, coinciding with the holiday to capitalize on family viewing. Marketing efforts emphasized nostalgia through trailers featuring classic catchphrases and announcements on platforms like Starring , where stars and promoted the film. Critically, Good Burger 2 garnered mixed reception, with a 56% approval rating on based on 16 critic reviews, as of November 2025, where critics praised the enduring chemistry between Thompson and Mitchell but criticized the script for relying on dated humor and underdeveloped subplots. The audience response was more positive, achieving a 61% audience score on based on over 250 ratings and a 5.3 out of 10 rating on from 4,478 users, as of November 2025, who appreciated the nostalgic cameos and lighthearted absurdity. The film drew 6.3 million views in its first week, marking it as Paramount+'s most-watched original movie launch at the time.

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