40th Anniversary of The Goonies Special Screening Featuring Corey Feldman and Kerri Green

NJPAC Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of The Goonies with Special Screening Featuring Corey Feldman and Kerri Green in Newark

Few adventure films have captured the imagination of generations quite like The Goonies. Four decades after its original release, the beloved treasure-hunting classic continues to inspire fans with its spirit of friendship, adventure, and youthful courage. Now, audiences in New Jersey will have a rare opportunity to experience the film in a unique and unforgettable way as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center presents a special 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies featuring appearances by cast members Corey Feldman and Kerri Green.

The event, scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., transforms a beloved piece of cinematic history into an immersive celebration of nostalgia, storytelling, and the enduring cultural influence of one of the most iconic adventure films of the 1980s.

For New Jersey’s growing film and television community—highlighted through ongoing coverage at the Explore New Jersey Film & TV platform—the event represents a perfect intersection of film history, fan culture, and the region’s expanding role as a destination for major entertainment experiences.

A Cultural Classic Returns to the Big Screen

When The Goonies first premiered in 1985, it quickly became more than just a movie.

The film captured the imagination of audiences with its story of a group of adventurous kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their homes from foreclosure. Along the way, they uncover a hidden pirate map, navigate elaborate underground tunnels, and confront a family of criminals while searching for the legendary treasure of the pirate One-Eyed Willy.

Blending humor, suspense, and heartfelt friendship, the movie became an instant favorite for young audiences and families.

Over the decades, its popularity has only grown stronger.

Today, The Goonies is widely considered one of the most beloved adventure films ever made. Its influence can be seen in modern storytelling across film, television, and streaming platforms that draw inspiration from the same mix of youthful camaraderie and imaginative adventure.

The upcoming anniversary screening at NJPAC gives longtime fans the chance to relive the experience on the big screen while introducing a new generation to the magic of the film.

A Rare Opportunity to Meet the Stars

One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the presence of two cast members who helped bring the story to life: Corey Feldman and Kerri Green.

Feldman portrayed the fast-talking and endlessly inventive Mouth, a character whose quick wit and fearless attitude became one of the film’s most memorable elements. His performance helped establish him as one of the defining young actors of the era.

Green played Andy, the high school cheerleader who joins the adventure alongside the Goonies crew. Her character brought warmth and emotional depth to the group dynamic, helping balance the film’s humor with moments of genuine connection.

During the event, audiences will not only watch the film but also have the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the actors themselves.

Live appearances and discussions offer fans a chance to learn about the filmmaking process, behind-the-scenes moments, and the lasting legacy of the movie.

For movie lovers and pop culture enthusiasts, the event becomes more than a screening—it becomes a shared celebration of cinematic history.

The Legacy of an Adventure Film That Defined a Generation

What makes The Goonies endure after forty years is not simply its thrilling story.

The film captured something timeless about childhood imagination.

The characters are ordinary kids who stumble into extraordinary circumstances, relying on creativity, loyalty, and courage to navigate dangers far beyond their years. Their journey reflects the universal desire for adventure and discovery that resonates across generations.

For many viewers who grew up in the 1980s, the film represents a defining part of childhood moviegoing experiences.

For younger audiences discovering it today, the story continues to feel fresh because its themes—friendship, bravery, and the importance of sticking together—remain universal.

Anniversary screenings like the one at NJPAC offer audiences an opportunity to revisit these stories in a communal setting where shared memories come alive again on the big screen.

NJPAC: A Hub for Culture and Entertainment

Hosting the event is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, one of the state’s most important venues for music, theater, film, and cultural programming.

Since opening its doors, NJPAC has become a central gathering place for audiences seeking world-class performances and unique entertainment experiences. From orchestral concerts and Broadway productions to film screenings and celebrity appearances, the venue consistently attracts major cultural events.

The anniversary celebration of The Goonies fits perfectly within that tradition.

By bringing iconic films and their creators to Newark, NJPAC strengthens New Jersey’s role as a destination for major cultural programming that appeals to both local audiences and visitors.

For fans traveling from across the region, the event also highlights Newark’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment.

The Growing Film Culture of New Jersey

Events like the NJPAC screening also reflect the broader expansion of New Jersey’s film and television culture.

Over the past decade, the state has increasingly become a destination for productions, film festivals, and special screenings that celebrate the art of storytelling on screen.

Through resources like the Explore New Jersey Film & TV platform, audiences can discover a wide range of events, productions, and industry developments happening throughout the state.

From independent film showcases to major studio productions, New Jersey’s role in the entertainment industry continues to grow.

Bringing iconic films like The Goonies back to theaters with appearances from the original cast reinforces the idea that the state is not just a filming location but a thriving destination for film culture.

Nostalgia Meets New Generations of Fans

Anniversary screenings often carry a special emotional resonance.

For longtime fans, they provide an opportunity to revisit stories that shaped their love of movies. Watching the film in a theater setting recreates the excitement of the original moviegoing experience.

For younger audiences who may have discovered The Goonies through streaming platforms or home video, the screening offers a chance to experience the film in its intended format—on the big screen with a live audience.

This shared viewing environment can transform a familiar movie into an entirely new experience.

Laughter, suspense, and applause become collective moments that remind viewers why cinema remains one of the most powerful storytelling mediums.

An Event Designed for Film Lovers

The NJPAC anniversary screening promises to be more than a nostalgic evening—it will be a full celebration of a film that continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Fans attending the event will experience:

• A full theatrical screening of The Goonies
• Live appearances by cast members Corey Feldman and Kerri Green
• Behind-the-scenes stories and reflections from the film’s production
• A shared celebration of one of the most beloved adventure films ever created

The event represents a rare opportunity for movie lovers to connect directly with the artists who helped bring a legendary story to life.

Celebrating Forty Years of Adventure

Forty years after its release, The Goonies continues to hold a special place in pop culture.

Its unforgettable characters, thrilling treasure hunt, and message about the power of friendship have made it a timeless classic.

As audiences gather at NJPAC on March 20, the anniversary screening will bring together generations of fans who share a love for the film’s spirit of adventure.

For New Jersey, hosting such an event reflects the state’s growing role as a center for cultural celebration and film appreciation.

For fans of The Goonies, it will be a chance to relive the magic of the movie that reminded the world that sometimes the greatest treasure is the adventure itself.