The early years of The Simpsons were densely layered 23 minute parcels of comedy genius. What entertained viewers as kids drew them in deeper as adults, as the individual’s own knowledge caught up with the show’s. Subtle jokes and references that flew overhead on the first viewings bring brand new laughter on a return to the classic episodes. The dedication to references – be they cinematic, literary, political etc. – within the show is one of its most enduring appeals and nobody has ever buried as many nods and winks to pop-culture as the show’s creators.

At the height of its power there was nothing that could come close to the cleverness, hilarity and consistency of The Simpsons. And the following video showcases just what made it so far ahead of everything else that it felt like the writers of the show were playing a totally different game to everyone else making TV.

Next Movie have put together an exhaustive compilation of every single movie reference from the first five years of the show and even for those of you who know your Ronnie Beck from your Gummy Joe there are sure to be a host of cleverly inserted references, so subtle and fleeting you have barely noticed before. When you do you’ll feel like dusting off the old boxsets and sitting back down to immerse yourself in the yellow brilliance of Springfield all over again.