WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS to Rick and Morty, season 5, episode 5, "Amortycan Grickfitti."
There are several nods to '80s pop culture in the Rick and Morty episode "Amortycan Grickfitti." First airing on July 18, 2021, the episode continues the season 5 trend of splitting the narrative between the Smith family, allowing the titular characters to have individual stories in which they pair off with different family . In episode 5, Rick, Beth and Jerry have an adventure involving pleasure-seeking demons, while the primary storyline follows Morty and Summer teaming up to win over "new kid" Bruce Chutback.
The 2001: A Space Odyssey, which came out in 1968.
The majority of Rick and Morty season 5, episode 5 is parodying distinctly '80s properties, and the episode takes on a throwback feel. This is particularly true of the Morty and Summer plot, which combines various tropes associated with that decade in pop culture — from teenagers breaking the rules to go on a joy-ride to the ship's mission to lose her virginity.
The Rick, Beth & Jerry Story Is A Hellraiser Spoof (1987)
The subplot of Rick and Jerry having a "guys night" with sadomasochistic demons is a direct riff of the 1987 horror movie Hellraiser — rather, they're more akin to a force of nature than can be exploited by human evil.
The Rick & Morty "Changeformers" Are Transformers
Perhaps the most obvious reference in Rick and Morty season 5, episode 5 is the "Changeformers" — a clear analog of the Transformers franchise. Although the characters might be most widely known for the Michael Bay Transformers movie series, the property first rose to prominence in the '80s, with a wildly successful toyline and kids cartoon. In Rick and Morty, the Changeformers are a race of alien robots that can change themselves into vehicles like cars, which is basically the same as the core premise of Transformers.
Morty & Summer Do Ferris Bueller's Day Off
The basic storyline for Morty and Summer in Rick and Morty season 5, episode 5 is a spoof of the classic '80s movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off follows the shenanigans of frequently truant-teen Ferris, who plays hooky from school and convinces his best friend Cameron to come along. Like how Morty, Summer, and new-kid "Chut" go for a joyride in Rick's slick ride, Ferris and Cameron borrow the latter's father's prized Ferrari. Ironically, the car itself serves as the teens' foil in Rick and Morty, with the ship's arc having similarities with that of Ferris' older sister Jeanie.
Rick's Ship Killed A Marvel Comics Character
The tables turn for Morty and Summer in "Amortycan Grickfitti" when the ship reveals that she was faking being deactivated — and was going to use Morty and Summer's exploits as a cover for her to do all the things Rick doesn't let her do. One such event is the car using what appears to be a solar system to catch a massive cosmic entity. The design is a reference to Galactus the World Eater from Marvel Comics. Although the character was first created by Stan Lee in the '60s, Galactus had some major stories in the '80s, including the pivotal comic set up for the MCU to adapt).
Rick & Morty Riffs On '80s Teen Sex Comedies
Partway through "Amortycan Grickfitti," the Morty and Summer story shifts from a Ferris Bueller parody to a broader mockery of teen sex comedies, which were prevalent during the '80s. After meeting the Changeformer, the ship its that she wants to lose her virginity — which results in her getting a makeover and meeting her love interest at what appears to be a robotic ski lodge. This references movies about teenagers whose primary motivation is sexual in nature — best exemplified by the highly influential Porky's (1982). The skiing aspect is gently mocking a particular trope that was popular during the decade: movies like Hot Dog... The Movie (1984), Better Off Dead (1985) and Ski School (1991) all heavily featured skiing and ski competitions with a bully as integral aspects of the plot. It's a distinctly '80s trope that is often parodied, such as in Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) and the South Park episode "Asspen."
Rick's Ship References The A.I. Gone Wrong Trope
Rick's ship is a source of conflict in Rick and Morty season 5, episode 5 — initially because she threatens Morty and Summer's plans to impress Chut, and later because she puts the teens' lives in danger. Although not a direct reference, the ship's character in "Amortycan Grickfitti" is a general nod to the "rogue A.I." or dangerous and/or sentient computer/robot trope that was common in sci-fi during the '80s. Inspired largely by Hal 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, '80s films like Blade Runner (1982), Tron (1982), D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) and Robocop (1987) all dealt with themes of artificial intelligence and identity politics. Unlike Hal, and more like Johnny 5 from another '80s hit, Short Circuit (1986), Rick's ship in Rick and Morty has a clear personality and (begrudgingly) befriends Summer and Morty by the end of the episode.