National Cheeseburger Day: TLDR | History | Cheeseburgers in Movies | Cheeseburgers in Arcade Games | Cheeseburgers in Songs |
Every year on September 18, Americans celebrate National Cheeseburger Day, a tasty tribute to one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods. While the origins of the cheeseburger are still debated, most stories point back to the 1920s and 1930s. Some credit Lionel Sternberger, a young fry cook in Pasadena, California, who supposedly added a slice of cheese to a hamburger in 1924 and created the very first cheeseburger. Others argue that restaurants in Kentucky and Colorado were serving their own versions soon after. Regardless of who invented it, the cheeseburger quickly became a symbol of American diners, backyard cookouts, and fast-food chains.
What makes the cheeseburger so iconic isn’t just the juicy patty or the melted cheese—it’s the way it shows up everywhere in pop culture. From fast-food mascots to commercials, and even on the big screen, the cheeseburger has become more than a meal; it’s a scene-stealer. Classic films like Better Off Dead, Pulp Fiction, and Good Will Hunting all feature unforgettable burger moments, while movies such as Good Burger and Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle turn cheeseburgers into the centerpiece of the plot.
Burgers in Film
Pulp Fiction (1994)
When I think about National Burger Day and movies, of course the first film scene that pops into my head is from Pulp Fiction. Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction is a film packed with unforgettable moments, and burgers play a starring role in more than one scene. In the first memorable burger scene, hitmen Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) are sent to retrieve a briefcase from some young men. Jules takes a bite of a Big Kahuna Burger, using the burger as a tool of intimidation. His calm demeanor while savoring the burger contrasts sharply with the violence that follows.
The second burger-related moment occurs when Vincent takes Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) out to dinner at the retro-themed Jack Rabbit Slim’s. While the $5 milkshake often gets the spotlight, it’s important to note that the couple also enjoys burgers during their quirky and flirtatious conversation. Both scenes emphasize Tarantino’s signature blend of the mundane with the unexpected, making the burger an integral part of these classic iconic movie moments.
The Menu (2022)
Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy, The Menu features a striking scene involving a burger that serves as a pivotal moment in the film. Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, Margot, is an outsider among a group of wealthy diners at an exclusive restaurant run by the obsessive Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) where each dish is a work of art. As the evening unfolds, Slowik reveals his sinister plan to punish his guests for their superficial approach to life and food. Margot, however, challenges his philosophy by requesting a simple cheeseburger, a dish tied to Slowik’s humble beginnings and genuine love for cooking. This moment serves as a turning point, reminding Slowik of his lost passion and allowing Margot to escape while the rest of the guests meet their grim fate.
Better Off Dead (1985)
In this hilarious quintessential 80’s teen comedy, one of the most bizarre burger moments ever captured on film comes from an animated dream sequence. Lane Meyer (John Cusack) imagines a Frankenstein-style burger—complete with a sesame seed bun, pickles, and a top hat—coming to life on the grill. The claymation burger then picks up a guitar and starts lip-syncing to Van Halen’s “Everybody Wants Some!!” while fries act as backup dancers. The scene, completely out of left field, is pure ‘80s weirdness and remains a cult favorite for fans of offbeat humor. It’s not about eating the burger—it’s about watching it rock out.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
In Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting, written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, there’s a charming scene involving burgers during a date between Will Hunting (Matt Damon) and Skylar (Minnie Driver). The two share a casual meal at a fast-food restaurant, where Skylar playfully suggests they get their first kiss out of the way mid-bite. They kiss, and she laughs, saying, “I think I got a bit of your pickle.” This lighthearted moment captures the chemistry between the characters and adds warmth to the film, making the simple act of sharing a burger a memorable part of their budding romance.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
In the cult classic Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004), directed by Danny Leiner and starring John Cho, Kal Penn, two friends embark on a chaotic, surreal road trip fueled by an intense craving for White Castle burgers. Their journey includes run-ins with wild animals, extreme sports punks, and a hilariously unhinged version of Neil Patrick Harris. The film climaxes in a gloriously greasy payoff as they finally devour a massive order of sliders, fries, and Cokes—celebrating fast food as both comfort and reward after a night of absurd misadventures.
Good Burger (1997)
Directed by Brian Robbins and written by Dan Schneider, Kevin Kopelow, and Heath Seifert, Good Burger is a comedy that brings burgers front and center. The film stars Kenan Thompson as Dexter and Kel Mitchell as Ed, two employees at a small burger joint called Good Burger. The plot revolves around their efforts to save their workplace from the new and overwhelming Mondo Burger, a massive chain trying to take them down. Throughout the movie, the titular Good Burger is the center of the characters’ lives, with Ed’s secret sauce being the key to their success. The film is a fun and nostalgic dive into the fast-food world, with plenty of burger-related humor and heart.
Cheeseburgers in Video Games
The cheeseburger’s cultural reach doesn’t stop at movies, though. In the 1980s, gamers fell in love with Burger Time, an arcade classic where players built towering burgers while dodging walking hot dogs and eggs. The game was quirky, addictive, and proof that cheeseburgers were more than food—they were entertainment. A few years ago when I was at Fun Spot in NH – the Largest Arcade in the World – they had the original arcade game. Super fun!
I’m happy to see that this fun burger building game has moved beyond the vintage arcade box and is available on different gaming systems. There’s are other burger games including Burger Island and Burger Mania and Burger Bot but BurgerTime will always be my favorite.
Songs About Cheeseburgers
Of course, cheeseburgers aren’t just a star on screen—they’ve also found their way into music. Jimmy Buffett’s iconic “Cheeseburger in Paradise” is a joyful ode to the perfect burger, celebrating the comfort food as more than just a meal.
On the sillier side, VeggieTales gave kids a laugh with “His Cheeseburger,” a playful love song dedicated to late-night burger cravings.
And for comedy fans, Weird Al Yankovic nailed the chaotic drive-thru experience in his parody song “Drive-Thru,” where even ordering a simple cheeseburger turns into a hilariously frustrating adventure.
TL;DR: National Cheeseburger Day
National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 celebrates one of America’s most iconic comfort foods. From its debated 1920s origins to becoming a pop culture staple, the cheeseburger has appeared in countless movies (Better Off Dead, Pulp Fiction, The Menu, Good Will Hunting, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Good Burger, and more) and even inspired hit songs like Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” VeggieTales’ “His Cheeseburger,” and Weird Al Yankovic’s hilarious “Drive-Thru.” It’s a day to celebrate, whether you’re firing up the grill, ordering your favorite fast food, or revisiting these burger-loving moments in entertainment.
Burger-featured movies you’ll find in our roundup:
- Pulp Fiction – The “Big Kahuna Burger” scene is legendary.
- Good Burger – A goofy ode to burger joints.
- Good Will Hunting – Burgers and brash wit at a Harvard bar.
- The Menu – A burger becomes a symbol of culinary rebellion.
- Better Off Dead – A claymation cheeseburger (with guitar!) steals the scene.
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle – The ultimate late-night burger quest.
For full scene breakdowns, movie trivia, and more burger-flavored nostalgia, check out the full article.
Conclusion 🍟
National Cheeseburger Day isn’t just about indulging in melted cheese, juicy patties, and toasted buns—it’s about celebrating how this humble sandwich has become a cultural icon. From being immortalized in songs to stealing scenes on the big screen, cheeseburgers represent comfort, nostalgia, and fun. So whether you’re binge-watching burger moments in film, humming along to “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” or simply enjoying your favorite takeout, September 18 is the perfect excuse to say: yes, I’ll have cheese on that.