Borderlands 2 pop culture references

A Clockwork Orange
There are several sniper rifles with such names as "Bolshy Bratchny", "Britva Bratchny", "Horrorshow" and "Gromky Droog". These are a reference to the nadsat language used in Anthony Burgess's novel, A Clockwork Orange.

DC comics
Blackest Night siren skin is a possible reference to the DC comic cross over Blackest night.

Zer0 has a skin called "Blue Scarab" a reference to the DC character Blue Beetle, a blue scarab themed character whose powers were derived from advanced ailen technology.

Hamlet
Occasionally, a Psycho will say "Oh, that this too too solid flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew!" This is a reference to William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Upon dying, Goliaths may say "Goodnight, sweet prince", which is also a popular term on the Internet used when a celebrity or any other notable individual has died.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Sometimes, when an enemy's weak spot is highlighted with B0re, the text near the highlighted area says 42, which is "The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything" in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" franchise.

The Ice Man Cometh
The Quest "The Ice Man Cometh" is a reference to a play called " The Ice Man Cometh " written by Eugene O'Neill in 1939.

Macbeth
The mission "Toil and Trouble" is a reference to the line from Shakespeare's Macbeth

The Man With the Golden Gun
There is a skin called "The Man With the Golden Pun". This is a reference to the twelfth James Bond novel, and the ninth James Bond film, "The Man With the Golden Gun".

No Country for Old Men
Sometimes in Sanctuary a random Crimson Raider will say, "This is no planet for old men.", referencing the novel No Country for Old Men.

Paradise Lost
One of Axton's skins, "Red Right Hand" is a reference to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand, as well as well both are a reference to John Milton's Paradise Lost.

Romeo and Juliet
A weapon has red text that reads "A Rose by another name" which is a reference to the line "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Slaughterhouse 5
Sometimes when Maya kills an enemy, she will say "So it goes," a phrase used in the novel whenever the protagonist is confronted with death.

A Song of Ice and Fire Series
Occasionally, a Crimson Raider in Sanctuary will say, "Winter is coming...", the motto of House Stark.

The Challenge "Game of Thorns" is another reference to Game of Thrones.

3:10 to Yuma
The mission "3:10 to Kaboom" is a reference to the movie 3:10 to Yuma.

Apocalypse Now
Buzzards will occasionally sing the first phrase of the "Valkyrie" motif from "Der Ring des Nibelungen", an opera by Richard Wagner, alluding to the famous helicopter scene from Apocalypse Now.

Arrested Development
An NPC in Sanctuary who sells newspapers will say, "There's always money in the news stand!" This references how "There's always money in the banana stand.", speaking about the Bluth Company's Banana Stand from the series Arrested Development.

Batman
There is a location in The Fridge know as the "Rakk Cave." Rakkman inhabits this area and carries similar weaponry to to the character Batman.

Batman Forever
On play-through 2 the character known as Rakkman is renamed to "Rakkman Forever." A reference to the film, Batman Forever.

The Boondock Saints series
By completing a specific quest you will earn a shotgun or a shield that references the movies "The Boondock Saints" and "The Boondock Saints 2" saying 'They should have stopped at one.' or 'The second is better.', respectively while referencing the main characters tattoos: "Veritas and Aequetas".

Breaking Bad
There is a head skin for Salvador called 'Breaking Bald', which makes Salvador look like the protagonist, Walter White, from Breaking Bad.

Occasionally psychos will yell "I am the one who knocks!" while in combat. This is another reference to Breaking Bad. The original line, as delivered by the main character, Walter White, is: "You clearly don't know who you're talking to, so let me clue you in: I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger. A guy opens his door and gets shot, and you think that of me? No! I am the one who knocks!"

Community
Somebody in Sanctuary will use the phrase "streets ahead" coined by Pierce in Community

Die Hard
Salvadors skill "Yippee Ki Yay" is a reference to the same phrase in Die Hard.

Dirty Harry
Salvador's skill "5 Shots Or 6" is a reference to the famous "Do you feel lucky" monologue.

There is a pistol with red text that reads: "Did I fire six shots, or only five? Three? Seven. Whatever." It is a reference to the same monologue above. It is usually found on a large magnum styled weapon similar to Dirty Harrys gun.

Doctor Who
A random citizen will sometimes say "I'm missing the new episode of Constable What!" A parody of Doctor Who.

After blowing up the dam in "Hell hath no Fury" Jack will list four names of workers killed in the flooding, all of which are the names of the first four actors playing the Doctor in Doctor Who. These are William Hartnell, Patrick Throughton, Jon Partwee and Tom Baker.

At the beginning of the game Claptrap says "allons-y", which the 10th Doctor from Doctor Who is known to say.

The NPCs constantly knocking on walls in Sanctuary seem to be doing so in a similar beat and fashion to the subliminally-controlled humans in the Doctor Who episode "The Sound of Drums." The Master also refers to Captain Jack Harkness as "Handsome Jack" in that episode.

ECHOs found in Lynchwood bandit's named 'John' and 'Barrowmen' reference Doctor Who and Torchwood actor John Barrowman, who played character Jack Harkness.

The Dark Knight
By doing a certain quest, you can unlock a skin called "Why So Serious?". It is green, white, and purple and is a reference to Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in the film The Dark Knight.

Firefly
In Liar's Berg, one of the buildings is named "Fillion's Ammunition & Arms". Nathan Fillion is an actor who was in the show Firefly which had a similar 'space western' setting.

Flash Gordon
A weapon has red text that reads: "What play thing can you offer me today?" This is a reference to the movie flash gordon with the line "Klytus, I'm bored. What plaything can you offer me today?"

Full Metal Jacket
In the challenges section, "This is My Rifle..." and then "...this is My Gun" make up a famous quote from the film

G.I Joe series
Zer0's "Eyes of a Snake" skin is a reference to Snakes Eyes from the G.I Joe series.

Zer0's "Gh0st" head bears a striking resemblance to Snake Eyes.

There is an achievement on Steam, "Knowing is half the battle.", this is a phrase used during the PSA segments at the end of the G.I Joe 80's cartoon show.

Godzilla franchise
After defeating Bloodwing if you return to the area of the fight again, Bloodwing won't be there. Instead there is a another creature called "Son of Mothrakk" referring to Mothrakk from the First Game, which in turn is a reference to Mothra from the "Godzilla" franchise.

Deukino's Mother, from the "Demon Hunter" quest, is very similar to Skagzilla from the original Borderlands. In addition, her large shoulder spikes resemble those seen on the adaptation of Godzilla in the 1998 film.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
While in Tundra Express, Mordecai gives you the mission The Good, The Bad, and the Mordecai, which is a reference to the Clint Eastwood western film The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Iron Chef America
Midget rats say "Allez cuisine." This is in reference to the show Iron Chef America In which the chairman introduces the 'secret' ingredient followed by the saying to start it off.

King Kong
There is an enemy in Eridium blight named "King Mong" a reference to the movie King Kong.

Kiki's Delivery Service
There is a Tediore manufactured shotgun labeled Extra Large Deliverance. The name of the gun and the red text which reads "Kiki got a shotgun" is a reference to the movie Kiki's Delivery Service. When it is thrown to be reloaded, the gun also flies in a straight line or homes in on an enemy and leaves a trail, similar to how Kiki's flies on her broom.

Law & Order
There is a weapon called law and a sheild called Order. Both items benefit from the player having both. The red text on Order is "Chung-gunk!" a reference to the "Law & Order sound." Sometimes the sound is refered to "Chung-chung" or Gunk-gunk."

The Lion King
Somewhere in the Wildlife Exploitation Preserve, there is a skag named "Tumbaa" and a stalker named "Pimon". This is a reference to Timon and Pumbaa from the movie The Lion King.

The Lord of the Rings series
The ECHO recording from the beginning of the quest "The Bane" sounds oddly familiar to the way Gollum says "Shire... Baggins..." while being tortured in the book/movie by--respectively--J. R. R. Tolkien/Peter Jackson: "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring." The quest itself, including the gun, could be a reference to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, with the way the gun speaks when you use it.

Mad Men
There is a skin for Salvador called "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." Which is a reference to the title of the first episode of Mad Men.

The Matrix
There is a pistol with red text that reads: "Dodge this." A reference to the famous line in The Matrix.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
The quest "Mighty Morphin'" is a reference the the 90s children's show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the original series from the Power Rangers franchise.

The Muppets
The Challenge "It's Not Easy Looting Green" References Kermit the Frogs song "Bein' Green."

My Little Pony: Friendship is magic
The end credits will mention: "...To my Fluttershy." A character featured in the cartoon show My Little Pony.

Oprah
While in combat, Axton can say "And you get a bullet, and you get a bullet. EVERYONE gets a bullet" a reference to Oprah

Predator
Salvadors skill "Sexual Tyrannosaurus" is a reference to the same phrase said by a character in the early scenes of the movie.

Salavadore's skill "Ain't Got Time to Bleed" was a line spoken by the character played by Jesse Ventura.

The challenge "You're one ugly mother..." is a reference to what Arnold says when he sees the Predator.

The Steam achievement, "Unseen Predator" could be a reference to the Predator's cloaking device.

Pulp Fiction
The challenge 'Say Watt Again!' is a reference to the crime film Pulp Fiction's character Jules Winnfield who uses this line during an interrogation.

Rocko's Modern Life
Far into the story, Brick will give you a mission named 'Rocko's Modern Strife'. This is a reference to an old cartoon called Rocko's Modern Life.

Serenity
One of Zero's available costume skins is "Leaf on the Wind", which is a reference to something Alan Tudyk's character Wash say's during the final airborn battle.

Se7en
When opening a randomly spawned cardboard box in The Dust, Handsome Jack will yell: 'What's in the box? What's in the box??'. There is a female head in the box and a gun. The gun is named: 'Neutralizing Gwen' or 'React Gwens Head'. A reference to the movie Se7en.

Shaun of the Dead
One of Maya's available costume skins is named "Slice of Fried Gold" which is a reference to zombie-action-comedy flick Shaun of the Dead.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Sometime through the storyline you will get a mission from Scooter to find his cannibalistic girlfriend Laney White, when you find her she is shacked up with 7 midgets. This a reference to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. If you enter the back room where you find her, you will see 7 beds and a double bed for her.

Star Trek
The Greenblood Siren skin is a possible reference to the common insult to Vulcans in the Star trek series.

Star Wars
Zero's Blast Helmet could be a reference to the training helmet used by Luke Skywalker in a ANH during the training session with Obi-Wan.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
There is the quest "Splinter Group" in which you have to pretend to be a pizza delivery man and deliver pizza to a sewer system in which 4 mutants that are color-coded with turtle shells obviously referencing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Their names are Lee, Dan, Ralph, and Mick. In the same quest, there is a room that has 6 lights on one of the walls, they'll be a combination of red and green. You must pull the 4 switches/levers in the room to turn all lights green. Once done, an enemy called Flinter will appear, which is another reference to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

There is a skin you can unlock for the assassin, called Mutant. The skin is a direct reference to Leonardo, who also uses a katana, as it places a blue stripe on the assasins head, like Leo's headband.

The QR Code on the pizza box in Moxxi's place scans as "Wise man say forgiveness is divine but never pay full price for late pizza.- Captain Picard". The quote is actually from the first TMNT movie and not said by Captain Picard.

The Little Mermaid
Axton's skin, "Unda Da Sea" is a reference to the song sung by the hermit crab in the Disney animated movie.

They Live
Salvadors skill "All Out of Bubblegum" is a reference the phrase "I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass and I'm all out of bubble gum"

Top Gun
At Ellie's Garage in The Dust, you receive a quest from a Buzzard Pilot named Loggins. This is a reference to the movie Top Gun. When you turn in the mission he will say 'You can be my wingman any time. Another reference to Top gun.

The same character, Loggins, will say several quotes from the movie when spoken to.

On the Top Gun film soundtrack one of the main artists is Kenny Loggins. Within the dialogue of "Loggins" he quotes "Take My Breath Away" and "Danger Zone", both of which are tracks from the album (the later having actully been performed by Kenny Loggins).

Tora! Tora! Tora!
Buzzards will occasionally shout "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (Japanese for "Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!"). Historically, "Tora" was a code phrase used by the Japanese during their attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The phrase was later used as the title of a movie about the attack.

Transformers
Claptrap will sometimes say to the player, "Minion, roll out!", a reference to Transformers.

Yu-Gi-Oh
When using Zer0's Decepti0n, he sometimes says, "How hilarious. / You just set off my trap card -- / Your death approaches." in reference to Yu-Gi-Oh, and the phrase often used on the Internet.

Zardoz
There is graffiti in the Bloodshot Stronghold that depicts Marcus vomiting up guns that reads "Marcus gunbringer". This is a reference to the 1974 film "Zardoz".

Altered Beast
When the player is respawned, one of the phrases spoken by the New-U station's AI is "Rise from your grave." This is a direct reference to the same phrase spoken during the intro of Altered Beast.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Captain Flynt will drop "Flynt's Tinderbox", a Bandit pistol with flavour text that reads: "Good for starting fires." This is a reference to the popular psychological horror game, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, which has items called 'Tinderboxes' with the same description.

Borderlands
There is a weapon with red text that reads: "I infrequently perish." This is a reference to the line Mordecai says when he gets downed in the first game, "I never die."

Call of Duty Series
Axton's skill "Duty Calls" appears to be a reference to the Call of Duty games.

Dark Souls
In the Caustic Caverns, there is a small island with an NPC named Solitaire sitting on a ledge in front of a bonfire. A white phantom is sitting in front of the bonfire. This is a reference to the video game Dark Souls, with Solitaire being a reference to the knight Solaire of Astora.

Donkey Kong
There is an enemy named "Donkey Mong" who throws barrels and wears a tie. He is a reference to the game and and the character of the same name.

An achievement called "Definitely an Italian Plumber" whose symbol is a barrel makes a reference to Donkey Kong as well.

Driver: San Francisco
An NPC in Sanctuary can occasionally say "I was playing this Echo Sim where you could jump into trucks with your mind. It's pretty much the best thing ever." This is a reference to Gearbox writer Anthony Burch's love for Driver: San Francisco.

Fallout
There is a Bandit Shotgun called Thre Dog. The red text says 'Because one barrel ain't enough, and two is too few.' This is referencing the character Three Dog the radio broadcaster from the Bethesda game Fallout 3. Both of these reference the song "One" by the band Three Dog Night.

The skin "Vault Dweller" for the siren is a refrence to the outfits worn by the members of the vaults from the fallout games. It follows its coulor patter with bule body and yellow highlights.

Half Life Series
In the quest to put the power of the Happy Pig Motel, the objectives contain "Find Steam Valve", and "Find Gearbox". This is a reference to Valve, and its platform Steam, and Gearbox, the developer. A similar set of objectives appeared in a stage of one of the first gearbox games, Half Life: Opposing Force.

Mario Kart series
The "Blue Sparks" vehicle challenge is a reference to the Mario Kart series.

Legend of Zelda Series
In Sanctuary, Crazy Earl will say "It's dangerous to go alone, jerkwad!" This is a reference to the famous Legend of Zelda quote.

Metal Gear series
If you climb the volcano in Eridium Blight, you can sometimes get a face customization item off of Geary who just wanders in a small area. The item is called Metal Fear which is a reference to the Metal Gear series.

Zero's default skin is called "Zero's Sneaking Suit," a reference to Snake's Sneaking Suit, which also turned invisible.

When he has been seen, Zer0's display will sometimes show an exclamation point -- a reference to the Metal Gear series of games.

Axton's gas mask, 'Medic Mantis', is a reference to Psycho Mantis from the Metal Gear series.

The Thief Rats, on occasion, call out "The fear!" when attacked. This is a reference to the same named boss from Metal Gear Solid 3.

Minecraft
There are several references to minecraft at the Caustic Caverns location. Some references include destructible blocks from the game, an enemy from the game (Creeper), and Minecraft themed customization items.

There is a gun with red text that reads: "Also try Minecraft!" Minecraft is know to promote other games in a similar manner using "Splashes" The gun shoots projectiles in a 3x3 square formation.

There is another gun with the title "Longbow", which is a scopeless sniper rifle that shoots bullets which leave a pixelated trail, just like arrows in Minecraft.

Resident Evil Series
One of the challenges is called "Waddaya Buyin'?", this is most likely a reference to Resident Evil 4's merchant trader whos dialogue consists of: "Waddaya Buyin'?" and "Waddaya Sellin'?"

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series
Thief Rats act and look very close to Snorks from the STALKER series, down to their constant jumping and when attacking the player large red slashes appear on the screen, much like in STALKER.

Skyrim
In Sanctuary, NPCs can occasionally say "I used to be a Vault Hunter like you, until I took a bullet to the knee." This references Skyrim's guard arrow-to-the-knee meme.

X-Men
Sometimes, Goliaths will say, "Welcome to die!", a reference to the infamous line spoken by Magneto in the 1992 X-Men arcade game.

I don't want to set the world on fire
Miss Moxxi's Heart Breaker has red text that reads "I don't want to set the world on fire..." A reference to the song of the same name by the ink spots.

Purple Rain
The challenge "Purple Reign" is a reference to the song Purple Rain by Prince.

Wilhelm Scream
The achievment/throphy "Wilhelm Screamed" is a reference to the Wilhelm Scream.

Mobil
The Catch-a-Ride logo is a play on the gas company Mobil's logo.

Purple Gang
The same citizen may mention an ECHO Sim called "The Gang that Wore Purple". This is a reference to a famous early twentieth century bootlegging gang in Detroit, the Purple Gang.

Samuel Butler
A grenade called the Leech has red text that reads: "A skilful leech is better far, than half a hundred men of war". This is a quote made by Samuel Butler.

Sarah Palin
There is a gun with red text that reads: "Don't retreat, instead reload!" This is a reference to Sarah Palin's similar phrase.

Wasteland Panda
There is an abandoned gas station in The Dust with a slot machine inside; on the wall to the left of it is a stencil of the panda from "Wastelander Panda."

United States Postal Service
The mission Neither Rain nor Sleet nor Skags is a reference to the unofficial motto of the USPS.

Cool story, bro
After getting a kill, Axton will occasionally say "Cool Story Bro."

Similarly, the woman being talked at by a drunk outside Moxxxie's will sometimes respond with "super cool story, bro."

Double Rainbow
The achievement "What does it mean?" is unlocked when seeing a double rainbow in the skies of The Highlands. This is a reference to a viral video of someone overly excite about a double rainbow.

Psychos will also occasionally shout "What could it all mean?" which is likely a reference to the "Double Rainbow" video.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Reaction
While fighting a badass enemy after finding Lilith, she will sometimes say "Watch out, we've got a badass over here." This is a reference to the Neil DeGrasse Tyson meme of a similar title.

RickRoll
A Psycho will sometimes say "Never gonna give you up..." when dying. This is a reference to the internet meme RickRoll.

Shoop da Whoop
Constructors, before using their laser attack, will occasionally say "I'm charging mah lazer." a phrase associated with the "Shoop da Whoop" meme.

Super Cool Ski Instructor
One of the loading screen tips will say "if you fight a fire skag with a fire gun, you're gonna have a bad time." This is a reference to the South Park ski instructor meme.

U Mad?
The challenge 'U (No)mad bro?' Is a reference to the "U MAD?" internet meme.

Xzibit Yo Dawg
One of the challenges is called "Yo Dawg, I heard you like challenges," in reference to the Xzibit meme.

Other

 * When rescued in Liar's Berg, Sir Hammerlock mentions the town was once full of "hustle and/or bustle", a possible reference to Homestar Runner.
 * Inside the Bloodshot Stronghold, three red eyes may be seen ("bloodshot eyes"). This may be a reference to a Korean webtoon called "Tower of God", where said red eyes are the symbol of the ruling government.
 * At the end of the mission Clan War: First Place Ellie says, "After this red harvest, you'll be the last one standing with a fistful of dollars. Yo jimbo." Fistful of Dollars is a Clint Eastwood western that is based on a samurai film called Yojimbo (both of which are based on the Dashiell Hammet novel Red Harvest) and Last Man Standing is a similar movie starring Bruce Willis.
 * "Good things kill in threes" a possiable reference to the Rule of Three.
 * It is possible that the Bandit weapon's named are a reference to the Ork weapon's names in Warhammer 40K.