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Sanctuary Hole's challenge "Down the Rabbit Hole" is a reference to Alice's descent into Wonderland.
DC Comics
Maya's Blackest Night skin is a reference to the Green Lantern's oath, and DC Comic's cross-over event, 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 alien technology.
There is also a character and miniboss named "Rakkman" who has an ECHO log very similar to Batman's monologe at the end of the Dark Knight.
Hamlet
Occasionally, a Psycho will recite the entire 'Too Solid Flesh' soliloquy from William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Upon dying, Goliaths may say "Goodnight, sweet prince.", which is a quote from Hamlet and also a popular term on the internet used when a celebrity or any other notable individual has died.
The Hyperion New-U station has a chance to, upon respawning, say: "Welcome back from your visit to the undiscovered country!", a reference to the extremely well known 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy from William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
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 action skills of Axton and Salvador have a base cooldown of 42 seconds.
When beginning the fight with BNK-3R some ones and zeros are be displayed on his title card. These numbers are the binary code for 42.
In the second Lost ECHO recording detailing Zer0's backstory, Handsome Jack tells Angel: "Angel, you've got a brain the size of a planet. Don't give me 'I dunno.'", a reference to Marvin the Paranoid Android's "brain the size of a planet" lament.
Gaige's skill Annoyed Android is also a reference to Marvin - this is especially notable as her class mods with the skill will have the prefix Paranoid.
The Ice Man Cometh
The mission The Ice Man Cometh is a reference to a play of the same name, written by Eugene O'Neill in 1939.
The Lord of the Rings
The ECHO recording from the beginning of the mission The Bane sounds oddly familiar to the way Gollum says "Shire... Baggins..." while being tortured in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The mission itself, including the gun, could be a reference to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, with the way the gun speaks when used.
There's another reference in Eridian Blight, the player must bring the item "Geary's Unbreakable Gear" to Geary on top of the volcano. For more information visit the character page.
Macbeth
The mission Toil and Trouble is a reference to a line spoken by witches in William Shakespeare's Macbeth.
The Man With the Golden Gun
Axton has 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 and movie No Country for Old Men.
The Once and Future King
The Once and Future Slab is a reference to the supposed epitaph of the legendary King Arthur, which reads, "Here lies Arthur/The Once and Future King."
Paradise Lost
One of Axton's skins, "Red Right Hand" is a reference to a line in John Milton's Paradise Lost, which also inspired a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds song "Red Right Hand".
Phantom Tollbooth
"The Not-So-Phantom Tollbooth" is a challenge that references the Norton Juster book The Phantom Tollbooth.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
The challenge "Portrait of the Gunzerker as a Young Man" is a reference to the novel by James Joyce.
Romeo and Juliet
A weapon, given as a reward for a mission from Hyperion, has red text that reads "a Rose by another name" which is a reference to the lines "That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet" in William 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 a pun on Game of Thrones.
Axton, after regaining life after Fight for Your Life mode, will occassionally exclaim "Not today!". This phrase is used by Syrio in A Game of Thrones when telling Aria what is said to the god of death.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Sometime through the storyline you will get a mission from Scooter to find his cannibalistic girlfriend Laney White. She is later found in the company of seven midgets. Her new home has seven beds and a double bed for her.
The challenge "Fairest of them all" is likewise a reference to the story.
The "It's Off To Hell We Go" challenge references the tune the dwarves sing, "It's Off To Work We Go".
Twilight series
Gaige's Make it Sparkle skill's flavor text says "Robots are like vampires: they sparkle when hit with incendiary rounds.", in reference to how the vampires in the Twilight series sparkle in sunlight.
XKCD
The reward for completing Hyperion Contract #873 is a Morningstar sniper rifle that the Hyperion recording describes as the XKCD experimental weapon. This weapon taunts equipped to with phrases like, "Great, now you're wasting ammo." or, "Good shot, murderer." (Reference Comic)
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
In Lynchwood, there are a series of missions: "If you give a skag some medicine.. he's going to want some food" - these are based on the children's picture book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."
Television and Film
3:10 to Yuma
The mission "3:10 to Kaboom" is a reference to the movie 3:10 to Yuma.
Adventure Time
Tiny Tina will sometimes sing the "Baby Finn Song" song from "Adventure Time".
Alien vs Predator
Zer0’s Alienati0n head is a reference to the Xenomorph/Predator cross-species found in the Alien vs. Predator franchise.
Annoying Orange
The Gunzerker has a skin titled "Annoying Orange", a reference to the YouTube/Cartoon Network show of the same name.
Apocalypse Now
Buzzard pilots 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 the movie.
Arrested Development
The news-man in Sanctuary occasionally says, "There's always money in the news stand," an echo of George Bluth Sr.'s reminder to Michael, "There's always money in the banana stand!".
There is a Gunzerker skin named, "I Blue Myself" in reference to a line spoken by character Tobias.
Bad Boys
The challenge "Ride Together, Die Together" is a segment of the motto of main characters Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett (played by Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, respectively). "We Ride Together, We Die Together - Bad Boys For Life"
Back to the Future
The NPC "Mad Dog", found within Lynchwood, is a possible reference to Thomas F. Wilson's character of Bufford "Mad Dog" Tannen, from the third Back to the Future film. The wild west theme that Lynchwood follows seems to support this possibility.
Batman
There is a location in The Fridge know as the "Rakk Cave." Rakkman inhabits this area and carries similar weaponry to the character Batman.
The ECHO recording from the Fridge includes a message from the Rakkman. The Rakkman shouts: "I am throatscratchs, I am the pants, I! AM! RAKKMAN!", which is reference to iconic Batman line "I'm the Vengeance! I'm the Night! I! AM! BATMAN!" from the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series.
Batman Forever
On Playthrough 3, Rakkman is renamed to Rakkman Forever. A reference to the film, Batman Forever.
Big Trouble in Little China
Gaige the Mechromancer's shock/lightning-focused middle skill tree, Little Big Trouble. One of the three storms characters from the movie, "Lightning," was also the basis for the Mortal Kombat character Raiden.
Boondock Saints
The red text on the item rewards for completing Clan War: Hodunks vs. Zafords on the Zaford side is "Aequitas" or "Veritas," depending on the item chosen. These words are the tattoos on the McManus brothers' hands in Boondock Saints.
Breaking Bad
There is a head 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!"
Citizen Kane
Upon completing the Slab's initiation ritual, a NPC called Sarcastic Slab will appear and start clapping in a fashion similar to the Citizen Kane Slow Clap Meme.
Chappelle's Show
The challenge "Eff Yo' Couch" is a phrase coined by Dave Chappelle during the skit "Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories" where he describes the events that took place when he invited Rick James into his home. During the reenactment, Dave Chapelle (acting as Rick James) ground his feet into a white couch while shouting the phrase.
A Rat Thief upon stealing money from a Vault Hunter will sometimes yell, "I'm rich BIATCH!"
A Clockwork Orange
Many Vladof weapons use Nadsat slang terms in their names such as Droog, Dobby, Britva, Pooshka and Horrorshow.
Community
NPCs in Sanctuary will sometimes use the phrase "Streets ahead.", coined by Pierce in Community.
Gaige has skins called "Streets Ahead", and "Cool Cool Cool". The latter being the catchprase of Abed Nadir.
Cool Hand Luke
The challenge "Failure To Communicate" is a reference to the line "What we've got here is failure to communicate." uttered by the prison warden, Captain.
The Crow
The "Nevermore" head given to Maya at the end of the quest In Memoriam technically references Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," but the makeup the head wears imitates the makeup worn by the main characters in this film series.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The challenge "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Assault Rifle" is a reference to the movie title.
CSI: Miami
There is a mission in Sanctuary named Won't Get Fooled Again after the theme song licensed for CSI: Miami. In the mission, players are asked to assist Marshall Friedman with a murder investigation. If successful, Friedman will comment on the case with a corny one-liner in the style of CSI: Miami protagonist Horatio Caine.
The Dark Knight
By doing a certain mission, players can unlock a skin for Zer0 called "Why So Serious?" It is green, white, and purple and is a reference to a line delivered by the Joker in the film The Dark Knight.
There is a Gunzerker skin called Woe-In-The-Dark which is a reference to the Joker's iconic purple and green suit
Rakkman also has an ECHO recorder titled "The Rakk Knight".
DeepStar Six
The facility "Dahl Deep Core 06," a reference to the 1989 underwater monster movie.
Die Hard
Salvador's 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 found on the pistol Unkempt Harold similar to Dirty Harry's .44 Magnum.
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 Troughton, Jon Pertwee, 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 bandits named 'John' and 'Barrowman' reference Doctor Who and Torchwood actor John Barrowman, who played character Jack Harkness.
There is a skin for Maya called Rose Tailor, a play on the character Rose Tyler from Doctor Who.
Claptrap is on several occasions entirely stymied by stairs; as in the long-running joke/assumption that the Daleks of Doctor Who (despite being "the superior race of the universe") could not climb stairs.
In the Bloodshot Ramparts, there is a small platform aside a crane that has a teddy bear with a bowtie and 3-D glasses, which is a possible reference to the series for the 10th Doctor wearing 3-D glasses in an episode, and the 11th Doctor's fondness of bowties.
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" were made from the Rifleman's Creed, a Marine Corps maxim, which was used in the film Full Metal Jacket in this fashion.
Game of Thrones
One of the challenges, named game of thorns, references to the TV sitcom/book, Game of Thrones.
G.I Joe series
Zer0's "Eyes of a Snake" skin is a reference to Snakes Eyes from the G.I Joe series.
The achievement "Knowing Is Half The Battle" was a phrase used during the Public Service Announcement segments at the end of the 1980s G.I Joe cartoon show.
Godzilla series
After defeating Bloodwing if you return to the area of the fight again, Bloodwing won't be there. Instead there is 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.
Dukino's Mother, from the "Demon Hunter" mission, 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. The ending of the mission also parallels the ending of the film.
Homestar Runner
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.
In Sanctuary, NPC's playing darts in Mad Moxxi's bar will occasionally say "And that's why they call me The Yellow Dart".
Iron Chef
Midget rats say "Allez cuisine!" This phrase is used to start the competitions in the Japanese cooking show Iron Chef and its international spinoffs. As rats are cannibals, it makes a fitting battle cry.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Gaige has a skin called It's Always Sunny on Pandora, referencing TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Joe Versus the Volcano
When completing the "Geary " Easter Egg, and continuing through the obstacle course, you will reach a Lance Chest, along with completing the challenge "Vault Hunter vs. The Volcano".
King Kong
There is an enemy in Eridium Blight named "King Mong" referencing the movie King Kong.
Furthermore, the challenge "'Twas Slag Killed The Beast" is a reference to the ending line of King Kong "'twas beauty killed the beast."
Kiki's Delivery Service
There is a Tediore manufactured shotgun called 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.
Kuffs
The Gunzerker Skill "No Kill Like Overkill" contains a quote reading "I'm looking for a really big gun that holds a lot of bullets." This is a line spoken by Christian Slater's character in the 1992 film Kuffs.
Law & Order
There is a revolver called Law and a shield called Order. Both items benefit from the player equipping both. The red text on Order is "Chung-gunk!" a reference to the "Law & Order sound." Sometimes the sound is referred 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.
Logan's Run
The legendary repeater "Logan's Gun" with the red flavor text "Gun, Gunner!" references the film Logan's Run.
Mad Max
"...One Van Leaves" challenge is a reference to the line "Two men enter, one man leaves." used in the film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
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 and is also the title of a long-lived show tune.
Masters of the Universe
Axton's "At Arms" skin is a reference to Man at Arms from the cartoon and toy line Masters of the Universe.
The Matrix
There is a pistol with red flavor text that reads: "Dodge this." A reference to the famous line in The Matrix.
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
The mission "Mighty Morphin'" is a reference the 1990s 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 Frog's song "Bein' Green".
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
In the credits, a member of the game's production team, Chris Francis, says thanks to "his adorable Fluttershy ", one of the characters from the TV show.
One of Maya's costumes, the Pink Pandoracorn, has the same overall color scheme as the one of the main characters, Twilight Sparkle. It also features an image of a unicorn on her chest, which is the same type of pony Twilight Sparkle is.
It even makes her hair purple with pink stripes, just like Twilight Sparkle's mane and tail.
Several of Gaige's skills are references to this show.
The skill The Stare may be a reference to "The Stare", an ability of Fluttershy's.
Her Discord skill is the name of a Draconequis who is called Discord; the Lord of Chaos from Season 2.
Mystery Science Theater 3000
The character Flanksteak is a reference to Bold Flanksteak, one of the numerous names given by Mike and the bots to the beefy main protagonist in the Space Mutiny movie.
Oprah
While in combat, Axton can occasionally say "And YOU get a bullet, and YOU get a bullet! EVERYONE gets a bullet!" a reference to Oprah's energetic nature and giving audience members gifts.
Party Down
Some NPCs in Sanctuary ask the question "Are we having fun yet?", a line actor Adam Scott delivers with chagrin in the STARZ comedy series 'Party Down'.
Predator
Salvador's skill "Sexual Tyrannosaurus" is a reference to the same phrase said by Blain Cooper in the early scenes of the movie.
Salavadore's skill "Ain't Got Time to Bleed" was a line spoken by Blain Cooper.
The challenge "You're One Ugly Mother..." is a reference to what Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer says when he sees the Predator unmasked.
The achievement, "Unseen Predator" could be a reference to the Predator's cloaking device since the icon shows Zero activating his invisibility.
The E-Tech SMG name "Plasma Caster" is the official name of the Predator's shoulder cannon.
In the loading screens, one of the tips refers to stalkers, saying "If it bleeds, you can kill it, etc.", alluding to one of Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer's lines from the movie. It's also worth noting that stalkers can turn invisible so long as their shields aren't depleted.
The Princess Bride
Some higher level rat enemies are labeled as "R.O.U.S", a reference to the Rodents Of Unusual Size. Additionally, one of the assassins from the "Assassinate the Assassins" quest, Assassin Rouf, is a gigantic rat.
The Gunzerker's "Inconceivable" skill is a line frequently stated by Vizzini from The Princess Bride.
Psychos will also occasionally say "Inconceivable!"
One of the Gunzerker's Skin Mods "Indigo Montoya" is a refernce to Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride.
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.
Reservoir Dogs
Axton's skin, "Mister Blonde" is a reference to the Quentin Taratino movie where all the hitmen were named after colors, including a Mister Blonde.
Rocko's Modern Life
Far into the story, Brick will give you a mission named "Rocko's Modern Strife". This is a reference to the cartoon Rocko's Modern Life.
Saturday Night Live
One of Maya's skins, "Light Urple", is an answer given by one of the contestants in SNL Celebrity Jeopardy when asked to give the only color that ends in "Urple".
Scooter says "strategery" instead of "strategy" (shortly after installing the first power cell during the Plan B quest). The same mispronunciation was used by Will Ferrell during a parody of the 2000 Bush-Gore debates, in which Ferrell played then-governor George W. Bush.
When killing a Badass Goliath, he will often quote Chris Farley's "Sweet Mother of God".
Sealab 2021
Two of Gaige's skills under the "Little Big Trouble" tree are references from the show:
"Strength of Five Gorillas" is a quote from Marco in the episode "I, Robot".
"Wires Don't Talk" is a quote from Stormy in the episode "Lost in Time".
Serenity
One of Zero's available costume skins is "Leaf on the Wind", which is a reference to something Alan Tudyk's character Wash says during the final airborne battle. Similarly, there is a sniper rifle challenge called "Leaf on the Second Wind."
Se7en
Gwen's head
When opening a cardboard box in The Goose's Roost, Handsome Jack will yell: "What's in the booooooox?!" There is a female head in the box and a gun. The gun can be named: Neutralizing Gwen, Twin Gwen's Head, React Gwen's Head, etc. A reference to the movie Se7en.
The introduction text for Best Mother's Day Ever!, in which the player tries to gain access to a locked chest, is "WHAT'S IN THE BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOX?!"
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.
Silent Night, Deadly Night 2
Sometimes after killing an enemy while Gunzerking, Salvador will shout out "Garbage day!", a reference to an infamous line from the movie and internet meme.
The Simpsons
In Sanctuary, an NPC can be heard saying "I must go, my people need me.", a line similar to one spoken by Poochie in the 8th season episode "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show".
Star Trek
The "Greenblood" Siren skin is a possible reference to the common insult to Vulcans in the Star Trek series.
Zer0 has a skin called "Red Shirt", a reference to the colloquial name given to starfleet security officers and the color uniforms they wear.
Star Wars
Upon initially meeting Claptrap for the first time, he will introduce himself by saying "Allow me to introduce myself - I am CL4P-TP, steward bot..."This could be a reference to the introduction C-3PO often used in the Star Wars franchise. "Allow me to introduce myself - I am C-3PO, Human-Cyborg Relations."
Zero's Blast Helmet could be a reference to the training helmet used by Luke Skywalker in Episode IV: A New Hope during the training session with Obi-Wan.
The challenge "That's Impossible, Even for a Computer," in which the player must lob a grenade into an exhaust port, refers to Wedge Antilles's objection when the Rebel forces were planning the attack on the Death Star, also during Episode IV: A New Hope.
When trying to enter Hero's Pass, ClapTrap is fiddling an access panel at the bottom right of the door. Accidentally he triggers a set of blast doors, replicating the Endor bunker scene in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
Super Troopers
Salvador will sometimes yell "I am all that is man!" while gunzerking, referencing the syrup chugging scene.
Take The Money And Run
The unique pistol Gub and it's flavor text is a reference to the bank robbery scene, where Virgil tries to hold up a bank with a note that says "Please abt naturally. I am pointing a gub at you."
Talladega Nights
The challenge "If You're Not First, You're Last" is the catchphrase of main character and NASCAR star Ricky Bobby.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The side mission "Splinter Group" includes multiple references to TMNT. The mission involves delivering a pizza to a sewer system with four mutant inhabitants: Lee, Dan, Ralph, and Mick. Once the mutants realize the player isn't "June", they'll attack. At the end of the area there is a subway-style room with a couch and a TV (itself another reference to TMNT), a set of four switches, and five lights on the wall. If all of the lights go green, a boss rat called "Flinter" will appear.
Zero can use an unlockable skin called "Mutant" that places a blue stripe on the Assassin's head. The skin is a reference to Leonardo, who also uses a katana and wears a blue 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 misquote is from the first TMNT movie (Captain Picard never said this).
The Little Mermaid
Axton's skin, "Unda Da Sea" is a reference to the song sung by Sebastian in the movie.
The Professional
Jack yells out "Bring me everyone, EVERYONE"! The reference being what Norman Stansfield yelled, in the movie, wanting all of the police at the scene.
They Live
Salvador's skill "All Out of Bubblegum" is a reference the phrase "I've come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. And I'm all out of bubblegum," which is first said by "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in the movie "They Live."
Tombstone
Salvador's skill "I'm Your Huckleberry" is a line often spoken by Doc Holliday in the film.
Top Gun
The mission Too Close For Missiles is a reference to the movie Top Gun, and how one of the prominent musicians in the film is Kenny Loggins. When it is turned in he will say, "You can be my wingman any time."
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 latter 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. It was also used in Worms Armageddon for that matter, as one of the sounds of the Kamikaze attack, given the way it is said in the game it may very well have been inspired from there.
Transformers
Claptrap will sometimes say to the player, "Minion, roll out!", which paraphrases the transformation command given by Optimus Prime in the original "Transformers" series.
The JET variant of Loaders are also a reference to Transformers, as they share the same color scheme and capabilities as one of the main Decepticons, Starscream.
The legendary shield Transformer bears the flavor text "There's more than your eye can see." which is a reference to the series' motto "More than meets the eye."
The Young Ones
Zer0's "Bored" haiku is a reference to The Young Ones, a 1980's British sitcom. In one of the episodes, the character Vyvyan goes around swinging a cricket bat while shouting "BORED!" and smacking another character over the head with said bat.
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 was 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".
Zoolander
There is a Runner skin called Blue Steel, named after Derek Zoolander's iconic look in Zoolander.
Red Harvest / Last Man Standing / Fistful of Dollars
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.
Video and Tabletop Games
Acclaim logo
The description of the challenge Critical Acclaim, "Kill enemies with critical hits. And rainbows" is a play on the game publisher Acclaim's logo bearing a rainbow on the bottom of it.
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.
There is a Gunzerker class mod called "Altered Beast".
One of Maya's skills in the Harmony tree has the description, "Rise from your grave."
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.
Battletoads
The "Toad of Battle" skin for Zero is a reference to the extremely challengeing NES game BattleToads, not only with the name, but also with the Green, Black, and Yellow colors.
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."
When meeting Mordecai for the first time in Santuary after Bloodwing's death, Lillith and Roland can be heard talking about an instance when Mordecai got shot in the shoulders and sent bloodwing to fight some bandits, but bloodwing fails to do so until Mordecai faces the bandit. A possible reference to the original Borderlands in the instance that bloodwing can not attack enemies that Mordecai can not see.
There is a weapon, "Sledge's Shotgun", with the red text that reads: "The legend lives!" This is a reference to the Sledge's Shotgun in the first Borderlands.
Call of Duty series
The challenge "Call of Booty" and Axton's skill "Duty Calls" are references to the Call of Duty series of games.
Zer0's head "Gh0st" is similar to that of the character Ghost from Modern Warfare 2.
Demon's Souls
Marcus Kincaid's gun vending machines will sometimes see you off with "Don't die, I need your business!", an echo of what Blacksmith Boldwin says to you in the Nexus.
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 the character of the same name.
The achievement called "Definitely an Italian Plumber" whose icon is a barrel makes a reference to Donkey Kong as well.
DOOM
The title PBFG for E-tech Rocket Launchers is a reference to the BFG ("Big F*cking Gun") from The DOOM Series, meaning "Pretty Big F*cking Gun".
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.
Dwarf Fortress
Salvador's "Boatmurderer" head, a dwarvern-style beard and spiked mohawk, is a reference to Boatmurdered, an infamous Dwarf Fortress succession game from Something Awful.
Fallout series
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 reference to the outfits worn by the members of the vaults from the Fallout series. It follows its color pattern with blue body and yellow highlights.
Final Fantasy series
In the Challenges, there is a challenge in the melee section called, "A Squall of Violence." This is a reference to Squall Leonhart from Final Fantasy VIII, who used a gunblade, which was a gun that had a sword on the end. The challenge is for killing enemies with melee attacks using a bladed gun.
Half-Life series
The mission No Vacancy, 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.
Halo series
Given their properties of shots slightly homing in on enemies and of shots exploding after a delay, in addition to the similar name, the "Needler" type E-Tech pistols may be an homage to the Needler weapon present in the Halo series.
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.
Zer0's default skin is called "Zer0'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 head skin "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.
Some of the Crimson Raiders will describe Sanctuary as being "just outside heaven for soldiers like us. Always something to fight." References the ideals behind the founding of Outer Heaven.
If you visit Dr. Zed's in Sanctuary, occasionally the citizen inside will say "I feel asleep..." This is a well known line from the original Metal Gear on the NES.
Minecraft
There are several references to Minecraft at the Caustic Caverns location. Some references include destructible blocks from the game, Creepers, and Minecraft-themed customization items.
There is a shotgun titled "Blockhead" with red text that reads: "Also try Minecraft!" Minecraft is known to promote other games in a similar manner using "splashes" when the game launches. 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 the arrows in Minecraft. The read text reads "Ceci n'est pas une sniper rifle!" Which then translates to "This is not a sniper rifle!" pointing out the fact that it has no scope.
Postal series
Occasionally upon dying, bandits will exclaim "I regret everything!" This is likely a reference to the cult series of games by Running With Scissors, wherein the protagonist Postal Dude uses the catchphrase "I regret nothing!", often before committing suicide, murder, or both.
Quake Series
Sometimes, Gaige will say Rampage when DT is out and kills an enemy, which references quake/unreal tournament.
She will also say M-Monster kill, also references Quake/Unreal tournament
Resident Evil series
One of the challenges is called "Waddaya Buyin'?", this is most likely a reference to Resident Evil 4's merchant trader whose dialogue consists of: "Waddaya Buyin'?" and "Waddaya Sellin'?"
Crazy Earl will sometimes ask "Waddaya buyin'?" as well.
Saints Row series
Some Sanctuary NPCs will mention an ECHO sim about "The Gang That Wore Purple," a pretty obvious nod to the 3rd Street Saints of the Saints Row games.
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 is a reference to the Bethesda game Skyrim, where guards often say "I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee.”
Roland also references the line when he first meets the Vault Hunters, saying "I used to be a Vault Hunter like you, until I founded the Crimson Raiders."
Team Fortress 2
The acheivement "So Much Blood!" is a reference to the quote the Heavy will say when continuously firing his minigun. This is further reinforced by the fact the acheivement is earned by gunzerking continuously for 90 seconds.
Unreal Tournament series
The effect of one of Gaige's skills, One Two Boom, is a reference to the Shock Rifle in the Unreal Tournament series, in which its secondary fire shoots an orb of energy that can be detonated by shooting it with the Shock Rifle's primary fire.
Additionally, the description for One Two Boom, "100% more Multi-Kill", is a reference to one of the series' killstreak awards.
If you kill multiple enemies in rapid succession as Gaige, she will say "M-m-m-monster Kill!", which is another one of the series' killstreak awards.
Warhammer 40,000
There is an assassin skin mod called "Ultramarine", referencing the Ultramarines, a Space Marine chapter with the same colors as the skin: blue, white, and gold, although the skin has a dirtier look.
It is possible that the Bandit weapons names are a reference to the Ork weapon's names in Warhammer 40K.
The Emperor SMG's red text, "you know... for him" is a reference to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where the Imperium of Man uses "For the Emperor!" as a battle cry.
X-COM Series
The mission "Medical Mystery: XCOM-Municate" is a reference to the X-COM series of strategy games.
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.
Music and Audio
Afternoon Delight
"Afternoon Delight" is a challenge that references the song of the same name by Starland Vocal Band.
"Sky Rockets in Flight..." refers to a line used in the chorus of the song.
Best I Ever Had
At one point, Tiny Tina says "Shorty, you da best. You da you da best." This references the song "Best I Ever Had" by rapper Drake.
Black Betty
The challenge "Woah, Black Betty" is a reference to the song Black Betty by blues singer Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter. Lead Belly first recorded the song commercially in New York with the famous "Woah, Black Betty" lyrics in 1939. It become more popular after Ram Jam covered the song in 1977.
C.R.E.A.M
The "Dolla Dolla Bills, Y'all" challenge is a reference to a line used throughout the Wu-Tang Clan song "C.R.E.A.M."
Daft Punk
Gaige's skill, Smaller, Lighter, Faster is a reference to daft punk's song, Harder, Better, Faster.
Dazed and Confused
The achievement, "Phased and Confused" is a reference to a signature song, "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin.
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
The challenge "Crystals Are a Girl's Best Friend" is a reference to the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" used in the musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Earth, Wind & Fire
"Death, Wind, and Fire" references the disco band Earth, Wind & Fire.
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. This song is also often played in Fallout 3.
There is also a challenge "I Just Want to Set the World on Fire".
Hungry Like The Wolf
The side mission "Hungry Like the Skag" is a reference to Duran Duran's song "Hungry Like the Wolf".
Fade to Black
Axton's skin "Fade To Blue" is a reference to Metallica's song Fade To Black.
Foux du Fafa
After completing the fifth circle of death for Innuendo-bot 5000 in Ore Chasm, the final reward is a sniper rifle called Monstrous Chere-amie with the caption "Je suis enchante, Ou est la biblioteque?" referencing the song Foux du Fafa a song by Flight of The Conchords.
I Believe I Can Fly
Sometimes when phaselocked, a bandit will say, "I believe I can fly.", a reference to a song of the same name by R. Kelly.
I Love the Nightlife
The challenge "...I Got to Boogie" for killing enemies at night is a reference to a line in Alicia Bridge's song "I Love the Nightlife".
I Shot the Sheriff
In the mission Showdown where you have to face off with the sheriff of Lynchwood, there is an optional objective that reads, "But do not shoot the Deputy". This is a reference to the song "I Shot the Sheriff" originally by Bob Marley and The Wailers (but made popular by Eric Clapton). The chorus of the song is, "I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy."
Completing this objective also gives you the Deputy's Badge relic with the flavor text "Who the hell shot me?"
(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right
The flavor text on the Love Thumper shield is a reference to the song by Luther Ingram.
It could also possibly be a reference to the Lonely Island song "Mother Lover".
In the Hall of the Mountain King
Sometimes while Gunzerking, Salvador will hum Edvard Grieg's famous "In the Hall of the Mountain King".
Never Gonna Give You Up
When killing a Psycho, they may say "Never gonna give you up..." This is an allusion to the popular Rick Astley song of the same name.
Purple Rain
The challenge "Purple Reign" is a reference to Prince's song, album, and film, "Purple Rain".
Skills To Pay The Bills
Challenge "...To Pay the Bills" is a reference to the Beastie Boy's song "Skills To Pay the Bills".
Under Pressure
"Under Pressure" challenge is a reference to the Queen (featuring David Bowie) song "Under Pressure".
Wilhelm Scream
The achievement "Wilhelm Screamed" is a reference to the Wilhelm Scream.
No Rest For The Wicked
After killing the Warrior, Lilith will say "no rest for the wicked", a reference to the Cage the Elephent song "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" which was used as the song in the beginning of the first Borderlands.
Green Day
The Gunzerker skin "A Green Day" is a reference to the band Green Day.
People and Business
Bruce Lee
Zer0's skill "Be Like Water" is a reference to Bruce Lee famous "be like water" quote.
Isaac Asimov
The PDA system in hyperion areas tell the loaders to "Remember your three laws..." referencing the three governing laws of the robots created by Asimov. These three laws were also used in the movie "I, Robot."
Loaders, upon entering combat, will sometimes say "First Law disabled.", a reference to the first law of robotics; "A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm."
Jean-Claude Van Damme
The challenge "The Van Is Damned" is a play on his name.
Mobil
The Catch-a-Ride logo is a play on the gas company Mobil's logo.
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.
There is a sniper rifle with red text that reads: "i can see my house from here" this is a reference to Sarah Palin's relations with Russia.
The challenge "Can You Hear Me Now" is a reference to the popular Verizon Wireless ads.
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."
"Good things kill in threes." is a possible reference to the Rule of Three.
Jameson Whiskey
In Southern Shelf, north of the exit to Three Horns - Divide right across the gap in the ice is a floating barrel that reads 'Gamerson Whiskey' which is a reference to the Jameson Whiskey commercials.
Lucky Charms
In the Clan War series of quests there is a mission called "Clan War: Follow the Rainbow". When first gotten its description says nothing but, "Hearts, Stars, and Horseshoes...". This is the beginning of the lucky charms Jingle.
Justin MacReady from Won't Get Fooled Again looks a lot like the teen star Justin Bieber himself. If you don't believe it, take a look in these slides. Hate toward the teen star has become a meme, along with Rebecca Black. Perhaps Gearbox has taken on the memetic hate as well? The world will never know.
Memes
Swag
Dr. Zed's vendors will randomly say "Who needs a medical licence when you've got style?" A reference to the "Who needs 'X' When you've got swag?" Pictures
After getting a kill, Axton will occasionally say "Cool story, bro." This is a reference to the phrase used in response to a lengthy, off-track, or obviously fake story.
Similarly, the woman being talked at by a drunk outside Moxxi's will sometimes respond with "Super cool story, bro."
Killing Handsome Jack at the end of the game gives the "Cool Story, Bro" achievement.
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 excited about a double rainbow.
Psychos will also occasionally shout "What could it all mean?" which is likely a reference to the "Double Rainbow" video.
The dials on each radio on Pandora show each hundred from 100 to 800. What should be "900" is actually "9001" in reference to the "It's over 9000" meme.
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.
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.
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.
One of the challenges is called "Yo Dawg, I heard you like challenges." in reference to the Xzibit meme.
Other
Gearbox Software has included their current logo as a signature weapon skin in the game. Borderlands 2's Premiere Club features a special weapons pack called the 'Golden Guns pack' that includes the Gearbox logo distinctively incorporated into the colour scheme of these weapons.
