Top 10 Darkest Theories About Classic Childhood Movies

“The Incredibles” (2004)
Was Edna scheming all along? She makes it painfully clear that she does not give superheroes capes, as previous superheroes have struggled and died due to them. Yet Syndrome’s superhero outfit comes equipped with one. Yes, it’s entirely possible that Syndrome designed and created the suit himself; but did he go to Edna for help knowing that she was the go-to creator of top-of-the-line superhero suits, and could therefore make a better suit than he ever could? And did Edna outfit his suit with a cape, knowing that it would hinder his plans? Perhaps she even hoped for it to get caught in a jet turbine, just as Stratogale’s did.







Sources:

insert B-roll

insert B-roll

insert B-roll

“Grease” (1978)
Charming, nostalgic, musical, or elaborate death fantasy? You be the judge. Because you all secretly know every word to “Summer Nights”, you all know Danny’s line, “I saved her life. She nearly drowned.” But what if he didn’t? According to the theory, Sandy DID drown, and the entire movie is a wish-fulfilling fantasy that Sandy’s brain plays out as she dies. This certainly helps to explain the weird ending where Danny and Sandy fly away in the car, which can be interpreted as Sandy’s final ascent into the afterlife. For those who’ve always wondered what the deal was with that scene… you’ve got a possible explanation — just not a very happy one.

“Peter Pan” (1953)
Well, so much for this whimsical children’s tale. There are numerous theories regarding Disney’s “Peter Pan,” and a lot of them boil down to Peter Pan being a childish Grim Reaper and Neverland being the afterlife. One theory posits that Wendy dies of leukemia and Peter guides her to the afterlife, AKA Neverland, where many of Wendy’s real-life acquaintances are cartoonishly exaggerated. Another theory posits that Wendy, John, and Michael all died, were transported to the afterlife by Peter, and met more dead children, AKA the Lost Boys. Why do you think they never grow up? Well… if you died in childhood, you literally can’t.

“Matilda” (1996)
One of the biggest mysteries from the “Matilda” movie is how the titular character gains her magical powers. Rather than being a random power from birth, one rather grim theory suggests that Matilda was a creation of the government. When the FBI agents visit to keep tabs on what her dad’s up to, they’re actually covertly keeping a watchful eye on Matilda. We know it might sound like we’re wearing tinfoil hats, but this wouldn’t be the strangest explanation for her powers. Still, the idea that Matilda might secretly have been birthed as a military weapon is a bleak prospect.

“Aladdin” (1992)
Some Disney fans seemingly have a thing for the post-apocalypse. According to them, “Cars” takes place in a distant future where humans have gone extinct, and “Aladdin” takes place thousands of years from now in a dystopian social reality. Why? Well, the Genie states that Aladdin’s outfit is “so third century,” and he does various impressions of modern celebrities like Jack Nicholson, indicating that he was around between the 3rd and 20th centuries. But he also states that he has been imprisoned for 10,000 years, which means “Aladdin” could take place around the year 12,000, when humanity has been ruined by a catastrophe that decimated modern technology and lifestyles.

“The Brave Little Toaster” (1987)
This animated adventure follows sentient household appliances in search of their owner. While it’s an out-there premise, “The Brave Little Toaster” is an overall endearing movie. However, one fan theory adds a complex layer to the story. It suggests that the sentient appliances are patients who have recently left a psychiatric hospital. The theory goes so far as to diagnose certain conditions and phobias for characters — like Toaster being claustrophobic and Radio having bipolar disorder. According to the theory, their owner actually represents different people waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.

“Toy Story 3” (2010)
We all know that “Toy Story 3” is the saddest movie ever, but this theory does the seemingly impossible… by making it even sadder. To begin with, the toys are left behind, similar to the Jewish people in Germany during the Third Reich. They then discuss what happened and what to do in a scene very similar to “The Pianist,” and Buzz suggests going to the attic like Anne Frank. They are then transported in a box (like a train) to a daycare full of undesired toys (like a concentration camp). Here they are mistreated and eventually sent to an incinerator. We’re not sure if this was intended or not, but the parallels are heartbreaking.

“Home Alone” franchise (1990-) / “Saw” franchise (2004-)
As you all know, the first two “Home Alone” movies concern Kevin setting traps against a couple of stupid criminals. But doesn’t he seem to have a little too much fun in torturing and causing these men extreme pain? According to some, Kevin never grew out of his need to create elaborate, sadistic traps, changed his name to John Kramer (perhaps after serving some time?), and later became the Jigsaw Killer to satisfy his psychotic need to torture people. OK, the timeline doesn’t really add up, as Kevin is eight in 1990 while Jigsaw is in his fifties come the early 2000s, but just ignore that and go with it.

“Back to the Future” (1984)
Have you ever wondered why Doc was standing in the path of the DeLorean? Well, wonder no more. According to this theory, he did not wish to live any longer. Right before sending the DeLorean back in time, Doc laments his many past failings, which speaks to motive – he feels like a failure himself. He is also being hunted by “the Libyans” and, perhaps, plans on taking severe action before they can. As Doc sees it, it’s a win-win situation - either the time machine is a success and his work respected, or he dies and his troubles with failure and the Libyans die with him. If so… he fully intended on taking both Marty and Einstein with him.

“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
Throughout the movie, it’s established that Willy Wonka is a candy genius, as his candy tastes far better than his competitors’, perhaps indicating a secret ingredient. That secret ingredient? Children - at least according to this theory. Wonka brings children into his factory under the guise of a tour, then rigs his factory into a massive trap. This would explain his uncaring attitude towards the kids’ health and safety. It would also explain the human-sized pipes and how the boat and Wonka Mobile don’t have any vacant seats – Wonka knew the numbers would dwindle because he had every intention of using those children for his candy!





Have you ever been able to convince anyone about a movie theory? Let us know in the comments!