Top 10 Movie Fan Theories That Will Ruin Your Childhood
#10: Shrek Improvs His Name
Top 10 Most Memed Shrek Moments Ever
“Shrek” (2001) There are many things about Shrek that make him an unusual protagonist for the film series that bears his name, not the least of which is his name itself. One fan theory posits that when Donkey asks Shrek what his name is, that Shrek improvises the name Shrek on the spot, given that he hesitates before giving it. While it’s possible that it’s an alias, another, sadder possibility is that, given his solitary lifestyle, Shrek had never had a name before coming up with it. The word “shreck” is German for “terror” or “fright,” so it’s possible that Shrek heard the word being lobbed at him by terrified villagers and took the label for his own.
#9: Kevin Is Jigsaw
Top 10 Hilarious Kevin Hart Movie Moments
“Home Alone” franchise (1990-) Although we root for Kevin McCallister as he fights off the Wet Bandits during their home invasion, a lot of his traps would probably kill or permanently disfigure someone in real life. This has led some to draw parallels with John Kramer, better known as Jigsaw, from the “Saw” franchise. Perhaps Kevin, after growing older and more bitter, and getting cancer, decided to use his formative experiences crafting elaborate contraptions to use against criminals and others who don’t appreciate the lives they have. While the ages not lining up and the names being different poke a few holes in the theory, it’s one that Saw creator James Wan seems to appreciate.
#8: Forrest Jr. Isn’t Forrest’s Son
“Forrest Gump” (1994) For as sweet and wholesome as “Forrest Gump” is, the movie has a darker undertone. One fan theory involving Forrest’s son with Jenny certainly makes the fruits of the two friends’ union turn a bit sour. Although Forrest and Jenny presumably have sex when she returns home, we have no confirmation of the act, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Forrest doesn’t know where babies come from. There’s also a strong possibility that Jenny either arrived already pregnant, given her extreme fatigue, or else became pregnant by someone else after leaving again. Even so, while Forrest may not be Jr.’s father by blood, he still does right by the boy.
#7: Wonka Is a Killer
Top 10 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Facts That Will Ruin Your Childhood
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) This bizarre children’s film has earned plenty of scrutiny over the years and a ton of theories. Just check out the one about “Snowpiercer” being a sequel to it! However, our pick goes to the idea that Willy Wonka intended for the children on his tour to be hurt or killed. The songs the Oompa Loompas sing are incredibly specific and would have needed time to choreograph beforehand. Granted, that could just be a conceit of the film. But there’s also the fact that several of the vehicles that Wonka has the guests ride coincidentally have the exact number of seats necessary for the number of people who are left. Plus, anyone who designs a tunnel like that has to have something wrong with them.
#6: Dorothy Is the Wicked Witch of the East
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) Ding dong – the Wicked Witch might not be entirely dead. Basically from the moment Dorothy lands her house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, her path is laid out for her. But, despite the happiness of the Munchkins and the ire of the Wicked Witch’s sister, we never see what the dead witch looks like. Now, the film’s conclusion makes it clear that many of Oz’s inhabitants have doppelgangers in the real world. This theory posits that Dorothy is the lookalike of the Wicked Witch of the East. That would certainly add a new layer to her sibling’s hate for Dorothy – the witch’s nemesis is wearing the face of her dead sister!
#5: Cameron Imagines Ferris
James Cameron's AVATAR 2 to be Shown in GLASSES-FREE 3D? – The CineFiles Ep. 27
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) If Ferris Bueller is the kind of guy everyone wishes they could be, Cameron Frye is the kind of guy we are! However, one theory takes this idea literally – that Ferris isn’t real! He’s just a figment of Cameron’s imagination, meant as a wish fulfilment fantasy. Ferris can do anything, is beloved by his classmates, has a beautiful girlfriend, and gets away scot-free with everything he does. A variant of the theory posits that Cameron actually spends his day sick in bed; after all, his symptoms basically disappear once he leaves his house. If true, it’d be the most fun fever dream we’ve ever seen.
#4: Doc’s Heinous Crime
Top 10 Kids' Movie Facts That Will Ruin Your Childhood
“Back to the Future” (1985) While Doctor Emmet Brown is generally seen as a zany and positive character, the guy still has plenty of tragedy in his life. I mean, he goes bankrupt, his mansion burns down, and none of his inventions seem to work, at least until a certain DeLorean. In addition, fans have puzzled over why, when testing the flux capacitor powered car, Doc chooses to remotely control the car to go 88 miles per hour directly at himself and Marty. Some have theorized that Doc, depressed at his lack of success and loneliness, was planning to take his and his only friend’s lives. Great Scott, that’s dark!
#3: Calvin & Hobbes
“Fight Club” (1999) “Calvin and Hobbes” is a comic strip about a mischievous young boy and his stuffed tiger, which he imagines is a real tiger. Some fans have theorized that the unnamed protagonist of “Fight Club” is actually an adult Calvin whose alternate personality, Tyler Durden, is a natural progression of Hobbes. Like Hobbes, Durden generally seems to know more than his friend and acts as a role model for him – when they’re not getting into scraps, of course. It would certainly offer up a depressing ending to Calvin’s story. All those camping trips his dad took him on built his character into something grim indeed.
#2: Magic Isn’t Real & Neither Are Harry’s Adventures
Top 10 Best Magic Mike Dance Scenes
“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11) Mental illness is a running theme in “Harry Potter.” The Dementors, for instance, are a metaphor for depression. However, some fans have theorized that the majority of the events in the series can be seen as being imagined by Harry, who is mentally ill. Harry is mistreated by his aunt and uncle, who don’t understand his “magic.” He then goes to a special school, where everyone is special just like him, where he is popular and many extraordinary things happen. The dangers he faces from “Voldemort” are his own darker impulses personified – the two of them do have quite a bit in common, after all. Dumbledore also comments several times on reality and dreams. Still beats being with the Dursleys, we say! Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: The Joker Wasn’t the Killer “Batman” (1989) Maybe Batman Just Imagines Each of His Villains as the Man Who Killed His Parents Andy’s Dead Father “Toy Story” franchise (1995-) Woody Is the Male Role Model Andy Never Had Genetic Experiments, Not Real Dinosaurs “Jurassic Park” (1993) The Half-Life of DNA Is Only 500-Something Years! Punxsutawney Purgatory/Phil Is Buddha “Groundhog Day” (1993) Phil Must Achieve Enlightenment to Escape Bond’s Future “The Rock” (1996) Mason – John Mason
#1: E.T.: Sith Lord
Top 10 Pixar Facts That Will Ruin Your Childhood
“E.T. The Extra Terrestrial” (1982) E.T. is an alien that displays many powers in common with those who use the Force in the “Star Wars” franchise, such as healing and telekinesis. In addition, a few fellow members of his species even cameo in the Senate in “The Phantom Menace.” He also appears to recognize a Yoda costume at Halloween from “home.” While this could indicate he’s a Jedi, E.T. also controls Elliot and has power over death, abilities some would consider…unnatural…and more in line with the Sith. Now, does anyone else have the strange desire to see Emperor Palpatine snack on some Reese’s Pieces?