50 Mind-Blowing Fan Theories About Your Favorite Shows & Movies

Viewing Disney's Aladdin through a new lens, an intriguing fan theory suggests that the narrative's central plot revolves around a careful distinction: Aladdin doesn't simply wish to "be" a prince; he explicitly wishes for the Genie to "make" him a prince. This seemingly minor nuance opens the door to a fascinating interpretation, as if the story's creators embedded layers of depth into the tale.

The theory posits that the Genie, with his phenomenal and cosmic powers, orchestrates a masterful plan to fulfill Aladdin's unspoken desire. He can see a million years into the future, and by interpreting Aladdin's true wishes, he crafts a series of events. This includes dressing Aladdin regally, gifting him an elephant and a grand parade, all designed to aid Aladdin in marrying Princess Jasmine. It becomes evident that Aladdin's real desire isn't princely status but to win Jasmine's heart. The Genie, with his foresight, lets Aladdin play his part, even when Aladdin gets cold feet, knowing that Aladdin's heroic actions will convince the Sultan to change the law, thus allowing Aladdin to truly become a prince.

As the theory unfolds, it becomes apparent that the Genie has a meticulous, almost Machiavellian plan in motion. The Genie's ultimate mission is to demonstrate that genuine worth lies within, akin to finding a "Diamond in the Rough." It's an elaborate scheme because the Genie can't resort to mind control, murder, or resurrection, and thus, he plays a long game with Jafar, Aladdin's rival, ensuring he becomes a mere pawn in the grander narrative. Once Jafar's role is complete, the Genie banishes him to a cave for millennia, a fate arguably worse than death. The theory emphasizes that Aladdin, knowingly or unknowingly, plays a part in this complex maneuver by choosing his words carefully during his wishes and displaying his cleverness in various situations.

In a pivotal moment in Infinity War, Steve Rogers defies Thanos's immense power as he halts the Mad Titan's glove-wielding hand. A close examination of a fan theory reveals that Rogers' feat isn't merely about physical strength, given that Thanos had earlier defeated the Hulk. Instead, it appears to be a battle of wills. Both Rogers and Thanos are in physical contact with the Infinity Gauntlet, and it's suggested that Rogers, driven by his determination to protect, effectively outwilled Thanos. His unwavering resolve influenced the Gauntlet's response, momentarily allowing him to defy the Mad Titan's might, leaving Thanos perplexed by this unexpected display of determination.

One fan theory about the Harry Potter series posits that Ron Weasley used the Imperius Curse on Hermione Granger to make her fall in love with him. While watching the Harry Potter films, one might often been perplexed by Hermione's choice of Ron, considering his unkind behavior toward her throughout the series. However, upon closer inspection, a key moment in the Deathly Hallows Part 2 stands out, where Ron uses the Imperius Curse on a goblin teller at Gringotts. This leads to the question of when and how Ron learned this dark spell and why he used it.

The theory suggests that Ron had knowledge of the Imperius Curse prior to Mad-Eye Moody's lesson and learned it from his father, Arthur Weasley. The ability to cast spells effectively in the wizarding world requires practice and skill, and the observer reasons that Ron likely practiced this curse on Hermione, manipulating her to lower her defenses and control her will, ultimately leading her to develop romantic feelings for him. The theory delves into Ron's possible motive, showcasing his deep-seated jealousy of Harry Potter. His resentment of Harry's success in Quidditch, Harry's favorable treatment, and his participation in the Tri-Wizard Tournament suggests that Ron's self-esteem and desire for recognition were severely affected. This jealousy forms the foundation for the theory's argument.

There are even several instances where Ron displayed manipulative behavior and moments of Hermione's attraction to Harry, emphasizing the possibility that she might have been infatuated with Harry initially. Ron's manipulative behavior is evident in several instances. The theory also discusses Ron's coercive techniques, such as manipulating Hermione to carry out various tasks and coercing her into making choices. For instance, he uses Hermione as an intermediary to deliver a message to Harry, thereby indirectly imposing a sense of duty on her. Furthermore, his proposal of a ruthless solution for handling a fallen Death Eater showcases a darker aspect of his character. The ultimate assertion is that Ron likely used the Imperius Curse during the Order of the Phoenix, specifically during the winter break, to groom Hermione into having romantic feelings for him. While there might not be visible signs of the curse, the observer considers it a possible explanation for Hermione's behavior. The theory concludes by noting Ron's seemingly despondent expression in the final scene of the film series, suggesting regret or guilt for his past actions.

One fan theory about the 1987 Predator movie delves into an intriguing interpretation of the film's underlying theme of masculinity. The theory posits the idea that the deaths of the characters in the movie are not just about eliminating them but are symbolic tests of their masculinity, with each character dying in a manner that critiques their individual displays of manliness.

Hawkins, the first to die, is portrayed as the least successful in projecting masculinity, and his gruesome death reflects his earlier crude jokes about his girlfriend. Blain, known for his swagger and famous "I ain't got time to bleed" line, dies in a bloodless manner, showcasing the superficiality of his masculine bravado. Mac, the mentally unstable character, meets his end through a headshot, possibly a nod to his constant head-shaving and his self-proclaimed threat to "carve my name into your skin."

Dillon, who engages in an arm-wrestling match with Dutch, loses and later suffers a death that targets the same arm, symbolizing his loss of dominance. Finally, Ramirez, who displays his prowess during the guerrilla camp raid, is thrown through the air similarly to his enemies in the very scene he dominates, hinting at irony in his fate. The only character who doesn't strive to project masculinity is Billy, and he meets a more noble and mysterious off-screen death due to his choice not to run, emphasizing a different kind of masculinity exemplified by Dutch, rooted in instinct and resourcefulness.

In the 1971 Willy Wonka film, a thought-provoking fan theory suggests that Willy Wonka purposefully orchestrated Charlie's discovery of the Golden Ticket. The theory begins with Gene Wilder, who plays Wonka, also appearing as a news reporter announcing the finding of the final Golden Ticket in Paraguay. This raises the intriguing possibility that Wonka might have fabricated this report intentionally. His motive? To identify a local, modest, and unselfish child to inherit his chocolate factory.

The theory also proposes that Bill, the local candy store owner, works as a secret agent for Wonka. Although the film predominantly features Oompa Loompas as Wonka's staff, the theory posits that Bill operates covertly as a human agent. This notion gains support from a specific film scene where Wonka mysteriously implies that he knows something about Charlie, stating, "I read all about you in the papers." This enigmatic remark fuels the speculation that Bill may have been reporting to Wonka, suggesting that Charlie's selection was far from random.

One popular Harry Potter fan theory delves into the intricate narrative of Hagrid's character in the Harry Potter series, suggesting that beneath his seemingly bumbling and endearing exterior lies a high-ranking servant of Lord Voldemort. It meticulously analyzes the evidence scattered throughout the books, beginning with Hagrid's unusual abilities and the secrets he holds. Hagrid's magical prowess, evident from the very first book, raises eyebrows. His knowledge of spells and skills typically reserved for high-level Death Eaters or highly talented wizards suggests a hidden depth to his character. This theory speculates that Hagrid's possession of such abilities is not coincidental but rather a calculated part of his covert role in Voldemort's service.

Hagrid's interactions with Harry are also scrutinized. The theory argues that he subtly manipulates the young wizard, leading him into private contact with Voldemort on multiple occasions. This contact, it suggests, enables him to pass sensitive information regarding security measures directly to the Dark Lord. His knowledge of advanced fast-travel magic, displayed when he swiftly delivers baby Harry to the Dursleys' house, further supports the idea that he operates at a level beyond what he portrays. The theory then explores Hagrid's connections with key characters, particularly Barty Crouch Jr, and how these relationships aid Voldemort's agenda. It suggests that Hagrid's association with powerful figures in the wizarding world, along with his ability to sow discord and spread misinformation, is instrumental in furthering the Dark Lord's objectives.

As the theory unfolds, it contemplates Hagrid's role in the Triwizard Tournament, where he appears to take calculated actions to facilitate Harry's success and eventual delivery to Voldemort. His possession of Voldemort's stolen wand for over a decade also raises questions about his role in safeguarding it. In the final books, Hagrid's participation in key events, such as the Seven Potters operation and the Battle of Hogwarts, is reevaluated. The theory suggests that Hagrid's actions during these events, from alerting Death Eaters to the real Harry to his uncharacteristic compliance with Voldemort's orders, reveal his unwavering loyalty to the Dark Lord.

In conclusion, this theory paints a portrait of Hagrid as a multi-faceted character with a hidden allegiance to Lord Voldemort. It carefully dissects the evidence throughout the Harry Potter series, showing how Hagrid's magical abilities, relationships, and actions all align with the role of a high-ranking servant in the service of the Dark Lord.

One intriguing fan theory points out a subtle foreshadowing of Dumbledore's death in the third Harry Potter movie. During a Christmas dinner, Sibyll Trelawny expresses fear about 13 people sitting at a table, as it's considered unlucky. To ease her concerns, Dumbledore stands up and leaves the table, becoming the first of those 13 to do so. As we later discover, Ron's rat was actually Peter Pettigrew, meaning that there were already 13 individuals at the table. This theory suggests that Dumbledore's fate was sealed when he became the first to leave, hinting at his eventual demise in the sixth movie.

A fan theory hypothesizes that in Kung Fu Panda, Tai Lung's destiny as the Dragon Warrior was never denied; rather, it was a test of his humility. Denying him the scroll was a way to gauge his inner peace and balance. If Tai Lung had responded with humility, he would have proven his worthiness. However, his anger and hatred in the face of denial showed he was not yet ready. The empty scroll symbolizes this unfulfilled potential, emphasizing that it was his inability to wield power responsibly that held him back.

In the world of "Back to the Future," a fascinating fan theory suggests that the rape of Lorraine's at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance by Biff was always a part of the original timeline. In this theory, Marty and George inadvertently prevented this event from occurring. Although the specific details might have varied, the idea is that George, in his own way, would have stepped away when confronted by a drunk Biff, allowing Lorraine to experience the traumatic event that George, with Marty's help, ultimately prevented.

The theory is grounded in Lorraine's portrayal in the movie, showing her as an alcoholic and depressed woman who's attempting to cope with her past. It's suggested that her severe restrictions on her daughter's dating life and her disapproval of Marty's girlfriend hint at underlying sexual trauma. When she recounts the events of the dance night and recalls the kiss with George as the only positive memory, it's a poignant indication of the night's darker events. George's response to the conversation is his way of dissociating from a painful and traumatic memory where he couldn't protect Lorraine from Biff's advances.

The theory highlights the subtle signs that suggest Lorraine underwent a drastic personality change due to the alteration of her traumatic experience. Before Marty's intervention, she was depicted as a fun-loving, party-going girl. Marty's actions inadvertently protected her from a sexual assault that might have profoundly traumatized her in the original timeline.

In the Disney version of Tarzan, many have questioned how he knew to wear a loincloth despite being raised by gorillas who don't wear clothes. One fan theory explains that the answer might lie in the fact that humans, especially males, have proportionally larger genitalia compared to other ape species. A gorilla's penis, for example, is only about two and a half inches long when fully erect. Tarzan, even as a child, would have had a larger penis than the other gorillas, which might have led to bullying and trauma. To avoid the humiliation and bullying, he likely began covering himself with leaves or animal skin, and this habit persisted into adulthood, explaining why he continues to wear a loincloth throughout the story.

This theory offers a humorous perspective on Tarzan's choice of attire and suggests that his childhood trauma may have contributed to his modesty and preference for clothing, even after being accepted by the gorilla clan.