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What if everything in your favorite TV show or film isn't exactly as it seems? These bold fan theories will likely inspire you to revisit these shows and films with a fresh perspective.
Heads up: Spoilers ahead.
10. Meredith is Struggling with Alzheimer's
A significant portion of Grey’s Anatomy’s early plot focuses on Ellis Grey’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and her eventual passing from the disease, along with Meredith’s fear of inheriting it. However, a fan theory suggests that Meredith is already suffering from Alzheimer’s, with her friends and family representing the emotions she can no longer recall.
This theory goes on to claim that Meredith’s voiceovers are her recounting bedtime tales to her three children, which could explain why many of the episodes' storylines are so exaggerated and emotional. The theory also leaves the tragic character deaths open to interpretation, as none of them might have actually occurred.
9. Eleven Is The Real Monster
Stranger Things is undoubtedly one of the best new shows to debut in 2016, capturing the essence of ’80s sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in just eight episodes. A character named Eleven has quickly amassed a huge fan following in this brief period.
From this fanbase emerged a wild theory. What if Eleven herself is the true monster from the Upside-Down? This theory is supported by the fact that Eleven first encounters the creature/Demogorgon while in a sensory deprivation tank, suggesting that she is mentally manifesting the beast. Additionally, she declares, “I am the monster,” and disappears after the creature is destroyed, raising more questions.
8. The Friends Are All Delusional
There are many bizarre theories circulating on the Internet regarding the iconic ’90s sitcom, Friends. These include ideas like Ross having Asperger’s, the entire show being a dream, and Phoebe struggling with meth addiction. However, the most outlandish theory is the one suggesting that all six main characters are actually in a mental institution throughout the series.
The theory proposes that each of the friends experienced a traumatic event that led to their institutionalization. For Phoebe, it was her mother’s suicide; Joey couldn’t cope with being the only male in a large family; Ross struggled with deep abandonment issues. Rachel is seen as a sociopath, Monica couldn’t move past being bullied in school, and Chandler’s broken family life sent him over the edge. The show, therefore, is just the lives they imagined living outside their confinement.
7. Jack Is a Time Traveler
Despite the mockery it receives today, Titanic was a massive hit in the ’90s, with crowds flocking to theaters to witness the tragic voyage unfold on screen. The story of a rich girl and a poor young man falling in love, only for their romance to end in heartbreak, captivated millions. However, one outlandish theory presents a completely different take on Jack Dawson’s role.
This theory suggests that Jack was actually a time traveler sent to the Titanic to prevent Rose from taking her life and to ensure the ship meets its fateful end. Had Rose jumped into the ocean, the ship would have needed to divert to rescue her, possibly missing the iceberg entirely. Supporting this theory are clues like Jack mentioning ice fishing at a lake that was built five years after the ship's sinking, and taking Rose on a roller coaster constructed four years later. Additionally, his hair and rucksack don’t match the fashion of the Titanic’s era.
6. Scully Is an Immortal Being
Alongside the revival of X-Files episodes, an old fan theory resurfaced that originally emerged during the show’s early seasons. Not only is Scully believed to harbor a secret belief beneath her tough skeptical exterior, but there's also a theory suggesting she is immortal.
In a were-monster episode, Scully made a playful remark about her immortality, which the Internet quickly seized as a clue. In season 3, a psychic informed Scully that she wouldn't die when she and Mulder inquired about their fates. Another theory proposes that she achieved immortality in season 6 after avoiding the gaze of Death. As a result, she is said to be destined to save humanity endlessly from the monsters and dark forces lurking around it.
5. Toy Story 3 Symbolizes The Holocaust
Children’s films aren't immune to bizarre fan theories either. Toy Story 3 has been linked to The Walking Dead as well as the Holocaust.
In this theory, Andy leaving for college is symbolic of the Jews being abandoned during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The Caterpillar Room and trash chute in the movie are said to represent the incinerators and concentration camps. Some fans even speculate that the toys meet their end in the incinerator, with the final scenes of the film representing their version of 'Heaven.'
4. The Fresh Prince Has Passed Away
Similar to the Friends theory, this sitcom also has a rather grim fan theory. The theory suggests that the altercation mentioned in the theme song led to Will’s death, and the cab he’s riding in doesn’t take him to his uncle’s house, but instead to heaven. His death is speculated to be either a result of a violent beating from the gang members or him taking his own life after a brutal assault.
What exactly is heaven? According to the theory, it’s a large house filled with friends and family. Will’s parents rarely visit, which the theory explains as them coming to visit Will’s grave.
3. John Candy Is Actually The Devil
Home Alone is a beloved holiday classic. However, some Reddit users have speculated that Old Nick might have a role to play in the story as well.
Gus Polinski, portrayed by John Candy, is believed by some to be a crossroads demon or even the devil himself, who takes Kate McCallister’s soul so she can reunite with her son, whom she accidentally left behind. Kate’s line about being willing to sell her soul to the devil after realizing her son’s absence has led some to interpret this literally. Additionally, in another film, John Candy also plays the devil, further fueling the theory that he is demonic in Home Alone.
2. Mary Poppins is actually a Time Lord.
There are at least 12 different theories found on various websites suggesting that Mary Poppins could actually be a Time Lord. These theories include her unique mode of transportation (floating with the aid of an umbrella), her British origins, her ability to make friends everywhere she goes, and her tendency to stay only until a problem is resolved. Plus, her bag seems to have endless space inside.
What if Mary Poppins isn't Mary Poppins at all, but the Doctor in disguise? The unmistakable bowtie she wears only supports this idea.
1. Sandy is also dead.
While Grease is typically seen as a fun and upbeat musical with a few serious and somber undertones, an intriguing fan theory has emerged that flips the entire narrative, proposing that Sandy was actually deceased throughout the entire movie.
According to this theory, Sandy tragically drowned at the beach (as Danny sings in 'Summer Nights', 'She nearly drowned') and Danny couldn't save her. The rest of the events in the film unfold as Sandy's dream while she lingers in a coma, slowly slipping into a state of brain death. The final scene, where the couple flies away in a red convertible, symbolizes Sandy's ascent to heaven. A darker interpretation even suggests that Sandy takes her own life at the movie's conclusion before flying away with Danny in the car.
