Movie Fan Theories That Could Actually Be True

Movies are riddled with secret details, Easter eggs, and subtle narrative devices that fans can't get enough of. In the years since, hundreds of fan theories have been coined—some outlandish, others unsettlingly plausible. Here are some of the most jaw-dropping movie fan theories that could actually be true.

1. The Joker in The Dark Knight Was a War Veteran
One of the most prevalent theories about The Dark Knight (2008) is that Heath Ledger's Joker was at some point a soldier with PTSD. Fans point as evidence his knowledge of guns, explosives, and military tactics, as well as the constantly changing origin story for his scars and backstory, something that might in itself be a sign of deep trauma. His contempt for authority figures and nihilistic philosophy could be products of what he did during war.

 Why It Could Be True: His scars may be battle scars, and the fact that he can disguise himself and manipulate people is typical of tactical training.

2. Cobb Is Still Dreaming in Inception
Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010) ends with its signature cliffhanger—Cobb's spinning top wobbles, but we never learn if it falls. Fans theorize that Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) never did wake up and is still dreaming. Some point to the fact that he only catches a glimpse of his children's faces at the end, which means he finally reached the deepest part of his subconscious rather than reality.

 Why It Could Be True: Cobb's dad, whose role is played by Michael Caine, once said that Nolan had told him wherever his character appears, that means it's reality. Although even that doesn't fully authenticate that the ending is real.

3. The True Villain in Toy Story Is Andy's Mom
This Toy Story theory presumes that Andy's mom once owned Jessie, the forgotten cowgirl toy in Toy Story 2. In the movie, Jessie explains the sad tale of having been abandoned by her owner, Emily. The timeline fits, and Andy's mom's hat looks very similar to Jessie's—maybe a keepsake from childhood.

Why It Could Be True: It would explain why Andy's mom is never surprised that there are toys that talk—she may have played with Jessie herself when she was a kid.

4. James Bond Is a Code Name, Not a Person
One of those theories that is out there is that "James Bond" is not an individual but a code name given to various MI6 agents throughout the years. That would account for the fact that Bond has had various actors portray him since 1962, each with their own characteristics but being within the same continuity.

Why It Might Be True: M (Judi Dench) reacts oddly to Daniel Craig's Bond in Skyfall, as if she has already encountered a "James Bond" before him. Also, this theory would account for the radical personality and appearance changes between Bonds.

5. The Events of Grease Are Sandy's Dying Dream
What if Grease (1978) is really about Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) fantasizing while she dies? The theory goes that Sandy drowned at the start when Danny (John Travolta) said he "saved her life" when they first met at the beach. Everything else in the film—all the zany musical numbers and the flying car—is all a fantasy she has before she dies.

Why It Might Be True: The final scene where Danny and Sandy take off into the air in a car doesn't make any sense, which is another reason to believe that the entire film is a surreal dream.

6. Harry Potter's Dursley Family Was Affected by Horcrux Magic
Harry Potter fans have always questioned why the Dursleys are so mean to Harry. One theory is that Harry, as an unaware Horcrux, emits bad energy that influences those around him. That would account for the Dursleys' unusually irrational dislike of him—they were under the influence of dark magic, the same way Ron was when he had a Horcrux inside him in Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

Why It Might Be True: The Dursleys are ordinary (though unpleasant) with everyone else but excessively hostile only to Harry.

7. The Pixar Theory Connects All Pixar Movies
One of the most common fan theories is that every Pixar film exists in the same universe. The theory goes that Brave shows how magic started, which then resulted in the toys in Toy Story becoming alive, the animals in Finding Nemo being able to talk, the AI uprising in Wall-E, and ultimately the monsters developing in Monsters, Inc.

Why It Could Be True: Pixar films are rife with Easter eggs about one another, which suggests a grand timeline.

8. Willy Wonka Is a Serial Killer in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
There is a dark theory which states that Willy Wonka is a serial killer who lures children into his factory for the sole purpose of killing them off one by one. Each "accident" is specifically tailored to a particular child, and no attempt is made to save them. The Oompa Loompas even have song and dance numbers ready for each accident, as though they were aware it was coming.

Why It Could Be True: The children are never seen or heard from again after their "eliminations," and Wonka is disturbingly nonchalant about what becomes of them.

9. The Home Alone Kevin Becomes Jigsaw from Saw
A crazy but somewhat believable theory contends that Kevin McCallister from Home Alone (1990) grows up to be Jigsaw from Saw. They both have an obsession with creating complex traps, and Kevin's feelings of abandonment, suffering, and vengeance could have transformed him into the twisted genius that is Jigsaw.

 Why It Might Be True: Kevin's burglars' traps are unusually gruesome, like Jigsaw's tests. The timeline also fits, since Kevin would be the right age when Saw takes place.

Final Thoughts
Whether or not these theories hold water, they do make for more interesting movies. Sometimes directors even encourage speculation by fans, such as through clues that hint at deeper meaning.

Which theory do you think is true? Do you personally have a favorite film theory? Tell us about it in the comments!