Top 30 Darkest Movie Theories

Top-30-Darkest-Movie-Theories

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most sinister theories that change the way we see movies. Consider this your spoiler warning.

#30: Bill’s Not Dead
“Kill Bill: Volume 2” (2004)
In the second “Kill Bill” film, the Bride gets her long-awaited revenge when she kills Bill with the Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique. It seems like we can conclusively say Bill is dead, right? Well, maybe not. A popular fan theory speculates that Bill actually survived. During the final credits, every actor who played a character that the Bride killed had their names crossed out. Yet when we get to Bill’s, actor David Carradine’s name is still intact. Maybe the Bride didn’t actually succeed and Bill lived. Was this just a production goof? Or was it a sign that the Bride’s vengeful triumph didn’t come to pass? You can decide.

#29: The Ending Is a Dream
“Minority Report” (2002)
John Anderton is an officer who goes on the run after getting accused of a crime he hasn’t committed yet. “Minority Report” is a dystopian story, but it appears to wrap up with a pretty storybook ending. Anderton clears his name and the oppressive systems at work undergo a change for the better. But what if the outcome was actually much darker? A theory among viewers is that the film’s ending was actually just a dream. When Anderton is arrested and sent to the dream-like prison, he doesn’t actually escape. Instead, he just sees everything that he wants to see happen, like the other prisoners. John’s happy ending could be just a mirage.

#28: Del’s Trunk Has His Wife’s Corpse
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
For fans of the eighties comedy “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” the question of what’s in Del’s travel trunk is a pretty popular one. The heavy piece of luggage is quite the hassle for Del and Neal to lug around. Could that be because it has a body inside of it? Near the end of their journey, Del reveals that his wife is dead. With that in mind, some have suggested that Del’s deceased wife is actually inside of the trunk. It can be extremely difficult to get over the death of a significant other. However, this theory is particularly disturbing — especially since Del has been a widower for eight years.

#27: Ned Is the Devil & He Put Phil in Purgatory
“Groundhog Day” (1993)
When rude weatherman Phil Connors gets stuck inside of a time loop, he’s forced to live February 2nd on repeat. By the end of the movie, he’s able to escape the loop and become a changed man. But one Reddit fan theory puts everything in a new light. The idea is that Ned Ryerson — the insurance man who annoys Phil — is actually the Devil. He places Phil inside of the time loop after Phil brushes him off. And if you’ve ever noticed — it’s only when Phil actually buys the insurance that he finally leaves the loop. He only gains his freedom after acquiescing to the Prince of Darkness’s whims.

#26: Amity Has Been Covering up Shark Attacks for Years
“Jaws” (1975)
When a great white shark starts terrorizing the denizens of Amity Island, it becomes police chief Martin Brody’s job to bring the monster down. But was this really the first time the island had a situation like this? One theory suggests that Amity Island actually had quite a few incidents with bloodthirsty sharks that were covered up. When the attacks begin in “Jaws,” Mayor Larry Vaughn is eager to keep them under wraps. There might not be as much hard evidence for this theory, but it’s a darkly compelling idea that Brody is just the first chief determined to do something about a public threat.

#25: The Appliances Represent Mental Health Conditions
“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.

#24: Matilda Was a Secret Government Experiment
“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.

#23: Dorothy Is a Variant of the Wicked Witch of the East
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
We all know Dorothy is a good-hearted and hopeful girl who only wants to get back home. Or do we? There may be more to Dorothy than we thought — or more versions of Dorothy than we thought. Isn’t it odd how nearly everyone from Kansas has a variant of themselves in the land of Oz except her? One theory proposes that she does have a doppelganger: the Wicked Witch of the East. When Dorothy lands in Oz, her arrival accidentally kills the witch. She then inherits her red slippers, which just so happen to be a perfect fit. Could there be a multiverse of evil Dorothys out there?

#22: Everyone’s Dead
“Coraline” (2009)
When trying to get accustomed to the new house her family has moved into, Coraline Jones stumbles upon an alternate world filled to the brim with fantasy. The stop-motion adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novella “Coraline” is a pretty dark film. Although aimed at children, it’s undeniably an intense watch. So how could this movie get even darker? Well, one interpretation of the film suggests that all of the characters in the Pink Palace apartments are dead. Think about it like this — the garden is heaven, the house is purgatory, and the Other World is hell. That’s definitely one way to make this movie even more unnerving!

#21: Pennywise & Mary Poppins Are the Same Species
“It” (2017) & “Mary Poppins Returns” (2018)
On the one hand, this is an incredibly outlandish theory. On the other, it’s so wild that we kind of wish it were canon. The premise connects dots we wouldn’t think to compare, but think about it. Both Mary Poppins and Pennywise can create elaborate illusions and have a strong affinity for red balloons. Despite making an impression everywhere they go, people tend to magically forget about them once they leave. And that’s not all — both resurface years after their last visit. These might be coincidences, but what if they aren’t? Would Mary Poppins secretly devour children? Could Pennywise use an umbrella to fly? The world’s ripe with possibilities!

#20: Rose Imagined Jack to Cope with Her Depression
“Titanic” (1997)
There are a lot of theories circling the web regarding “Titanic,” but none are likely as dark as the theory that Rose imagined Jack to cope with her depression. After all, the first time Jack and Rose meet, she is deeply unhappy with her life. Perhaps she imagined this beautiful and charming man to cope with her misery and abusive fiancé. This would also explain why there are no records of Jack – he simply doesn’t exist. Some people also believe that Jack is a time-traveler from the future, and while a case could be made for that, it isn’t quite as dark as “depressed woman imagines a charming man to save her from herself.”

#19: Kevin Grows up to Be Jigsaw
“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.


#18: The Ghostbusters Died When They Crossed the Streams
“Ghostbusters” (1984)
It’s made very clear by Egon that crossing the proton pack streams is catastrophic. Yet at the end of the movie, the Ghostbusters intentionally cross their streams to destroy the dimensional gate. Some fans posit that the Ghostbusters died, and that “Ghostbusters II” takes place in purgatory. This would explain the repetition of the first movie’s plot, the Ghostbusters’ bad reputation, and why no one believes in the supernatural, despite the events of the first movie. Finally, “Ghostbusters II” ends with a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, a song often sung at funerals, and a painting of heavenly Ghostbusters. Both could signify that the Ghostbusters are finally moving on, having completed their mission in purgatory.

#17: The Joker Is a Disgruntled Soldier
“The Dark Knight” (2008)
This one isn’t so much dark as it is just sad and scary. According to one popular theory, the Joker is a war veteran who is struggling mentally. There are numerous traits to his character that seem to support this, including his weapons knowledge, his physical fighting skills, his tactical know-how, and his ability to perfectly perform the funeral ritual. A few of his quotes also suggest military experience, including, “Never start with the head, the victim gets all fuzzy,” and resentment, like “when a truckload of soldiers will be blown up… nobody panics.” The Joker is clearly psychotic, but he could also be a very pained and traumatized man.

#16: Donny Died in Vietnam
“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
One of the most popular aspects of “The Big Lebowski” is the friendly-yet-hateful relationship between Walter and Donny. However, some fans believe that Donny doesn’t actually exist. You see, Donny is actually an old friend of Walter’s who died fighting alongside him in Vietnam. The reason Walter is always telling Donny to shut up is because he knows Donny isn’t real and he’s trying to get a grip on reality. This also explains why people barely address Donny. When the nihilists attack Walter, he is reminded of his time in Vietnam and confronts the memory of Donny’s death, allowing him to release both his guilt and the memory of Donny, signified by Donny’s heart attack.

#15: The Briefcase Contains Marsellus Wallace’s Soul
“Pulp Fiction” (1994)
The mysterious briefcase is a classic example of a MacGuffin. It drives the plot, but understanding it is ultimately inconsequential. Theories abound, but some have gone so far as to suggest that it contains the very soul of Marsellus Wallace. According to the theory, the Devil took Marsellus’ soul from the back of his neck, hence the weird neck Band-Aid. The code to the briefcase is also 666, suggesting Marsellus’ deal with the Devil. Another thing to note is the orange glow that flashes upon Brett’s death, which is perhaps indicative of his soul leaving his body. Is orange the color of our souls, and is Marsellus’s contained within that briefcase?

#14: Aladdin Is Set in a Dystopian Future
“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.

#13: “Grease” Is Sandy’s Elaborate Fantasy before She Drowns
“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.

#12: The Ending Is Happening in James Bond’s Head
“Spectre” (2015)
James Bond meets a worthy (and old) adversary in “Spectre.” After being directed to Blofeld’s base, Blofeld tortures Bond with a brain drill. Bond then escapes with the help of a too-perfectly-timed Madeleine, defeats Blofeld, and destroys his base in a video game-y fashion. Or does he? Perhaps the ridiculous escape and subsequent third act are simply visions Bond has while he dies from Blofeld’s brain drill. This theory borrows heavily from Terry Gilliam’s brilliant “Brazil,” where the tortured character envisions his rescue and subsequent heroics. So . . . does that mean that the rest of the series will be James Bond’s adventures in the afterlife?

#11: Josh Killed Heather & Mike
“The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
The ending to “The Blair Witch Project” is already dark, but this theory makes it even darker. Midway through the movie, Josh goes missing, and Heather discovers a bundle of sticks containing bloody clothes and teeth. However, Josh’s body is never found, and Heather and Mike continue to hear him screaming, indicating that he is still alive. At the end of the movie, both Heather and Mike are seemingly killed by the Blair Witch. However, it very well could have been Josh who murdered the students, either through possession or of his own free will. The lack of answers is precisely what makes this movie so divisive — inviting this sort of dark “what if?” interpretation.

#10: Michael Becomes Travis Bickle
“The Deer Hunter” (1978) & “Taxi Driver” (1976)
Robert De Niro played two of the most iconic movie characters of the ‘70s –Mike Vronsky, a Pennsylvania veteran dealing with the fallout of his (and his friends’) tour in the Vietnam War; and the unhinged taxi driver Travis Bickle, another ‘Nam vet. While the war was obviously a topical subject for films from this decade, the relationship between these two characters could be much deeper. “The Deer Hunter” ends in 1975 when Mike buries his friend Nick. “Taxi Driver” takes place the following year, with the troubled Travis unable to sleep. Perhaps Mike changed his name and moved to New York City in a futile attempt to shed his old life and inner demons?

#9: Peter Pan Is the Angel of Death
“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.

#8: Bruce Wayne Dies in the End
“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012)
Many fans had issues with “The Dark Knight Rises,” including the overly-dramatic ending which sees Batman hauling a nuclear bomb out of Gotham. While many rightfully assume that Batman is dead, having sacrificed himself for Gotham, Alfred later spots the very-much-alive Bruce and Selina while vacationing in Italy. Now what are the odds of that? Some people believe it was simply a figment of Alfred’s imagination. Bruce really did die in the nuclear explosion, and the grieving Alfred traveled to Florence to alleviate his sorrow. He then wills himself to imagine the happy couple and finally lets go of his grief, happy at the thought of Bruce’s contentment.


#7: “Toy Story 3” Is About the Holocaust
“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.

#6: Ferris Bueller Is a Figment of Cameron’s Imagination
“Ferris Bueller's Day Off” (1986)
Speaking of imagination, there’s a widely-held belief that the events of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” take place entirely inside the head of the bed-ridden Cameron.This is also known as the “Fight Club” Theory due to its similarities with that movie’s plot. It posits that Ferris is a symbolic representation of Cameron’s wish to be more confident and daring. While laying in bed, he imagines his confident alter-ego joyriding in a fancy car, cozying up to his girlfriend, and just generally enjoying a carefree existence. It could also be a meditative method Cameron uses to assert more control over his life, symbolized by the destruction of his controlling father’s car.


#5: Totoro Is the God of Death
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)
This Miyazaki masterpiece is about two girls who move into an old house after their mother becomes ill, and then befriend a forest entity they name Totoro. But who, or what, is this creature? Could it be . . . the God of Death? According to legend, only people who have died or are close to death can see the God of Death. And near the movie’s beginning, the girls see soot sprites, rumored to represent impending death in Japanese folklore. As the theory goes, Mei actually drowns in the pond and Satsuki cannot bear the pain of this loss. They then posthumously visit their dying mother with the help of Totoro, and she feels their presence. Shudder.

#4: Edna Purposefully Gave Syndrome a Cape
“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.

#3: Willy Wonka’s Secret Ingredient
“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!


#2: Doc Wanted to Get Hit by the DeLorean
“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.

#1: Childs Is the Thing
“The Thing” (1982)
After blowing up the station and defeating The Thing, MacReady and Childs share a bottle of scotch as they freeze to death. It’s most definitely a depressing ending, but it could be made even worse if Childs actually is the Thing. Fans of this one of many dark “The Thing” theories point to numerous supposed pieces of evidence, like the fact that Childs is wearing a different coat. Others point to Childs’ lack of visible breath. Finally, and perhaps most popular, is the concept that the bottle is actually filled with gasoline and MacReady was testing Childs, who inadvertently proved that he wasn’t human, resulting in MacReady’s demoralized chuckle after Childs takes a drink.


Is there a terrifying theory we missed? Disturb us in the comments.