Formidable fan-fic
Most fan-made theories can be aptly categorised in one of the following ways - 'fever dream lunacy', 'honking stupidity', 'desperate self-projection', 'Wash might've survived' and, of course 'unexpected flips in sexual orientation'. Fortunately, there are some interpretations worth bearing in mind - some ideas that are so out of the box, so revelatory and so downright brilliant that they alone solve many of a movie's issues, wrapping up nagging questions and presenting the piece in a new and utterly intriguing light.
This list looks at 25 of the very best fan-made theories, from the 'so mad it just might work' to the 'dude must've stolen a script'. Prepare to look at the likes of James Bond and the world of Quentin Tarantino in a whole new light. Begin!
25. Labyrinth (1986)
The fan theory: Labyrinth is a metaphor for a girl struggling with the onset of puberty.
Why it's mind-blowing: Think about it: the whole thing is about a young girl taking responsibility and going in search of a child. The labyrinth around her is constantly changing, and challenging her along the way, à la a teenage body. And then there's the involvement of Jareth, with his extremely pronounced codpiece. Ahem.
24. Spider-Man (2002)
The fan theory: Spider-Man is also about Peter Parker's attempts to cope with the stresses and strains of teenage life.
Why it's mind-blowing: Overnight Peters body takes a drastic change for the adult, while he starts discovering white fluid all over his wrists. Sorry to put it bluntly, but it's a bit obvious.
23. Jurassic World (2015)
The fan theory: The Indominus Rex is hyper-intelligent, enjoying toying with the various humans who gets in its way, killing for the fun of it, and letting loose pterodactyls to distract the helicopter that's chasing it. Could it be...part human?
Why it's mind-blowing: The dino is famed for being a genetic cocktail, with part chameleon, T-Rex, velociraptor, as well as cuttlefish and treefrogs. Maybe the morally-dubious scientists sneakily chucked some human DNA in there too...you know, to make it even more of a tourist attraction. It's above-average intelligence means it's cleverer than a velociraptor, so it's definitely a possibility...
22. Fight Club (1999)
The fan theory: The narrator and Tyler are a distorted version of Calvin and Hobbes, the cartoon tiger-boy duo.
Why it's mind-blowing: Having been forced to suppress his imaginary childhood friend by the necessities of growing up, Calvin's overactive imagination comes back into play in big way when he finds himself stuck in a rut in adult life. It's a stretch, but we like it all the same.
21. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The fan theory: The bank heist takes place on the same day that Jules and Vincent play out their story in Pulp Fiction.
Why it's mind-blowing: It would explain why the hitmen are able to drive a blood-soaked car through a busy city without encountering any police-based trouble. The boys in blue are clearly busy elsewhere.
20. Toy Story (1995)
The fan theory: Andy's parents are in the middle of a divorce when the film is taking place.
Why it's mind-blowing: It actually makes a lot of sense, since we never see hide nor hair of Andy's dad, and the whole story is driven by his mum's need to downsize to a smaller house. Then there's the fact that Andy is an extremely introverted kid. It all adds up!
19. Blade Runner (1982)
The fan theory: Not only is Deckard a Replicant, but he is a Replicant implanted with the memories of a former Blade Runner. Detective Gaff to be precise.
Why it's mind-blowing: It would explain the weird connection that exists between the two, but also Gaff's obvious resentment of Deckard. Could it be that his limp put him out of service, only for Deckard to step in as his replacement? It's possible...
18. Twilight (2008 2012)
The fan theory: Bella isn't actually human at all - she's part werewolf.
Why it's mind-blowing: It would be a much neater way of explaining why none of the other vampires are capable of reading her mind, or why Edward was capable of getting her pregnant when vampires and humans are seemingly unable to procreate. Werewolves throw vampire powers out of whack, remember?
17. The Matrix (1999 - 2003)
The fan theory: Neo is actually a machine, with the real world of Zion turning out to be just another level of human-created simulation, designed to keep technological advances in check.
Why it's mind-blowing: It would have resulted in the big reveal that the Matrix was actually a human-created way of keeping advancing technology under control. Whoa, dude!
16. No Country For Old Men (2007)
The fan theory: Anton Chigurh is the Angel of Death, sent by an angry, Old Testament God to wreak vengeance upon the drug trade.
Why it's mind-blowing: It would explain Chigurh's total indifference to the fate of his prey. Although not why he takes such pleasure in messing with that gas station attendant.
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