ROFL or Cringe? These 7 Viral Movie Theories Will Make You Do Both

The recipe for a hit movie or TV show is not a simple one found in any cookbook. For their projects to attract the attention of the general public, filmmakers need to add numerous ingredients to the mix.

Of course, a well-developed, logical plot, three-dimensional characters, witty dialogue, top-notch cinematography and editing are all important. But there are other things that make our gears turn.

To build a loyal following, creators need to craft relatable characters and compelling relationships between them. It always helps if there is more to the story than meets the eye, a second or third layer that only becomes apparent when you dig deeper. That's what gives viewers the opportunity to invest their time and effort into the story and build their theories, which sometimes become even more beloved than the canon arcs.

But not all fan theories are created equal. Sometimes people get so carried away that their speculations leave others scratching their heads. Even more rarely, these theories somehow go viral.

Here are seven examples of popular movie and show theories that are guaranteed to make you cringe or laugh out loud. Or both.

1. Forrest Gump Jr. Isn't Forrest Gump's Son

Movie: Forrest Gump

This is one of the most heartbreaking fan theories about Robert Zemeckis' iconic movie. You know the moment when Jenny tells Forrest that he's the father of her son, Forrest Jr.? Well, a lot of fans seem to think that's not true and that she's just lying, which is frankly just cruel.

To believe that everything Forrest has worked for is a lie destroys our hopes for a happy ending in the movie and in life. Do we really want to live with that bitter taste in our mouths?

2. Ginny Gave Harry Love Potion

Movies: The Harry Potter Series

Here's a theory that has caught the attention of many Harry Potter fans and left even more scratching their heads: what if Ginny Weasley gave Harry a love potion and that's how they got together?

It's a wild idea, considering it's completely out of character for Ginny. Also, it doesn't quite fit with how love potions work in the wizarding world. After all, Harry is not acting like Ron did when he accidentally drank Romilda Vane's potion. Besides, isn't it natural for Harry to fall in love with Ginny, given her bravery, beauty and being part of his first real family?

3. Marty McFly Is Biff's Son

Movies: The Back to the Future Franchise

Here's a theory so ridiculous it will make your head spin: What if Marty McFly is actually Biff Tannen's son? Yes, you heard that right. The speculation is based on the fact that Marty's mother, Lorraine, dated Biff in an alternate future, but that doesn't hold water.

We mean, Marty literally starts disappearing when his parents don't get together, so how could he possibly be Biff's kid?

4. Batman's Adventures Are Bruce Wayne's Delusions

Movies: The Dark Knight Trilogy

This is a theory that has been making the rounds among fans of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy. What if all of Bruce Wayne's adventures are just delusions cooked up by his sick mind from his cell in Arkham, where he's been since his parents were murdered? Some even link this to Nolan's Inception.

In fact, this somewhat annoying approach can be found in many popular theories that take beloved franchises and turn them on their heads. Like the idea that all the Harry Potter movies are just the fantasies of an abused child, or that the Rugrats are actually ghosts dreamed up by Angelica, or that Ash from Pokémon died in the pilot and everything else is just a vision.

5. Tarzan Is Anna & Elsa's Brother

Movies: The Disney Media Franchise

It's long become a hobby of the Disney fanbase to find a connection between the studio's various films. And some of these speculations are really fun. But the idea that Tarzan is actually the long-lost brother of Anna and Elsa from Frozen is as far-fetched as it gets, despite its popularity.

Geographically and chronologically, it just doesn't make sense. There's no way a boat that left Scandinavia crashed in the Mediterranean, but the survivors ended up in the African jungle. And let's not forget that Frozen II put the nail in the coffin for this theory by revealing what really happened to Anna and Elsa's parents.

6. Kevin Grew Up To Be Jigsaw

Movies: The Home Alone Franchise & The Saw Movie Series

The theory that might give you the creeps is that Kevin from Home Alone grew up to be Jigsaw from the Saw movies.

Sure, there are some links between the two franchises, and Kevin's tricks were pretty brutal, but could he really turn into a sadistic game master orchestrating deadly traps? It's a little too dark to swallow. Plus, the timelines don't add up.

7. Toby Is The Scranton Strangler

Series: The Office

The biggest mystery of The Office is the identity of the Scranton Strangler. Fans have speculated left and right, and one theory that keeps popping up is that it was Toby all along. After all, he's a bit of a loner with a quiet demeanor, and he definitely had a strange obsession with the case.

But let's face it, can you really imagine sweet, shy Toby as a killer? It's more absurd than believable. If you ask us, Creed is a much better suspect. We never cracked that nut, did we?