Have you ever gone on YouTube and fallen into a hole? Do you keep watching video after video after video by a certain creator or a certain topic that just has you fascinated?
Well, this happens to me more often than I’d care to admit. Recently, I’ve found myself in the “conspiracy theory” hole, which is both terrifying and incredibly interesting. Some theories that I’ve seen just seem too ridiculous to fathom; however, some seem to hold up better than I’d expect.
However, because I get creeped out way too easily by the theories based in reality, I’ve decided to focus on cartoons and animated creations. Also, should you choose to watch the video that explains this theory, I’ve provided a link to it in the name of the theory, so watch away!
Without further ado, here are my personal favorite 5 cartoon conspiracy theories:
If you haven’t already heard of this theory, allow me to blow your mind: every animated movie that Pixar has created exists on the same timeline. I know you must be wondering how that’s possible; without giving too much away, the world basically has gone through a lot of revolutions and overthrows. There are multiple videos and actually an entire website dedicated to explaining the Pixar Theory in its entirety. It’s actually kind of scary how well the wide assortment of Pixar films—“A Bug’s Life,” “Brave,” and “Cars” are just a few—fit into each other so well.
2. The Imaginary Rugrats Theory
Hopefully you also grew up with the classic 90’s TV show, “Rugrats.” For those of you who may not be familiar with the show, let me sum it up: it’s about talking babies who aren’t understood by their parents, but by a bratty tot named Angelica, who frequently tries to bully and control them. This theory states that the main babies—Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil— are merely figments of Angelica’s overactive childish imagination and are based off of children that have died in horrible ways. This theory is a bit sad, but when you don’t over-analyze the obvious plot holes, it’s pretty interesting.
3. The “Recess” Theory
Sorry, guys, but the ones where everyone is dead are the most intriguing to me. What’s cool about this theory isn’t that all of the kids are dead; how they died (and when) is what really drew me in.
4. The “Phineas and Ferb” Theory
Okay, I’ll admit it: “Phineas and Ferb” is a guilty pleasure of mine. It’s fun, the songs are catchy, it’s educational—how else was I supposed to find out what an “aglet” is? Google it?
This theory is amazing because it speculates that Dr. Doofenshmirtz, the lovable albeit kind of idiotic antagonist, is actually Phineas and Candace’s biological father. To some extent, this theory definitely holds up. I mean, look at Phineas and Doofenshmirtz’s heads! They’re basically the same! And they both love to invent stuff! Think about it.
5. The Berenstain/Berenstein Bears Theory
I was going to end on a theory that was more uplifting than dead kids or questionable parentage, but instead, I’ll end on a theory that has me a little weirded out: The Berenstain/Berenstein Bears Theory. This theory says there are a vast number of people that remember the story of a family of life-lesson teaching bears being spelled “The Berenstein Bears” (as in, with an “e” near the end”) as opposed to the actual spelling, “Berenstain” (with an “a” near the end). Because of this, many have suggested that the people who remember the incorrect spelling came from an alternate universe in which the “incorrect” spelling was actually right.
Honestly, I know this one’s pretty stupid because it’s wholly codependent on people’s memories and not on real facts or connections. Maybe “Berenstein” was just easier to remember than “Berenstain.” Maybe this was just a result of the Mandela Effect (which is most likely, really). However, the thought of an alternate and/or parallel universe is way too awesome to skim over.
Want more cartoon-based conspiracy theories? Check out ChannelFrederator’s playlist on Youtube—there are currently 131 videos for you to peruse, with new videos being posted every Thursday. Feel free to use them as a reward for studying for finals (or as a way to procrastinate, I don’t judge).
