This is a list of fan theories that explain plot holes, continuity errors, and inaccuracies in films and TV shows.
Moulin Rouge[]
- The film takes place in 1899, but features several modern songs, such as The Sound of Music from the film of the same name and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. This is because these songs are actually old Cabaret songs that are being translated for convenience's sake.
John Adams[]
- In the fourth episode of the miniseries, Abigail Adams is depicted reprimanding Benjamin Franklin for cheating on his wife, Deborah, while in France, even though Deborah died in 1774, seven years earlier. This scene is simply meant to show that the Founding Fathers of the United States had flaws, like regular people.
Looney Tunes: Back in Action[]
- In the film, several Looney Tunes characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, and Speedy Gonzales, are portrayed as actors who starred in their real life shorts, but several others, such as Tweety, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, The Tasmanian Devil, and Marvin the Martian, are depicted as people who have no connection to the Warner Brothers studio. This is because the latter group have retired, semi-retired, or are on vacation.
Shrek[]
- In the first film, in the scene where the fairy tale creatures invade Shrek's swamp, the Papa Bear and the Baby Bear are present but the Mama Bear is nowhere to be seen. However, after the scene where Shrek explains to Donkey why he is better off alone, the camera cuts to Lord Farquaad's bedroom in the scene where he views Princess Fiona on the Magic Mirror, revealing that the Mama Bear has been killed and skinned. However, she manages to show up unharmed at the karaoke party in the film's end. This is because she was resurrected as a result of magic.
- In the second film, in the scene where Shrek defeats and grabs Puss in Boots, Puss mentions his parents, even though his own film reveals that he was an orphan. This is because Puss was lying in order to save his skin.
Ice Age[]
- In the second film, Diego has a fear of water, despite being shown walking over it in the first film. This is because he almost drowned in between films as a result of Scrat pushing him into a river.
Despicable Me[]
- In the first film, it is shown that Gru created the Minions out of genetically engineered corn kernels, but their spinoff film reveals that they have been around since the dawn of time. This is because Gru cloned more Minions in the name of expanding his business after taking the original Minions in.
Shark Tale[]
- A sushi restaurant makes an appearance in one scene, despite the characters being fish. This is because the sushi comes from deceased fish (several real life species of fish are cannibals).
A Troll in Central Park[]
- In the scene where Gus and Rosie travel Central Park, nobody notices that the two siblings are without their parents or a guardian, even though Gus is seven years old and Rosie is an infant. This is because the bystanders are preoccupied with their own business.
The Simpsons[]
- In a 1991 episode, Bart Simpson is an avid fan of Michael Jackson, yet in a 1995 episode, he believes that Jackson is a monster created by adults to scare children. This is because Bart's love of Michael Jackson was simply a phase (and more revelations came out about Michael Jackson in real life as The Simpsons continued airing).
Star Wars[]
- In Return of the Jedi, Leia tells Luke that she remembers her mother, even though Padme dies giving birth to them in Revenge of the Sith. This is because Leia had simply heard stories about Padme from others.
The Muppets[]
- The 2011 film revolves around the idea that the Muppets have gone into obscurity, yet in the scene where the primary Muppets are picked up, it is revealed that some of them, such as Scooter and Gonzo, have been successful in other fields of work, meaning that they could be considered famous. This is because they are only known locally, not nationally or internationally. Also in the scene, Kermit has no issues with Crazy Harry and Sam the Eagle rejoining for the telethon, even though they caused pain for him in The Muppet Show. This is because the Muppets felt that their presence would be entertaining for the viewers. Also in the film, even though the Moopets are a Muppet tribute band, they disrespect the only actual Muppet they know, Fozzie Bear, and assist the person who plans to destroy their theater, Tex Richman. This is because they originally formed when the Muppets were popular in order to cash in on their popularity.
- In Muppets Most Wanted, Sam is a CIA agent instead of a member of the Muppet troupe, even though the film is a direct sequel to the 2011 film. This is because he is working undercover.
Winnie the Pooh[]
- In The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet does not appear until the second segment, despite his name being mentioned in the opening song. This is in order to give him a proper introduction. Also in the film, Owl's house is destroyed and Piglet gives his up, yet they are back in their original dwellings in other media. This is because Owl's house was repaired in a different tree.
- In Piglet's Big Movie, one scene recounts how Kanga and Roo arrived in the Hundred Acre Wood. Tigger takes part in the event, even though he first meets Pooh and his friends in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, in which Kanga and Roo are established friends of the group. This is because Pooh forgot that Tigger had not always lived in the Hundred Acre Wood, as he is absent-minded.
The Lion King[]
- In the film, during the musical number Be Prepared, Scar sings for the hyenas that the lights are not all on upstairs, despite not knowing what lights or stairs are, as he is an African lion. This is because a housecat told him about both objects. Also in the film, Pumbaa is referred to as a pig by Simba in one instance and Timon in another, yet he only gets angry when the hyenas label him as a pig in the climax. This is because Simba and Timon are his friends, while the hyenas are his enemies.
- The direct to video prequel, which is a recap of the first film from Timon and Pumbaa's perspective, actively contradicts the events of the original film. This is because Timon and Pumbaa were exaggerating, as the former is known for stretching the truth and taking the glory, while the latter is just playing along because he is dimwitted. In actuality, Timon and Pumbaa's backstories and the fact that the homes they attempted to move into were locations Simba had been are true, but they weren't always the same place at the same time. Timon and Pumbaa did pass by Simba's presentation, but Pumbaa's gas did not cause the animals to bow. Timon and Pumbaa did spend the night at the water hole and leave the next day due to the crowds, but Simba did not grow into a cub over night. Timon and Pumbaa traveled to the Elephant Graveyard and the Gorge at different times than Simba. Timon's colony returning to help fight the hyenas was actually made up by Timon to make himself seem more heroic.
Aladdin[]
- At the end of the film, Genie loses his cuffs when he is freed, yet he still wears them in the direct to video sequels and spinoff television series. This is because he believes them to be a fashion statement.
- During the musical number A Whole New World, Aladdin and Jasmine fly past a full moon and a crescent moon, implying their date to be really long. This is a result of time zones.
Monsters Inc.[]
- In the film, Boo cannot speak properly, as she is a toddler, yet she sleeps in a big girl bed and is toilet trained. This is because she is advanced for her age.
- Also in the film, a throwaway line suggests that Mike and Sulley have known each other since elementary school, yet the prequel shows them meeting for the first time in college. This is because the line is an expression and Mike was exaggerating.
Cars[]
- In the film, Chick Hicks gets away with aggressive driving and intentionally crashing cars without being penalized. This is because even though his actions are against Piston Cup rules, the Piston Cup officials do not care, as the police force is corrupt.
- In the sequel, stairway cars, taxi cabs, and double decker buses make appearances, despite being vehicles created for human usage. This is because their purpose in the Cars universe is to guide cars to their respective destinations.
Inside Out[]
- In the film, Riley's emotions are the only emotions to have actual variety, while the emotions of other characters are more alike, such being all male or all female and having the same hairstyles and accessories. This is because Riley is non-binary.
The Jungle Book[]
- In the film, Baloo refers to a fruit basket, despite being an animal who has had no contact with humankind. This is because a wolf had informed him about it.
- Also in the film, Mowgli is shown walking upright several times, even though he has not seen other humans. This is because he taught himself to walk upright after seeing monkeys do it.
Fantasia[]
- In the Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of the film, Mickey Mouse is interested in Yen Sid's hat, even though it is not the source of the Sorcerer's power. This is because he believes that the hat looks cool on him.
- The Pomp and Circumstance segment of the sequel features the plot point that Donald Duck believes Daisy to have perished in the flood and vice versa. This is simply because Noah's Ark is a large ship.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame[]
- In the film, most of the characters do not wear coats or cloaks, even though the film takes place in January. This is because they are used to the cold.
- Also in the film, The Archdeacon does not tell Quasimodo the true story about his mother. This is because he did not want to ruin his reputation and enrage Frollo in the process.
The Little Mermaid[]
- In the film, Sebastian uses paper for sheet music, even though paper does not hold up well underwater. This is because the paper has magical powers.
- Also in the film, King Triton's main objection to humans is that they eat fish, even though several sea creatures eat fish, such as crabs like Sebastian. This is because sea creatures only take what they need, while when humans take fish, it is considered a massacre by merpeople.
- Also throughout the film, Ariel does not write a note to Eric explaining that she is the girl who rescued him. This is simply because that thought did not pass through her mind.
- In the direct to video sequel, though Eric is in his thirties, he is still referred to as a prince, despite there being no king. This is because he is acting as a regent.
Hercules[]
- In the film, Narcissus is shown living on Mount Olympus, despite not being a god or demigod. This is because his arrogance caused him to move there.
- Also in the film, Hades does not glow, despite being a god. This is because he is the god of the Underworld.
Tarzan[]
- In the film, the Porters, who are British, teach Tarzan to speak English with an American accent. This is because the American accent is actually being translated for convenience's sake.
Toy Story[]
- In the first film, even though Buzz Lightyear is unaware that he is a toy, he freezes when humans are present. This is simply because he wanted to fit in with the other toys.
- In the second film, Woody does not know his backstory and does not recognize the Roundup Gang when he first meets them, while Buzz knows his backstory. This is because Buzz's backstory was on his toybox, while Woody's wasn't.
Finding Nemo[]
- In the film, Mr. Ray tells Marlin not to worry while Nemo is in school as he will be safe with him, even though the former failed to notice Nemo, Tad, Sheldon, and Pearl sneaking away from the class to the open sea. This is because he was too preoccupied with his lesson.
Brave[]
- In the film, the citizens of Dunbroch do not notice that Merida and Elinor have disappeared. This is because they were too focused on their issues,
The Incredibles[]
- In the film, Elastigirl is surprised to see Dash in the principal's office. This is because she didn't expect him to cause more trouble.
- Also in the film, there is no explanation over what happened to supervillains after superheroes were made illegal. This is actually because supervillains were not made illegal as they are intelligent and take advantage of technology.
Dumbo[]
- In the film, the only stork who wears clothes, makes the mother sign for her child, and delivers babies with musical accompaniment is the one who delivers Dumbo. This is because he has a top position.
101 Dalmatians[]
- In the film, Cruella does not sue Roger for libel when he publishes a song referring to her as an "inhumane beast" and a "spider waiting for the kill". This is because she is too preoccupied with her plot.
Pinocchio[]
- In the film, Cleo survives the ordeal with Monstro, even though a full glass bowl can sink and salt water is fatal to a goldfish. This is because her gills are strong and her bowl is too large.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs[]
- In the film, some of the forest animals Snow White befriends are native to North America, not Europe. This is because they were magically transported to the forest.
Beauty and the Beast[]
- In the film, it is known that the Beast has been enchanted for ten years and that the rose will bloom until his 21st year, which would make him 11 years old, even though his portrait does not look like that of a pre-adolescent. This is because the portrait's artist did not know the Beast's real age.
- In the film, Chip is ten years old, even though he was not yet born or was a baby when the curse occurred. This is because the Beast is the only resident of the castle who could age during the curse.
Frozen[]
- In the film, during the musical number Let it Go, Elsa creates her dress using ice powers, and it does not melt despite being made of ice. This is because nothing melts on her as a result of her powers.
Tangled[]
- In the film, Mother Gothel's job is not explained. This is because she does not have a job, as she is obsessed with her eternal youth.
The Rescuers[]
- In the film, Bernard says that he can't believe Penny would run away despite having never met her and knowing nothing about her. This is because he was sent a report about her.
Sleeping Beauty[]
- In the film, Flora says that Philip must face the coming dangers alone, even though the fairies help him. This is because they are concerned for his safety.
A Bug's Life[]
- In the film, Hopper and the grasshoppers love the circus bugs, even though their act fails when they perform for P.T. Flea. This is because P.T. Flea is unpopular with grasshoppers.
- Also in the film, Manny, who is mantis, is more interested in marrying Gypsy, a moth, instead of eating her. This is because he is a vegetarian.
Alice in Wonderland[]
- In the film, The Mad Hatter, referring to the White Rabbit's demolished watch, says "It was?", to which the White Rabbit replies "It was an unbirthday present too.", even though the lines would make more sense in the reverse order. This is because Wonderland is a nonsensical place.
The Princess and the Frog[]
- In the film, Tiana says that she won't kiss a frog and eat a bug on the same day, but that actually happens the next day. This is due to an unintentional change of plans.
Peter Pan[]
- In the film, nobody notices that Peter Pan has turned the hand of the Big Ben clock ahead ten minutes. This is because everyone is asleep.
Lady and the Tramp[]
- In the film, one of Darling's friends uses the name in third person. This means that Darling is a common term of endearment.
Mulan[]
- In the film, Mulan manages to fit into her father's armor. This is because the armor is slender.