The Mandela Effectimpacts severalmoviesand TV shows. The Mandela Effect is a term that refers to common misconceptions throughout society, often involving people having false memories of a particular event or fact, whether they be completely incorrect or with certain different details. This originates from the common misbelief that Nelson Mandela died in prison in the ‘80s, despite his release in 1990. While the Mandela Effect is applicable to many things, it frequently occurs in some ofthe best movies of all timeand biggest TV shows ever.
A great example of the Mandela Effect isThe Berenstain Bears being called “Berenstein”instead. The phenomenon is so intriguing that there is a sci-fi thriller film of the same name, which focuses on groups of people remembering certain events differently than others. It’s surprising, however, howmany massive moments from movies and TV shows are actually examples of the Mandela Effect.
10"Luke, I Am Your Father" (Misquote)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Darth Vader being Luke’s father inStar Warsis one of the most shocking moments in cinematic history, but the iconic line that reveals this fact is often misquoted by audiences. Throughout the original trilogy, it’s clear that there is some sort of connection between Skywalker and Vader, but it isn’t just the Force.
15 Things That Make No Sense About The Star Wars Original Trilogy
While it may tell a fantastic story full of incredible moments and iconic characters, several things in the original Star Wars trilogy don’t add up.
However, whenSkywalkeraccuses Vader of killing his father, he learns that the dark villain is actually one of his biological parents. While many remember this legendary moment accompanied by the dialogue, “Luke, I am your father,”in reality, it’s actually, “No, I am your father.”
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
Cast
The Empire Strikes Back is the second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, directed by Irvin Kershner. Released in 1980, it follows Luke Skywalker as he trains under Jedi Master Yoda, while Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the Rebel Alliance face ongoing threats from the Galactic Empire and Darth Vader.
The incorrect quote is one that many continue to use to this day, despite being corrected, although it’s definitely hard to get out of the habit. Even thoughit’s only a tiny change to the wording, it’s incredible that such a notable line of dialogue from one of thebiggest sci-fi movie franchisesever is remembered incorrectly.
9"What If I Told You?" (Misquote)
The Matrix (1999)
Another misquote from the world of movies is fromThe Matrix. The “What if I told you?” moment from Lawrence Fishburne’s Morpheus is actually afantasy movie meme, too, which is why so many people fail to remember the dialogue properly. In actuality, this isn’t the line at all.Instead, Morpheus asks Keanu Reeves’ Neo if he wants to know what the Matrix is.
It’s rather comical that this quote is so wrong compared to what is actually said, however, and it is a real-life example of a glitch in the Matrix.
It’s rather comical that this quote is so wrong compared to what is actually said, however, and it is a real-life example of a glitch in the Matrix. It’s unclear why this exactly is, though. Some viewers remember there being a similar line at a different point, specifically when Neo takes the red pill, but later find that they’re unable to locate this specific moment in the film.
The Matrix
The Matrix, released in 1999, is set in the 22nd century and follows a computer hacker, Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. He joins a group of underground insurgents led by Morpheus to combat the domineering computers that control the earth, in a battle that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
It’s possible there is a very slightly different cut of the film from its initial release, and considering it is a title from 1999, there’s a chance that this edit is no longer in circulation. Despite this scene succumbing to the Mandela Effect, it’s still one of the most notable moments throughoutThe Matrixmovies.
8“Hello, Clarice” (Misquote)
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
The reason why many think Hannibal Lecter says “Hello, Clarice” to Clarice Starling when they first meet inThe Silence of the Lambsis unknown. A lot of audiences are convinced that this is what Anthony Hopkins’ serial killer utters through the bars of his cell. Butin reality, he simply says “Good morning.”
Many remember it as “Hello, Clarice” and take note of how spine-chilling the moment is, especially because of the way Lecter stares Starling down, but it never actually happens and it’s a widespread false memory. There is a Jim Carrey character from the 1996 movieThe Cable Guywho parodies Lecter with this line, so there’s a chance that this could be attributed to its Mandela Effect.
The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling, portrayed by Jodie Foster, as she seeks the help of imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, to solve a series of gruesome murders. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this 1991 psychological thriller delves into the dark world of criminal profiling and the complex relationship between a young investigator and a brilliant, but dangerous, psychopath.
Plus,the quote is then used in the 2001 sequel,Hannibal, when Lecter calls Starling. Considering it eventually makes its way into the franchise, it makes sense that many believe it’s from the first film, even though it isn’t. However, it’s likely that it’s simply because it is amovie misquote that is actually better than the real line.
7“Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall…” (Misquote)
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Another notable misquote from movies comes from the 1937 Disney animation ofSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs. From childhood, many are taught that the evil Queen says “Mirror, mirror, on the wall,” when asking about the fairest maiden in the land. However, the Queen’s reaction to the news that Snow White is fairer than herself often distracts from the fact thather words are actually “Magic mirror on the wall.”
What’s interesting about this, however, is that theDisneySnow Whitemovie quoteis incorrect. The Brothers Grimm story doesn’t refer to the mirror as “magic,” and because many are so familiar with the original fairytale, it makes sense that their memory of the Disney film automatically alters.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic 1938 animated film based on the Brothers Grimm tale. The story follows Snow White, who hides in a forest with seven dwarfs to escape her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen. The Queen is determined to be the fairest in the land, threatened by Snow White’s beauty.
Every otherSnow Whitemovie correctly quotes the Brothers Grimm, too, so it’s natural for audiences to assume that the line is the same in every title. Although there isn’t a major difference between the correct line and misquote, it’s still an example of the Mandela Effect that baffles viewers.
6C3PO Doesn’t Have 2 Golden Legs In The Original Trilogy
Star Wars
C3PO’s golden robotic structure is a staple oftheStar Warsmoviesand all the franchise’s additional media, but his appearance isn’t consistent throughout. In fact,one of C3PO’s legs is actually silver in the first three films. However, it’s only fair to note that the ‘80s production quality of theStar Warsoriginal trilogy makes the different color of the leg blend in rather well, and it’s not always apparent in every scene. This Mandela Effect example is one that continues to confuse audiences years after the films’ releases.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Star Wars is a seminal science fiction film released in 1977 that follows the quest of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo to rescue Princess Leia from the oppressive Imperial forces. They are aided by the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, as they strive to restore peace to the galaxy.
What makes this even more complicated is that C3PO is completely gold in some vintage collectibles and toys from the ‘80s, although this is generally justified by the lack of attention to detail on things like this back then, and once again, the fact thatthe silver leg isn’t massively noticeable. Even though this doesn’t impactStar Wars’C3POwhatsoever, it’s still a strange misconception.
5Pikachu Doesn’t Have A Black Tipped Tail
Pokémon (1997-)
Pikachu’s design in thePokémonfranchise changesthroughout the various games and anime shows, but one feature of the mouse-like creature that many believe him to have is a black-tipped tail. Although Pikachu initially begins as a much larger and rounder Pokémon, who slowly shrinks over time,his tail never actually changes.
One Early Pikachu Idea Would Have Changed How Fans Think Of Pokémon’s Mascot Forever
An idea considered in the earliest days of the Pokémon anime would’ve radically affected Pikachu, changing what fans know about the electric mouse.
It’s likely thatPokémonviewers think this because of Pikachu’s thunderbolt design, but even still, it makes more sense that they believe the tip to be brown rather than black. Earlier designs of the Pokémon includes a brown or redish base to Pikachu’s tail, but this is phased out in some projects.
Pokémon
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
Plus, Pikachu’s black-tipped ears often line up with the top of his tail, which can explain why many are confused by this example of the Mandela Effect.Pikachu is the most popular Pokémonin many countries worldwide, but despite his image being used so heavily in promotional material, it’s surprising how often his design is incorrectly remembered by audiences.
4"Beam Me Up, Scotty" Is Never Said
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
“Beam me up, Scotty” is aniconic Captain Kirk quote fromStar Trek: The Original Series, except it’s not real.At no point in the show does Kirk ever utter these exact words, but despite this, the misquote is one of the most notable references from the entireStar Trekfranchise. However, there are reasons that explain why this is impacted by the Mandela Effect.
This misquote is so popular, though, that William Shatner uses it in his non-canonical novelStar Trek: The Ashes of Eden, but it doesn’t make it real inThe Original Series, unfortunately.
The closest that Kirk ever gets to saying this line is in the episodes “The Gamesters of Triskelion” and “The Savage Curtain,” with “Scotty, beam us up.” InThe Voyage Home, the fourth installment inthe originalStar Trekmovie series, Kirk tells his chief engineer “Scotty, beam me up,” too.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Star Trek follows the U.S.S. Enterprise on its five-year mission to explore the galaxy, led by Captain James T. Kirk and First Officer Mr. Spock. The crew confronts a variety of challenges, including Klingons, Romulans, and genetic supermen, as they search for new life and civilizations.
This misquote is so popular, though, that William Shatner uses it in his non-canonical novelStar Trek: The Ashes of Eden, but it doesn’t make it real inThe Original Series, unfortunately. Despite how incredibly committed to being accurate sci-fi audiences are, many still reference this non-existent quote and even own merchandise with it on.
“Shazaam”
The debate thatSinbad portrays a genie in a movie calledShazaamfrom the ‘90s is still ongoing, despite the facthis children constantly confirm that the title doesn’t exist, and never did. Many vividly remember Sinbad as a bumbling genie who is summoned by two kids during a difficult time in their life.
It’s likely that this is because of two things: Sinbad hosting aSinbad the Sailormovie marathonin 1994, where he dresses as a genie, and Shaquille O’Neal playing a genie in the 1996 movieKazaam. Images of Sinbad in a CollegeHumor April Fool’s video are often mistaken for scenes fromShazaam, but this is all new footage.
Despiteall the evidence that provesShazaamisn’t real, audiences are adamant that it is. Online comments frequently discuss details of the plot and memories of owning a VHS copy ofShazaam, but there is no actual proof of a tape, either. While Sinbad definitely plays some wacky characters, the comedian himself is still determined to remind viewers he has never portrayed a genie.
2Uncle Joey Isn’t A Relation
Full House (1987-1995)
The biggest example of theMandela Effect inFull Houseis “Uncle” Joey. Dave Coulier’s Joey Gladstone is frequently misremembered as the uncle of the Tanner children, exceptthe show never uses that label for him. Of course, an uncle doesn’t have to be a familial relation, and many refer to family friends as such, too. However, the exact word is never uttered onFull House, either.
Full House (US)
Full House (1987) is a family sitcom centered on Danny Tanner, a widowed father, who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse and best friend Joey to help raise his three young daughters in San Francisco. The series features themes of family, friendship, and humor, showcasing the everyday challenges and heartwarming moments as they navigate life together. Full House starred Bob Saget, John Stamos, and Dave Coulier.
Considering what an integral part of the family Joey is, and that Jesse is called uncle as well, it makes sense that viewers think this.Pam Tanner’s death inFull Housedevastates Danny, so anyone who takes a significant role in their children’s lives is essentially family. While he does technically become Uncle Joey eventually, it’s only after the birth of Jesse’s twins, andthe Tanner girls never call him the same, at least not on-screen. Regardless of the dialogue inFull House, though,he will always be Uncle Joey to audiences.
1Fonzie’s Coat Was Brown, Not Black
Happy Days (1974-1984)
Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli’s iconic jacket is a staple ofHenry Winkler’s character inHappy Days, and his appearance is one that many fondly remember. However, Fonzie’s staple leather jacket is commonly believed to be black when it’s actually brown. He originally has a grey jacket, but he later trades it in for an upgraded model.
Fonzie often sports this piece of clothing throughout the show, and he wears it during some truly ridiculous escapades, like when he famously jumps over a shark on water skis, for example. Because of Fonzie’s notable look, which also includes his gelled slick back hair and white undershirt,it’s possible that viewers are mixing him up with other notable fictional characters, like John Travolta’s Danny Zuko inGrease, for example.
Happy Days
Happy Days is a television series set in the 1950s and 1960s, exploring the lives of the Cunningham family and their friends in Milwaukee. Starring Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham and Henry Winkler as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, the show captures the essence of mid-20th century American life. Premiering in 1974, it enjoys iconic status for its nostalgic portrayal of teenage life and family dynamics.
The coat is also quite a dark brown, so it makes sense that viewers are confused about the color, especially because in certain lighting, it also looks almost maroon. While there isn’t a massive difference, there’s no doubt that theMandela Effectis powerful.
