Ever wonder about the strange ideas some people believe? Conspiracy theories can be wild and unbelievable, but they often reveal the fascinating ways humans think. Here are 23 of the craziest conspiracy theories that people actually believe!
1. The Moon Landing Was Faked
Some people believe that the 1969 moon landing was a hoax created by the U.S. government. They think the famous footage was filmed in a Hollywood studio, pointing to shadows and flag movements as “proof.” However, scientists and experts have debunked these claims with evidence of moon rocks and technology.
2. The Earth Is Flat
Despite centuries of evidence proving the Earth is round, some people still believe it’s flat. Flat Earthers think that all the photos from space are fake and that gravity is an illusion. They say that the world is a flat disc surrounded by an ice wall.
3. Reptilian Overlords
A theory suggests that shape-shifting reptilian aliens control our world by taking human form. These “reptilians” are said to include powerful figures like politicians and celebrities. This idea was popularized by David Icke, who claims they aim to dominate Earth.
4. The Illuminati Controls Everything
Many believe that a secret society called the Illuminati is behind major world events. This group supposedly includes influential leaders who manipulate governments and economies. Conspiracy theorists claim the Illuminati aims to establish a New World Order.
5. Chemtrails
Some people think the white trails left by airplanes are chemicals sprayed to control the population. They call these trails “chemtrails,” believing they spread diseases or control weather. Scientists, however, explain that these trails are just condensed water vapor called contrails.
6. Elvis Is Alive
Despite his death being well-documented, some fans believe Elvis Presley faked his death and is still alive. They claim sightings of Elvis and find hidden clues in his songs and life. This theory persists because people can’t accept the loss of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
7. Bigfoot
The legend of Bigfoot describes a giant, hairy creature living in the forests of North America. Believers claim to have seen Bigfoot or found footprints and other evidence. Despite many searches and studies, no concrete proof of Bigfoot’s existence has been found.
8. Area 51 and Aliens
Area 51 is a secretive military base in Nevada, leading some to believe it houses aliens and UFOs. Conspiracy theorists think the government is hiding extraterrestrial life and technology there. The base’s true purpose remains classified, fueling more speculation.
9. The Titanic Didn’t Sink
A wild theory suggests that it wasn’t the Titanic that sank in 1912, but its sister ship, the Olympic. Proponents believe it was an insurance scam gone wrong. However, extensive evidence from the wreck disproves this theory.
10. The Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is said to live in Scotland’s Loch Ness. Believers report seeing a large, dinosaur-like creature in the lake. While numerous expeditions have searched for Nessie, no scientific proof has been found.
11. JFK Assassination
Many theories surround the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Some believe there was more than one shooter or that the government was involved in a cover-up. Despite official investigations, questions and doubts remain.
12. Paul McCartney Is Dead
A bizarre theory claims that Paul McCartney of The Beatles died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-alike. Fans find “clues” in album covers and lyrics, hinting at Paul’s death. McCartney himself has joked about the theory, proving he’s very much alive.
13. The Denver Airport Conspiracy
Some believe the Denver International Airport is a hub for the Illuminati or other secret societies. They point to the airport’s unusual art, underground tunnels, and mysterious symbols. Officials say the theories are just myths, but curiosity persists.
14. The Philadelphia Experiment
This theory claims that in 1943, the U.S. Navy conducted a secret experiment to make a ship invisible. The USS Eldridge allegedly disappeared and reappeared miles away. Despite no evidence, the story captivates conspiracy theorists.
15. 5G and Mind Control
Some people fear that 5G technology is used by governments for mind control or population surveillance. They believe that 5G towers emit harmful radiation affecting our brains. Experts have repeatedly assured that 5G is safe and poses no such risks.
16. The Hollow Earth Theory
Some people believe that Earth is hollow and contains hidden civilizations inside. This theory suggests there are entrances to this underground world at the North and South Poles. Despite scientific evidence showing Earth’s solid layers, the idea of a hollow Earth continues to intrigue.
17. The Mandela Effect
The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon where large groups of people remember events differently from how they occurred. Some believe this is proof of alternate realities or timelines. Examples include the spelling of the Berenstain Bears or Nelson Mandela’s death in the 1980s.
18. HAARP Weather Control
The High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska is often accused of controlling the weather. Conspiracy theorists believe HAARP can create natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Scientists explain that HAARP studies the ionosphere and cannot influence the weather.
19. The 27 Club
The 27 Club refers to a group of famous musicians and artists who died at the age of 27. Some think there’s a curse or secret pact responsible for these untimely deaths. Notable members include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain.
20. The COVID-19 Pandemic Was Planned
A conspiracy theory claims that the COVID-19 pandemic was planned by powerful groups to control the world. Believers point to patents and pandemic simulations as evidence. However, experts attribute the pandemic to natural causes and the virus’s spread.
21. The New Coke Conspiracy
In 1985, Coca-Cola changed its formula to New Coke, sparking a conspiracy theory. Some believe the company did this to cover up the switch to high-fructose corn syrup or to boost sales of the original formula. Coca-Cola insists it was a genuine marketing mistake.
22. The Phantom Time Hypothesis
This theory suggests that some historical periods, specifically between 614 and 911 AD, never actually occurred. Believers think the years were fabricated to align historical events with a certain timeline. Historians and scholars strongly reject this hypothesis.
23. The Death of Princess Diana
Many conspiracy theories surround the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997. Some believe her death was not an accident but a planned assassination. Theories suggest involvement by the British royal family or other powerful entities, despite official investigations concluding it was a car crash.
25. Operation Northwoods
In the 1960s, a declassified document revealed a plan called Operation Northwoods. It proposed committing acts of terrorism on U.S. soil and blaming Cuba to justify military action. Though the plan was never carried out, it fuels theories about government plots.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
