The Simpsons, the long-running animated sitcom, has gained a reputation for eerily predicting real-world events. From political outcomes to technological advancements, many of the show’s seemingly absurd jokes have come true years later. Unsurprisingly, Hollywood has taken notice, and some filmmakers have drawn inspiration from these “predictions” to create movies. Below are some Hollywood films that seem to be based on or influenced by Simpsons predictions.
1. “The Simpsons Movie” (2007) – A Satirical Take on Environmental Disasters
While not directly a prediction, The Simpsons Movie (2007) featured a storyline where Springfield is encased in a giant dome due to pollution—a scenario that echoes real-world environmental crises. Some have drawn parallels between this and government responses to pollution and pandemics.
Simpsons Prediction: The idea of a government-imposed dome has been compared to quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. “Don’t Look Up” (2021) – A Comedic Take on Impending Doom
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up (2021) follows two scientists trying to warn the world about an approaching comet, only to be ignored by politicians and the media. This mirrors The Simpsons S8E14 (“The Springfield Files”), where a comet threatens Springfield, but authorities dismiss it.
Simpsons Prediction: The episode’s satirical take on bureaucratic incompetence and public apathy aligns closely with Don’t Look Up.
3. “The Truman Show” (1998) – Reality TV and Surveillance Culture
The Simpsons S9E10 (“Realty Bites”) featured a subplot where Marge becomes a real estate agent selling fake houses—echoing the artificiality of The Truman Show (1998). Both explore themes of manufactured reality and surveillance.
Simpsons Connection: While The Truman Show came out first, The Simpsons has repeatedly predicted the rise of reality TV and surveillance culture, making this a thematic overlap.
4. “Idiocracy” (2006) – A Dystopian Future of Stupidity
Mike Judge’s Idiocracy (2006) depicts a future where society has devolved into extreme anti-intellectualism—a theme The Simpsons has mocked for decades. Episodes like “They Saved Lisa’s Brain” (S10E22) show Springfield collapsing under mob rule when intellectuals take over.
Simpsons Prediction: The show’s recurring theme of society’s decline due to ignorance mirrors Idiocracy’s premise.
5. “Contagion” (2011) – Pandemic Panic
The Simpsons S7E9 (“King-Size Homer”) featured a flu outbreak caused by contaminated sugar, leading to mass panic. Similarly, Contagion (2011) depicted a deadly virus spreading globally.
Simpsons Prediction: While not an exact match, the episode’s portrayal of public hysteria and misinformation foreshadowed real-world pandemic responses.
6. “Black Mirror” Episodes – Tech Dystopia
Many Black Mirror episodes explore dark consequences of technology, much like The Simpsons has done. For example:
- “Lisa’s Wedding” (S6E19) predicts VR dating (similar to Black Mirror’s “Hang the DJ”).
- “Bart to the Future” (S11E17) features a dystopian presidency (echoing political satire in Black Mirror).
Simpsons Prediction: The show’s tech satire often aligns with Black Mirror’s themes.
Conclusion
While The Simpsons doesn’t literally predict the future, its sharp satire often foreshadows societal trends. Hollywood has taken inspiration from these themes, creating movies that feel eerily familiar to long-time fans. Whether by coincidence or clever writing, The Simpsons continues to be a cultural mirror—and sometimes, a crystal ball.