You don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie. But since this film is based on a popular game series, it is chock-full of little references and Easter eggs designed just for the fans to notice.
What little details and hidden references in the FNAF movie did you miss or maybe not understand? We’ve compiled all of the best nods in the film and deciphered all the little hidden messages buried on the screen.
8 Employee of the Month
The Employee of the Month photos appear only briefly on screen, but if you manage to look closely, you will notice a nice Easter egg that is a clear love letter to the fans of the FNAF games.
All of the former employees of the month are well-known YouTubers who have covered the FNAF games. Since YouTubers helped to propel the massive success of the games, this is a nice nod to the die-hard Freddy fans.
7 6:00 am
If you’ve played the games, you know that 6:00 a.m. is the safe time. If you make it this far, heart racing and palms sweating, you have survived another night of harrowing horror at the hands of ghostly animatronics.
MIke’s alarm clock goes off at 6:00 am in one of the earliest scenes in the film, a quick and early Easter egg and a huge wink to all the fans of the game who will instantly understand the significance of that time.
6 Mike Schmidt
After you earn your first paycheck as the security guard in the first FNAF game, you’ll learn that your name is Mike Schmidt. So, of course, this is the name given to the security guard in the movie.
The name is not revealed until the very end of the movie. But if you look for it, you will see it and learn Mike’s last name. It’s the kind of thing only fans of the game will notice, and it’s a nice touch.
5 It’s Me
Golden Freddy is known to flash the words “it’s me” on the screen during the game, and this happens in the movie as well. Look closely and wait for Golden Freddy to make an appearance in the film.
When he does, the words “it’s me” will appear on the mirror in the office. The lights also flicker, and the electronics spark, which are signature signs that Golden Freddy is nearby in the game.
4 Circus Baby
Play the FNAF games long enough, and you will learn about Sister Location. This spin-off game tells the story of a different, sad, old former play place for children. This is where Circus Baby used to live, a character that is seen very briefly in the film.
Mike goes past Circus Baby in the movie, giving fans a very quick look at this little Easter egg that delves into the depths of FNAF lore. The appearance of Circus Baby also opens a wide door for future movie possibilities as well.
3 Debunked Fan Theories
In another nod to the truly loyal and active fans, the movie references two of the most popular fan theories associated with FNAF lore. You might notice early in the movie that Mike carries around a book titled “Dream Theory.” This is a clear reference to a popular theory that the entire game series is nothing more than a dream.
According to another theory and gaming urban legend, there is actually a hidden animatronic that was once a part of the original group. This was Sparky the dog. While this member of the game was proven to be a hoax, the film references this bit of lore with Sparky’s diner, which is seen briefly in the film.
2 Audio Egg
Listen closely to the credits, and you might hear the strains of a music box at some point. If you’re familiar with the music from the various games, you will recognize this little ditty from Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.
This little piece of audio suggests that there may be a sequel to the movie, which is big news for fans. This is the music that plays when the puppet appears in FNAF2. It’s not so much when the music plays that you’re in danger, but when it stops.
1 The Security Office
The security office is a setting that will be familiar to players of the game. It’s a central area in the games, and it is lovingly recreated on film down to the smallest detail. It’s clear that a lot of time went into this set, and it’s something fans will appreciate.
The entire office is chock-full of Easter eggs and visual references to the games, so you can stay busy picking apart the scene in the office and seeking out clues. The room is full of posters, cups, and other little details from the game that will stand out right away.