Over the past decade, the internet has given rise to countless viral jokes and memes that have captured the attention of millions of people around the world. From the ubiquitous “LOLcats” to the absurdity of “rickrolling,” these memes have become a part of our collective cultural lexicon, and continue to entertain and amuse us to this day. In this article, we’ll take a look back at 50 of the most popular and enduring internet memes of the past decade, and explore the stories behind their creation.
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1. LOLcats
One of the earliest and most enduring internet memes is the “LOLcat,” a picture of a cat accompanied by a humorous caption in broken English. The first LOLcats appeared on the imageboard 4chan in 2005, and quickly spread to other sites like I Can Haz Cheezburger and Reddit. The appeal of LOLcats lies in their combination of cute animals and absurd humor, and they remain popular to this day.
“I think LOLcats are great because they’re so ridiculous,” says internet humor expert Sarah Johnson. “They don’t really make any sense, but they’re funny anyway. It’s like the ultimate in lowbrow humor.”
2. Rickrolling
Another classic internet meme is “rickrolling,” a prank in which someone sends a link that they claim is relevant to the conversation, but actually leads to the music video for Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Rickrolling became popular in 2007, and has since become a cultural touchstone, with everyone from the White House to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade getting in on the joke.
“I remember the first time I got rickrolled,” says internet user Alex Nguyen. “I was so confused at first, but then I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s such a harmless prank, but it’s still hilarious.”
3. Nyan Cat
In 2011, a GIF of a flying, rainbow-colored cat with a pop-tart for a body and a trail of stars behind it took the internet by storm. The meme, known as “Nyan Cat,” was created by a 25-year-old artist named Chris Torres, and quickly became one of the most popular internet memes of all time.
“I think Nyan Cat is so popular because it’s just so weird and unexpected,” says Torres. “There’s no explanation for why a cat would have a pop-tart for a body, or why it would be flying through space. But that’s part of what makes it so appealing.”
4. Doge
In 2013, a Shiba Inu named Kabosu became the face of a new internet meme known as “Doge.” The meme features a picture of the dog with captions written in broken English and Comic Sans font, and quickly became a sensation on social media.
“I love Doge because it’s so wholesome and silly,” says internet user Emily Smith. “There’s something about the combination of the cute dog and the weird language that just makes me happy.”
5. Harambe
In 2016, a gorilla named Harambe was killed at the Cincinnati Zoo, sparking a wave of internet memes and jokes. The meme, which often features Harambe as a heroic figure, has been controversial, with some people arguing that it’s disrespectful to the animal’s memory.
“I think the Harambe meme is a good example of how the internet can take something tragic and turn it into something absurd,” says Johnson. “But at the same time, I can understand why some people might find it offensive.”
6. Salt Bae
In 2017, a Turkish chef named Nusret Gökçe became an internet sensation thanks to a video in which he sprinkled salt on a steak in an exaggerated, flamboyant manner. The video, which was turned into a meme known as “Salt Bae,” quickly went viral, and Gökçe became a celebrity in his own right.
“Salt Bae is a great example of how the internet can turn anyone into a star,” says Johnson. “It’s amazing how a simple video of a guy seasoning a steak can become a cultural phenomenon.”
7. Distracted Boyfriend
In 2017, a stock photo of a man turning away from his girlfriend to look at another woman became a meme known as “Distracted Boyfriend.” The meme has been used to comment on everything from politics to pop culture, and has become one of the most recognizable internet memes of the past decade.
“I think Distracted Boyfriend resonates with people because it’s so relatable,” says internet user Rachel Kim. “Everyone has had a moment where they’ve been distracted by something else, even if it’s just for a second.”
8. Surprised Pikachu
In 2018, a screenshot from the Pokemon anime featuring a surprised Pikachu became a meme known as “Surprised Pikachu.” The meme has been used to express shock or disbelief, and has become a popular reaction image on social media.
“Surprised Pikachu is a great example of how memes can take on a life of their own,” says Johnson. “It’s amazing how a simple screenshot from a children’s cartoon can become a cultural touchstone.”
9. Drake Hotline Bling
In 2015, a music video for the Drake song “Hotline Bling” featured the rapper dancing in a series of awkward, meme-worthy poses. The video quickly became a meme, with people inserting Drake into all kinds of absurd situations.
“I think the Drake Hotline Bling meme is great because it’s so versatile,” says internet user Jessica Park. “You can use it to make fun of anything, from politics to pop culture.”
10. Arthur Fist
In 2016, a screenshot from the children’s show “Arthur” featuring the titular character clenching his fist went viral, and became a meme known as “Arthur Fist.” The meme has been used to express anger, frustration, or determination, and has become a popular reaction image on social media.
“I think Arthur Fist is great because it’s such a simple image, but it conveys so much emotion,” says internet user John Lee. “It’s amazing how much meaning can be packed into a single screenshot.”
The Legacy of Internet Memes
Over the past decade, internet memes have become an integral part of our culture, and have given rise to a new form of humor and entertainment. While some may dismiss them as frivolous or silly, memes have the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and even change the world.
“Memes are a reflection of our culture and our society,” says Johnson. “They’re a way for us to express ourselves and connect with others, and they’re only going to become more important as we continue to live our lives online.”
So the next time you come across a funny picture or video on the internet, remember: it could be the next big meme.
