Wow, what a year. Well, it's been a really crummy year. But it's also been a really meme-worthy year. And we've got the memes to prove it. We've scoured the internet for the best of the best and compiled them all into an easy-to-share list just for you!
The Happy Side, Sad Side Bus Meme
The bus meme has been around since 2013, according to Know Your Meme. It was made as an inspirational animation about perspective by a Brazilian illustrator named Genildo Ronchi, something we're sure Jake Gyllenhaal is getting a lot of these days.
Which Oprah Are You?
Who has provided us with more unforgettable television moments than Oprah? She could simply go up to a camera and give it a quick glance before walking away, and it would have the cultural impact of a number of Super Bowls. Her interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, which drew over 17 million people on Sunday night and has spawned at least as many memes, here is the latest proof.
March 2020 vs. March 2021
Kathryn Hahn's stage-wink
As Agatha Harkness on the show, Kathryn provided us some truly classic moments, such as this hilarious and over-the-top wink that — surprise, surprise! It has turned into its own meme.
When Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp went down
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp went down for nearly six hours, leaving 2.7 billion people across the world without their digital fidget spinners.
Naturally, people moved away from any Facebook-owned apps and toward Twitter, which appeared to be ready to welcome the online masses.
Ship in Suez Canal Meme
We're sure the captain of the MV Ever Given (Evergreen) is having a miserable day. After being trapped in the Suez Canal, the cargo ship has blocked the passage for hundreds of other ships attempting to transit through the area. Over the last few days though, all manner of memes have appeared online and they're well worth a look if you're looking for a good chortle.
Look at this! A meme so popular that it inspired a Twitter account dedicated to it. Everyone is going through a difficult period, but you're trying your best.
Woman Yelling At A Cat meme
But, exactly, what is a cat meme, and how did it get so popular? To begin with, the meme's virality is, of course, attributable to pure chance. The images had already been used as memes on their own—and both have their own origins—but when they were combined, they became magical.
The Weeknd Superbowl Meme
It's time to crown the Super Bowl champion. No, not whoever comes out on top. Which aspect of the Super Bowl halftime show will become the night's biggest meme?
This meme from the Weeknd's performance has taken the crown last (2021) year.
The best part of The Weeknd's Super Bowl halftime act was the "looking around" meme.
Red Flag Meme
This isn't a very amazing concept, but its existence is an interesting summation of the meme life cycle. Because they are easily readable by a large number of people, everyone is aware of the flaw in the meme's format, tone, and intent.
Anakin and Padme Meme
Padme and Anakin Skywalker talking in a field in one of the prequel Star Wars films has lately resurfaced as a meme type. Anakin makes a statement, which Padme subsequently questions him about twice. She thinks he's joking the first time, but the second time she's worried he's not.