Best viral memes of the 2010s

Bad Luck Bryan embodied the idea of constant bad luck and became a relatable meme for describing everyday mishaps. His unfortunate yearbook photo made him perfect for illustrating situations of misfortune.

Gangnam Style was a global cultural phenomenon that transcended language barriers, being the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. Its catchy song and distinctive 'horse dance' made it a massive meme and a milestone in internet history.

As another one of the early 'rage comics', 'Forever Alone' became a universal symbol of loneliness and rejection on the internet. Its melancholic expression and iconic phrase resonated with millions of users, solidifying its place as a classic meme of the decade.

This meme was instrumental in popularizing 'rage comics' at the beginning of the decade, establishing a visual format for expressing frustration or demanding action. Its simplicity and universality made it incredibly adaptable to countless everyday situations.

The image of 'Disaster Girl' went viral due to the ambiguity of the girl's expression, who appears to enjoy the chaos of a fire. Its versatility made it a lasting meme to represent the hidden cause of a disaster or the enjoyment of chaos.

Grumpy Cat was one of the first animal memes to achieve massive global fame, personifying discontent and pessimism humorously. Its unique facial expression made it an icon of internet culture for the decade.

Doge stood out for its distinctive visual style and unique vocabulary, becoming a cultural phenomenon that even inspired a cryptocurrency. Its absurd humor and ability to express amazement or irony made it extremely popular.

This meme became an icon for representing denial or resignation in chaotic or disastrous situations. Its dark humor and ability to reflect the 'everything is fine' attitude amidst chaos made it very relevant.

The versatility of the 'Distracted Boyfriend' photograph to represent choices, preferences, or distractions made it extremely popular. Its clear and adaptable format allowed for countless humorous variations in meme culture.

This meme quickly gained popularity for its ability to express surprise at an obvious or predictable outcome, often with a touch of sarcasm. Its origin in an iconic character like Pikachu made it instantly recognizable and relatable.

The image of 'Sad Keanu' captured a universal feeling of loneliness or reflection, resonating with the internet audience. It was widely used to express sadness, introspection, or melancholic moments, becoming an iconic meme of the decade.

Nyan Cat was a massive viral phenomenon that represented early internet culture, known for its absurd and repetitive nature. Its animated GIF and catchy melody made it a symbol of online creativity and humor.

The Harlem Shake was a viral 'challenge' that demonstrated the power of collective participation on the internet and a meme's ability to generate a global phenomenon. Its simple and chaotic format made it incredibly fun and easy to replicate.

The two-panel format of 'Drake Hotline Bling' became incredibly versatile due to its simplicity and clarity for expressing preferences or rejections. Its ability to communicate 'I like this, I don't like that' made it a lasting and widely used meme.

The Harambe incident generated a wave of memes ranging from absurd humor to social criticism, becoming a symbol of internet culture. Its impact and the diversity of its use made it one of the most talked-about memes of the decade.

Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe went viral for his extravagant style and iconic gesture of sprinkling salt over meat. His meme became an instant way to add a touch of 'flavor', drama, or exaggeration to any situation.

This reaction GIF is extremely versatile for expressing disbelief, surprise, or confusion in unexpected or absurd situations. Its genuine and relatable expression made it a pillar of online visual communication.

It was one of the first viral videos of the decade, becoming famous for its protagonist's genuine and exaggerated reaction. It captured the essence of wonder and amazement in the YouTube era, inspiring countless parodies.

The Mannequin Challenge was a massive viral challenge that involved celebrities, sports teams, and people worldwide. It demonstrated the power of social media 'challenges' and a meme's ability to generate global participation.