The Biggest Internet Memes

Memes have become a language of their own. They’re fast, funny, and sometimes surprisingly emotional. A single image with the right caption can go around the world in minutes. Whether you’re scrolling through social media or chatting in a group message, there’s a good chance you’ve explored popular memes today.

What makes a meme stand out? Sometimes it’s timing. Other times it’s the image, the format, or just pure randomness. But the biggest internet memes tend to do more than just make people laugh—they become part of everyday culture. They show up in ads, news stories, and even school projects.

What This Article Covers About Internet Memes

This article highlights the biggest internet memes and why they matter:

• A look at memes that went viral and stayed popular
• The stories behind iconic memes and where they came from
• Why some memes fade fast while others become part of internet history
• How memes reflect online culture and shape trends

From the absurd to the relatable, memes tell stories that stick. Let’s take a look at the ones that made the biggest splash online.

Crying Jordan

Few images have lasted as long as Michael Jordan’s crying face. It came from his 2009 Hall of Fame speech, but it didn’t explode online until years later. The meme shows Jordan crying, often pasted over someone else’s face to represent loss or embarrassment.

It took off in sports forums but spread quickly to other spaces. You could find it after a bad product launch, a failed tweet, or a celebrity mishap. Its staying power comes from how easily it fits into almost any moment of failure.

Even Jordan himself acknowledged the meme, showing how big it became. Once a meme moves from internet joke to cultural reference, you know it’s hit another level.

Woman Yelling at a Cat

This meme mashes up two unrelated images: a Real Housewives cast member yelling and a confused white cat sitting at a table. It shouldn’t work—but somehow it does.

People use it to show two sides of an argument, often with the woman saying something ridiculous and the cat calmly disagreeing. Its format is flexible and funny, and its strange contrast keeps people coming back.

The cat, named Smudge, became internet famous on its own. Now it appears on T-shirts, mugs, and all kinds of merchandise.

Distracted Boyfriend

A man looks at another woman while his girlfriend stares in disbelief. This stock photo became one of the most recognizable memes on the internet. It’s used to show temptation, distraction, or shifting priorities.

What made this meme take off was how well it captured a very human reaction. People used it for everything from personal relationships to economic theories. It’s simple, easy to edit, and always gets a reaction.

It even sparked conversations about how memes use real people and the ethics behind turning stock photos into viral content.

This Is Fine

A dog sits calmly in a burning room, saying “This is fine.” The original cartoon came from webcomic artist KC Green, but it spread far beyond its source.

It’s often used to show denial, stress, or the feeling of keeping it together when things are falling apart. In a world full of chaos, the dog in the flames struck a nerve.

The image became especially popular during global events that felt out of control. It summed up a feeling many people shared but didn’t know how to explain.

Grumpy Cat

Before Instagram was full of pet influencers, Grumpy Cat ruled the meme world. Her frown-like expression made her internet royalty. Her real name was Tardar Sauce, and she became famous thanks to one viral Reddit post.

Her memes usually featured cynical or sarcastic captions, making her the perfect face of online frustration. She appeared on television shows, at fan conventions, and even got her own merchandise line.

Grumpy Cat showed how a single image—paired with the right tone—can launch a worldwide phenomenon.

Success Kid

A toddler with a clenched fist and determined look became a symbol of small victories. People used the image to celebrate passing a test, finding money in an old coat, or any little win that felt good.

Success Kid wasn’t just funny—it was positive. That made it one of the more wholesome memes to take off. The child in the photo is now older, but the meme is still shared and used in motivational posts.

Its lasting power comes from the universal feeling of triumph, no matter how small.

Leonardo DiCaprio Cheers

A frame from The Great Gatsby turned into a toast that fit almost any celebration. People used it to say “cheers” online, congratulate a friend, or poke fun at fake success.

It’s elegant but flexible. The image of DiCaprio holding up a glass fit into birthday posts, work wins, and sarcastic memes about surviving tough weeks.

What made it stick was how well it balanced humor and charm. It didn’t rely on words—just a look and a raised glass.

Expanding Brain

This meme shows a series of glowing brains, each getting brighter and more dramatic. It’s used to compare different ideas, with the final one usually being the most ridiculous.

It started as a joke about intelligence, but quickly became a way to show irony or poke fun at overthinking. People loved its format because it made even silly comparisons feel profound.

Its surreal style made it a favorite for science, philosophy, and absurd humor fans alike.

Hide the Pain Harold

A smiling older man with sad eyes became an unexpected star. Known as “Hide the Pain Harold,” he came from stock photos that showed him pretending to enjoy things.

People used the image to show forced positivity, awkward moments, or emotional discomfort. His polite smile and distant eyes became a symbol of quiet suffering.

What started as a joke grew into something more heartfelt. The man behind the meme embraced his fame and even spoke about how it helped him connect with others.

Why Memes Matter

Memes aren’t just entertainment. They reflect the way people communicate online. They turn shared feelings into quick visuals. They bring humor into serious conversations and help people connect through shared experience.

The biggest memes often combine timing, relatability, and simplicity. They don’t need explanations—they just work. Whether they’re funny, awkward, or comforting, these memes become part of how people remember a moment.

Even as trends shift, these viral images leave a mark. They start as jokes, but over time, they become part of everyday language. And that’s what gives them staying power.