As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the memes that defined our digital culture and brought laughter to our screens. From viral videos to relatable images, the world of memes continues to evolve, capturing the essence of pop culture and everyday life. Let’s dive into the most popular memes of 2023 that had us hitting the “share” button and brought joy to our timelines.
1. Angela Bassett Did the Thing
Move over, cat videos! 2023 is all about celebrating Angela Bassett doing the thing. Whether it’s conquering the Wakandan throne or simply acing life, this meme is the ultimate salute to anyone who’s ever done something legendary. Angela, you’ve officially become the queen of our hearts!
2. Barbenheimer
The clash between the worlds of Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer birthed the “Barbenheimer” meme. Audiences humorously juxtaposed the peppy Barbie with the mature themes of Oppenheimer, creating a delightful collision of two vastly different cinematic universes.
3. The “Lil Stinker” Promo Shots
Hollywood took an unexpected turn with celebrities posing alongside tiny skunks in promotional photos. The whimsical caption, “Lil Stinker, big dreams,” added a touch of humor to these unusual pairings, proving that unexpected companionship is always worth a chuckle.
4. The Orca Wars
Move over superheroes, because 2023 brought us the “Orca Wars.” Social media buzzed with fictional battles between humans and killer whales, featuring epic CGI, intense music, and a humorous twist on ocean supremacy. It’s a reminder that memes can turn even the most serious topics into a source of amusement.
5. “It’s Giving…”
Expressing moods through sounds became a viral trend with the “It’s Giving…” meme. Whether it’s describing someone’s outfit or capturing a vibe, this meme showcased the creativity of internet users in expressing themselves beyond words.
6. Wordle Bee
The Wordle Bee meme brought the popular word game into the meme spotlight. Players shared their triumphs and struggles in solving Wordle puzzles, creating a sense of camaraderie among those who understand the joy of finding the right word.
7. Nepo Babies
New York Magazine’s expose on entertainment industry family connections sparked a wildfire of memes. People humorously connected rich and famous individuals or characters in unexpected ways, turning the world of Hollywood nepotism into a source of comedic gold.
8. “girl dinner”
The “girl dinner” meme poked fun at the concept of a “lazy meal.” It resonated with anyone who has thrown together a plate of random items from the fridge, turning a relatable experience into a shared moment of laughter.
9. Josh Hutcherson Whistle Edit
The resurgence of a fan-made video featuring Josh Hutcherson and the song “Whistle” became a viral sensation. This nostalgic edit tapped into the early 2010s fandom surrounding The Hunger Games, showcasing how memes can revive iconic moments from the past.
10. Ben Affleck on a Walk
Ben Affleck continued to be a walking meme in 2023. His casual stroll in a gray jacket and jeans became a template for various humorous situations, proving that Affleck’s meme-worthy moments are as endless as his filmography.
11. “Standing on Business”
The AAVE slang phrase “Standing On Business” took social media by storm. Memes featuring individuals standing on representations of “business” became a witty way to convey the act of defending oneself, adding a touch of humor to everyday challenges.
12. The Great Pumpkin Shortage of 2023
The panic over a shortage of pumpkins became a meme goldmine. From post-apocalyptic wasteland scenes to humorous captions, the Great Pumpkin Shortage showcased how internet users can turn everyday situations into comedic masterpieces.
13. “Me Trying to Adult”
Adulting struggles took center stage with the “Me Trying to Adult” memes. From folding fitted sheets to navigating tax forms, these relatable images reminded us that it’s okay to laugh at the challenges of growing up.
14. “POV: You…”
Point-of-view videos took a creative turn with scenarios like being a sentient avocado on Tinder. The “POV: You…” meme allowed users to step into absurd and entertaining situations, offering a fresh take on internet storytelling.
15. “It’s Free Real Estate”
The “It’s Free Real Estate” meme resurfaced in 2023, describing situations where opportunities are ripe for the taking. This timeless meme, originating from “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!,” continued to be a go-to expression for seizing the moment.
16. “This Is Fine”
The classic “This Is Fine” meme made a return in 2023, resonating with moments when we declare everything is okay despite obvious chaos. The enduring image of a dog surrounded by flames served as a humorous commentary on navigating challenging situations.
17. “But That’s None of My Business”
Kermit the Frog’s iconic “But That’s None of My Business” meme persisted in 2023. The sarcastic expression continued to accompany various punchlines, making it a versatile and enduring meme format.
18. “Khaby Lame”
Italian Vine star turned meme lord, Khaby Lame, debunked complex theories with a single raised eyebrow. His minimalist yet impactful reactions became a staple in meme culture, proving that sometimes less is more when it comes to humor.
The memes of 2023 showcased the internet’s ability to turn the mundane into the extraordinary. From celebrity moments to fictional battles, these memes brought people together through laughter and shared experiences. As we look forward to the next wave of internet humor, one thing is certain: memes will continue to be a vibrant and integral part of our digital culture.
