The Top Internet Memes of the Last 15 Years

A conspiracy-theory take on Bert from Sesame Street. Like many bits of Internet humor, the idea is absurd and preposterous... and quite a hit with many Sesame Street fans of old.

(Warning: adult content) From Saturday Night Live and The Lonely Island music group: a dance song about male sexual angst. The lyrics are renowned amongst males everywhere.

Despair.com is one of a few memorable sites that have turned visual sarcasm into a meme phenomenon. Originally a parody of motivational posters, 'demotivational posters' take cynicism and sarcasm to the Nth degree.

Catchy music with videos of small critters. Here is the original hamster dance from 1999, with a 9-second sound loop from "Whistle Stop" (a Disney movie). This clip has since spawned dozens of follow-up remixes and a top 40 song.

This photo blog is so controversial. Started in 2009, this site is about showing repulsive photos of real life shoppers at Wal-mart stores around the world. Some people will be offended by this meme, but thousands of viewers everywhere visit this site everyday in horrified fascination.

A very short amateur video of a quirky rodent making gestures. If you're an animal fan, you might like these 3 seconds of human-like hilarity.

Scientists have varying theories why there is such an explosive chemical reaction between Mentos candy and Diet Coke. But the science notwithstanding, the shock value and creative 'pyrotechnics' are worth 3 minutes of your time to watch these videos.

Christopher Walken immortalized the expression 'more cowbell' on Saturday Night Live. Today, 'more cowbell' is a daily expression of humor. This particular meme won't reach you by email forwards, but you can certainly expect the expression 'more cowbell' to occur in daily conversation with the modern generation.

A World of Warcraft gamer's meme, Leroy is the rebel reckless player in a group of very serious players. He is renowned for crying "Leeeeerroyyyy Jenkins!" as his warcry, where he recklessly leads his team into a virtual slaughter.

This dance skit by Judson Laipply is easily one of the most viral YouTube video memes of all time.  In just 6 short minutes, Judson manages to parody dozens of major dance styles of the 20th and 21st centuries.  You're guaranteed to recognize at least some of the moves in this hilarious video.  There is also a sequel video with even more dance moves.

Warning: adult content and profanity. This amateur video is set to the recording of a World of Warcraft gamer who leads his team to attack a large dragon named 'Onyxia'. The raid leader is a Romanian fellow who leads a community called 'Wipe Club' in World of Warcraft. His absurd over-reacting is legendary amongst WoW players.