Top 10 Movie Scenes That Became Internet Memes – Best of WatchMojo

“The Matrix” (1999)

What if we told you…that Morpheus doesn’t actually say, “What if I told you” in “The Matrix?” Yes, it’s true, as this meme is more like a mix of two scenes, with the words inspired by the exchange about the blue and red pills and the image (usually) taken from when the captain drops some bullet knowledge on his new recruit, Neo. This soon became the perfect backdrop for anyone to convey a transcendent message, or to effectively become their OWN captain - Captain Obvious - and the purveyor of surrealistic ideas. While the meme is sometimes altered with different screen caps, the essential concept behind it is the same. What if we told you, Mojoholics, that you can’t escape the world of YouTube?

“Toy Story 2” (1999)

As Sheriff Woody suffered a mild panic attack in John Lasseter’s Pixar sequel, Buzz Lightyear served as the calming force with tales of delicious hot schmoes. But according to the Internet, he was actually conveying a universal message, depending on what type of text one decides to insert. For example, we might say “Spammers, Spammers Everywhere,” at least when it comes to our comments section, but you get the idea. This meme is perfect to describe a world filled with something that you don’t particularly care for.

“The Big Lebowski” (1998)

Ok, so there are some basic truths in life that are often overlooked. For example, you don’t step over the effing line when you bowl. Just ask Walter Sobchak, who unleashed his wrath upon a startled friend in the Coen brothers’ acclaimed comedy. In the world of memes, this scene allows frazzled webbies to express their inner anguish over something serious…or perhaps not so much. But given the nature of the scene, this meme can be easily taken out of context, so please meme away with caution. Otherwise you’ll be the focus of the same meme about someone who doesn’t understand the appropriate way to create inappropriate memes.

“Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989)

Dudes, if you were as intellectually challenged as these two bros, you’d look like this too. For decades upon decades, moviegoers have associated Keanu Reeves with this airhead performance, and it was the inspiration for endless “What If” memes that can be applied to just about anything (though usually the captions lean toward paranoia and silly theoretical questions). WHAT IF WatchMojo actually runs out of ideas? WHAT IF none of you are actually real but just a set of numbers and names? Dude. What If…what if we said we won’t stop, because we can’t stop?

“Vampire’s Kiss” (1989)

Leave it to Nicolas Cage to inspire one of the internet’s most sarcastic memes. In the 1989 cult classic, our favorite oddball actor transforms into a paranoid being and proceeds to lose his shit. While he never utters the phrase, “You Don’t Say,” the screen cap of his face in one particular scene is perfect for a meme to capture the essence of one’s pure disbelief about something so obvious. It’s an essential meme for any aspiring snarkoleptic, as you can never go wrong with a crazy Nicolas Cage face as the visual complement to a well-written joke.

“300” (2006)

We all fight personal battles in one way or another, whether it’s keeping the bathroom stocked with toilet paper or binging too hard on WatchMojo videos, and there is a specific screenshot of “300”’s King Leonidas that brilliantly exudes what it means to be filled with passion and anxiety. Behold: This IS Sparta. This IS a meme full of intensity. And this IS how we feel on the busiest of days at the office. Like few other memes, this one brings a heightened sense of fury.

“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004)

Oh, Brick Tamland. He’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal, and he once even stabbed a guy with a Trident. Ain’t that right, Ron Burgundy? And so, this particular meme comes in handy when one finds him or herself perplexed or perhaps surprisingly enthusiastic about the timeframe of a certain event. For example, whenever we post a new video, we check the YouTube views every 15 minutes or so and think, “Wow, that escalated quickly.” It’s actually quite amazing.

“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)

Ah, a world of pure imagination. Well, maybe not…at least for some of us. Known as either the “Condescending Wonka” or the “Creepy Wonka” in some Internet circles, this meme is meant for that special someone that doesn’t know when to stop, or for someone that likes to chronicle their lunchtime excursions with vivid imagery and details about what they happen to eat that day. That’s when ol’ Willy shows up to show his pure indifference to the situation. You know, when the early bird troll feels the need to actually type in the word “First,” we kick back and channel our inner Wonka: “Tell me more…” (but, not really).

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

Just as every knowledgeable movie fan understands that Sean Bean dies in pretty much every big screen appearance, everyone damn sure knows that you can’t just stroll into the mountainous Mordor. And with such a basic concept, a momentous meme emerged, one that carries the weight of such a powerful statement and drives home one’s point with clarity. For example, one does not simply produce phenomenal WatchMojo videos without the help of Mojoholics. As one does not simply create YouTube magic alone.



Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

- You Shall Not Pass!!!

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)

- Here’s Johnny

“The Shining” (1980)

- Hipster Ariel and Other Ariel Memes

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

- Fuck Me, Right?

“Superbad” (2007)

- Draw Me Like One of Your French Girls

“Titanic” (1997)

“Downfall” [aka “Der Untergang”] (2004)

Perhaps you are familiar with Adolf Hitler – surely one of the most despicable humans to ever live, if not the worst. But the 2004 film about his downfall wasn’t a despicable one, it was rather fascinating, and it produced an epic rant that became the basis for endless (and hilarious) parodies, and certainly an abundance of clever video memes. Even if the subject is a hated historical figure, one cannot simply insert just any type of text on such a meme, and what if we told you that there is such a thing as too much meme-ing? Hmm. Think about that.