Top 10 Most Famous Meme Characters of the Last 10 Years
The internet is a strange and powerful place. Sometimes, all it takes is one facial expression or one unexpected moment to become a global sensation. The following meme icons didn’t plan for fame—but their faces have become part of internet culture. Let’s take a look at how each meme started and what made it so unforgettable.
1. Disaster Girl – The Smiling Girl in Front of a Fire
This meme started with a simple photo: young Zoë Roth smiling while a house burns in the background. It became a symbol of quiet chaos—used to show someone who “may or may not” have caused trouble and is proud of it.
Fun fact: Zoë sold the original image as an NFT for nearly $500,000.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
2. Bad Luck Brian – The Guy Who’s Always Unlucky
Kyle Craven’s awkward school yearbook photo, combined with captions describing hilariously unfortunate events, made him the ultimate symbol of bad luck.
Why it’s relatable: We all have embarrassing moments—Brian’s just live on forever.
Meme version:
3. Yao Ming Face – The Laugh That Says “Whatever”
A candid shot of basketball player Yao Ming laughing became the go-to image for brushing things off or mocking situations that don’t matter.
Used when: Someone takes things too seriously and you really don’t care.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
4. Side-Eye Chloe – The Suspicious Look
Chloe’s confused and skeptical reaction to a surprise Disneyland announcement went viral, capturing that exact moment of not buying what someone’s saying.
When to use: Perfect for “Seriously?” moments.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
5. Blinking White Guy – Caught Off Guard
Drew Scanlon’s blinking reaction during a gaming livestream became the internet’s go-to GIF for showing confusion or disbelief.
Popular in: Group chats and meme replies when something makes no sense.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
6. Gavin Thomas – The Awkwardly Honest Kid
Gavin’s Vine reactions as a child were so genuine that people instantly connected with him. His awkward smiles and unsure expressions became meme gold.
Relatable for: Any social situation that feels uncomfortable.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
7. Math Lady – The Look of Overthinking
This meme shows actress Renata Sorrah from a Brazilian soap opera trying to understand something, while math equations float around her face.
Perfect for: Complicated instructions, over-analyzing, or doing mental math.
8. Roll Safe – Thinking, But Not Really
Actor Kayode Ewumi’s pose—pointing at his head like he’s having a genius idea—is used to highlight flawed logic or funny thinking.
When to use: When the thought process is more confident than correct.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
9. Drake (Hotline Bling) – Yes vs. No
Taken from his music video, Drake’s two contrasting reactions became the most popular way to compare things people like and dislike.
Why it’s loved: It’s simple, funny, and works for almost anything.
Want to see how this face turned into a meme? Check out the version that made the internet laugh:
10. Elon Musk – The Billionaire Who Became a Meme
Whether he’s tweeting something unexpected, promoting Dogecoin, or appearing on podcasts, Elon Musk often finds himself at the center of meme culture.
What makes it different: Elon isn’t just in memes—he helps create them.
One Moment Is All It Takes
None of these people expected to become viral faces. But their reactions, expressions, or situations connected with millions of people online. Memes are now part of how we talk, joke, and even understand the world.
From awkward yearbook photos to blink-and-you-miss-it reactions, these Famous Meme Characters have shaped the way we express ourselves on the internet. They’ve become shorthand for emotions, jokes, and cultural moments.
Who knows? The next big meme might already be in your camera roll.
