Everybody is always in for a good laugh — even before
the rise of YouTube, which is now the central hub for videos.
Our culture is obsessed with sharing funny and epic videos of our friends, pets, family and ourselves, even
when sometimes they’re not intentionally supposed to be funny.
Some of these get a few views and then escape our memories, while others just stick. They’re shared
through email, or posted on blogs and websites for others to see, enjoy and discuss.
They gain tens of millions of views and quickly become Internet household names that no one can stop talking
about.
Here is Lifestyle’s list of the top 10 viral videos that have become web sensations over the
years:
1. Evolution of Dance
(2006)
This video comes in at number 1 on Lifestyle’s list because it is the most popular video of all
time — boasting more than 145 million views and a sequel involving more hip thrusts garnering
millions of more views.
In comedian Judson Laipply’s standup he doesn’t say anything at all but rather dances his way into the hearts
and guts of audiences everywhere. He dances to dozens of songs across multiple eras in groovy and hip
moves.
2. Star Wars Kid
(2002/2003)
Some people just have the force within them and others don’t. In regards to the teenager in this video, we
definitely felt the force and so did a lot of other people, with 900 million views making this YouTube video
a web sensation.
The teen flails around with a pole, practicing his Jedi moves, and we think he’s ready to face Darth Vader.
However, he wasn’t so impressed when his schoolmates distributed the video, filing a lawsuit against them
stating that they had essentially ruined his life. Well, we think he’s really good!
3. Numa Numa (2004)
This was an instant viral video hit with the lip-syncing, weird dancing and Moldovan pop music.
More than 34 million people watched Gary Brolsma become a star as he belted and fist-pumped his way to the
song “Dragostea din tei.” Its popularity and endless scrutiny made Brolsma hide from the attention, but he
recently resurfaced with a more professional video called “New Numa.”
4. Charlie Bit My Finger
(2007)
The iconic line “Charlie, that really hurt! Charlie bit me” will be ringing through the web for years to
come. In 2007 parents of two little British boys posted this video on YouTube, propelling this video to
nearly 200 million views.
The combination of the British accent and the laughing, innocent baby made this video go viral and stay in
viewers’ hearts.
5. Afro Ninja (2006)
This poor man. This is the audition tape of actor and stuntman Mark Hicks in which he falls flat on his head.
He attempts to get up and use nunchucks, and is quite unsuccessful.
This is easily on our list because it has been viewed more than 80 million times and remains one of the
funniest viral videos ever — at the expense of Mr. Hicks.
6. Leeroy Jenkins (2006)
Someone posted a clip from the video game World of Warcraft, which depicts a team trying to plan for
battle against a group of enemies.
The players are extremely intense and the most hilarious moment comes out of nowhere when you hear the rally
cry “Leeeeeeroy Jeeeeenkins!” And about a minute later everybody has died and nobody is happy with this gamer
Leeroy. This video garnered more than 17 million views and a clue on the game show Jeopardy!
7. The Exploding Whale (2006)
Oh the folks in Oregon… We really question their motives in this explosive viral video. A dead whale washed
up on the Oregon coast and the people had a problem — they didn’t know how to get rid of it.
So, explosives and plenty of dynamite were the obvious choice… and the result? You’ll just have to watch.
Let’s just say raining mammal carcass isn’t an appetizing solution, but it did gather many laughs!
8. Laughing Baby (2006)
This video is called “Hahaha,” which is both simple and the most appropriate name — because not only is the
cute baby in the video laughing, but so will you.
A Swedish man posted a video of his baby chuckling to noises he’s making, and the baby’s laugh is the most
adorable thing you will ever hear. It is one of the most memorable viral videos, garnering more than 123
million views.
9. Leave Britney Alone!
(2007)
Britney Spears has some die-hard fans and Chris Crocker is certainly one of them. In his video his black
make-up is running down his face because he’s crying profusely under a blanket. What’s he upset
about?
The negative coverage of Britney Spears in the media.
His emotion was so genuine that it left audiences shocked that someone could be so traumatized by someone
else’s bad press… and then you had to chuckle at the thought.
The video received two million views in 24 hours and has gone up to more than 31 million views since its epic
post.
10. Dramatic Chipmunk (2008)
We’ve had our fair share of animals doing funny things, but this tops them all. This literally lasts five
seconds, but it is the best five seconds you will ever spend. It is not a chipmunk, but rather a prairie dog
caught in the act.
You will want to re-watch this video a couple times before you’ve got your fix of its hilarity. It’s
definitely on our list not because of its 23 million views, but because of the countless spin-offs from its
endless fans.•
