The year 2021 was anticipated to mark a turnaround from the tumultuous experiences of 2020. However, it turned out to be an extended version of the previous year, filled with its own unique challenges. Despite the difficulties, the year brought forth a plethora of amusing memes that provided a welcome source of humor for many. The Internet continued to serve as an effective escape, and today we reflect on some of the most beloved memes of 2021. If you have your own favorites, feel free to share them in the comments.
Happy side, sad side bus meme
A thought-provoking illustration from 2013 evolved into a comedic meme later this year. It features two individuals seated on a bus, with one gazing at a scenic mountainside while the other admires the sunlit hills and open landscape. The simplicity of the concept has led to various humorous renditions across social media.
Anakin and Padmé
Among the standout memes of 2021 was one inspired by a scene from the Star Wars prequel, “Attack of the Clones.” This particular meme involved a dialogue between Anakin Skywalker, portrayed by Hayden Christensen, and Padmé Amidala, played by Natalie Portman, as they debated the merits of dictatorship versus democracy. The emotional expressions from the characters helped catapult this scene into meme popularity.
I’ve enjoyed the memes, but the original dialogue between Anakin and Padmé is raw, emotional, illuminating, one of the best scenes in all of Star Wars pic.twitter.com/7TbT8Suf4F
— Alex Blechman (@AlexBlechman) June 8, 2021
Oprah interviews Harry and Meghan
Oprah Winfrey has given audiences countless memorable moments on television. This year, her interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry captivated millions, leading to an outpouring of memes inspired by Oprah’s reactions during the conversation.
March 2020 / March 2021
March 2020 marked a significant turning point, yet by March 2021, little seemed to have changed. This stark contrast sparked a wave of memes expressing the sentiment of being stuck in a time loop since the onset of the pandemic. The memes cleverly illustrated feelings of burnout associated with remote work and the ongoing lockdown experiences.
It was Agatha all along
The Marvel series “WandaVision” inspired one notable meme in 2021. Kathryn Hahn’s playful wink became the foundation for a myriad of humorous memes centered around the contrast between intention and reality. We won’t delve into the specifics in case you haven’t seen the series, allowing you to enjoy the best of the meme iterations yourself.
When Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp went down
In October, major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp experienced a significant outage. While it caused inconveniences for many, it also fueled creativity among meme makers. Twitter buzzed with memes, and the overall atmosphere on Reddit thrived. Once the services resumed, the familiar scrolling through content resumed as well.
Kim Kardashian at Met Gala
The Met Gala emerged as one of the most meme-worthy events of 2021. In a standout moment, Kim Kardashian’s striking black ensemble—complete with a full-face mask—sparked a wave of memes that humorously captured her unique look while showcasing her remarkable presence at the event.
Ship stuck in Suez Canal
In a year that often felt stagnant, a real-world event provided fodder for a classic meme. The Ever Given, a massive ship, famously blocked the Suez Canal, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The situation was both serious and humorous, resonating with the feeling of being stuck that many experienced in 2021.
Squid Game
“Squid Game” became one of the top shows of 2021, breaking Netflix records and inspiring an influx of memes. While some memes could reveal plot points, we advise caution if you choose to search for them online. In the meantime, we’ve included a general meme that captures the essence without spoiling the show.
