1. The “Area 51 Raid” Event
In 2019, a Facebook event called “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us” became a viral phenomenon. The event, which was initially meant as a joke, proposed that thousands of people would raid the secretive military base in Nevada to “see them aliens.” What made this so strange? The idea of an actual mass raid on a government facility was absurd, yet it gained serious traction and led to a bizarre real-life event where attendees, many of them cosplaying as aliens, gathered in the nearby town. While no one actually stormed the base, the whole thing became a social media spectacle, demonstrating the ridiculousness of internet-driven trends and how they can spiral into something much bigger than intended.
2. “The Dress” Debate: Is It Blue or Gold?
In 2015, a simple image of a dress sparked a global debate that divided the internet into two camps: blue-and-black or white-and-gold? People were genuinely arguing over the color of a dress that, to be honest, wasn’t all that remarkable on its own. The strange part? How a single piece of clothing could start a worldwide conversation about perception, lighting, and how our brains process visual information. Sometimes, pop culture finds drama in the most unexpected places.
3. The “Doge” Meme Takes Over
The Shiba Inu dog with a funny, broken English caption became a meme sensation in the early 2010s. “Such wow. Very fun.” The strange part? A random dog’s goofy expressions turned into one of the internet’s most beloved memes, eventually inspiring cryptocurrency and fashion. It’s a testament to how a simple picture can define an era of online humor.
4. The Ice Bucket Challenge
While raising awareness for ALS, the Ice Bucket Challenge took over the internet in 2014. Celebrities, politicians, and regular people doused themselves with icy water, leading to viral videos all over social media. What made it strange? The idea of pouring cold water on yourself to promote a cause went from quirky to global sensation practically overnight, blending charity with the pursuit of viral fame.
5. The 2017 La La Land/Moonlight Oscars Mix-Up
At the 2017 Academy Awards, La La Land was mistakenly announced as Best Picture, when in reality, it was Moonlight that had won. The confusion caused a dramatic moment as the stars of both films awkwardly stood on stage. The strangeness here lies in the fact that an Oscar, the pinnacle of achievement in film, was handed out in the wrong category. It was a mix-up of monumental proportions that felt like a mistake no one saw coming.
6. The Rise of “Planking”
In the early 2010s, people started participating in a bizarre trend called “planking,” where they would lie face down in strange public places and post pictures of it online. Why was it strange? It was a meme that had no real purpose except to look absurd. People planked on train tracks, on top of public statues, and even at funerals. The point? To entertain and bewilder, all while showing how far internet trends could go in the name of humor.
7. The Rise of The Kardashians Reality TV Empire
What started with Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007 morphed into an empire that dominated social media, fashion, and even politics. Why was it strange? The Kardashians became famous for being famous, without any traditional path to stardom, and yet they’ve remained incredibly relevant for over a decade. Their ability to capitalize on scandal, style, and social media has shaped modern celebrity culture, and it’s a bizarre reflection of how the lines between reality and entertainment continue to blur in today’s digital age.
8. The Great Taco Bell “Doritos Locos Tacos” Craze
Taco Bell released the Doritos Locos Taco in 2012, a taco with a Dorito shell, and the public reaction was… intense. People lined up, creating a phenomenon that felt almost surreal. Why was this so strange? Because it was a simple fast food item that managed to ignite a cultural wave, proving that the combination of junk food and nostalgia can create the perfect storm of pop culture magic.
9. “Gangnam Style” Takes Over the World
In 2012, South Korean artist PSY’s Gangnam Style music video became the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. The strange part? It was a catchy song, but a nonsensical one to most Western audiences. Its success transcended language barriers, becoming a global dance craze and a meme that had everyone doing the “horse-riding” dance. It was proof that pop culture doesn’t always need to make sense to become a worldwide sensation.
10. The “Sharknado” Movie Franchise
The Sharknado series, which started in 2013, revolved around a tornado that picks up sharks and unleashes them on cities. Why is it strange? It’s so bad it’s good. The over-the-top, campy premise led to a cult following. It wasn’t just a film; it became an absurd cultural event that invited people to enjoy how ridiculous pop culture could get.
11. The “Yanny or Laurel” Debate
In 2018, a viral audio clip spread across the internet where people heard either “Yanny” or “Laurel.” People were genuinely divided, with some even swearing they heard one and others insisting on the other. The strangeness? It showed how something as simple as sound could spark arguments and highlight how perception shapes reality, even in a digital world.
12. The “Bottle Cap Challenge” Takes Over Social Media
In 2019, the Bottle Cap Challenge hit the internet. Celebrities and regular folks alike posted videos of themselves spinning around and kicking the cap off a bottle. The strange part? It was a random challenge that seemed like a stunt, yet it became an international viral trend. It showed how far the internet can stretch to make something seemingly trivial a global phenomenon.
13. “The Room” Becomes a Cult Classic
The Room, released in 2003, is often regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. Yet, it’s achieved cult status for its terrible acting, awkward dialogue, and nonsensical plot. Why is it strange? It defies the typical formula for a hit movie, proving that sometimes what’s awful in the mainstream becomes the most beloved among fans. The weirdness lies in the fact that it found fame by being exactly what it didn’t intend to be.
14. “Baby Shark” Becomes an Unstoppable Force
What started as a children’s song quickly became a viral sensation. “Baby Shark” entered pop culture in 2018 and became a global hit, from toddlers singing it to adults joining in. The strangeness? It was the unlikely anthem that no one expected to dominate the charts. Its persistent success still haunts playlists everywhere, making it a never-ending earworm.
15. The “Lil Nas X” Controversy with “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
When Lil Nas X dropped his music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” in 2021, it immediately sparked a firestorm. The video featured the artist giving Satan a lap dance and confronting religious and societal norms in a bold and unapologetic way. Why was it strange? It wasn’t just a music video; it was a cultural moment that collided with issues of identity, religion, and sexuality, all while riding the wave of internet outrage. Despite the controversy, the video broke records, showing how a provocative pop culture moment can push boundaries and start important conversations while becoming an undeniable part of the cultural zeitgeist.
