Top 10 Fictional Characters Who Became Memes

One of the stranger but highly popular memes is SpongeGar, a prehistoric version of SpongeBob introduced in an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. This character became a viral meme template for expressing confusion, panic, or primal instinct in humorous contexts. The exaggerated wide-eyed expression of SpongeGar perfectly captures the feeling of being caught off guard or unprepared.

SpongeGar’s meme success is a testament to the depth of the SpongeBob franchise’s influence on internet humor. The show has provided multiple meme-worthy moments, but SpongeGar stands out for its surreal yet relatable emotion. It became a favorite for quick, reaction-based humor across social media platforms.

A local tip is that SpongeGar memes are often paired with everyday scenarios that highlight sudden panic or awkward realization, making them universally relatable. This blend of absurdity and relatability ensures that SpongeGar continues to thrive in online communities as one of the most enduring reaction memes born from fictional characters.

From Star Wars, both Yoda and his adorable counterpart Baby Yoda (Grogu) became instant meme sensations. Classic Yoda memes often highlight his unique speech patterns, with captions mimicking his reversed syntax. Meanwhile, Baby Yoda exploded into internet culture with the launch of The Mandalorian, where his small stature and big eyes captured global affection.

Baby Yoda memes in particular range from wholesome to humorous, with iconic moments like him sipping soup or fiddling with controls becoming viral instantly. These images are often used to represent childlike wonder, mischief, or innocence. In contrast, classic Yoda memes lean more toward wisdom mixed with parody.

A local tip is that Baby Yoda memes often surge when new Star Wars content is released, tying fandom excitement to meme creation. The combination of cuteness and cultural relevance ensures that Yoda and Baby Yoda memes remain some of the most beloved contributions from the Star Wars universe to internet humor.

The children’s cartoon character Arthur Read, from the PBS series Arthur, unexpectedly became a viral meme star thanks to screenshots that resonated with adult humor. The most famous example is the “Arthur’s Fist” meme, showing his clenched hand used to represent suppressed frustration or anger. This single image turned Arthur into a symbol of everyday annoyances.

Arthur’s wholesome origins make his meme transformation even funnier. The contrast between a children’s show and adult internet humor adds layers of irony that fuel its popularity. Beyond the fist meme, Arthur and his friends have been reimagined in countless ways, from parody edits to relatable captions.

A local tip is that Arthur memes often trend during nostalgic conversations, as many millennials grew up watching the show. The character’s simple design makes him perfect for meme edits that exaggerate emotions. Arthur proves that even the most innocent characters can become viral when their expressions capture universal human feelings, solidifying his place as a cartoon character who became a meme legend.

When it comes to live-action memes, Michael Scott from The Office is a standout. Played by Steve Carell, Michael’s over-the-top management style, awkward jokes, and emotional outbursts make him endlessly memeable. His facial expressions and famous lines like “No God, Please No!” or “That’s What She Said” have been immortalized as internet staples.

Michael Scott memes resonate because they capture both the cringe and the charm of workplace dynamics. Whether it’s his awkward attempts to bond with employees or his dramatic reactions to minor inconveniences, his moments translate perfectly into relatable humor. GIFs of his shouting, crying, or dancing are among the most shared in online conversations.

A local tip is that Michael Scott memes gain traction during discussions about work culture, remote offices, or corporate life. His character embodies both the frustrations and absurdities of professional environments. As long as office humor remains relevant, Michael Scott will continue to dominate as one of the most memorable sitcom characters turned memes.

As one of television’s most iconic characters, Homer Simpson has also achieved legendary meme status. The Simpsons has been running for decades, producing countless screenshots and GIFs that capture Homer’s bumbling humor. From the famous “Homer disappearing into bushes” meme to his clueless quotes, Homer represents the everyman in moments of awkwardness, laziness, or comedic defeat.

What makes Homer’s memes so enduring is their relatability. His exaggerated yet familiar behaviors mirror everyday struggles, from procrastination to overeating. The bush meme in particular has become a shorthand for retreating from awkward situations, proving how a single cartoon moment can encapsulate universal human feelings.

A local tip is that fans frequently revisit older Simpsons episodes, which remain treasure troves of meme-worthy moments. While the newer seasons continue to produce content, it is the golden-era episodes that fuel meme culture the most. As a result, Homer remains one of the most relevant cartoon characters in internet humor, bridging generational gaps effortlessly.

Originally an innocent comic character created by Matt Furie, Pepe the Frog became one of the most complex figures in meme history. His simple design and relatable expressions made him a go-to template for internet humor, particularly on early meme forums. Variants like “Sad Pepe,” “Smug Pepe,” and “Feels Good Man” spread rapidly across communities, cementing Pepe’s status as a versatile reaction meme.

Pepe’s story is complicated by his later appropriation for political symbolism, but efforts from fans and even Furie himself have aimed to reclaim him as a wholesome figure. In meme culture, Pepe represents raw human emotions, from melancholy to joy, often portrayed in exaggerated or absurd contexts.

A local tip is that Pepe memes flourish in smaller online communities where humor thrives on adaptability. Whether used sincerely or ironically, Pepe embodies the way internet culture repurposes fictional characters far beyond their origins. Despite controversies, Pepe’s impact is undeniable, making him one of the most influential meme characters of all time.

As the face of the Pokémon franchise, Pikachu was already a global icon long before memes entered the picture. However, a single screenshot of “Surprised Pikachu” turned this electric mouse into one of the most viral characters in meme history. The image, featuring Pikachu with an open-mouthed shocked expression, is used to mock obvious consequences or ironic outcomes, making it universally applicable in humor.

The Surprised Pikachu meme demonstrates how simple visuals can transcend language barriers. Its success lies in the fact that it represents a universal human reaction—being caught off guard—even when the outcome was entirely predictable. Beyond this famous template, Pikachu also appears in countless other meme formats, from cosplay edits to exaggerated fan art.

A local tip is that Pokémon fans often integrate Pikachu memes into nostalgic discussions, tying the humor back to their childhood experiences with the franchise. With Pokémon continuing to thrive through games, shows, and merchandise, Pikachu memes will likely remain evergreen, combining cuteness with clever internet wit.

When it comes to wholesome yet sarcastic memes, Kermit the Frog reigns supreme. The beloved Muppet character transitioned from children’s television into meme superstardom through reaction images and GIFs that captured his awkward politeness and passive-aggressive side. Memes like “But That’s None of My Business,” featuring Kermit sipping tea, became one of the most recognizable internet templates of all time.

Kermit’s meme success comes from his ability to embody both innocence and cynicism. On one hand, he represents kindness and gentleness, making him a comforting figure. On the other, his facial expressions and iconic tea-sipping moment are easily repurposed to convey judgment, hypocrisy, or sarcastic commentary. This duality makes Kermit uniquely adaptable to internet humor.

A local tip is that Kermit memes often spike in popularity during viral social debates, as his tea-sipping image serves as a universal reaction to controversy. His enduring appeal proves that even long-established characters can find new life in the age of memes. With his mix of sincerity and sass, Kermit remains a perfect example of how a classic fictional character became an internet sensation.

The enduring popularity of SpongeBob SquarePants can be credited not only to the show’s humor but also to its dominance in meme culture. For over two decades, SpongeBob and his cast of characters have provided the internet with endless material. His exaggerated facial expressions and absurd situations translate seamlessly into relatable memes that capture everything from laziness to excitement to existential dread.

One of the most iconic examples is “Mocking SpongeBob,” an image that captures him crouched like a chicken, used to sarcastically repeat someone’s words. Other notable memes include “Tired SpongeBob,” “Savage Patrick,” and the classic “Imagination” rainbow scene. These memes work because SpongeBob represents exaggerated but universal emotions, making them instantly understandable across cultures.

A local tip from fans is that new SpongeBob memes often originate from rewatching older episodes, proving how timeless the series remains. While memes based on modern shows fade quickly, SpongeBob’s catalog continues to fuel viral moments decades after airing. As a result, SpongeBob is arguably the most versatile cartoon character turned meme, with a relevance that shows no sign of slowing down.

Few fictional figures have had the cultural staying power of Shrek, the green ogre from DreamWorks’ animated franchise. Originally designed as a satirical twist on fairy tales, Shrek quickly became more than just a beloved movie character—he turned into one of the internet’s most enduring meme icons. His grumpy expressions, iconic quotes, and the bizarre fandom surrounding him spawned countless memes ranging from absurdist humor to parody edits.

Part of Shrek’s meme appeal lies in the contrast between his intended role as an anti-hero and his unintentional relatability. Phrases like “Get out of my swamp” became shorthand for personal boundaries, while his awkward interactions with Donkey turned into templates for comedic dialogue edits. Shrek’s exaggerated animations also lend themselves perfectly to reaction memes, making him an endless source of visual comedy.

A local tip from meme communities is that Shrek memes thrive in niche internet spaces dedicated to surreal or ironic humor, where the character’s overexposure is part of the joke. With Shrek festivals, bizarre fan art, and never-ending remixes of “All Star” tied to his legacy, it is safe to say that the Shrek meme phenomenon has outgrown the movies and cemented itself as part of internet folklore.