10 Famous movie moments that became viral memes

The internet is always eager to create movie moments into memes. These scenes go beyond the film's context and turn versatile, expressing emotions, humor, and social commentary. The varied use of these scenes in memes makes them iconic.

As a result, they resonate with the viewers and spread across online communities. The power of movie memes lies in their ability to show complex emotions or situations into shareable content.

This shows the ability to encapsulate a single frame into a relatable experience. So, let’s take a look at 10 Famous movie moments that became viral memes.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

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1) “I will find you and I will kill you” from Taken

In Taken, a dialogue became a viral meme that took the internet by storm. This dialogue, “I will find you and I will kill you,” is delivered by Bryan Mills, played by Liam Neeson. The meme became viral especially because of Neeson’s delivery of the dialogue. The video clip was used for several memes and is still being used. The phone call was a pivotal moment in the movie.

It established the character’s unwavering commitment to rescuing his daughter. The dialogue is simple yet powerful and can be used for various comedic and dramatic contexts.

2) Calvin Candie’s face in Django Unchained

Sometimes funny expressions from actors become a viral meme and in this case, the face made by Calvin Candie became one. Django Unchained has become a source of many memorable moments and internet memes. From these, Leonardo DiCaprio’s expression gained traction.

The two weeks in Boston scene focuses on Candie’s mannerisms which get pronounced. The way he delivers this line, combined with his facial expressions, made this scene easily meme-worthy.

With the internet’s love for reaction images and GIFs, this video quickly became a viral sensation. It has become a template for a wide range of emotions.

3) Pointing at the screen in Once Upon a Time In Hollywood

In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, several moments have become viral memes. Among these, the scene in which Rick Dalton, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, points at the TV screen has become a sensational meme as he dramatically points at the screen.

DiCaprio’s portrayal of this moment is expressive and intense. The exaggeration also adds to the comedic interpretation of this moment. This scene became a viral meme over time and is still in use. It is used to capture any moment of exaggeration and self-validation in a funny and relatable manner.

4) Willem Dafoe looking up in At Eternity’s Gate

Yet another viral meme with no dialogues but only intense expressions, Willem Dafoe’s scene in At Eternity’s Gate, is truly memorable. The visual style of this movie is often shaking.

It adds an immersive experience for the viewers. In this movie, Willem Dafoe plays Vincent Van Gogh, who in this scene is looking upwards with a mix of emotions visible on his face. It ranges from awe, fear, and even confusion. This expression along with the movie’s style has been able to adapt into a meme.

The meme is used to depict situations where someone is confronted with an unexpected or overwhelming situation. The versatility of this meme template allows it to be used in a wide range of contexts.

5) "First Time?" – The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

A film with six different stories, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, is one of a kind. In this movie, James Franco, who plays the role of a cowboy, is caught because of his crimes. He is shown to be waiting for his execution. As he is waiting he turns his head and sees a man who is also waiting for his execution crying. He then asks the man whether it is his first time.

James Franco nonchalantly asks him emphasising the nature of his character. This scene captured the ability to feel the discomfort when we experience something for the first time. As a result, it quickly became a viral meme.

It is used humorously to point out someone’s inexperience. It shows the difference between an experienced person and a novice one.

6) Patrick Bateman Listens to Music – American Psycho

One of the most viral memes of recent times, Patrick Bateman, the lead character from American Psycho has taken the internet by storm. Though the film was released 25 years ago, it has kept its relevance and also become a part of memes. Several scenes from this film are constantly used for memes.

Patrick Bateman is a complicated character. Under the facade of his normal life, he hides his psychopathic tendencies. Though the character is not relatable the meme of him listening to music showcases people’s enthusiasm about music, in a comedic manner. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have spread this meme significantly.

7) “Why so serious?” in The Dark Knight

“Why so serious?” was a line delivered by Joker (Heath Ledger) in The Dark Knight. It has become a viral sensation as Joker delivers this line in a menacing and darkly humorous manner. It created a sense of unease that has stayed with the viewers. The raw intensity of Ledger’s performance in the film especially in this scene makes it quotable.

This line depicts his anarchic philosophy focussing on his desire to create disruption. The phrase has become versatile in meme usage. The popularity of this meme is fueled by the actor's distinct makeup and grin.

8) “I love The Smiths” from 500 Days of Summer

This scene from 500 Days of Summer has become a viral meme and has become a part of social media trends. In this scene, the movie's lead characters meet in the elevator. Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is listening to a song by The Smiths that Summer (Zooey Deschanel) overhears and tells him that she loves The Smiths.

Initially, Tom is unable to hear her, but when she raises her voice to tell him about it, Tom is surprised. This moment of shared appreciation for music becomes a pivotal moment in the movie. The scene shows the universal experience of feeling a connection with someone through shared interests. Many viewers have pointed out that this scene depicts a sense of validation and excitement.

9) DiCaprio Throwing Money in The Wolf of the Wall Street

This scene in The Wolf of the Wall Street where Jordan Belfort throws money has become a viral meme on the internet. The scene captures the movie’s theme of wealth and reckless abandonment in a perfect manner. Belfort’s display of wealth has resonated with online culture.

It is used in memes in a more comedic sense to express strong emotions. The scene is used when someone spends lavishly when something is perceived as a waste of money. In this scene, Leonardo DiCaprio’s facial expression adds to the meme’s usefulness.

10) "Make Your Own Kind Of Music” scene in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

In The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, the scene where Pedro Pascal and Nicolas Cage drive in the car has become a viral meme. In the scene the song Make Your Own Kind Of Music plays in the background which adds to the humor of it.

The difference between the expressions of these two actor’s respective characters in the scene makes the moment funny. On one hand, Niclas Cage has an intense expression and on the other hand, Pedro Pascal shows a relaxed and unaware expression.

The scene is adaptable for various meme scenarios. TikTok has played a significant role in making this movie scene into a viral meme, with numerous viewers recreating it in various ways.

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