As 2015 comes to an end, it's fun to look back on what made the year noteworthy. While some like to measure the year in political news or celebrity scandals, others prefer to view their time in terms of memes. And believe us, 2015 was a banner year for memes; it was hard to narrow down the list which so many options to choose from. But ultimately there were those that stood out in a crowd and united the internet for a short time (at least until the next meme rolled in).

So memes of 2015, we pay tribute to you. Thank you for making the internet a more entertaining place to visit.

Unexpected John Cena

No one ever expects John Cena; or at least they didn't until this meme took the internet by storm. Already riding high on the success of his role in Amy Schumer's Trainwreck, the WWE star become an online sensation with this hilarious meme. Hundreds of thousands of Vines and YouTube videos took up the call of John Cena; even the WWE had to acknowledge the overwhelming popularity of the meme.

Shia LaBeouf's Just Do It Speech

Did anyone ever expect Shia LaBeouf's career to head down this particular path? When he was making waves on Even Stevens and in Holes, did anyone suspect what was on the horizon? Whether you've been a fan since his Disney days or just don't understand the hype, it's safe to say that you witnessed his intense motivational speech. People loved it, either as an ironic post-modern statement or some much-need inspiration. There are now countless mixes of the video available online, including a 10-hour version and one where he faces off with Batman and Superman.

Cats With Cucumbers

Apparently, cats are afraid of cucumbers. Yes, your normally collected and vaguely menacing furry companions are petrified of cucumbers -- a fact which delighted people across the globe. The internet exploded with videos documenting this information. Of course, the humor was quickly followed by reports warning people against terrorizing felines with cucumbers. And they say you can't learn anything from memes.

Left Shark


It might have been Katy Perry's Super Bowl performance, but everyone knows Left Shark is the one who stole the show with his sweet moves. Dancing to the beat of his own drum spawned endless graphics and jokes celebrating the performer. Katy Perry even released a costume, so everyone could live each day as if they were Left Shark.

Pizza Rat

When a monstrous rodent runs through the subway carrying a slice of pizza, what do you do? Make it an internet sensation, of course. This pizza-loving rat was almost universally adored (even by those normally a bit squeamish around rodents). Pizza Rat may have returned to the depths of New York City with his prize, but his legacy lives on.

Tags
Meme, Memes