ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | FAIL | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 7.7 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/ |
| Last Crawled | 2025-08-21 03:00:16 (7 months ago) |
| First Indexed | 2025-03-01 05:45:08 (1 year ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | 10 Iconic Anime Memes Even Your Friends Who Don't Watch Anime Will Recognize |
| Meta Description | Everyone loves a good meme, and some anime memes have become so ubiquitous that non-anime watchers will have seen these memes. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | The definition of the term memetic is definitely more recognizable than the word itself, but everyone loves a good meme. Since internet message boards and chat rooms have existed, the few, the proud, the meme-lords have been churning out images and videos meant to make anime fans laugh at themselves and get a funnier perspective on some of their favorite series. Anime happens to have a lot of moments perfect for making some of the funniest memes across the internet. Some anime memes are so pervasive that even people who don't watch anime are familiar with them. The internet is a vast place with a lot of different sub-cultures, so it is inevitable a little cross-pollination would take place. With the rise of gif-based communication and the greater accessibility that anime has gained in recent years, it was inevitable that someone keeping up with celebrity culture could also stumble on some popular anime characters in silly situations. Some memes, however, have become more recognizable than others. 10
"Nah, I'd Win"
Even When Gojo Is Wrong, Fans Still Love Him
A relatively recent meme, this panel from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga made the rounds on the internet in a big way. Originally, the VIZ Media translation of the manga had Gojo simply answering whether he would win in an upcoming battle with a simple " No. " VIZ later changed the translation to " Nah, I'd win " as a way to reference a conversation with an earlier character. Fans went back and forth for a while on which translation was better, but this managed to stick. This was such a minor thing for fans to debate over that it became a meta joke at first. Fans comparing two identical panels is kind of hilarious out of context. Eventually, fans started inventing other translations for the panel, and it further evolved into drawing other characters saying the same phrase. At the peak of the meme, it had several video compilations as well. This meme has made appearances all over the internet with multiple fandoms and even in some sports spaces. While it may be harder to pinpoint the origin, it's definitely recognizable now. 9
"You Are Already Dead"
Fist of the North Star Is Still 1 of the Most Influential Anime of All Time
Fist of the North Star is easily one of the most influential anime of all time for many reasons. The meme of Kenshiro pointing at the viewer and saying the famous words " You are already dead " is also one of the most influential memes of all time. While the anime itself first appeared in 1983, Kenshiro's post butt-kicking catchphrase became one of the most well-known parts of it. TVTropes codified the meme in the early 2010s, creating a page with the same name to describe martial arts moves in media that had a delayed death effect. This particular meme has been popping up in message boards and on forums for far longer than the existence of the TVTropes page, often used in arguments or as a way to underscore a point. Music producer Deadman even made a song with the name "Already Dead" in reference to the meme. This meme has, in a way, come to have an identity of its own outside of its source material. 8
"My Job Here Is Done"
This Non-Canon Tuxedo Mask Quote References His Usefulness the '90s Sailor Moon Anime
The text in this particular meme isn't canon, but it does make a lot of sense. The meme comes in three images, the first with Sailor Moon 's Tuxedo Mask declaring that his job here is done. The next image shows Sailor Moon herself accusing him of not doing anything. The final image shows him turning to leave. The images themselves come from the first episode of the anime, but were arranged by a Tumblr user in order to make the famous meme. To be entirely fair, Tuxedo Mask in the '90s anime wasn't exactly always the most useful character, especially when compared to his manga counterpart. This meme has been adapted all across the internet, often in derogatory ways when aimed at different corporations. The gaming fandom, in particular, is fond of this meme, considering how often game companies tend to disappoint people. 7
"Anime Was a Mistake"
Miyazaki Never Said This, But It Feels Like He Would
Hayao Miyazaki is easily one of the most influential and important Japanese artists and filmmakers in anime history. This fact makes it a little unfortunate that this particular meme has managed to stick so hard. This quote was a troll quote created in the aftermath of an interview that Miyazaki did in 2014. The transcript involved conversations with Miyazaki about the state of anime during the time and his general thoughts on the industry. This escalated into gifs taken of him from a 2013 documentary getting fake subtitles put on them. From that point on, images of Miyazaki with quotes about either hating anime or being wildly disappointed in other forms of media have become rather common to find floating around. Troll quotes have always been a thing on the internet, especially during the height of 4chan and other image boards. This particular troll quote has often been mistaken for fact, however, which is sad, considering the rich history Miyazaki has contributed to anime . 6
"Is This a Pigeon?"
It Has Been Many, Many Things
Access to anime has grown by leaps and bounds in the West. This particular meme is proof of that expansion. The Brave of Sun Fighbird is an incredibly obscure anime — to the point where it is wild this meme has its very own Wikipedia page. The meme originates from the character of Yutaro Katori, who is an android. In the third episode of the anime, Katori misidentifies a butterfly as a pigeon. This episode aired all the way back in 1991, and the internet went absolutely wild with it. It may seem like the translation is incorrect out of context, but it is 100% literally translated. This meme is practically award-winning at this point. It's been used and remixed in so many different contexts that it has taken on a major life of its own. There are anime fans who probably could not immediately identify what this anime is from, but they certainly know this meme. The third episode of Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared makes direct reference to it and, despite being a meme that is over a decade old, it always manages to come back. 5
"Bling-Bang-Bang-Born"
Sometimes It's Just Gotta Be Catchy
The rise of TikTok and dance challenges has been calling to anime music for a long time. While many different songs have gotten their own dances, "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" by Creepy Nuts managed to bring a whole new group of people into the fold. As the opening for the second season of Mashle: Magic and Muscles , it crashed through the language barrier to have over 100 million views on YouTube. Shortly after its release, it became an animation meme and a dance craze that swept across the internet like wildfire. Part of the success of the song is the fact that it's just good, it scratches an itch, and the dance itself isn't hard for people to enjoy together. "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" fills a space that Lucky Star left behind in the early 2000s and manages to be catchy enough to bring other fandoms along for the ride. While most non-anime fans may not be able to name the anime, it's highly likely that they can do the dance. 4
Crying Aya Asagiri
Most People Don't Even Know She's From Anything
This particular image of Aya Asagiri from Magical Girl Site gets remixed a lot for a lot of different memes. A lot of them also happen to be relatively not safe for work, so readers should Google at their own risk. This image of Aya throwing her head back and crying acts as a major component for several popular memes, including the "Sorry for having [Insert Noun here]" meme. The actual context of the image is actually rather tragic, as Aya found out just one chapter before this that she is adopted. The image comes from Chapter 103, which released in 2018. While it was the precursor to a wider conflict in the Asagiri family, most people could only look at the image and think it was perfect for any number of puerile memes that they could come up with. At this point, very few people could actually pinpoint where Aya is from, let alone know what her name is. This is a great example of a meme outgrowing its source material to the point of having its own meaning. 3
The Naruto Run
You Don't Have to be an Anime Fan to Have Heard of This Meme
Naruto is one of the most beloved modern shonen anime, so it makes total sense people would try to storm Area 51 while Naruto Running through the desert. The idea of the run itself has a very specific look to it, with the body bent at almost a 90-degree angle with the arms spread out behind the runner, leading with the head. The technique is very well detailed in a 2008 WikiHow article . The Naruto Run became deeply associated with otaku and anime culture and became something of an easy way to make fun of anime fans back in the day. The storming of Area 51 was the event that rocketed the meme into mainstream consciousness. Participants were encouraged to "run like Naruto" in order to dodge bullets. This unique running style is pretty easy to pick out with multiple YouTube videos explaining how to do it and more than a few memelords expanding the use of the run as time has gone on. Other forms of media have also come to reference it over time. 2
"It Was Me, Dio!"
Dio Is Everywhere
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an anime with a wild enough reputation on its own to have almost every shot of it memed. No JoJo's Bizarre Adventure meme is as recognizable as "It Was Me, Dio!". This particular quote comes from Dio stealing the first kiss of Jonathan Joestar's love interest, Erina, when they were young teenagers, but the image has become so much more than that. The overly dramatic and bombastic presentation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure made a relatively small moment into something far greater than the sum of its parts. This particular meme has been used all across the internet and even in real life. Dio gets photoshopped into many different situations, often declaring that the viewer's expectations are undermined because it was him all along. This takes on a different level of hilarity for those familiar with the character and his intensely over-the-top behavior. Dio is at the center of a lot of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure memes in general as he just happens to be a very quotable character, but this one is definitely the most well-known. 1
"It's Over 9000!"
This Dragon Ball Z Meme Is Totally Iconic
Dragon Ball Z is the granddaddy anime for most Western anime fans. During the original airing of Dragon Ball Z , the Ocean Dub cast was at the helm. This particular meme comes from the episode titled "The Return of Goku," with Brian Drummond as Vegeta . When Vegeta sees Goku's explosive power through his scouter, he screams that his power level is over 9000 and crushes the device in his hand dramatically while Nappa looks on in both horror and confusion. This is a very old meme, spreading through the internet in the early 2000s and turned into motivational and demotivational posters, referenced in videos, and even anti-joked about in TeamFourStar's Dragon Ball Z: Abridged . YTMND had areas dedicated to the meme on its site and 4chan moderators once made any instance of the number 7 turn into "over 9000". The meme was even used to prank Oprah herself in the early 2000s. This meme has gone beyond being a meme and has achieved legendary status. |
| Markdown | Menu
[](https://www.cbr.com/)
Sign in now
Close
- - [Movies](https://www.cbr.com/category/movies/)
Submenu
- [Movie News](https://www.cbr.com/category/movies/news-movies/)
- [Movie Features](https://www.cbr.com/category/movies/movie-features/)
- [Movie Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/movie-lists/)
- [Movie Reviews](https://www.cbr.com/category/movies/reviews-movies/)
- [TV](https://www.cbr.com/category/tv/)
Submenu
- [TV News](https://www.cbr.com/category/tv/news-tv/)
- [TV Features](https://www.cbr.com/category/tv/tv-features/)
- [TV Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/tv-lists/)
- [TV Reviews](https://www.cbr.com/category/tv/reviews-tv/)
- [Comics](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics/)
Submenu
- [Comics News](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics/news/)
- [Comics Features](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics-features/)
- [Comics Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics-lists/)
- [Comics Previews](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics/previews/)
- [Comics Reviews](https://www.cbr.com/category/comics/reviews/)
- [Anime](https://www.cbr.com/category/anime/)
Submenu
- [Anime News](https://www.cbr.com/category/anime-news/)
- [Anime Features](https://www.cbr.com/category/anime-features/)
- [Anime Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/anime-lists/)
- [Games](https://www.cbr.com/category/games/)
Submenu
- [Game News](https://www.cbr.com/category/game-news/)
- [Game Features](https://www.cbr.com/category/game-features/)
- [Game Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/game-lists/)
- [Game Guides](https://www.cbr.com/category/game-guides/)
- [Videos](https://www.cbr.com/videos/)
- [Threads](https://www.cbr.com/threads/)
- - More Submenu
- [Lists](https://www.cbr.com/category/lists/)
- [Interviews](https://www.cbr.com/tag/interviews/)
- [Community](https://community.cbr.com/)
- [Sign in](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/)
- [Newsletter](https://www.cbr.com/page/newsletter/)
Menu
[](https://www.cbr.com/)
Follow
Followed
Like
[Threads 1](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/#threads "Threads")
More Action
Sign in now
[The CW](https://www.cbr.com/the-cw/)
[MCU, DCU & More](https://www.cbr.com/comics-superheroes/)
[Dragon Ball](https://www.cbr.com/tag/dragon-ball/)
[Lord of the Rings](https://www.cbr.com/tag/lord-of-the-rings/)
[Procedurals & Dramas](https://www.cbr.com/procedurals-dramas/)
[Westerns](https://www.cbr.com/tag/western/)
[Zelda](https://www.cbr.com/tag/the-legend-of-zelda/)
Close
# 10 Iconic Anime Memes Even Your Friends Who Don't Watch Anime Will Recognize
By [Alyx Maglio](https://www.cbr.com/author/alyx-maglio/)
Published Mar 1, 2025
Follow
Followed
Like
[Thread 1](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/#threads)
Link copied to clipboard
[Sign in to your CBR account]()
Image by Surya Punjabi
The definition of the term memetic is definitely more recognizable than the word itself, but everyone loves a good meme. Since internet message boards and chat rooms have existed, the few, the proud, the meme-lords have been churning out images and videos meant to make [anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/) fans laugh at themselves and get a funnier perspective on some of their favorite series. Anime happens to have a lot of moments perfect for making some of the funniest memes across the internet.
Some anime memes are so pervasive that even people who don't watch anime are familiar with them. The internet is a vast place with a lot of different sub-cultures, so it is inevitable a little cross-pollination would take place. With the rise of gif-based communication and the greater accessibility that anime has gained in recent years, it was inevitable that someone keeping up with celebrity culture could also stumble on some popular anime characters in silly situations. Some memes, however, have become more recognizable than others.
## 10 "Nah, I'd Win"
### Even When Gojo Is Wrong, Fans Still Love Him
An image of Gojo Satoru saying "nah, I'd win" in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga
Image via Shueisha
A relatively recent meme, this panel from [the *Jujutsu Kaisen* manga](https://www.cbr.com/jjk-manga-worth-reading-gege-akutami/) made the rounds on the internet in a big way. Originally, the VIZ Media translation of the manga had Gojo simply answering whether he would win in an upcoming battle with a simple "*No.*" VIZ later changed the translation to "*Nah, I'd win*" as a way to reference a conversation with an earlier character. Fans went back and forth for a while on which translation was better, but this managed to stick.
This was such a minor thing for fans to debate over that it became a meta joke at first. Fans comparing two identical panels is kind of hilarious out of context. Eventually, fans started inventing other translations for the panel, and it further evolved into drawing other characters saying the same phrase. At the peak of the meme, it had several video compilations as well. This meme has made appearances all over the internet with multiple fandoms and even in some sports spaces. While it may be harder to pinpoint the origin, it's definitely recognizable now.
Itadori and Sukuna in Jujutsu kaisen manga cover art poster
##### Jujutsu Kaisen
**Author**
Gege Akutami
**Artist**
Gege Akutami
**Release Date**
March 5, 2018
**Genre**
[Adventure](https://www.cbr.com/tag/adventure/), [Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/), Supernatural
Expand Collapse
## 9 "You Are Already Dead"
### Fist of the North Star Is Still 1 of the Most Influential Anime of All Time
Kenshiro points down in Fist of the North Star.
Image by Toei Animation.
*Fist of the North Star* is easily one of the most influential anime of all time for many reasons. The meme of Kenshiro pointing at the viewer and saying the famous words "*You are already dead*" is also one of the most influential memes of all time. While the anime itself first appeared in 1983, Kenshiro's post butt-kicking catchphrase became one of the most well-known parts of it. TVTropes codified the meme in the early 2010s, creating a page with the same name to describe martial arts moves in media that had a delayed death effect.
This particular meme has been popping up in message boards and on forums for far longer than the existence of the TVTropes page, often used in arguments or as a way to underscore a point. Music producer Deadman even made a song with the name "Already Dead" in reference to the meme. This meme has, in a way, come to have an identity of its own outside of its source material.
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
##### [Fist of the North Star](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/fist-of-the-north-star-1984/ "Fist of the North Star")
TV-14
Action
[Adventure](https://www.cbr.com/tag/adventure/)
Comedy
6\.0*/10*
**Release Date**
1984 - 1988
**Directors**
Toyoo Ashida
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GYX0453PR)
Where to watch
Close
#### WHERE TO WATCH
**Streaming**
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GYX0453PR)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/fist-of-the-north-star-1984/)
Expand Collapse
## 8 "My Job Here Is Done"
### This Non-Canon Tuxedo Mask Quote References His Usefulness the '90s Sailor Moon Anime
Tuxedo Mask showing up at Sailor Moon's first battle in Sailor Moon.
Image via Toei Animation Studio
The text in this particular meme isn't canon, but it does make a lot of sense. The meme comes in three images, the first with *Sailor Moon*'s Tuxedo Mask declaring that his job here is done. The next image shows Sailor Moon herself accusing him of not doing anything. The final image shows him turning to leave. The images themselves come from the first episode of the anime, but were arranged by a Tumblr user in order to make the famous meme.
To be entirely fair, Tuxedo Mask in the '90s anime wasn't exactly always the most useful character, especially when compared to his manga counterpart. This meme has been adapted all across the internet, often in derogatory ways when aimed at different corporations. The gaming fandom, in particular, is fond of this meme, considering how often game companies tend to disappoint people.
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
##### [Sailor Moon](https://www.cbr.com/tag/tv-show/sailor-moon-1992/ "Sailor Moon")
TV-PG
[Animation](https://www.cbr.com/tag/animation/)
Comedy
Kids
Action
[Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/)
51
9\.3*/10*
**Release Date**
1992 - 1997
**Network**
tv asahi
- [](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/usagis-love-the-moonlight-illuminates-the-galaxy/umc.cmc.6vxk59v97utskg1qkg2luu0k1?at=1000l3V2&ct=app_tv&itscg=30200&itsct=&playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%3A1482784704&showId=umc.cmc.6p1m4b7zum7r9axdd17q38761)
Where to watch
Close
#### WHERE TO WATCH
**BUY**
- [](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/usagis-love-the-moonlight-illuminates-the-galaxy/umc.cmc.6vxk59v97utskg1qkg2luu0k1?at=1000l3V2&ct=app_tv&itscg=30200&itsct=&playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%3A1482784704&showId=umc.cmc.6p1m4b7zum7r9axdd17q38761)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/sailor-moon/)
Expand Collapse
## 7 "Anime Was a Mistake"
### Miyazaki Never Said This, But It Feels Like He Would
Image by Ryan Rice
Hayao Miyazaki is easily one of the most influential and important Japanese artists and filmmakers in anime history. This fact makes it a little unfortunate that this particular meme has managed to stick so hard. This quote was a troll quote created in the aftermath of an interview that Miyazaki did in 2014. The transcript involved conversations with Miyazaki about the state of anime during the time and his general thoughts on the industry. This escalated into gifs taken of him from a 2013 documentary getting fake subtitles put on them.
From that point on, images of Miyazaki with quotes about either hating anime or being wildly disappointed in other forms of media have become rather common to find floating around. Troll quotes have always been a thing on the internet, especially during the height of 4chan and other image boards. This particular troll quote has often been mistaken for fact, however, which is sad, considering the [rich history Miyazaki has contributed to anime](https://www.cbr.com/studio-ghibli-spirited-away-ai-anime-controversy/).
## 6 "Is This a Pigeon?"
### It Has Been Many, Many Things
The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird- Is This A Pigeon Scene
Image via Sunrise
Access to anime has grown by leaps and bounds in the West. This particular meme is proof of that expansion. *The Brave of Sun Fighbird* is an incredibly obscure anime — to the point where it is wild this meme has its [very own Wikipedia page.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Is_this_a_pigeon%3F) The meme originates from the character of Yutaro Katori, who is an android. In the third episode of the anime, Katori misidentifies a butterfly as a pigeon. This episode aired all the way back in 1991, and the internet went absolutely wild with it. It may seem like the translation is incorrect out of context, but it is 100% literally translated.
This meme is practically award-winning at this point. It's been used and remixed in so many different contexts that it has taken on a major life of its own. There are anime fans who probably could not immediately identify what this anime is from, but they certainly know this meme. The third episode of *Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared* makes direct reference to it and, despite being a meme that is over a decade old, it always manages to come back.
## 5 "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born"
### Sometimes It's Just Gotta Be Catchy
The rise of TikTok and dance challenges has been calling to anime music for a long time. While many different songs have gotten their own dances, "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" by Creepy Nuts managed to bring a whole new group of people into the fold. As the opening for the second season of *Mashle: Magic and Muscles*, it crashed through the language barrier to have over 100 million views on YouTube. Shortly after its release, it became an animation meme and a dance craze that swept across the internet like wildfire.
Part of the success of the song is the fact that it's just good, it scratches an itch, and the dance itself isn't hard for people to enjoy together. "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" fills a space that *Lucky Star* left behind in the early 2000s and manages to be catchy enough to bring other fandoms along for the ride. While most non-anime fans may not be able to name the anime, it's highly likely that they can do the dance.
The poster for Mashle: Magic and Muscle depicts Mash Burndead in front of his schoolmates during night.
Image via Studio A-1 Pictures.
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
##### [Mashle: Magic And Muscles](https://www.cbr.com/tag/mashle-magic-and-muscles/ "Mashle: Magic And Muscles")
TV-14
Comedy
[Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/)
13
9\.2*/10*
**Release Date**
April 8, 2023
### Cast
- 
Chiaki Kobayashi
- 
Katsuyuki Konishi
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/)
Expand Collapse
## 4 Crying Aya Asagiri
### Most People Don't Even Know She's From Anything
Aya Asagiri crying in chapter 103 of Magical Girl Site after being told she is adopted
Image via Akita Shoten
This particular image of Aya Asagiri from *Magical Girl Site* gets remixed a lot for a lot of different memes. A lot of them also happen to be relatively not safe for work, so readers should Google at their own risk. This image of Aya throwing her head back and crying acts as a major component for several popular memes, including the "Sorry for having \[Insert Noun here\]" meme. The actual context of the image is actually rather tragic, as Aya found out just one chapter before this that she is adopted.
The image comes from Chapter 103, which released in 2018. While it was the precursor to a wider conflict in the Asagiri family, most people could only look at the image and think it was perfect for any number of puerile memes that they could come up with. At this point, very few people could actually pinpoint where Aya is from, let alone know what her name is. This is a great example of a meme outgrowing its source material to the point of having its own meaning.
## 3 The Naruto Run
### You Don't Have to be an Anime Fan to Have Heard of This Meme
*Naruto* is one of the most beloved modern shonen anime, so it makes total sense people would try to storm Area 51 while Naruto Running through the desert. The idea of the run itself has a very specific look to it, with the body bent at almost a 90-degree angle with the arms spread out behind the runner, leading with the head. The technique is very well detailed in a [2008 WikiHow article](https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Run-Like-Naruto). The Naruto Run became deeply associated with otaku and anime culture and became something of an easy way to make fun of anime fans back in the day.
The storming of Area 51 was the event that rocketed the meme into mainstream consciousness. Participants were encouraged to "run like Naruto" in order to dodge bullets. This unique running style is pretty easy to pick out with multiple YouTube videos explaining how to do it and more than a few memelords expanding the use of the run as time has gone on. Other forms of media have also come to reference it over time.
Naruto Uzumaki has his arms behind his head and is grinning as Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha sit on either side of him and the Third Hokage, Kakashi Hatake and Iruka Umino stand in the background on the Naruto poster.
Image by CBR
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
##### [Naruto](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/naruto-2002/ "Naruto")
TV-PG
[Animation](https://www.cbr.com/tag/animation/)
Action
[Adventure](https://www.cbr.com/tag/adventure/)
Comedy
[Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/)
164
9\.4*/10*
**Release Date**
2002 - 2007-00-00
**Showrunner**
Masashi Kishimoto
- [](https://www.netflix.com/title/70205012)
- [](https://app.primevideo.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.5eb6f772-ac40-3165-11cf-4eaaa6925a0d)
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GYK5PJV7R)
Where to watch
Close
#### WHERE TO WATCH
**Streaming**
- [](https://www.netflix.com/title/70205012)
- [](https://app.primevideo.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.5eb6f772-ac40-3165-11cf-4eaaa6925a0d)
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GYK5PJV7R)
**BUY**
- [](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/enter-naruto-uzumaki/umc.cmc.3ncvh48td8u2arwdt1oo0dji0?at=1000l3V2&ct=app_tv&itscg=30200&itsct=&playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%3A1531931823&showId=umc.cmc.3i5nwaw2x5ejk401dxbs92rbm)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/naruto-2002/)
Expand Collapse
## 2 "It Was Me, Dio!"
### Dio Is Everywhere
Dio saying "It was me!" in the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure anime
Image via David Production
*JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* is an anime with a wild enough reputation on its own to have almost every shot of it memed. No *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* meme is as recognizable as "It Was Me, Dio!". This particular quote comes from Dio stealing the first kiss of Jonathan Joestar's love interest, Erina, when they were young teenagers, but the image has become so much more than that. The overly dramatic and bombastic presentation of *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* made a relatively small moment into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
This particular meme has been used all across the internet and even in real life. Dio gets photoshopped into many different situations, often declaring that the viewer's expectations are undermined because it was him all along. This takes on a different level of hilarity for those familiar with the character and his intensely over-the-top behavior. Dio is at the center of a lot of *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* memes in general as he just happens to be a very quotable character, but this one is definitely the most well-known.
The poster for the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime depicts Jotaro Kujo pointing forward while Joseph and Jonathan Joestar stand on either side of him and other characters from the anime are in the background on the anime's poster.
Image via David Production, Inc.
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
##### [JoJo's Bizarre Adventure](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/jojos-bizarre-adventure/ "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure")
TV-14
Action
[Adventure](https://www.cbr.com/tag/adventure/)
[Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/)
Supernatural
39
8\.7*/10*
**Release Date**
October 6, 2012
**Showrunner**
Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
- [](https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831)
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/G63V7WEDY)
- [](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/dio-the-invader/umc.cmc.44n3vccgf5j7fl030hc70el69?at=1000l3V2&ct=app_tv&itscg=30200&itsct=&playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%3A1635475860&showId=umc.cmc.5xvk1qpjymno5lraml9waegmh)
Where to watch
Close
#### WHERE TO WATCH
**Streaming**
- [](https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831)
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/G63V7WEDY)
**BUY**
- [](https://tv.apple.com/ca/episode/dio-the-invader/umc.cmc.44n3vccgf5j7fl030hc70el69?at=1000l3V2&ct=app_tv&itscg=30200&itsct=&playableId=tvs.sbd.9001%3A1635475860&showId=umc.cmc.5xvk1qpjymno5lraml9waegmh)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/jojos-bizarre-adventure/)
Expand Collapse
## 1 "It's Over 9000!"
### This Dragon Ball Z Meme Is Totally Iconic
Vegeta gritting his teeth and crushing his scouter after shouting "*It's Over 9000\!*" in *Dragon Ball Z*
Image via Toei Animation
*Dragon Ball Z* is the granddaddy anime for most Western anime fans. During the original airing of *Dragon Ball Z*, the Ocean Dub cast was at the helm. This particular meme comes from the episode titled "The Return of Goku," with [Brian Drummond as Vegeta](https://www.cbr.com/dragon-ball-characters-underestimated-vegeta-lost/). When Vegeta sees Goku's explosive power through his scouter, he screams that his power level is over 9000 and crushes the device in his hand dramatically while Nappa looks on in both horror and confusion.
This is a very old meme, spreading through the internet in the early 2000s and turned into motivational and demotivational posters, referenced in videos, and even anti-joked about in TeamFourStar's *Dragon Ball Z: Abridged*. YTMND had areas dedicated to the meme on its site and 4chan moderators once made any instance of the number 7 turn into "over 9000". The meme was even used to prank Oprah herself in the early 2000s. This meme has gone beyond being a meme and has achieved legendary status.
### Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0*/10*
Your comment has not been saved
Like
Follow
Followed
##### [Dragon Ball Z](https://www.cbr.com/tag/dragon-ball-z/ "Dragon Ball Z")
TV-14
Action
[Adventure](https://www.cbr.com/tag/adventure/)
[Fantasy](https://www.cbr.com/tag/fantasy/)
[Animation](https://www.cbr.com/tag/animation/)
8
10
168
9\.3*/10*
**Release Date**
1989 - 1996
**Network**
Fuji TV
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GN7UDGV8G)
Where to watch
Close
#### WHERE TO WATCH
**Streaming**
- [](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GN7UDGV8G)
[Powered by ](https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/dragon-ball-z-1989/)
Expand Collapse
- [ Anime](https://www.cbr.com/category/anime/ "Anime")
- [anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
- [Sailor Moon](https://www.cbr.com/tag/sailor-moon/ "Sailor Moon")
Follow
Followed
Like
Share
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbr.com%2Ficonic-anime-memes-recognizable%2F%2F&src=sdkpreparse) [X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=10%20Iconic%20Anime%20Memes%20Even%20Your%20Friends%20Who%20Don%27t%20Watch%20Anime%20Will%20Recognize&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbr.com%2Ficonic-anime-memes-recognizable%2F) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbr.com%2Ficonic-anime-memes-recognizable%2F&title=10%20Iconic%20Anime%20Memes%20Even%20Your%20Friends%20Who%20Don%27t%20Watch%20Anime%20Will%20Recognize&source=www.cbr.com&summary=Everyone%20loves%20a%20good%20meme%2C%20and%20some%20anime%20memes%20have%20become%20so%20ubiquitous%20that%20non-anime%20watchers%20will%20have%20seen%20these%20memes.) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbr.com%2Ficonic-anime-memes-recognizable%2F) [Flipboard](http://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&title=10%20Iconic%20Anime%20Memes%20Even%20Your%20Friends%20Who%20Don%27t%20Watch%20Anime%20Will%20Recognize&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbr.com%2Ficonic-anime-memes-recognizable%2F&utm_campaign=tools&utm_medium=article-share&utm_source=www.cbr.com) [Copy link]() [Email](<mailto:?Subject=10 Iconic Anime Memes Even Your Friends Who Don't Watch Anime Will Recognize&Body=Check%20this%20out%21%0Ahttps://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/>)
Close
Thread 1
[Sign in to your CBR account]()
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Reply / Post
Images
Attachment(s)
Please respect our [community guidelines](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use#community-guidelines). No links, inappropriate language, or spam.
Your comment has not been saved
[Send confirmation email]()
Sort by:
- SamTuff84 [](https://www.cbr.com/profile/KP637252/)
[SamTuff84](https://www.cbr.com/profile/KP637252/ "Posted by SamTuff84")
[](https://www.cbr.com/profile/KP637252/)
[SamTuff84](https://www.cbr.com/profile/KP637252/)
\#KP637252
Member since 2023-10-07
0
Threads
398
Posts
Following
0
Stories
0
Topics
0
Authors
2
Users
Follow
Followed
0 Followers
[View](https://www.cbr.com/profile/KP637252/)
Thank you for sharing this, I love it :)
2025-02-28 21:15:21
Upvote
Downvote
Reply
Copy
- [Terms](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use)
- [Privacy](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/privacy-policy)
- [Feedback](https://www.cbr.com/contact)
Recommended
[](https://www.cbr.com/how-to-find-anime-dont-remember-name/)
##### [10 Tips If You Can't Find an Anime You Don't Remember the Name Of](https://www.cbr.com/how-to-find-anime-dont-remember-name/ "10 Tips If You Can't Find an Anime You Don't Remember the Name Of")
[anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
It can be frustrating when the title of an anime is on the tip of your tongue but escapes you. Fortunately, there are some tips to help.
Posts
[1](https://www.cbr.com/how-to-find-anime-dont-remember-name/#threads "Total Posts")
Feb 24, 2025
[](https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-anime-every-fans-needs-to-watch/)
##### [Don’t Call Yourself a Shonen Anime Fan Unless You’ve Seen These 10 Series](https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-anime-every-fans-needs-to-watch/ "Don’t Call Yourself a Shonen Anime Fan Unless You’ve Seen These 10 Series")
[anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
These beloved series are all mandatory viewing for fans of shonen anime.
Posts
[33](https://www.cbr.com/best-shonen-anime-every-fans-needs-to-watch/#threads "Total Posts")
6 days ago
[](https://www.cbr.com/most-addictive-anime-ranked-streaming/)
##### [The 10 Most Addictive Anime of All Time, Ranked](https://www.cbr.com/most-addictive-anime-ranked-streaming/ "The 10 Most Addictive Anime of All Time, Ranked ")
[anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
Get ready to binge-watch these top 10 anime that will make you forget about reality\!
Posts
[16](https://www.cbr.com/most-addictive-anime-ranked-streaming/#threads "Total Posts")
6 days ago
[](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-every-fans-should-watch/)
##### [Don’t Call Yourself an Anime Fan Unless You’ve Seen These 10 Anime](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-every-fans-should-watch/ "Don’t Call Yourself an Anime Fan Unless You’ve Seen These 10 Anime")
[anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
These anime series are mandatory viewing for both long-time fans and newbies.
Posts
[57](https://www.cbr.com/iconic-anime-every-fans-should-watch/#threads "Total Posts")
5 days ago
[](https://www.cbr.com/anime-should-have-been-another-genre/)
##### [10 Anime That Would Have Been Way Better in a Different Genre](https://www.cbr.com/anime-should-have-been-another-genre/ "10 Anime That Would Have Been Way Better in a Different Genre")
[anime](https://www.cbr.com/tag/anime/ "anime")
While anime like Darling in the Franxx and Sword Art Online are decent, they might have thrived better if they had embraced a different genre.
Posts
[28](https://www.cbr.com/anime-should-have-been-another-genre/#threads "Total Posts")
Aug 11, 2025
[](https://www.cbr.com/the-definitive-best-anime-of-2024-makes-solo-leveling-look-mid/)
##### [The Definitive Best Anime of 2024 Makes Solo Leveling Look Mid](https://www.cbr.com/the-definitive-best-anime-of-2024-makes-solo-leveling-look-mid/ "The Definitive Best Anime of 2024 Makes Solo Leveling Look Mid")
[Solo Leveling](https://www.cbr.com/tag/tv-show/solo-leveling/ "Solo Leveling")
Solo Leveling is a mediocre action anime, and the actual best anime of 2024 makes its first season look even worse.
Posts
[14](https://www.cbr.com/the-definitive-best-anime-of-2024-makes-solo-leveling-look-mid/#threads "Total Posts")
6 days ago
Trending Now
[](https://www.cbr.com/will-smith-after-earth-leaving-netflix-september-1/)
##### [Will Smith's Critically Panned Sci-Fi Action Film With 12% RT Score Is Losing Its Streaming Home Soon](https://www.cbr.com/will-smith-after-earth-leaving-netflix-september-1/ "Will Smith's Critically Panned Sci-Fi Action Film With 12% RT Score Is Losing Its Streaming Home Soon")
[](https://www.cbr.com/mcdonalds-one-piece-happy-meal-cancel/)
##### [McDonald's Cancels New One Piece Happy Meal Toys After Pokémon Snafu](https://www.cbr.com/mcdonalds-one-piece-happy-meal-cancel/ "McDonald's Cancels New One Piece Happy Meal Toys After Pokémon Snafu")
[](https://www.cbr.com/val-kilmer-the-saint-better-than-doc-holliday-tombstone/)
##### [I Love Tombstone, But Val Kilmer Played an Even Better Antihero Than Doc Holliday in This Forgotten \$169M Thriller](https://www.cbr.com/val-kilmer-the-saint-better-than-doc-holliday-tombstone/ "I Love Tombstone, But Val Kilmer Played an Even Better Antihero Than Doc Holliday in This Forgotten $169M Thriller")
[](https://www.cbr.com/)
- [Join Our Team](https://www.cbr.com/work-with-us/)
- [Our Audience](https://www.cbr.com/page/advertise/)
- [About Us](https://www.cbr.com/page/about/)
- [Press & Events](https://www.cbr.com/page/press-events/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.cbr.com/contact/)
- Follow Us
[](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/)
- [Advertising](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/advertising)
- [Careers](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/careers)
- [Terms](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use)
- [Privacy](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/privacy-policy)
- [Policies](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/editorial-integrity)
[CBR](https://www.cbr.com/) is part of the [Valnet Publishing Group](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/)
Copyright © 2025 Valnet Inc. |
| Readable Markdown | null |
| Shard | 128 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 6566901468802439528 |
| Unparsed URL | com,cbr!www,/iconic-anime-memes-recognizable/ s443 |