From Sock and Awe, the Bush shoe game, to Sarah Palin being spoofed by Tina Fey, the consistency of really good, viral parodies was strong in 2008.
Since spoof videos, gag campaigns and mocking online games picked up in the second part of the year, with the Sock and awe game being the most recent so close to year end, 2009 looks promising to be full of viral parody action.
Maybe it’s because people are seeking happiness in a time of economic downs, or because people are getting an increasingly stronger kick out of schadenfreude. We can’t be certain of the reason, so perhaps looking back at some of the best viral parodies of 2008, as well as some lesser known spoofs, that could help spark a theory.
Cycle through the cluster below for a dose of everything from Sock and Awe to faux Michael Phelps fashion covers.
72 Spoofs, Parodies and Funny Recreations
67
Inspirational Spoof Posters
Funny London Paper Galleries Ads
66
Extreme Political Parodies
Obama Girl Hits Sarah Palin Below The Belt
65
Bigfoot Parodies
Bigfoot Photos and Videos Inspiring Comedy
64
Olympic Cover Spoofs
Michael Phelps in Haute Couture
63
Political Parodies
Bush vs. Obama: DOPE Parodies HOPE
62
Objectified Male Parodies
Michael Phelps as Dr. McSwimmy Pre Emmy Awards
61
Political Parody Responses
Sarah Palin liked Tina Fey Impersonation
60
Political Dance Spoofs
Sarah Palin and Obama on Dancing With the Stars
59
Political Parody Raps
Amy Poehler's Sarah Palin Rap on SNL
58
Sarah Palin Parodies Continue
Gina Gershon for Funny or Die
57
Viral Music Video Parodies
Womanizer by Venetian Princess
56
Self-Spoofing Politicians
Sarah Palin as Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live (SNL)
55
Political SNL Parodies
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton
54
Parodies of Magazine Covers
Gallery of the Absurd
53
Remixed Renaissance Art
10 Mona Lisa Parodies
52
Film Noir Parodies
Disney Princesses as Sin City Characters
51
Political SNL Parodies II
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Katie Couric
50
Self-Parody Ads
Victoria Beckham Plays Hide & Seek in Dress Collection Commercial
49
Fake Publicity Publications
Dexter Spoof Magazines
48
LEGO Film Parodies
Silver Screen Toy Recreations
47
Fashion Show Spoofs
Westood's Gypsy in McQueen's Mankini
46
Clever Movie Poster Spoofs
If Cartoons Were Films
45
Political Parodies III
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin in the Palin-Biden Debate on SNL
44
Fashion Designers as Actors
Tom Ford Spoofs 'In Treatment'
43
Spoof Black Friday Ads
Contest Pokes Fun at Economy
42
Bullet Proof Baby Protection
Woman Shoots at Baby on Bulletproofbaby Spoof Site
41
Racist Obama Magazine Covers
Vanity Fair Parodies New Yorker
40
Evolution Parodies
Braun Brings Out The Human in Men
39
Fashion Photo Shoot Spoofs
LOL Vogue?
38
Hip Hop Dating Parodies
LL Cool J for Old Spice Swagger
37
Rockstars Parody Viral Videos
Weezer's 'Pork and Beans' Video Kicks Ass
36
Political Spoofs
Sarah Palin Parodied by Sara Benincasa
35
YouTube Hitler Parodies
Viral Competition to Spoof "Downfall"
34
Post-Campaign Parodies
Sarah Palin and John McCain's 'Morning After'
33
Presidential Parodies
Josh Brolin to Play George W. Bush on SNL
32
Redneck Spoof Commercials
Brad Pitt (Imposter)'s Beer Lies Viral
31
PC-Free Photoshop Parodies
Henry Hadlow's 'Tell a Lie'
30
Broadway Poster Spoofs
"Evil Dead: The Musical" Ads
29
Political Parody Ads
Axe's Hillary Clinton Spoof
28
Political Publicity Parodies
Benedict vs. Obama: POPE Parodies HOPE
27
Viral Spoof Creating Change
Unilever Reacts to 'Dove Onslaught(er)' (by Greeenpeace)
26
Killer Job Parodies
Career Builder ‘Time To Move On' Ads
25
Coffee Branding Parodies
"What if Starbucks Marketed Like a Church?"
24
Celebrity Parody Infomercials
Be Kanye Tablets for Absolut
23
Endless SNL Political Parodies
SNL Thursdays to Focus on Election
22
Bigfoot Parodies (Part 2)
Jeff Beacher's Abominable Snowman
21
Viral Business Parodies
Mad Magazine's Circuit City Spoof
20
Pre-Movie Mockumentaries
Rain of Madness Spoofs Tropic Thunder
19
Leave Barack Alone Videos
Chris Crocker Stands Up For Obama Parody
18
Parody Sports Virals
Nike Pro Exposes Cristiano Ronaldo, Pokes Fun at Nike
17
Politicial Parody Attacks
Hockey Moms Against Sarah Palin
16
Supporting Non-Political Movements
SupportOurPoops.org Parodies Ribbon Obsession
15
Political Pundit Parodies
Lil' Bill O'Reilly
14
Credit Crunch Business Profanity
The Economist September 2008 Spoof
13
Witty Spoofs about Facebook
Idiots of Ants Parody
12
Candidates That Fight Back
Obama Snaps, Threatens to 'Go Gangster' (SPOOF)
11
Offensive Cell Phone Ad Parodies
LOLz AT&T 'No Bars' Commercial
10
Eco Protest Through Spoofs
Greenpeace Kleercut Kleenex Parody
9
Retro Track Suit Spoofvertising
'Douche Bags Wear Nike' Ad
8
Prehistoric Social Media Parodies
The Office Spoofed by Dinosaurs
7
Political Spoof Musicals
Les Misbarack Mocks Sarah Palin, Obama, McCain
6
Proposition 8 Musicals
Funny or Die Parodies Same-Sex Marriage Defeat
5
User Generated Music Videos
Michael Jackson's Beat It Spoof
4
Hollywood Cult Parodies
Celeb Hate! Magazine
3
Parodying Viral Breakdowns
Sobbing Sorority Sister The Target of Amateur Comedians
2
Black Parodies Of Iconic Films
60 Frames Spoofs
1
Medical Musical Comedies
'Damaged Care' Parodies US Health Care
Related Ideas
Superhero-Inspired Soccer Shoes
These Conceptual Marvel x Nike Football Sneakers are Comic-Like
Cartoon-Themed Performance Shoes
Puma Introduces a New ‘SpongeBob SquarePants'-Themed Collection
Superhero-Themed Sportswear Shoes
Paul Parsons Creates Cool Marvel x Nike Concept Sneakers
Superhero-Themed High Sneakers
Another Pair of Air Jordan 1s Launch in Celebration of Spiderman
Nostalgic Winter Intimates Campaigns
SKIMS' Holiday Campaign Was Inspired by Vintage Magazines
Sour Candy Challenges
1UP Candy's Kit Challenges Sour Candy Fans to Keep a Straight Face
Cartoon-inspired Vibrant Basketball Shoes
Spongebob Squarepants and Nike Unveil a Kyrie Collection
Pottery-Focused Actor Experiences
Seth Rogen and Airbnb are Hosting Guests in the Hollywood Hills
Sneaker-Stealing Campaigns
Rob It To Get It by Distance Challenged Customers to Outrun a Sprinter
Pastry-Inspired Sweaters
Pop-Tarts' Pop-Tartigan Sweaters Help Gen Z Channel "Grandmacore"
Nameless Secret Sneakers
Google & Ellesse Created Trainers That Can Only Be Found by Image Search
Bulbous Knitted Sneaker Designs
Nike Introduces the Cacao Wow Flyknit Haven Sneaker Model
Dynamic Thigh-High Tech Sneakers
Voo Store Joins On Running to Create a Unique New Sneaker
Teddy Bear Outerwear
Build-A-Bear Cuddly Couture Shares Cozy, Warm Styles
Cartoon-Detailed Fuzzy Sneakers
Marge Simpson is the Latest to Adorn the adidas Superstar
Cartoon-Themed Apparel Collections
This 'Teletubbies' Apparel Collection is 90s and Y2K-Inspired
Topsy-Turvy Couture Gowns
The Victor & Rolf Spring 2023 Couture Turns Fashion Upside-Down
Film-Inspired Apparel Collections
A24 and Online Ceramics Launch 'Spring Breakers' Themed Apparel
Doll-Inspired Sneakers
The Superga x Barbie Collab Shares Fun, Nostalgic Styles
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
Puffy Marshmallow-Inspired Shoes
Jet-Puffed's S’mores Shoes are Reminscent of the Sugary Treat
Stealthy Collaborative Bowling Shoes
adidas Originals Works with Brain Dead on a New Footwear
Cartoon-Inspired Sock Collections
The Simpsons and Happy Socks Release a Colorful Sock Collection
Plastic-Heavy Fashion Campaigns
Anonymous Club and PUMA Debut a New Collaboration
Live-Painting Sneaker Experiences
The Martell Sneaker Atelier Turns Brainwaves into Unique Styles
Soda-Branded Sweatsuit Merch Lines
poppi Launched a Stunningly Playful & Stylish Sweatsuit Line
Stylish Cartoon-Themed Shoes
Koi Launches a Whimsical 'Teletubbies'-Inspired Footwear Collection
Revived 80s-Style Sneakers
The AVIA 830 and 880 High-Tops Perfectly Mimic the Originals
Sporty Fashion Spring Campaigns
adidas Originals Introduces the 1000 Back Campaign
Revived Collaborative Running Shoes
Joe Freshgoods Joins New Balance on the 1000 Sneaker Collab
Hilarious Judicial Beauty Ads
e.l.f. Cosmetics Debuts "Judge Beauty" Campaign
Lazy Cereal Campaigns
SURREAL Cereal Cheekily Pokes Fun at New Year's Resolutions
Vintage TV-Themed Apparel
Sports Brand Umbro Launches Its Debut Collection with MTV
Foil-Wrapped Socks
Sockdoms are Provocatively Packaged Novelty Sock Designs
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Playful Language App Campaigns
The Duolingo On Ice Campaign is Light-Hearted and Humorous
Cartoon-Themed High-Top Sneakers
RETRO Clothing Creates Homer Simpson’s ASSASSIN Sneakers
Excuse-Providing Mock Cans
Like a Magic 8 Ball, Samuel Adams' 'I CAN't' Can is Ready to Shake
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Perforated Dynamic Cartoonish Boots
MSCHF and Crocs Unveil a Dramatic Yellow 'Big Red Boot'
Spooky Cartoon Sneakers
The Simpsons x adidas Rivalry 86 Low 'Treehouse of Horror' Shoe is Playful
Undone Luxury Fashion
AVAVAV FW23 Ripped Clothing Right Off of the Runway
Glitchy Beer Cans
Coors Light Created a Special-Edition Beer Can Based on a Viral Moment
Inaugural Virtual Sneaker Collections
Nike Presents its Our Force 1s Collection of Digital Shoes
Premium Explorative Skate Products
OTW By Vans Celebrates Skateboarding Culture and Experiences
Film-Themed Cookbooks
A24's Scrounging Cookbook Takes Cues from Unusual Movie Meals
Nostalgic Ugly Holiday Sweaters
Microsoft's Clippy Paperclip Stars on a Holiday Sweater
Cartoon Characters-Themed Apparel
The Hundreds and Warner Bros. Launch New Celebratory Collection
AI Fact Generators
Snapple is Evolving its Fun Facts with the Snapple fAIct Generator
Japanese Festival-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Unveils New Nike Dunk Low Sneakers in 'Setsubun' Colorway
Groundhog-Themed Beer Campaigns
Samuel Adams is Sending Drinkers $50k Worth of Cold Snap
Beauty Crime Mockumentaries
e.l.f.'s Cosmetic Criminals is a True Crime Parody Documentary
Baked Beans-Inspired Slide Sandals
Bush's Bean Slides Deliver a Unique Take on Summer Footwear
Sporty Visual Fashion Campaigns
PUMA and NOAH Join Forces on a New Sporty Campaign Series
Tomato-Themed Y2K Apparel
Lisa Says Gah Taps Hunt's for the 'Tomato Girl' Collaboration
Y2K Shopping Campaigns
Klarna's That's Smoooth Campaign Stars Paris Hilton
AI-Generated Personalized Animations
The Simulation Puts Fans into an AI South Park Episode
Humorous Collab Fashion Campaigns
Barbour and Maison Kitsuné Launches a New Campaign
Whimsical Inflatable Sneaker Concepts
UV-Zhu Uses Daily Objects for His Nike Concept Sneaker
Channel-Switching Commercials
This Tubi Super Bowl Ad Tricked Millions of Sports Viewers
Gratitude-Giving Sneakers
The LA Bike Life Crew Handed Out Pairs of the Air Jordan XI Retro
Meme-Inspired Textile Sneakers
Homer Simpson Stars in the New adidas Stan Smith Sneaker Model
Creative-Focused Sportswear Campaigns
adidas Celebrates Creativity with Ama Qamata and Dee Koala
Playful Travel-Inspired Sock Designs
HOTSOX and Meagan Morrison Debut a Range of Playful Socks
90s Toy-Themed Fashion
The Cakeworthy x Furby Collection Pays Tribute to a 90s Sensation
Nostalgic Vodka Concerts
Smirnoff Ice Kicks Off Relaunch Tour with Artists T-pain and Shaggy
Confetti-Filled Snacking Commercials
Frito-Lay Launches the Taste of Super Bowl Campaign
Collaborative Mixed-Material Sneakers
Joe Freshgoods and New Balance Unite for the 990v4 Capsule
70s-Style Cat Snack Ads
Temptations' Creamy Purrrr-ée Treats Star in a Nostalgic Holiday Ad
Sci-Fi-Inspired Backpack Collections
Sprayground Launches a Collaborative Avatar Backpack Capsule
Soda-Themed Merch Collections
Viral Soda Brand Poppi Drops Limited-Edition Sweatsuit Merch
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Co-Branded Golfing Products
SKLZ and Barstool Sports Launch a Premium Golfing Collection
First-Person Vintage-Inspired Games
Mouse is a New Shooter Game Inspired by Vintage Disney
Cartoon-Inspired Technical Shoes
Salomon and Sandy Liang Celebrates a Pokémon with a XT-6
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Board Game-Themed Fashions
The Shoe Palace x Monopoly Collection Includes an Array of Styles
Friendship-Focused Party Games
Catch the Vibe is a Battle to Prove Who Knows Their Friends Best
Cringe-Worthy Photo Campaigns
Sour Patch Kids is Challenging Fans to Choose "Cringe or Candy"
Gummy Candy-Inspired Footwear Series
Vans Brings a Playful Element with the Haribo Collection
Y2K-Inspired Vibrant Art Exhibitions
New Balance Presents the Jerry Haha CHERRY Exhibition
Anti-Breakup Festive Campaigns
Smirnoff and Lance Bass Debut 'Red, White & Merry' Love Campaign
AI Horror Film Festivals
A.I.RHEADS SCAREFEST Shares Short Films Made with Artificial Intelligence
Monkey-Themed Y2K Apparel
Fan-Favorite Y2K Brand Paul Frank Makes its Return with MadeMe
Nostalgic Emo Band-Inspired Shoes
adidas is Channelling Teen Angst with the Fall Out Boy Sneakers
Tongue-In-Cheek Soda Campaigns
Pepsi Jokes at Coca-Cola in It's Tastes Better Campaign
Vintage Women's Sportswear
Sporty & Rich Partners with adidas to Launch New 'Campus 80s' Capsule
Plush-Themed Party Games
What Do You Meme? Launches a Squishmallows Card Game and Plush
Fued-Inspired Christmas Cards
Moonpig Unveils Its New AI-Powered Christmas Card Range
Cookie-Twisting Commercials
The OREO Super Bowl 2024 Spot Revisits Pivotal Moments in History
Sketch Comedy Retail Commercials
The Target Lady Ad Revives a Familiar Comedic Character
All-Angle Sneaker Shopping Engines
Google Search Allows Users to View Shoes from All Angles
Poop-Themed Game Day Ads
Tushy Will Pay Fans $10k to Poop on Super Bowel Monday
DIY Rabbit-Themed Sneakers
Vans and Billy’s Tokyo Teamed Up on the New DIY HI VLT LX
Sentimental Holiday Ad Campaigns
Amazon's Joy is Made Campaign Evokes Holiday Emotion
Dynamic Dramatic Sole Sneakers
Cactus Plant Flea Market and Nike Launch a Flea 2 Sneaker
Spring-Centric Collaborative Skate Sneakers
Palace Works on Another Iteration of the adidas Samba
One-Click AI Editors
Kapwing's Repurpose Studio Uses AI to Create Short, Shareable Clips
Magnetic Hand-Holding Socks
These Children's Socks Add a Touch of Whimsy to the Everyday Item
Blockbuster Shopping Campaigns
Walmart Reunited the Mean Girls Cast for Its Black Friday Ads
Tax-Season Online Campaigns
These Video Ad Spots Urge Canadians to Take Advantage Of Tax Benefits
Vibrant Snowy Holiday Campaigns
Apple Presents the Share the Joy Campaign for the Holidays
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
Celeb-Starring VR Horror Films
Meta Launches Vanessa Hudgens-Starring 'Haunted House' Expereince
Nostalgic Shopping Ads
The Rakuten Big Game Campaign Revives Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz
90s Musician Cracker Campaigns
This OLD BAY Goldfish Campaign Stars Lisa Loeb
Futuristic Bold Tonal Sneakers
Beyoncé and adidas Present the IVY PARK Top Ten 2000 Sneaker
Personalized Puppet Video Cards
This American Greeting SmashUp Video e-Card Has Cookie Monster
Digital Audio-Visual Exhibitions
'Future Shock' by 180 Studios and FACT Magazine is Online
Celebrity-Backed Functional Footwear
Martha Stewart Launches a Footwear Collection with Skechers
Neutral Co-Branded Lifestyle Capsules
adidas and IRAK Join Forces on a Samba Collaborative Capsule
Cozy Fuzzy Lifestyle Sneakers
New Balance Unveils a New 2002R to Join its White Pack
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Sneaker-Inspired Art Exhibitions
Jerry Haha Launches an Exhibition with New Balance in Hong Kong
Search-Hacking Campaigns
Kraft Real Mayo's Search Moist Campaign Suggested a Word of the Year
Risk-Worthy Snack Ads
The Super Bowl Pringles Ad Shares a Snack That's Worth Getting Stuck With
Outrageous Toe-Like Sandal Charms
Crocs Introduces the Polarizing Toe Jibbitz for its Shoes
Sitcom-Style Thanksgiving Campaigns
Whipshots & Patti’s Good Life Teamed Up to Make New Traditions
Sporty Sympathy Cars
The Fireball Footbawl Cards Come with a Spicy Twist
AI Social Media Generators
Snowball FATG Can Help Create Viral Social Moments in Seconds
Unpredictable Festive Ad Campaigns
The American Red Cross Launches the New Snowfall Campaign
Dynamic Technical Seasonal Footwear
Suicoke Presents its New Footwear for the SS24 Season
Mystery Search Engines
Mystery Search Shows You the Question of the Person Before You
All-Seasonal Vibrant Eyeglasses
Bonnie Clyde Unveils New Sunglasses for Every Weather Condition
Film-Inspired Cookbooks
The A24 Cookbook 'Scrounging' Boasts Unglamorously Photographed Meals
Warped Patterned Skate Sneakers
Tony Hawk's TSP Organization Drops a New Sk8-Hi Sneaker
Rhythmic Adorable Streamed Games
Netflix Adds New Games Including Hello Kitty Happiness Parade
Personalized Holiday Newsletters
Pics & Wishes is a Line of Multi-Media Greetings
Cartoon-Inspired Sneaker Collections
Puma Launches Spongebob Squarepants-Themed Sneaker Collection
Sushi-Themed Sneaker Silhouettes
Connecting Plots and Menulog Debut a New Sushi-Inspired Campaign
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Architect-Inspired Fall Loafers
Drôle de Monsieur and Paraboot Launch a New Reims Loafer
Loafer Hybrid Mule Designs
The Michael Silhouette by Paraboot Gets a New Slip-On Transformation
Trading Card-Themed Games
Vintage '80s Game Garbage Pail Kids Receives a Modern Update
Holiday-Themed Playful Quizzes
Foney Fonts Challenges Players to Recognize Holiday Typography
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Streetwear-Informed Collectible Dolls
Supreme Unveils a Closer Look at its Momoko Doll
Sweat-Themed Comedy Specials
Secret Clinical Deodorant Hosted a Live Comedy Special
Boomer-Focused Voter Advertisements
Perth Creatives Launch the New Groom-a-Boomer Voting Campaign
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space