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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Popcorn GIFs” is a rare card of the Memes World series 75, number 22463 of the collection, and the 45th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Popcorn GIFs” meme mean?
This meme expresses detached curiosity and morbid entertainment in the face of others' conflicts. It turns tense or dramatic situations into a show. The user adopts the role of a passive but delighted observer, highlighting their non-involvement while enjoying the unfolding chaos. It’s a polite way of saying you’re watching the drama unfold without intervening, purely for aesthetic or cynical pleasure.
Where does the “Popcorn GIFs” meme come from?
The most famous version originates from a YTMND page published on September 2, 2007, by user Chiyoumen. It pairs a GIF of Michael Jackson eating popcorn with New Edition’s song *Popcorn Love* (1983). The visual sequence comes from the *Thriller* music video (1982), directed by John Landis, where Jackson watches a horror movie in a cinema while eating popcorn. Between 2007 and 2009, three other similar YTMND pages were created. The GIF gained traction on Reddit, specifically in r/funny, on May 8, 2011, with the title “Anytime you see a Facebook argument happening, post this .gif”. This post received over 1,400 upvotes, cementing its use as a marker of passive participation in online controversies.
- 2007Initial publication on YTMND by Chiyoumen, pairing Michael Jackson with *Popcorn Love*.
- 2007-2009Creation of three additional variants on YTMND around the same theme.
- 2011Viral spread on Reddit via r/funny, establishing the reactive usage against arguments.
How to use the “Popcorn GIFs” meme
- Share this GIF under a heated Twitter thread to show your entertained interest without taking sides.
- Use it in YouTube comments when two creators are verbally fighting each other.
- Send it to a friend to signal that a family or romantic drama has just erupted and you are ready to watch.
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The “Popcorn GIFs” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 22463 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 75 |
| Fame | 73/100 · #45 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Popcorn GIFs” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Popcorn GIFs comes out of the Memes World series 75 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Popcorn GIFs”
More cards of the Memes World series 75
Frequently asked questions
What does the popcorn meme mean?
It indicates that one is watching a dispute or scandal with amusement, as a passive spectator who enjoys the drama without participating directly.
Where does the Michael Jackson popcorn GIF come from?
It is extracted from the *Thriller* video (1982) by John Landis and was popularized on YTMND in 2007 by user Chiyoumen.
When did the popcorn meme become popular?
Its major virality dates to May 2011 on Reddit, after a post in r/funny that received over 1,400 upvotes.
Can the popcorn meme be used for things other than arguments?
Yes, it is also used for any chaotic, unpredictable, or theatrical situation where one wants to mark amused distance.
How do I get the Popcorn GIFs meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Popcorn GIFs” is a rare card of the Memes World series 75. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Popcorn GIFs card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Popcorn GIFs - Know Your Meme · 🍿 Popcorn Emoji: Meaning, Trends & Copy - eeemoji · The Michael Jackson Popcorn GIF and the Controversy of 'Leaving ... · checked on October 18, 2026.
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