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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Wilhelm Scream” is a common card of the Memes World series 73, number 21773 of the collection, and the 120th 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 “Wilhelm Scream” meme mean?
This sound symbolizes acute pain or intense fear, often used ironically in modern media. Directors employ it as a cinephile wink when a character suffers a violent mishap or falls. It is a sonic convention that transforms a critical moment into a cult reference, instantly recognizable to film enthusiasts.
Where does the “Wilhelm Scream” meme come from?
The sound effect originates from the film Distant Drums, produced by Warner Bros. and released in 1951. In a specific scene, a soldier is bitten and dragged underwater by an alligator; the scream conveys his physical terror and suffering. Although actor Sheb Wooley is frequently credited, this attribution remains uncertain according to archived sources. The name 'Wilhelm' becomes established with the western The Charge at Feather River, released on July 11, 1953. The character Private Wilhelm, played by Ralph Brooks, receives an arrow in the thigh and emits the same scream. This precise usage allowed Warner Bros. sound engineers to archive the effect under this name. Subsequently, it became a reusable standard within the studio's sound library.
- 1951Initial recording of the scream for the Warner Bros. film Distant Drums.
- July 11, 1953Marked usage in The Charge at Feather River, giving the sound effect its name.
How to use the “Wilhelm Scream” meme
- Include the scream during a comedic fall in a YouTube video to highlight the absurdity of the situation.
- Use the sound effect in an indie video game as a hidden reference to classic action movies.
- Cite the Wilhelm Scream in an article about Hollywood technical conventions to illustrate sonic intertextuality.
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The “Wilhelm Scream” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21773 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 73 |
| Fame | 65/100 · #120 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Wilhelm Scream” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Wilhelm Scream comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a common 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 5 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 “Wilhelm Scream”
More cards of the Memes World series 73
Frequently asked questions
What does wilhelm scream mean?
It is a stock sound effect expressing terror and pain, initially linked to an alligator attack.
Who made the wilhelm scream?
Actor Sheb Wooley is often credited, but this information is not formally verified by official archives.
Where did the wilhelm scream come from?
It originates from the film Distant Drums (1951) and takes its name from The Charge at Feather River (1953).
How do I get the Wilhelm Scream meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Wilhelm Scream” is a common card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Wilhelm Scream card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Wilhelm scream · The Charge at Feather River - Wikipedia · Wilhelm scream - Wikipedia · checked on October 15, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.