Top ten viral videos 2015
From a ravenous rodent to Ronnie Pickering, the best viral videos of 2015 reached new heights
David Cameron Gettin' Piggy with it
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88813","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
It wasn't all plain sailing for David Cameron following the Conservative party's general election victory. When allegations surfaced in September of a ritual performed way back in his university days, Cassetteboy, as ever, didn't miss the mark.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Ed Miliband's Careless Whisper
At the beginning of 2015 the Labour party was led by an unfancied outsider, scorned for being too socialist and vehemently against bombing the Middle East – how things have changed. 'Red Ed' didn't last much past May in the country's consciousness but the general election did bring about one of his more lasting impressions, the Miliband gaze.
Ronnie Pickering
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88814","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
Who? Well exactly. Ronnie Pickering's inflated sense of self went viral after a road rage incident in 2015, there were carloads of remixes and edits across the internet but the original still reigns supreme. Never again question the identity of Ronnie Pickering.
Watch Me
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88815","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
According to YouTube this is the number one viral video of 2015 and it's easy to see why. Cute, catchy and containing dance moves that even those with two left feet might be able to muster, the alternative video for Silento's smash hit Watch Me, was watched 120 million times and counting in 2015.
Pizza Rat
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88816","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
The bleakness of the modern urban experience was expressed perfectly when this short video went viral in 2015. The struggles of Pizza Rat, as the rodent became known, sparked numerous Halloween outfits and calls for president Obama to officially recognise its achievement. The fact the rodent gave up in the end will no doubt be glossed over when the story of Pizza Rat inevitably gets the Hollywood treatment.
Dashboard Confessional
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88817","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
Dashboard cameras were in the news for all the wrong reasons in 2015 but this video shows a somewhat more cheerful use for them. Lip syncing to Taylor Swift's huge pop hit Shake it Off, one police officer from Dover county in Delaware had the world praising his dance moves.
Pizza Pope
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88818","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
It's not often God's chosen messenger on Earth makes a visit to your home town and for one Naples pizza parlour it was an opportunity not to be missed. Vaulting the barriers carrying one of Naples' finest creations, the three men were able to hand Pope Francis his own special pizza as the Popemobile made its way past. Unfortunately it does appear the Pope left without paying the bill, at least the pizza parlour know where he lives.
Orangutan Magic Trick
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88819","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
Sometimes magic tricks can really bowl you over and that was certainly the case for this observer, an orangutan at Barcelona zoo. The tourist shows the ape that he is placing something into a cup, and after a nifty sleight of hand, he then reveals the cup has nothing in it. The orangutan takes a moment to realise that magic has taken place and guffaws with delight.
David Attenborough says 'Hello'
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_original","fid":"88820","attributes":{"class":"media-image"}}]]
This video shows what happens when you mix British national treasures young and old. On a trip to the BBC Radio 1 studios, legendary wildlife documentary filmmaker Sir David Attenborough agreed to provide one of his famous voiceovers for the music video to Adele's newest smash hit 'Hello'. The result was one of the viral videos of the year.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The most memorable newspaper front pages of 2023
In Depth From resignations and Covid revelations to Hamas's deadly attack
By The Week UK Published
-
Most talked-about videos of 2017
Speed Read From a bullied schoolboy to Despacito, we round up some of the biggest viral hits
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Alan Kurdi: how one boy came to encapsulate an entire tragedy
In Depth Photograph of three-year-old Syrian refugee seen as 'tipping point' in Europe's migrant crisis
By The Week Staff Published
-
Jury discharged as police seek 'to question Rupert Murdoch'
Speed Read Jury fails to reach verdict on remaining charges against Andy Coulson and Clive Goodman
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Will Scotland's tabloids dare to back independence campaign?
In Depth The Record and the Sun both have the power to influence the referendum, says Julian Calvert
By The Conversation Published