“You can compare him to things like The Simpsons, or Shrek, or the Marvel movies, and Spongebob just has way more specific formats that have been repeated again and again.”

“Overall, if you look at our database, there are few other pop culture properties that are as frequently used in memes as Spongebob,” says Matt Schimkowitz, a senior editor for the site whose job entails sifting through and organizing Spongebob memes submitted by users, as well as defining and explaining the best Spongebob memes. To put that in context, other films and TV shows that make common meme fodder include the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is only featured in 276 images, and The Simpsons, which has 1,116 images. On Know Your Meme, the internet’s primary database for all things meme-y, Spongebob Squarepants memes currently accounts for 4,635 images. Here’s your guide to the best Spongebob memes. “There’s so much for meme makers to work with.” “The characters are complex, but they’re also simple,” Kenny says.

“He almost gave it this bulletproof vest.” Beyond the happy nature of the show’s characters and plot points, they also lend themselves easily to meme creating. Hillenburg’s series, which has always run the gamut of emotions, from goofiness to genuine anxiety or sadness, is “all love,” Kenny says.

So baby pull me closer meme