16 Domino Effect Memes and The Template Explained

The Domino Effect meme is a popular image format that pictures a row of dominoes in the process of falling. Each domino has a text label, which together illustrate a sequence of events. The meme's core idea is to show how one small action can set off a chain reaction with much bigger consequences.

The template originates from an educational video posted on October 4th, 2009, by University of Toronto physicist Stephen Morris. His video featured a chain reaction using dominoes that grew progressively larger. This clear visual of a small push causing increasingly large dominoes to fall quickly became a popular template for internet jokes and commentary.

The Domino Effect meme is very flexible. People most often use it to humorously exaggerate a cause-and-effect chain, showing how a seemingly minor or unrelated starting point can "inevitably" lead to a drastic or absurd outcome. It works well for making fun of bad decisions, commenting on social or political topics, or sharing relatable personal stories—like how hitting the snooze button eventually leads to a completely unproductive day.

We have put together a collection of 16 hilarious and relatable Domino Effect memes. Covering everything from gamer problems to everyday struggles, these examples show the full range of the template's comedy.