A definitive ranking of all the police 'Running Man Challenge' videos for your viewing pleasure
Police officers don't seem to get sick of the "Running Man Challenge," even though the meme is growing terribly tired.
If you have been lucky enough to have been living under a rock, the first video was posted on the New Zealand Police Recruitment Facebook page on May 3, with a challenge to other law enforcement departments to get on their dancing shoes.
SEE ALSO: The originators of 'The Running Man Challenge' are two awesome high school kids
Within a week, the "Running Man Challenge" spread to cops all around the world — from Australia to New York to London — and there is still no sign of these videos stopping.
The videos have been an easy ticket to viral success, if officers have got the right moves. Some have been impressive. Some performances have been unbelievably terrible and cringeworthy. Other performances make you question why you would kill a perfectly brilliant meme with dorky dad moves.
As for where the meme came from, it was started by New Jersey high schoolers Kevin Vincent and Jeremiah Hall, who started putting videos of themselves dancing to 1995 track "My Boo" by Ghost Town DJ's on Instagram in January. It was then picked up by college basketball players before eventually infiltrating the NBA.
Here is how the "Running Man Challenge" is meant to be done:
And here is how it has been torn apart, in a beautiful list format for your viewing pleasure:
1. New Zealand Police Recruitment
The original and the best of the police force Running Man Challenge. New Zealand's police have all got great rhythm and look like they're actually enjoying their viral moment, particularly the guy in the dark blue shirt at the end who has some serious swagger.
Sometimes you're just born with a booty like his, and there's nothing you can do about it except watch.
2. Western Australian Police
Western Australia's entry came very late, but it's the most polished of them all. It's complete with high production standards, including an impressive aerial shot. They may not be the best dancers, but they make up what they lack with a schmick video.
3. Queensland Police Service
Damn Queensland Police Service, back again with the dank content. Not only is the video edited superbly, but most police officers in this video actually have moves — plus the Nickelback CD drop at the end is magic. They've still got it.
4. Kingston Police
Likely discovered from Kingston Police Christmas parties of years past, this lone police officer is the one guy that you'd be goading to "do that breakdance thing" after one too many spritzers. We only just wish that there were 20 more of him popping and locking.
5. Metropolitan Police
London's Metropolitan Police have one of the grandest looking "Running Man Challenge" videos, but if they just had a little more wow factor in their performance, they could have been on top. Perhaps they should take a tip from Western Australia and work on their pizzazz.
6. South Australia Police
Although it's weird that uninvolved officers are standing around — is it meant to be a dance battle? — the dancing ability of South Australia's officers is actually quite good. Bonus points for the dog.
7. New York Police Department
Nice idea using some local kids, NYPD, but the dancing turns into one messy mash that is screaming for some Broadway quality blocking and direction.
It's saved by a policeman at the end who slayed with his solo effort and radio drop. Let's hope he doesn't get in trouble for that.
8. Australian Federal Police
The loudspeaker is meant to be a bomb, we're guessing? Passable dancing, but hardly an explosive performance by the Australian Federal Police.
9. Northern Territory Police
It's gimmicks galore with crocodiles and segways from the Northern Territory Police, but they don't have the one shtick that would've made the video better — rhythm.
10. Victoria Police
If your dad was making viral videos, Victoria Police's would be the likely result. Best of luck getting through the utterly cringeworthy first 20 seconds.
11. New South Wales Police
Did they want to be there? There's no conviction or decent dancing in New South Wales Police's effort, which is terribly wooden. Don't give up your day job, guys.
