Why Is A 'Crucified Minion' Going Viral On TikTok? The Viral 'Minion On The Cross' Memes Explained

Minions have become a staple of meme culture since their debut in the Despicable Me franchise back in 2010. Now, they're inspiring a strange trend among Christian TikTokers, who are denouncing viewers who believe a Minion died for their sins. But the history of crucified Minion memes date back much further than 2024. Here's what you need to know.

What Is The 'Minion On The Cross' Meme?

Back in 2015, meme creator Dolan Dark posted a photograph of a Minion plush toy burning on a cross, captioned, "This is what all Minions deserve." This is the earliest known Minion on a cross meme. Since then, the image has spread across social media, inspiring memes and further artwork and depictions of crucified Minions, simply for the absurdity of the images.

In 2021, artist Américo Cruz posted a 3D render of a similar crucified Minion image to Facebook. The image gained similar viral spread throughout the 2020s, inspiring several edits and memes. But then, in 2024, the image would take on a new life on TikTok after Christian TikTokers got their hands on it.

How Is The 'Crucified Minion' Used On TikTok?

In early May 2024, Christian TikTokers began posting videos where they riff off of Américo Cruz's 3D-rendered crucified Minion art. These videos all follow essentially the same script, making them doubly bizarre when played one-after-another. The videos explain the image, then remind viewers that a Minion did not die for your sins, but Jesus did, urging viewers to follow them if they believe in Jesus and scroll away if they believe a Minion died for their sins.

In August, compilations of these videos, of which there are many, started going viral on X. Many found it strange and funny how all the videos seem to use the same script with only slight variations, wondering where this script came from. Since then, parodies of the videos have started popping up on TikTok.

For the full history of crucified Minions, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.