Internet users transformed a trend from "Weapons" into a hilarious meme series that has been the most amusing I've encountered this year.
In the realm of internet memes, one that has recently gained significant traction is the "Weapons" run, inspired by the 2025 psychological horror movie Weapons. Directed by Zach Cregger, this chilling film has left an indelible mark on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
The meme's origin lies in a unique running style portrayed by the movie's child characters. With their arms extended out to their sides at about halfway up, the kids in the film run in unison, a sight that has been humorously compared to the Naruto run. However, this running style was not a random choice. It was deliberately inspired by a real historical photograph known as "The Terror of War" or the "Napalm Girl" photo from the Vietnam War, which depicts a young Vietnamese girl running with severe napalm burns and her arms held out similarly. The director acknowledged that this image's disturbing visual and posture influenced the children’s running style in the film [1][2].
The meme's popularity is not due to a real incident involving children running in this manner or another horror movie but rather the historical inspiration and the dark imagery of the Vietnam War photo [2][3]. While some discussions link the movie indirectly to real events like school shootings in thematic ways, the meme itself specifically refers to the running style depicted in the movie and its Vietnam War photograph inspiration, not to an actual real-world event of children running in that manner [4].
The viral tweets about the "Weapons" run from the movie have garnered substantial attention, contributing to the film's ongoing popularity. These tweets have not only served as a source of entertainment but also as a platform for fans to express their opinions and reactions [5]. Some tweets have even used humor to critique or analyze the film [6].
This weekend, numerous tweets related to the movie "Weapons" have gone viral, sparking discussions among viewers. The plot of the movie revolves around a group of kids from the same class who mysteriously disappear, with the group of kids in the movie being beckoned by an unknown person or entity [7]. The viral tweets have undeniably contributed to the movie's online presence and cultural impact [8].
In summary, the "Weapons" run meme, a viral phenomenon, finds its roots in the horror movie Weapons and is inspired by a specific iconic Vietnam War photograph, not by another horror movie or a real incident involving children running like that [1][2]. The viral tweets about the movie have provided a dynamic and engaging space for fans to engage with the film and share their thoughts.
- The topical "Weapons" run meme, derived from the 2025 psychological horror movie Weapons, has attracted widespread attention on various social media platforms like TikTok and movies-and-tv X.
- The meme's popularity extends beyond just the movie, as it references a real historical photograph's disturbing imagery and the Vietnam War, creating a platform for fans to express their opinions and reactions.
