If you’ve got a great sense of humor, then you probably look forward to the annual tradition of no-holds-barred prank-pulling: April Fools’ Day! Celebrated in many countries on the 1st of April, this is the one day of the year when friends, family members, and even sworn enemies play tricks on one another—from minor-league practical jokes to mass-orchestrated hoaxes. Whatever degree these tricks are carried out to, the mission of all remains the same: bring a whole lot of laughter (and some good-natured embarrassment) to the gullible target.
Whether or not you actively participate in the merriment of April 1, you have to admit that witnessing a successful prank is highly amusing, especially when it’s caught on camera. Here, then, are four fantastic gags to tickle your funny bone—original, well-executed, and extremely entertaining, these videos are sure to inspire you for the next April Fools’!
GRAND CENTRAL STATION TIME-FREEZE PRANK
Now this is what we call a major operation! New York-based comedic troupe Improv Everywhere has been pulling pranks on its city since the group’s conception in 2001, creating hilariously awkward public scenes that involve tens of thousands of its members, called “agents.” In the following video, over 200 agents storm Grand Central Station and freeze in place, to the bewilderment of train-bound New Yorkers and tourists alike. The group’s remarkable coordination, dead-pan facial expressions, and ability to keep mannequin-like poses for several painstaking minutes make this prank one for the books.
ULTIMATE CUBICLE PRANK
Are you the office jokester? Or, on the other hand, are you the trusting officemate whom everyone loves to jerk around? Whichever is the case, there’s no doubt in our minds that you’ll be impressed by this astounding office prank. A group of wily coworkers wait until their colleague leaves on vacation and then proceed to give his cubicle an extreme makeover—and when we say extreme, we’re not kidding. Check out the video and prepare to have your cube-dwelling mind blown!
TAYLOR SWIFT PRANKED BY ELLEN DEGENERES
Some of the best pranks are simple, spur-of-the-moment gags that only require perfect timing. In this side-splitting moment caught on camera, comedienne Ellen Degeneres hides in Taylor Swift’s dressing room and screams like a banshee when the pop star walks in. Needless to say, the look on young Taylor’s face—and the scream she elicits in return—are absolutely priceless. We know you’ll be watching this video again, and again, and again—and again!
JAPANESE FLASH MOB SCARE PRANK
If glimpses of its inane game shows haven’t already convinced you of Japan’s hysterical humor, this clip of a crazy Japanese flash mob should do the trick. A flash mob is a large crowd that assembles in a public place out of nowhere, immediately dispersing after it has performed a pointless, albeit amusing, act. Watch the reactions of these clueless targets as a mob of Japanese pranksters rushes towards them and does things that make no sense at all. Hands down, this is the funniest video we have ever seen.
Know a prank that's available on YouTube that you'd like to share? Leave a comment with the link. Have a prank story where you or a friend punked someone well and proper? Share your story in our comments section!
