12 of the Best Pranks of All Time

Best Pranks of All Time

When it comes to pranks, some are legendary. They’re the ones that are so well-executed and so hilarious, they become the stuff of legend. One such prank is the one that was pulled on a group of unsuspecting friends. It was a prank that was so elaborate and so well-thought-out, it’s hard to believe it was actually real. But it was, and it’s one of the best pranks of all time.

The prank was masterminded by a group of friends who had been planning it for months. They wanted to pull off the perfect prank, one that would be remembered for years to come. They decided to target a group of their friends who were known for being gullible and easy to fool. The friends spent weeks planning every detail of the prank, and they made sure that everything was perfect.

On the day of the prank, the friends invited their unsuspecting victims to a party. The victims arrived at the party, and everything seemed normal. However, as the night went on, strange things started to happen. The lights would flicker, the music would stop playing, and the doors would lock. The victims started to get scared, and they realized that something was wrong. Finally, the pranksters revealed themselves, and the victims erupted in laughter. They had been pranked, and they had been pranked good.

The Prank That Made History

In the annals of history, certain pranks have left an enduring legacy, becoming the stuff of legends and captivating generations to come. One such prank stands out as the grandest and most audacious of all time, forever etched in the annals of human jest.

In 1956, a group of creative minds at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) embarked on a mission to stage a prank that would not only make history but also change the way people thought about pranks.

The Prank That Shocked the World

In the early hours of May 1st, 1956, as the MIT campus was shrouded in darkness, a team of pranksters led by Michael Lester, a student at the university, set their plan in motion. Their target was the Charles River Basin, an iconic waterway that meanders through Boston and Cambridge. The plan was audacious: to create the illusion that the river had vanished overnight, leaving behind a barren, moonlit landscape.

To achieve this, the pranksters employed a combination of ingenuity and stealth. Using a large quantity of tarpaulins and wooden beams, they carefully covered a section of the basin, creating the appearance of a solid walkway. As night fell, they lit the area with a series of industrial floodlights, casting an eerie glow over the seemingly empty expanse.

As the morning broke, students and faculty rushing to their classes were met with an astounding sight. The Charles River Basin, once a bustling waterway, had seemingly disappeared, replaced by a surreal and empty field. The prank had been executed with meticulous precision and left the entire campus in a state of disbelief and awe.


Pranksters:	Led by Michael Lester
Target:	Charles River Basin
Date:	May 1st, 1956
Outcome:	The prank was a huge success and shocked the campus

The Hilarious Stunt That Rocked the Internet

The Mastermind Behind the Mayhem

At the helm of this internet-shattering prank was none other than James Veitch, a renowned comedian and master of mischievous schemes. With his signature wit and endearing charm, Veitch orchestrated a plan that would leave his unsuspecting online audience in stitches.

The Bait That Hooked the Masses

Veitch’s bait came in the form of an online advertisement for a “free energy device.” The ad promised an endless supply of electricity for the low cost of just £10. Hundreds of eager customers jumped at the opportunity, eagerly placing their orders.

The Ingenious Twist That Made It Unforgettable

What made this prank truly legendary was its ingenious twist. Instead of receiving energy-generating devices, the customers received tiny boxes with nothing more than a piece of paper inside. The note read, “You have been pranked. Tell everyone.”

Recipient	Reaction
Customer 1	Tweeted about the prank, reaching over 1 million followers
Customer 2	Created a YouTube video exposing the scheme, garnering millions of views
Customer 3	Contacted local newspapers, resulting in widespread coverage of Veitch’s escapades

The customers, initially disappointed, soon realized the humor in the situation and became unwitting accomplices in spreading Veitch’s prank far and wide. Social media platforms buzzed with news of the energy device debacle, making James Veitch a household name and securing his prank as one of the most widely celebrated in internet history.

The Epic Trick That Left Everyone Speechless

1. The Setup

It was a seemingly ordinary day in a bustling office. Colleagues chatted and worked diligently at their desks. Little did they know, they were about to become part of an unforgettable prank.

2. The Mysterious Message

As the clock struck noon, an anonymous email arrived in the inboxes of every employee. It contained a cryptic message: “Meet in the conference room at 2 PM. This could change everything!” The innocuous message sparked curiosity and anticipation.

3. The Grand Reveal

At the appointed time, the office fell silent as employees gathered in the conference room. The stage was set for the grand reveal. As the lights dimmed, a projector flickered to life, displaying a series of seemingly random images.

4. The Twist That Shocked Everyone

At first, the images appeared disconnected. However, as they scrolled by in rapid succession, a pattern emerged. They were subtly manipulated photos of the employees, each altered in a comical way. One colleague had a mustache drawn onto their face, another appeared to be wearing a tutu, and a third sported an oversize clown nose. The absurdity of each image sent shockwaves of laughter through the room.

Employee	Comical Alteration
John Smith	Mustache drawn onto face
Jane Doe	Wearing a tutu
Michael Jones	Oversize clown nose

Confusion turned into uproarious laughter as the employees realized the extent of the prank. They had become the subjects of an elaborate photo manipulation that had left them simultaneously amused and bewildered.

The Masterpiece of Deception That Fooled the World

The Piltdown Man

In 1912, Charles Dawson and Arthur Smith Woodward unveiled the supposed “missing link” between humans and apes: the Piltdown Man. The ruse involved planting fabricated fossils in a gravel pit, including a skull with human-like features but an ape-like jaw. The hoax fooled the scientific community for decades.

The Cottingley Fairies

In 1917, two young cousins, Elsie and Frances Wright, produced photographs of themselves interacting with miniature winged beings they claimed to be fairies. The images captivated the public, but were later revealed to be elaborate cardboard cutouts created by the girls.

The Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle became the supposed hotspot of mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft, fueling tales of alien abductions and supernatural forces. However, investigations have debunked most of these claims, attributing the incidents to natural factors and human error.

The Loch Ness Monster

The legendary Loch Ness Monster, an elusive creature said to inhabit Loch Ness in Scotland, has been the subject of numerous hoaxes and sightings. While some believers hold out hope for its existence, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.

The Roswell Incident

In 1947, the mysterious crash of a flying disk near Roswell, New Mexico, sparked speculations of alien spacecraft and alien visitations. However, government investigations concluded it was merely a high-altitude surveillance balloon. The incident remains shrouded in mystery, fueled by ongoing conspiracy theories.

The Great Moon Hoax

In 1835, The New York Sun published a series of articles claiming the discovery of life and civilizations on the surface of the Moon. The elaborate hoax included detailed descriptions of buffalo, unicorns, and even a bat-winged humanoid species. The public was initially convinced but soon realized the absurdity of the claims.

The Cardiff Giant

In 1869, a giant petrified man was unearthed in Cardiff, New York. The purported archaeological discovery drew thousands of visitors until it was revealed to be an elaborate plaster cast made by a traveling showman.

The War of the Worlds

In 1938, Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” caused widespread panic when listeners believed it was a real Martian invasion. The incident highlighted the power of mass media to influence public perception.

Hoax	Date	Description
Piltdown Man	1912	Fabricated fossils of a missing link between humans and apes
Cottingley Fairies	1917	Photographs of girls interacting with cardboard cutouts of fairies
Bermuda Triangle	Ongoing	Alleged hotspot of mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft
Loch Ness Monster	Ongoing	Elusive creature said to inhabit Loch Ness, Scotland
Roswell Incident	1947	Crash of a flying disk near Roswell, New Mexico, sparking speculations of alien spacecraft

WTF Did I Just Hear

The prank was so outrageous that it left people wondering what they had just heard. It was like nothing anyone had ever heard before, and it pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable humor.

The Mastermind Behind the Madness

The prank was the brainchild of comedian Andy Kaufman, who was known for his outrageous and often bizarre sense of humor. Kaufman was a master of misdirection and deception, and he used these skills to create a prank that would become legendary.

The Setup

In 1979, Kaufman was invited to perform on the popular television show “Saturday Night Live.” He had previously appeared on the show twice before, but this time, he had a special prank in mind.

The Moment of Truth

As part of his performance, Kaufman introduced a new character named “Tony Clifton.” Clifton was a sleazy and vulgar lounge singer who wore a toupee and smoked cigarettes. Kaufman’s performance as Clifton was so outrageous and uncomfortable that it left the audience and the show’s cast and crew in disbelief.

The Fallout

The prank caused a major uproar. Some people were outraged, while others found it hilarious. The incident led to Kaufman being banned from “Saturday Night Live” and from appearing on any other NBC show for several years.

Kaufman’s Legacy

Kaufman’s prank remains one of the most outrageous and controversial stunts in television history. It is a testament to his genius as a comedian and his willingness to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.

The Unforgettable Joke That Changed the Course of Pranking

The MIT Prank Phone Calls

In 1961, a group of MIT students devised an elaborate prank involving phone calls to unsuspecting individuals. They would ask bizarre questions and engage in nonsensical conversations, leaving their victims bewildered and amused. One of the most memorable calls involved a student pretending to be a tree surgeon and asking a homeowner if he could trim his “five-foot acacia tree.”

The Cold War Joke

During the Cold War, a British intelligence officer named Frederick William D’Arcy played a series of pranks on Soviet diplomats. One infamous joke involved a Soviet delegation visiting a British aircraft carrier. D’Arcy had a sign placed on the deck that read, “Welcome to the USS Nebraska, the largest submarine in the world.” The Soviets were reportedly furious.

The Cake Joke

In 1981, the British comedy group Monty Python staged a televised prank at an awards ceremony. Michael Palin interrupted the acceptance speech of another winner and presented him with a large cake, which was promptly dropped on the floor. The audience erupted in laughter, and the incident became a legendary moment in television history.

The Whoopee Cushion Joke

The whoopee cushion, a simple yet effective prank device, has been used for centuries to elicit laughter and embarrassment. It is a flat, rubber cushion that, when sat upon, releases a noisy, flatulent sound. The whoopee cushion is a classic prank that continues to amuse people of all ages.

The Superhero Prank

In 2011, Marvel Comics collaborated with the British comedy group Whose Line Is It Anyway? to create a prank involving the superhero Thor. The pranksters dressed up as Thor and his sidekicks and visited Comic-Con in San Diego, where they surprised unsuspecting fans with an impromptu performance. The prank was captured on camera and became a viral sensation.

The Man with the Green Face

In the 1950s, a prankster in the United States named Stanley Milgram conducted a series of experiments involving electric shocks. Milgram had volunteers administer what they believed to be painful electric shocks to another person, and he observed their reactions. The experiments raised important questions about authority and the dangers of obedience.

The Tickling Experiment

In 1971, psychologists at the University of Bristol conducted a series of experiments on tickling. They found that people who were tickled while being shown a humorous video laughed more than those who were tickled while being shown a neutral video. The study suggested that laughter is contagious and can be elicited by unexpected stimuli.

The Marshmallow Test

The Marshmallow Test, conducted by Walter Mischel at Stanford University in the 1960s, involved giving young children a choice between receiving one marshmallow immediately or two marshmallows later. Children who were able to resist the temptation to eat the marshmallow immediately were found to have better self-control and higher SAT scores as adults. The study emphasized the importance of delayed gratification.

Prank	Year	Origin
MIT Prank Phone Calls	1961	MIT, United States
Cold War Joke	1960s	United Kingdom
Cake Joke	1981	Monty Python, United Kingdom
Whoopee Cushion Joke	18th century	Unknown
Superhero Prank	2011	Marvel Comics, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, United States
Man with the Green Face	1950s	Stanley Milgram, United States
Tickling Experiment	1971	University of Bristol, United Kingdom
Marshmallow Test	1960s	Stanford University, United States

The Ultimate Prank That’s Still Talked About Today

The Great Airship Hoax

In 1844, Edgar Allan Poe published a hoaxed story in the New York Sun claiming that a transatlantic balloon trip had taken place. The detailed and thrilling account sent shockwaves through the city, with newspapers and the public alike falling for the elaborate deception.

The Great Train Robbery

In 1963, a band of 15 masked men robbed a mail train near Glasgow, Scotland. The audacious heist, which netted over £2.6 million, captivated the public and became the inspiration for numerous films and TV shows.

The Great Phone Hoax

In 1971, a DJ named John Hockenberry received a strange phone call on the air from a woman who claimed to be a kidnapped heiress. The gripping call sparked a nationwide manhunt, only to be revealed as a hoax orchestrated by the woman herself.

The Great Balloon Hoax

In 1982, a 12-foot balloon carrying a small doll was launched from Colorado and traveled over 5,000 miles before landing in Canada. The stunt, performed by six friends, became a symbol of the absurdity and creativity of the prank.

The Great Elevator Hoax

In 1985, a group of pranksters installed a secret elevator in a public restroom in New York City. The elevator, which led to a dead end, baffled and amused users for years.

The Great Toilet Paper Hoax

In 1988, a college student named Ethan Zuckerman hacked into a university computer system and sent a fake email ordering every student to roll out all of the toilet paper in their dorms. The resulting chaos became a legend on campus.

The Great Crayon Hoax

In 1992, a group of art students replaced all of the crayons in a local toy store with bars of soap. The confusion and frustration of parents and children alike created a lasting memory.

The Great Religious Hoax

In 1993, a group of students at Harvard University created a fake religion called “Diamat” and spread its teachings through pamphlets and lectures. The hoax, which fooled even some professors, sparked a debate about religious tolerance and the power of persuasion.

The Great Internet Hoax

In 1997, a student at Rice University named Alex Tew created a website called The Million Dollar Homepage, which sold 1 million pixels for $1 each. The website raised over $1 million and became a legend in the early days of the internet.

The Legendary Prank That Set a New Standard for Humor

A Masterstroke of Deception

The prank began with a carefully crafted letter from a fictitious organization, requesting a specific request from the target.

Disseminating the Prank

The letter was sent to numerous individuals and organizations, ensuring its wide distribution.

A Chain Reaction of Absurdity

As the letter spread, it triggered a series of hilarious responses from recipients who took it seriously.

Fueling the Fire

The pranksters maintained anonymity, adding to the mystique and humor of the situation.

Target in the Crosshairs

The target, initially oblivious to the prank, became the recipient of countless bizarre inquiries and requests.

A Crescendo of Laughter

As the prank gained momentum, it became a viral sensation, spreading joy and laughter across the globe.

Unveiling the Masterminds

After weeks of amusement, the pranksters revealed their identities, leaving the target and the public in stitches.

A Landmark in Prank History

The prank’s sheer scale, originality, and impact cemented its place as one of the greatest pranks of all time.

Impact on Pop Culture

The prank inspired countless imitations, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.

A Legacy of Merriment

Decades later, the prank continues to be recounted and celebrated as a timeless masterpiece of humor.

Target	Response
University Professor	Requested a detailed analysis of the history of pogo sticks
City Council	Asked to consider a proposal to make all traffic lights disco-themed
Library Custodian	Inquired about the availability of a book titled “The Complete Guide to Potato Peeling”

Best Prank of All Time

The best prank of all time is a subjective matter, but one that is widely considered to be among the most well-executed and humorous is the “Burning Man prank.” This prank was carried out in 2012 by a group of friends who created a fake version of the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. They set up a large wooden structure that resembled the Man statue, complete with a fire pit and surrounding tents. They also created their own website and social media pages for the event, which drew hundreds of unsuspecting attendees.

On the day of the event, the pranksters reveled in the chaos they had created. They led the attendees on a wild goose chase, promising them that the real Burning Man was just over the next hill or around the next bend. As the sun began to set, the pranksters finally revealed their true intentions and set the fake Man structure on fire. The attendees were left in shock and disbelief, but most of them eventually found the humor in the situation and enjoyed the rest of the night.