Now that everyone on planet earth has uploaded a Harlem Shake video to YouTube, let's rank 'em! Don't worry...I've narrowed it down to my top 5. The criteria is as follows: Creativity, Humor, Characters, Dancing, Film Quality. The 5 finalists will be scored on a cumulative point system - highest total wins. Good luck to the contestants!
--
5. Ball State University Swim & Dive Team -- Published on Feb 14, 2013 -- 2,570,921 hits
Creativity (5), Humor (2), Characters (2), Dancing (3), Film Quality (5). Total = 17
Creativity and Film Quality are why Ball State makes my top 5. Filming this many people and props underwater is an amazing feat. Granted, it didn't make me laugh, nor was I wowed with any of the actual "dance" moves, but how could you not be impressed with how long they hold their breath?
--
4. University of Texas at Austin -- Published on Feb 13, 2013 -- 6,852,974 hits
Creativity (3), Humor (2), Characters (4), Dancing (4), Film Quality (5). Total = 18
This one makes the list not because it's overly funny or has great characters, but because it's just so big. Having never been to this campus, they seemingly picked the perfect spot to film 1,000 kids acting like fools while still framing the scene with definitive campus architecture.
--
3. Manchester City Football Club -- Published on Feb 20, 2013 -- 5,613,929 hits
Creativity (4), Humor (5), Characters (5), Dancing (3), Film Quality (4). Total = 21
Love the characters!! From the out of control Spiderman, to the perfectly still suspender dude, to the underwear guy being pushed around in a cart.
--
2. Miami Heat -- Published on Feb 28, 2013 -- 20,430,703 hits
Creativity (3), Humor (4), Characters (5), Dancing (5), Film Quality (5). Total = 22
This is the video that took the Harlem Shake from viral sensation to mainstream news. I guess the most famous athlete in America will do that to things. That said, this one has almost everything - a perfect opening with The Birdman, funny characters (particularly Dwayne Wade in the bear head), good costumes, a great camera angle, plus, LeBron getting back to the days of not taking himself too seriously.
--
1. Sea World, San Antonio -- Published Feb 16, 2013 -- 6,145,070 hits
Creativity (5), Humor (5), Characters (5), Dancing (4), Film Quality (5). Total = 24
Hands down my favorite. This one has it all. And by all, I literally mean all. It features a Pacific walrus, who by virtue of his/her size and shape, is the funniest character in any of the 5 videos. Not to be outdone are the Sea Lions, especially the one on the right, who is moving to the beat in perfect rhythm. The maid on the far left seems completely out of place, in turn, making her fit in perfectly. I love how they frame the scene against the backdrop of the Sea World set, as if you were actually in the stands. Congrats on being my favorite Harlem Shake!
