About

Zoolander is a 2001 comedy film directed by Ben Stiller and starring himself as Derek Zoolander, an American male model brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The meme itself stems from a particular scene in which Derek and his model friends go on a ride through downtown while sipping on Orange Mocha Frappuccino (a fictitious Starbucks drink) to cheer themselves up.

Origins

The earliest parody of Zoolander Dance scene was uploaded in November 2005 as a YTMND site titled What is Zoolander Love?, which featured the original jeep ride scene with Haddaway's "What is Love" as BG music. Quite reminiscent of YTMND's megameme What is Love, a handful of related YTMNDs followed suit, featuring other icons superimposed over the actors.

YTMND Compilations/Remixes/Parodies

• What is Zoolander Love
• Zoolander's Best Day Ever
• Zoolander's Car Ride
• David Lynch Approves of Drunk-Driving
• David Lynch Approves of This Message
• Nintendoolander
• Orange Mocha Frapuccino

UK Football Lulz

Zoolander Dance also spawned a football meme in the UK communities when YouTube user yourma2000 uploaded a new rendition of the same scene with celebrity players from Liverpool FC (English Premier League). Set to Rihanna's 2007 hit Don't Stop The Music, this version featured the team captain Steven Gerrard behind the wheels (who was involved in a low-speed collision the previous year) and three other players, Jamie Carragher, Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres. It became an instant lulz among UK-based viewers and a series of response videos emerged throughout 2008. It is ranked #85 most favorited video in UK Sports category [as of October 2009].

Liverpool FC feat. head manager Rafael Benítez:

Arsenal FC version feat. head manager Arsene Wengers:

Carragher, Arbeloa, Alonso, Torres & Gerrard doing The Chippendales from TV show Britain's Got Talent:

Everton FC version of Zoolander Dance:

Zoo'rolled:

Trend

IRL Parodies

Typically set to Wham's 1984 hit single "Wake Me Up Before You Go-go," the Jeep ride scene has been parodied by other YouTube users in real life as well.