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While we don’t condone vandalism, we have to admit that there are some really talented, funny vandals out there. Graffiti can be somewhat of an art form, and anyone can “vandalize” if they have a Sharpie and a good joke in their head.
On this list, you’ll see the funniest examples of vandalism on the internet. These hilarious pictures range from beautiful to absurd, sure to make you chuckle as you are scrolling through each photo.
Location: Unconfirmed
Est. Cost: $10*
In some cases, vandalism can actually make a building more beautiful. Sure, you won’t see this burnt-out husk in the Met, but one clever graffiti artist turned it from depressing into something cute and unique.
Noting the burn and scorch marks on the façade of the building, our artist took red, black, and orange graffiti and illustrated a dragon. The dragon is the culprit of the burning, and it makes this eyesore look just a bit more Instagram worthy.
Location: Unconfirmed
Est. Cost: $5*
Fans of Star Wars are going to love this one. This person turned an ordinary sewer grate into a depiction of the Millennium Falcon, all by using a bit of chalk. The Falcon might have humble origins, but she is a shining symbol of the Disney franchise.
We’ve all seen sewer grates while walking through the city or ‘burbs before, and usually, they’re barely noticeable (if not a bit gross-looking). For this person to turn something drab into this piece of sci-fi art is impressive.
Location: USA
Est. Cost: $1*
Whether we’re using the sink in a McDonald’s bathroom or a fancy restaurant’s restroom, we’re likely to see a sign that looks like this. These signs warn employees to wash their hands, and we hope they listen.
Someone took a piece of paper and printed out this message on it, sticking it to the wash-your-hands sign. “PLEASE CLAP FOR BUBBLES BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK,” reads this amusing, vandalized sign.
Location: Unconfirmed
Est. Cost: $5-$10*
Sumo wrestling is a unique art form, a type of wrestling that puts the TKO to shame. This Japanese sport involves heavyweight wrestlers using their might to knock their opponent outside of a marked circle.
We all know what a sumo wrestler looks like, and most of us are familiar with their stiff, side-to-side walk. This person took that concept and applied it here to this clever, well-illustrated piece of non-invasive street art.
Location: Champigny-sur-Marne, France
Est. Cost: $20*
This ATM looks as though it was busted out a long time ago, and we can’t tell what bank it was from. Taken in France, this street art features a burglar—though not one you’d find on an episode of NBC’s Law & Order.
This vandal is spray-painted, with a mask and loot in hand. He is walking away from the busted-up ATM, as though he was the one that broke into it and took whatever was inside. Try arresting this guy, French police.
Location: USA
Est. Cost: $1*
This person made a fair point against Starbucks’ biggest competitor. Dunkin’ was touting the environmentally-friendly nature of its hand dryers, when someone noted that the Styrofoam cups were the bigger issue.
Happily, this vandalism is dated. As of 2020, Dunkin’ Donuts announced that it had transitioned from its Styrofoam cups to paper ones. The brand heard the criticism loud and clear and acted, removing all styro cups in a span of just two years.
Location: Pennsylvania, USA
Est. Cost: $1*
You’ve probably seen some form of this Internet joke before, either on Facebook, X, or Instagram, and it never gets old. “Bill Posters Will Be Prosecuted,” reads this sign, with the comeback, “What did he do?” in Sharpie.
Other comebacks we’ve seen include, “Bill Posters is an innocent man.” Bill posters, for those who are confused, refers to people tacking up posters or ads on walls and fences, something that a national park service such as the one pictured here would not appreciate.
Location: USA
Est. Cost: $1*
Well, we certainly will never look at a hand dryer the same again. “MY EYE!” reads this caption above a normal dryer, which has had its appearance totally changed, thanks to a pair of eyebrows above its spout and button.
Now, we will only see these dryers with a deformed left eye. You have to admire a lot of the vandals on this list, as they are able to see everyday, normal objects and turn them into hilarious jokes.
Location: France
Est. Cost: $15*
Most of us are familiar with The Scream, a composition made by Edvard Munch in the late 1890s. This painting features a screaming individual against a surreal, painted background. The Scream is on display in Oslo, Norway.
But, in France, there is this version. It’s easy to tell immediately what painting it is supposed to mock. We can really see it. Though the cinder block might seem ordinary, it actually does look like The Scream’s famous visage from this angle.
Location: Nottingham, U.K.
Est. Cost: $10*
Sometimes, the only thing left to do is get passive-aggressive with your city government. A few years ago, the residents of a local town in Nottingham, U.K. did just that. After being annoyed about a pothole that they’d complained frequently about, they came up with a plan.
They hosted a “birthday party” for the unfixed pothole, complete with a small cake and candles. This went viral on social media, with many people able to relate to a city refusing to fix something they said they would (cue eye roll).
Location: Berlin, Germany
Est. Cost: $5*
Berlin is, of course, the capital of Germany and the fascination of history and architecture buffs around the world. It dates back to the 1200s, and it is full of historical sites, modern landmarks, and a bustling art scene.
Speaking of the art scene, you can find some examples of clever street art in Berlin just by looking down while you walk. This sewer grate went from drab to amusing, all with a swoop of white spray paint.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Est. Cost: $10*
Looking at the architecture here without the spray paint, we wouldn’t have put it together that these plain, drab, gray features could become a colorful ice cream cone that looks straight out of BRK.
Found in Osaka, Japan, this cute street illustration went somewhat viral for good reasons. Osaka is a huge port city on Honshu, famous for its nightlife, street food, architecture, historical sites, and, apparently, its art community.
Location: USA
Est. Cost: $20*
“Luke, I am your father,” reads this speech bubble, which was posted above a vent that does, when you look at it, bear a passing resemblance to the evil, central villain of Star Wars, Darth Vader.
We’re going to guess this harmless vandal walked past this vent every day, deciding, finally, to do something about the thought in his head. So, he had this speech bubble made, sticking it above the vent for all of us to laugh at.
Location: USA
Est. Cost: $50*
This person saw a rusted-out van hidden in the woods, and they had an idea. In this case, the vandalism here was positive—taking something ugly and forgotten and turning it into something colorful and fun.
This van was transformed into the “Mystery Machine” from Scooby Doo, and we love it. This person did the hard work of cleaning up the van and repainting it, taking it from an eyesore to an art display.
