The Funniest Cryptid References in Pop Culture: How Bigfoot and Friends Became Comedy Gold

Feb 7

For centuries, cryptids have captured the imagination of believers, skeptics, and pop culture creators alike. While some dedicate their lives to finding Bigfoot, the Florida Skunk Ape, and the Ohio Grassman, others have found a different way to celebrate these mysterious creatures—through comedy.

From hilarious Sasquatch commercials to bizarre cryptid movie cameos, these legendary beings have made their way into some of the funniest moments in entertainment history. Whether they’re being pranked in an ad, causing chaos in a sitcom, or even running for office (yes, really), cryptids have proven they can take a joke.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most iconic and side-splitting cryptid references in pop culture, blending urban legends, folklore, and unexplained phenomena with laugh-out-loud moments.

Bigfoot: The Original Cryptid Comedian

Bigfoot in Advertising: The Ultimate Salesman?

It turns out Bigfoot isn’t just an elusive forest-dweller—he’s also a marketing genius. Some of the funniest Sasquatch-themed commercials have come from brands capitalizing on his legendary status:

1. Jack Link’s “Messin’ with Sasquatch” (2006 - Present)

One of the most famous Bigfoot advertising campaigns of all time, Jack Link’s beef jerky commercials feature unsuspecting campers pranking Sasquatch, only to face his hilarious revenge. From getting launched into a lake to having their car flipped, these unlucky snackers never learn that messing with Bigfoot is a terrible idea.

2. Progressive’s Bigfoot Cameo

Insurance companies love quirky commercials, and Progressive Insurance gave us a comedic gem featuring Bigfoot as an average guy named Darryl. In the ad, Bigfoot (or Darryl) is tired of blurry photographs and constant misidentification. It’s a clever take on one of the biggest cryptid jokes of all time—why are all Bigfoot photos blurry?

3. Brawny Paper Towels: Is Bigfoot Their Mascot?

While not an official Bigfoot reference, many believe the Brawny Paper Towel Man is just a well-groomed Pacific Northwest Sasquatch. Coincidence? Maybe. But given how often Bigfoot is associated with rugged outdoor adventures, it’s not hard to imagine him doubling as the Brawny spokesman.

Hilarious Cryptid Movie Moments

Cryptids in film are usually depicted as scary, mysterious creatures, but in some cases, they steal the show with comedic gold.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

One of the most iconic cryptid movies of all time, Harry and the Hendersons is a classic family comedy about a suburban family who accidentally runs over Bigfoot and decides to take him home. From Bigfoot struggling to fit into human life to the family’s desperate attempts to keep him hidden, the film is a masterclass in cryptid comedy.

Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny (2006)

Rock duo Tenacious D (Jack Black and Kyle Gass) brought Sasquatch into their surreal world with one of the most bizarre cryptid cameos ever. In a dream sequence, Bigfoot appears as Jack Black’s father, taking him on a wild musical journey through the forest. Complete with psychedelic visuals and ridiculous dialogue, this scene proves that Bigfoot belongs in rock and roll.

Strange Wilderness (2008)

A lesser-known but absolutely ridiculous cryptid comedy, Strange Wilderness follows a failing nature documentary crew trying to capture Bigfoot footage. The film’s depiction of the creature—complete with terrible CGI and absurd encounters—turns Bigfoot lore into pure slapstick chaos.

Missing Link (2019)

This animated cryptid comedy takes a unique approach, portraying Bigfoot as a refined, sophisticated gentleman rather than a wild beast. Voiced by Zach Galifianakis, the film’s version of Sasquatch is charming, awkward, and completely unaware of how terrifying humans find him.

Cryptids on TV: When the Paranormal Gets a Sitcom Twist

The X-Files: When Bigfoot Meets Satire

While The X-Files is best known for its eerie paranormal investigations, some episodes take a comedic turn—especially when it comes to cryptid encounters. The episode “Quagmire” features Mulder obsessing over a lake monster named Big Blue, poking fun at the lengths some people go to prove cryptid existence.

Bob’s Burgers: The Sasquatch Festival

In an episode of Bob’s Burgers, the town hosts a Bigfoot festival, celebrating cryptid culture in a way that feels all too real for anyone familiar with Sasquatch conventions. From conspiracy theorists to die-hard believers, the episode hilariously spoofs the world of Bigfoot enthusiasts.

Gravity Falls: The Ultimate Cryptid Comedy

Disney’s Gravity Falls is packed with cryptid references, featuring Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mythical creatures. With its blend of mystery, humor, and cryptozoology, the show is a goldmine for fans of cryptid encounters in the wild.

The Funniest Cryptid Hoaxes That Fooled Everyone

Bigfoot’s 1970s Disco Fever

One of the most bizarre Bigfoot hoaxes involved a man in a Sasquatch suit performing disco moves in a nightclub. While most dismissed it as a prank, some believed that Bigfoot had simply adapted to the 1970s culture.

The Florida Skunk Ape in a Walmart Parking Lot

A supposed Florida Skunk Ape sighting in a Walmart parking lot quickly went viral. It turned out to be a guy in a costume, but not before local news stations ran with the story.

The Ohio Grassman’s Political Campaign

In one of the strangest cryptid-related pranks, someone registered the Ohio Grassman as a write-in candidateduring an election. The cryptid actually received votes, proving that Sasquatch has political aspirations.

Why Cryptids Are Comedy Gold

From Bigfoot’s commercial success to Sasquatch-inspired movie cameos, cryptids have proven they aren’t just mysterious—they’re hilarious. Their presence in pop culture blends urban legends, folklore, and unexplained phenomena with the kind of humor that makes them larger than life.

Whether you’re a believer or just in it for the laughs, one thing is clear: cryptids can be entertaining!