'You gotta want it as bad as Plankton wants that formula': 21 Plankton memes celebrating Bikini Bottom's least successful tiny villain

Celeste Mello • Writer and Editor

Sep 19, 2026 7:45 AM EDT

Physical size has nothing to do with a villain's determination. Plankton spent most of his life trying to steal one hamburger recipe from the restaurant across the street and failed, but nobody can question his commitment.

Every failed attempt only makes him want to keep trying, convinced that the next robot, disguise, or complicated machine will finally deliver the Krabby Patty formula. That level of confidence deserves study. The Chum Bucket rarely has customers, Mr. Krabs recognizes most of his tricks, but Plankton still wakes up each morning ready to invest more time and resources into the same goal. The formula became a reason to live.

His persistence is admirable. Despite being microscopic compared with everyone around him, he enters every room like a supervillain. The fact that the rest of the characters can barely see him never reduced the intensity of his monologues. His enormous ego and terrible results make Plankton a funny and relatable character. He just refuses to accept that a competing restaurant has a better menu. We should all work toward our goals with the same determination as Plankton. You gotta want it as bad as Plankton wants that formula; otherwise, you will not get it. Plankton doesn't get it either, but at least he's trying. He represents ambition without evidence, confidence without success, and the persistence of trying no matter the results. You never know if the next time you're going to succeed, so you have to keep trying. That's why we love Plankton's mindset.

My advice: want anything as badly as Plankton wants that formula, but maybe reconsider your strategy before attempt number 249. Don't abandon it. Keep putting in all your effort, but change the strategy. The goal can remain the same while the route changes. Plankton's real problem is that every new plan involves another robot instead of a better menu. If one approach keeps failing, stop pushing harder and try a different route. Ask Karen. Accept that the Chum Bucket needs better food. Determination can take you far, but repeating the same disaster with more confidence is how you become a meme.