Tried Their Best (And That’s Generous): 40 Attempts Gone Wrong
We’ve all been there—when you try your hardest at something, only to end up with a result so far from the intended outcome that you can’t help but laugh.
Whether it’s a DIY project gone horribly wrong, a cooking disaster that could rival any kitchen catastrophe, or an art project that looks like it belongs in a “What Not to Do” guide, these moments are hilarious in their own way. Life isn’t perfect, and sometimes, neither are our attempts. But that’s what makes these moments so funny and relatable!
Grumpy Sharks brings you 40 photos from r/therewasanattempt that show us all just how far we’ll go to try something new—and how spectacularly it can fail. Get ready for some serious laughs, as these “almost there” moments leave us wondering: “What happened?”
#1 to make america great again
Source: andreadecrash
#2 To be a Gamer and avoid politics
Source: vovalucky
#3 To enjoy a $75 beer
Source: Jarppakarppa
#4 By Elon Musk to Say Workers and Executives are Equal
Source: TheRealRosey
#5 …to let the public decide the name of a school.
Source: BaronVonBroccoli
All of these classic “fail” photos come straight from r/therewasanattempt, a popular subreddit that boasts over 2 million members. The subreddit is dedicated to celebrating the good (and not-so-good) intentions of people trying something new.
Whether it’s a project that fell apart at the last minute or a recipe that seemed impossible from the start, this community shines a light on the efforts that don’t always turn out the way we hoped. These photos, ranging from funny to downright baffling, remind us all that perfection is overrated and that it’s the thought that counts. After all, trying and failing is a part of life—and it’s these moments that make the best memories.
#6 To have a drink at lunch.
Source: bbrown987654
#7 to teach kids some math
Source: sco-go
#8 to teach kids some math
Source: Revolutionary_Town21
#9 To dress up like a matrix character….
Source: Reddit user
#10 To pose with your bowl of ramen at an Asian restaurant.
Source: Gelato_33
We’ve all tried to cook something impressive and ended up with something that barely resembles food. One person’s attempt to make a simple pasta dish went from gourmet to nightmare in minutes. The result? A burnt, overcooked mess that could never be salvaged. They had the best intentions, but it was the pasta that cooked them!
Yet, despite the disaster, the person took it in stride and shared their experience with the world. It turns out, the internet is full of people who can relate to this situation. So, the next time you burn your dinner, remember: you’re not alone!
#11 To make a cute panorama picture
Source: Reddit user
#12 to claim that only one gender has to consent while drunk, and the other one is a rapist. How do you feel about this?
Source: Reddit user
#13 To locate a man with a cannabis farm in his attic
Source: Orri
#14 To get a good pic of his appearance at a school assembly
Source: DiosMioMan63
#15 to ignore basic bodily nutrition
Source: Weird_Ad_7353
Nothing quite says “trying your best” like an outfit choice that misses the mark in every way possible. One person’s attempt at creating a chic, minimalist look ended up looking more like a mix-up between two completely different fashion styles. The combination of stripes, polka dots, and an ill-fitting hat screamed, “I tried!” but it wasn’t the look they were going for.
Still, we applaud the bold attempt. Fashion is all about experimenting, even if it doesn’t always go as planned. Who knows? Maybe one day this will be the next big trend — we just might need a little time to adjust to it.
#16 To support the “Canada First” rally.
Source: CowboyTrout
#17 To cross the border and sell cocaine
Source: Exalted_Bin_Chicken
#18 to make Vin Diesel and The Rock look the same size
Source: cosmicwonderful
#19 To eat a mozzarella stick
Source: Cheesecakesimulator
Riding a bike seems like a straightforward task, but one person’s attempt at fixing their old bike ended up with a result that would make anyone laugh. They replaced the seat, and somehow, everything went wrong. The bike’s new seat was placed in such a way that riding it became an uncomfortable, near-impossible task.
However, the effort to improve the bike wasn’t wasted; instead, it became an unforgettable moment of trying and failing in the best possible way. And you better believe this moment has lived on in infamy in the world of Reddit fails!
#20 To fly to New York
Source: bostero2
#21 There was a attempt to steal a joke
Source: hunterdude3
#22 To Present a Political Opinion
Source: He-She-We_Wumbo
#23 To protect you from cancer!
Source: SnooDoughnuts8764
#24 To prove how unfashionable these jeans were.
Source: hootersbutwithcats
#25 To champion “Straight Pride”
Source: txhrow1
One homeowner’s DIY attempt at building a simple shelf turned into an architectural disaster. The shelf was so off-level that it looked like it was made by a team of architects who had forgotten the concept of balance. This well-meaning but completely miscalculated project quickly became a viral sensation.
The lesson? Sometimes, the best projects end up being the ones that make you laugh the hardest — even if they collapse in the process!
#26 To make a baked potato
Source: proudLateran34
#27 To have nice and fun hallowen decoration
Source: domiinikk4
#28 to hide
Source: KretroK
#29 To take away car privileges…
Source: yellayahmar
#30 To make a pun
Source: Reddit user
According to a study by the University of California, humor can act as a social glue, strengthening relationships and helping people cope with failure. So, when we laugh at our mistakes — and the mistakes of others — we’re not just enjoying a good laugh. We’re also boosting our mental health and connection with others.
#31 to save the teens
Source: maxrip
#32 To market her oils
Source: Reddit user
#33 To keep it hidden
Source: im_the_idiot
#34 To make a serious ad campaign
Source: KarlSuur33
#35 To explain who Barack Obama is
Source: Reddit user
Failure isn’t just about the outcome — it’s also about how we handle the situation emotionally. In psychology, “self-compassion” is the idea of treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we would give to a friend.
When we laugh at our failed attempts, we’re showing ourselves the same kindness. These moments aren’t just funny; they help us grow, learn, and feel better about ourselves.
#36 To have a smart shower thought
Source: ARK_133
#37 To diss myspace
Source: MonsieurCellophane
#38 to tell the truth
Source: StuartGT
#39 To save money by DOGE
Source: Public-Marionberry33
#40 to be a pro MAGA Cuban
Source: to be a pro MAGA Cuban
And there you have it—40 prime examples of effort that really almost counted. From DIY disasters to design choices that make you question reality, each one of these attempts reminds us that perfection is overrated—and occasionally hilarious. Sure, not everything on this list was a success, but each try came with its own brand of chaotic charm.
At the end of the day, we’ve all had our “oops” moments, our “good enough” solutions, and our “nobody’s going to notice” shortcuts. These posts just happened to get caught in the wild, immortalized forever for our collective amusement. So the next time you fail spectacularly at something, remember: you’re not alone—and you might just be one badly executed idea away from internet fame.
Thanks for scrolling, cringing, and laughing along the way. Keep trying out there—just maybe double-check your work next time. Or don’t. Honestly, we could use the content.
