Image from Unus Annus.
If you don’t know what Unus Annus is, boy, do I have a treat for you. On November 15, 2019, YouTubers Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) and Ethan Nestor (CrankGameplays) posted this video to a joint channel called “Unus Annus” (“One Year” in Latin). The concept is this: they post every day on the channel for an entire year, but when November 15, 2020 arrives, the channel and all its content will be deleted.
Mark and Ethan remind their viewers of the fleeting nature of life, pointing out that all things must come to an end, so we should make the most of our time now because we never know how long we have. Unus Annus’ content ranges from traditionally comedic to downright bizarre, and since the clock keeps ticking and we won’t be able to revisit these videos after the one year mark, we might as well enjoy them while we can. Here are some of my favorite videos:
#1 1 Man 100 Accents
This video is an absolute gem (especially the ending, but you have to watch the whole thing to deserve that sweet, sweet ending clip). Ethan is, and I say this with the utmost respect, a huge clown, and this video is a prime example of why his fans love him. He shines in this video, and I truly recommend it.
#2 Preserving Ourselves In Wax
Remember when I said there is some bizarre content on this channel? Well, this video is certainly in that category. Mark, Ethan, and Sean (jacksepticeye) play with melted wax (don’t try this at home, kids), and the video gets progressively weirder by the second. If watching three shirtless bros brush wax on each other sounds like something you’re curious about (or repulsed by), check this video out.
#3 We Had To Drink Each Other’s Pee
Yep, you read that right. Even more concerning is that this isn’t their only video revolving around pee, but I’ll leave it up to you to decide to watch the other. There really isn’t much else I could say to explain why this video is worthy of being watched – guess you’ll just have to take my word for it.
#4 Professional Fire Cupping (Going Even Further Beyond)
This video features Alex, a trainer and business owner set in LA, and an absolute unit. He introduces Mark and Ethan to the world of fire cupping, and boy is it a wild ride. The chemistry in this video is impeccable, and part of the fun is Alex’s reactions to Mark and Ethan’s comedic bits.
#5 Ethan Teaches Mark How to Swim
Probably my all-time favorite Unus Annus video. Ethan, not a professional swimmer or swimming instructor, “teaches” Mark how to swim. The editing in this video is impeccable and nostalgic, Ethan’s brain farts are perfectly timed, and Mark’s swimming abilities are hilariously mediocre. Overall, a great video to introduce viewers to the general mood of the channel and the distinct personalities of its two hosts.
#6 2 Absolute Beginners Experience the Dancing Glory that is Salsa
Mark and Ethan are most certainly not dancers or even remotely rhythmically inclined, so watching them learn from a professional instructor is hilarious, to say the least. Their prolonged romantic bit adds yet another element of entertainment to the video, and even more funny is that Mark’s girlfriend is recording her boyfriend flirt with his best friend. These are two guys who are not afraid of showcasing their bromance, and for that, I am grateful.
#7 2 Men 200 Accents
#8 Helium Therapy
Now, THIS is a good good time. It’s a scientifically proven fact that inhaling helium to change your voice makes everything you say ten times funnier, and this is no exception. Also, Mark and Ethan share stories from their pasts, using the Internet as a therapy couch. What more could you ask for?
#9 The Ultimate Trolley Problem
This video is a classic, both comedically and thematically. Mark and Ethan discuss various iterations of the trolley problem, a philosophical quandary that deals with the ethical concerns of choices when lives are on the line. As dull as that may sound to those not interested in philosophy, this video packs in some great jokes and punchlines and is absolutely a must-watch.
#10 Mark and Ethan Look at a Puppy for 10 Minutes
An obvious choice, but still a great one. This video is pretty much exactly what the title describes: 12 minutes and 12 seconds of wholesome content – two fools, a puppy, and three (!) other dogs. There are puppy stories, funny moments, and a lighthearted mood that makes this video an excellent choice for anyone craving a good time.