Introduction
NFTs have changed the way we think about ownership, creativity, and value online. In the last couple of years, several NFT drops have not only overwhelmed websites and sold out within seconds, but also become a part of digital history. Through meme culture to high art, these legendary NFT launches signify the growth of NFTs and their relevance to collectors worldwide.
We’re going to take a nostalgic (and valuable) trip through some of the most iconic NFT drops of all time.
1. CryptoPunks (2017) – The OG Drop
Back when we were still debating whether or not NFTs were a fad, there were CryptoPunks. Released by Larva Labs, the original 10,000 unique pixel-art characters were given away for free! Now they can sell for millions. CryptoPunks laid the groundwork for profile picture (PFP) collections and created an entire ecosystem.
Why It’s Iconic:
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First major NFT collection on Ethereum
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Inspiration for the PFP meta
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Sold for over $11 million (Punk #5822)
2. BEEPLEERS – “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” (2021)
Digital artist Beeple made history in March, 2021, when this single artwork as an NFT sold for $69 million at auction at Christie’s, overnight elevating the profile of NFTs to the mainstream.
Why It’s Iconic:
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A historic bridge for classic art and crypto art
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Established NFTs as a “real” art form
3. Bored Ape Yacht Club (2021) – The Celebrity Magnet
Yuga Labs started Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), a zany NFT collection with utility that evolved into a true culture brand, and with stars like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, it evolved into a social elite club.
Why It’s Iconic:
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Exhibited NFT utility & real-life events
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Had APE token and metaverse
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Peak floor prices over 100 ETH
4. NBA Top Shot (2020)
Dapper Labs partnered with the NBA to tokenize NBA video highlights, instantly evolving basketball “fans” into NFT “collectors.”
Why It’s Iconic:
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Made NFTs digestible to mainstream
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Included officially licensed content
5. Pudgy Penguins (2021–2023) – The Underdog Comeback Story
What started as a meme-y PFP project became one of the strongest Web3 brands with a true comeback story.
Here’s why it’s iconic:
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Launched physical toys in brick-and-mortar retail
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Community and brand development focused
6. Azuki (2022) – Anime-Inspired Art
They added elements such as “The Garden” and digital streetwear.
Here’s why it’s iconic:
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Raised the artistry level of PFPs
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Set a precedent for building digital brands
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Merged both Eastern and Western visual cultures
7. Otherside Land Sale (2022) – Yuga Labs’ Metaverse Venture
The Otherside land drop was madness – Ethereum gas wars and record sales. The Otherside drop was Yuga Labs’ pivot to the metaverse.
Here’s why it’s iconic:
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Raised over $300M in hours
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Established dynamic NFTs (Otherdeeds)
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Showed NFT + metaverse could work together
What Defines an “Iconic” Drop?
A NFT drop becomes iconic when it:
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Pioneers a new direction in art, technology, or utility
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Creates cultural impact and adoption
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Establishes long-term value and relevance
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Fosters a loyal and active community
In the end, it is not only about hype. It is about legacy.
Conclusion
From CryptoPunks to Otherside, these drops are not just a jpeg file – they are one of the inflection points of NFT history. If you are a collector, investor, or just an interested observer, these drops remind us of the reasons NFTs will continue to transform digital culture.
