The Goku Prowler meme originates from the video game Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, specifically featuring an animation of Goku looking particularly menacing and shadowy. It became a viral sensation when internet creators paired his intense stare with the dissonant, screeching 'Prowler Theme' composed by Daniel Pemberton for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. The meme is typically used to represent a sudden, unavoidable threat or a moment of sheer terror when someone realizes they are in deep trouble. Its popularity stems from the jarring contrast between Goku's usually heroic persona and the villainous, anxiety-inducing audio, making it a staple for 'POV' style humor where something menacing suddenly appears.