13 Email Chains You Always Forwarded to Friends
Before social media feeds and group chats took over, email chains were how you kept the fun going with friends. Whether it was for laughs, luck, or love advice, those forwarded messages filled inboxes daily and sparked countless conversations.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Email chains once ruled digital communication, bringing humor, superstition, and shared experiences directly to your inbox. These messages were often silly, sometimes heartfelt, and always meant to be passed along. Whether you believed the promises or not, forwarding them felt like being part of something playful and connected. They reflected a time when the internet was more personal, curious, and full of chain-driven charm.
1. The “Good Luck If You Send This to 10 People” Chain
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These messages always started with a blessing or promise of good luck. At the end, they instructed you to forward the email to 10 people or face vague consequences. Some warned of heartbreak or missed opportunities, others promised instant fortune. Even skeptics hesitated before deleting them, just in case. It was superstition wrapped in digital form.
2. The “You Know You Grew Up in the ’90s When…” Chain
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Filled with references to Tamagotchis, slap bracelets, and Saturday morning cartoons, these emails were a nostalgic ride. Every line sparked a memory and often laughter. Friends would reply with their favorite item on the list. It helped people bond over shared experiences growing up. It also reminded everyone just how different childhood felt back then.
3. The “Funny Cat Pictures” Compilation
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Before memes and Instagram accounts, these emails carried dozens of cat photos with silly captions. Some were dressed up, others caught mid-pounce or nap. Friends would scroll through them during work breaks or school computer time. They were lighthearted and universally loved. For a few minutes, they made everyone smile.
4. The “Pass This Angel to Keep Her Flying” Chain
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A glowing cartoon angel often accompanied a poetic message of hope or protection. You were instructed to send it on so the angel’s wings would keep moving. The sentiment was kind, and people forwarded it out of love or belief. Some added personal notes or dedications before sending it along. It blended spirituality with connection.
5. The “Friendship Test” Questionnaire
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These emails asked you to answer personal questions like your favorite color, crush, or dream job. After filling it out, you sent it back to the person who sent it and forwarded it to others. It was a fun way to get to know people better, even those you thought you knew well. The answers sparked follow-up conversations and laughs. Everyone felt included in the chain.
6. The “Microsoft Will Pay You If You Forward This” Hoax
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Supposedly, Bill Gates was tracking how many people forwarded the email. The reward? A big payday or a free computer. Despite being clearly fake, many people forwarded it “just in case.” It reflected the early internet’s blend of hope and gullibility. Some people swore they knew someone who got paid.
7. The “World’s Funniest Jokes” Email
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Packed with short jokes, one-liners, and puns, this chain made its rounds weekly. People would copy their favorites and send them separately, too. Even if the jokes were cheesy, they brightened up inboxes. These emails were often shared in classrooms or offices. Laughter was the main goal, and it usually succeeded.
8. The “Optical Illusions” Chain
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These emails showed trippy images that moved when you stared or pictures that changed depending on your focus. Instructions were always included: stare for 30 seconds or tilt your screen. Friends forwarded them to wow others with visual tricks. It was part science, part fun. The responses usually came back with “how does this even work?”
9. The “Urban Legend Story” Chain
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Whether it was the girl who saw a ghost in her mirror or the man who vanished from a hotel, these stories chilled readers. They were written like true accounts and always ended with a note to forward the story or risk something eerie happening. They became early examples of internet creepypasta. Reading them alone at night made them feel even scarier.
10. The “Inspirational Life Advice” Message
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Filled with quotes, life lessons, and gentle reminders, these emails were uplifting. They encouraged gratitude, kindness, and reflection. Some were shared by parents or teachers as a feel-good note. Others came from friends who just wanted to share something thoughtful. Forwarding it felt like passing along peace.
11. The “Chain Letter of Love”
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This email claimed that sending it on would reveal your true love or bring romance your way. If you ignored it, the message warned of heartbreak. It was popular among teens and romantics. Even those in relationships sent it for fun. It added a touch of drama and mystery to your inbox.
12. The “Personality Quiz” Chain
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You answered questions to discover your color, spirit animal, or movie character match. After getting your result, you had to share it and compare it with others. Friends would react, agree, or argue over the outcomes. It was harmless fun that sparked hours of commentary. The quizzes were often followed by another set of questions.
13. The “Look Closely… Then Scream!” Prank Email
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This chain showed a serene or creepy photo with a hidden scare. After staring for 30 seconds, a loud scream or a terrifying face popped up. People forwarded it to prank friends and siblings. The reactions were often better than the email itself. It marked the beginning of internet jump scares.