I Believe I Can Fly was released in 1996 as part of the Space Jam soundtrack and quickly became one of the most recognisable inspirational songs of the decade. Its message of self-belief and reaching for the sky made it a staple at graduations, sports events and talent shows, long before short-form video existed. Online, creators revived the chorus for hopeful edits, ironic triumphs and emotional montages, where the familiar melody instantly signals that a character or creator is about to rise, succeed or take flight.