The only tradition more consistent than binging on too much bubbly this time of year is recapping and ranking all those top moments of the past twelve months that kept us entertained, kept us enthralled and kept us from doing any work. YouTube, Wired, Time, AOL, and Rocketboom are just a few of the places taking a look at the online video year that was.

As you’d expect, there were a few powerhouse personalities that made their way onto more than one year-end list (and into our hearts). Here are five that appeared on at least three of the five rundowns mentioned above.

Arguably the biggest phenom this year was Chris Crocker. His tear-stained plea to “Leave Britney Alone” shocked and awed a nation recovering from Britney’s meltdown at the VMAs… until we learned Crocker was punking us and parlaying his Internet fame into a TV deal:

Leave Britney Alone!

Tay Zonday’s “Chocolate Rain” was a baritoned emotional outcry over… something. It’s hard to focus on his lyrics when his voice, earnest deameanor and intermittent turns to the side for breath are so hypnotic.

Chocolate Rain

Will Ferrell proved that his funnyman routine isn’t limited to feature films that rake in a bajillion dollars at the box office. “The Landlord” kick-started Funny or Die and went on to draw more than 45 million plays.

The Landlord

Miss South Carolina Teen USA taught us all the importance of maps — and how to laugh at stupid beauty queens.

Miss Teen South Carolina

We’re not sure the prisoners at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center enjoyed making their “Thriller” dance homage as much as people enjoyed watching it, but the video was an undeniable sensation.

Prisoners Perform Thriller

Some honorable mentions who also placed among various year end lists go to Obama Girl, Don’t tase me, bro!, and the safari action of The Battle of Kruger.

Who will break big in 2008? Stop back here in 365 days to find out.