Top 10 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Over the years, the Super Bowl halftime stage has been graced by some of the most iconic performances from legendary artists across genres. It's not just a 12-minute break in the action. It's a mini-concert that commands as much attention as the sport it's meant to complement.

What makes a halftime show unforgettable? Is it the jaw-dropping visuals, the dance choreography that could put Broadway shows to shame, or the surprise guest appearances that send social media into a frenzy? Maybe it's that one moment - the one that gets everyone talking and tweeting - that makes a halftime show truly great. You know, that surprise reunion, the cameo that no one saw coming, or a rendition of a song so moving it gives you goosebumps.
The Top Ten
1 Super Bowl 41 (Prince)

Excellent, exciting performance. Professionalism in spite of challenging conditions. The weather actually enhanced the performance. Prince worked well with the band and selected good songs that fit with keeping up the spirit of a Super Bowl game.

U2 was great, especially coming after 9/11, but Prince put on a better show. For once, the music took center stage.

The best halftime show ever! His Royal Badness delivered perfection! I miss him so much!

2 Super Bowl 51 (Lady Gaga)

No guests, no overproduced show - Gaga showing what she is made of.

Did it all herself and better than those with several guests.

I absolutely LOVED her performance! She did so well, as usual!

3 Super Bowl 27 (Michael Jackson)

The best in my opinion. This performance changed the way of the Super Bowl forever.

Michael Jackson's performance was, without a doubt, the most amazing, spectacular, kick-ass show ever! He is the number one, hands down.

A household name, a great setlist selection, and a wonderful halftime show.

4 Super Bowl 36 (U2)

Without a shadow of a doubt, this was the best halftime show ever. How can we forget The Streets Have No Name with the 9/11 backdrop?

Few can argue the greatness of U2, and few can argue the greatness of the show.

Tear-droppingly amazing show. It was not fancy either.

5 Super Bowl 48 (Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers had a lot of energy.

That drum solo by Bruno Mars was amazing.

6 Super Bowl 49 (Katy Perry, Missy Elliott)

The halftime show was the only good thing about that night. The game was a blowout. Bruno Mars lit it up out there and brought out one of the most iconic bands of all time to pump the crowd up even more with "Give it Away."

The most energetic and fun show ever! Should be at number 1, in my opinion. The mix of Katy Perry, Missy Elliott, and Lenny Kravitz is one that you cannot top.

This is the best Super Bowl, and Katy Perry blew away the stage.

7 Super Bowl 43 (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)

No question, the greatest pure performance! This was classic Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. They actually got the crowd involved in singing the songs, didn't distract the performance with other props and artists, and the music was absolutely phenomenal!

From the Cardinals and Steelers introduction, through the energy roaring in the stadium, to the thrilling fireworks at the end of Glory Days, this show had the crowd on their feet the entire time.

Why isn't this higher?!?!? It was by far the best performance.

8 Super Bowl 50 (Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé)

Everything was okay until Beyoncé ruined it. Instead of performing a song called "Formation," why not sing her previous hits such as "Irreplaceable" or "Diva"? Seriously? Forget what the critics said about Coldplay. Of course, Coldplay unfortunately had to condense their songs into a few seconds to make room for Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk," Beyoncé's "Formation," and jam-pack everything else into about 15 minutes on stage.

So much better than the ghastly mess that is the halftime show with Katy Perry. No stupid sharks or lions, just great music. At least with the show this year, it has been projected to the world that Coldplay actually has fans in real life - can you believe it?

9 Super Bowl 39 (Paul McCartney)

A protective choice by the NFL after "Nipplegate," yet they still managed to keep the crowd thoroughly engaged.

10 Super Bowl 47 (Beyoncé)

Expectations were met and even went beyond with the reunion with Destiny's Child! Not underwhelming nor overwhelming. It was great!

Queen of showbiz - this was way beyond others.

She was absolutely amazing. Displayed near-perfect vocals, her stage presence was otherworldly, and that energy just can't be beat!

The Contenders
11 Super Bowl 35 (Aerosmith, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Nelly, Mary J. Blige, Tremors)
12 Super Bowl 40 (The Rolling Stones)
13 Super Bowl 38 (Jessica Simpson, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake)

The wardrobe malfunction and all.

14 Super Bowl 46 (Madonna, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj)
15 Super Bowl 42 (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)

I'm voting for this because the Heartbreakers played during the Super Bowl where the Patriots failed to complete the undefeated season. It's ironic, actually.

I listened to this Super Bowl classic in stereo, which is 100 times better than Up With People from the Super Bowl's early years.
Its Joeysworld.

RIP Tom Petty. While I hated the result of the game itself, the halftime show was great.

16 Super Bowl 44 (The Who)

The set list, which featured their greatest hits, provides a boost in the rankings.

Well played. The Who is one of the best rock 'n' roll bands to hit the stage.

17 Super Bowl 54 (Shakira, Jennifer Lopez)
18 Super Bowl 37 (Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting)
19 Super Bowl 55 (The Weeknd)

The halftime show with The Weeknd was so cool.

20 Super Bowl 30 (Diana Ross)

A string of great hits, and then helicoptering off the stage - what a way to end the show.

21 Super Bowl 56 (Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent)

No doubt, the best ever AND it could change pop music on the radio forever. Classic rock hits stations like the one in my Tampa Bay area could be gone in the blink of an eye.
It's Joeysworld.

Fantastic! Except for that one note Mary tried to hit. That was cringe.

22 Super Bowl 33 (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan)
23 Super Bowl 34 (Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton)
24 Super Bowl 32 (Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves, The Temptations)

Not much to say. Just a mediocre show.

25 Super Bowl 52 (Justin Timberlake)

It was great, but towards the end, it went downhill.

Not as bad as people claim it to be, but JT could have done better.

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