Top 10 Funniest Stand-up Comedians of All Time

Although Lenny Bruce (whom I respect greatly) may have been the first comedian to go rogue, none ever did it better than Carlin. The man is an absolute legend, and his material only ever becomes more relevant despite the fact that he died 15 years ago. Carlin is a true hero who earned every bit of his counterculture icon status.

What was really impressive about George was not just that he was great at political satire or the way he criticized society (with a great sense of humor); he was also very articulate. His stand-ups seemed mostly like captivating and funny speeches. Most comedians these days are just complaining about their lives or ridiculing themselves because that's what it takes to be a good comedian. George would make you laugh, he would make you see the point he was trying to make, and he would never bore you. But he would never do those things by complaining about his life (criticizing society in general is completely different) or ridiculing himself with silly stunts. And that's what makes his comedy stand out from the rest.

Although I'd been listening to George Carlin for decades, I finally saw him in person in 2005 just outside Philadelphia. Wow, was he sharp! That man knew his material cold... No ad-libbing... No stalling... He could deliver his material word for word, and each word had been chosen for a specific reason - there was no filler - not a word wasted... Brilliant. I've done stand-up comedy, but I'd take off my hat for George any day of the week. I was sorry he left the planet at such a young age. If you've never heard him do the Hippy Dippy Weatherman report on Johnny Carson - say his 1966 appearance, check it out sometime.

This guy is not a stand-up comedian. To sum up George Carlin in a singular term would be far too insulting for a man of his stature. A philosopher par excellence, his biting satirical takes on the inanities of mankind in general, and Americans in particular, can spark ideas and riots with equal aplomb. The others on this list may be good, but were he among us today, none of them would have been able to match the sheer ferocity of George's well-honed skill. There's a reason why so many of the greats call him an influence.

Surely a tragedy and will be missed by many. Williams achieved tremendous success by anyone's standards, and this man will be remembered as one of, if not "THE" greatest comic genius of all time. And that is incredible, because the man was NOT funny at all. If anything "good" comes as a result of his passing, let's hope that the terribly debilitating disease that "depression" is, gets much needed attention.

Robin Williams should be number one! He had the quickest wit in the business. Our brightest star has ascended to the heavens to twinkle down on us. What memories we have of him! No one was quicker with ad libs. No one. Joan Rivers was right behind him, quick-witted until the end at 81 years old. When someone asked her about something stupid Selena Gomez said, Joan quickly retorted, Oh, THAT college graduate!

No one can beat this man. He has the quickest wit I have ever seen or heard. Coupled with this, he is a fantastic actor. I never tire of watching him. His role in The Birdcage was amazing. I've seen that movie about 15 times, and I still miss little details here and there. I would love to have dinner with Robin Williams.

He's amazing! It's impossible to tell the difference between scripted and unscripted moments with him. There was one time when he was in the middle of a bit, and a siren went off. He immediately said, "Oops, there goes my ride." He was incredibly quick-witted and is easily the greatest ad-libber of all time.

Dave Chappelle is hands down the best living comedian and will go down in history as one of the greats. Being ranked at #3 behind George Carlin and Robin Williams is exactly the right place.

No one knows how to play humor with the brains of his or her audience better than Dave Chappelle. Comedians like Russell Peters are famous just because of a couple of lines that made him a one-hit wonder. However, Dave Chappelle doesn't have just a few lines that stand out from the rest of his work. ALL of his lines stand out.

He doesn't have to make reference to race just to be funny. He can reference virtually anything. I'm not even talking about the Chappelle Show. I'm talking about just his stand-up alone. Dave Chappelle is the best. If you don't believe me, just YouTube his name, and you'll understand. Trust me.

It all depends on how you view comedy, but Dave Chappelle by far has my number when it comes to humor. I would give Richard Pryor props for being the father of this type of humor, hands down. Without Richard, there wouldn't be over half of these comedians. Dave didn't invent this comedy like Richard did, but he did transcend it to a different level, better than Pryor did.

His stand-up alone was amazing, but his show was also the biggest income source for Comedy Central as well. Like I said, humor varies from person to person, so no, it won't make you think. But he does a great job at bringing his stories to life on stage, so you don't even have to have a great imagination to feel drawn in. With perfect timing and delivery, storytelling, voice acting, animation, crossing boundaries in a good way, and bringing all races and sexes in on the joke, Dave is a legend with so few comedians being as versatile as him.

The best ever. This man is so much more than a stand-up comedian. Practically anybody can be a stand-up these days, and it's actually getting kind of annoying. Everybody thinks they can be one, and many are successful even though they aren't even funny. Chappelle is mad funny. I could watch his specials on repeat. He is a real artist, and there will never be another like him.

My favorite thing about him would have to be the stories he comes up with that are out-of-this-world funny. I'm getting sick of all the comedians who are trying to go up on stage and just tell stories from their lives. Where has all the creativity gone? I don't want to go to a show just to hear an autobiography. Try to write a joke, people. Anyway, Chappelle rules and is the best, and if he isn't, then it is definitely Hedberg.

Why the hell is Richard Pryor not in the Top 10? He inspired George Carlin, Russell Peters, and many others to become comedians. He was the one who introduced the use of colorful vulgarities onto the stage and encouraged comedians to talk about things people would never dare talk about in real life. He was one of the first, along with Lenny Bruce, to show us society's real face. A classical comedian, and he's positioned at 12? Disappointing.

Rich is the best, hands down. If we're measuring stand-up comedians, have you listened to his work? If you want to use TV shows or movies as criteria, then have you watched his TV shows or movies? He had a comedy album that beat R&B albums on the charts. Just because it didn't happen yesterday doesn't mean it's forgotten. Forgetting history is like forgetting the present and the future.

Yes, Richard Pryor was in a league of his own and changed comedy forever. Jonathan Winters was the first to do improv, and Richard took that to another level. He gained fame through clean comedy and then spoke like people really talked. Some guys never served their country and hadn't heard talk like that before. If you didn't live where Richard and other black men lived and grew up, don't judge him or them.

If you want to literally laugh out loud, experience the tear-jerking hilarity of Pryor at the very top of his game. Watch this knockout performance entitled "Wanted, Live in Concert." Filmed live in LA in the late '70s, Pryor is wearing a red shirt and black pants on the cover, just to be sure. It's so face-hurtingly funny that I saw this movie in theaters when it first came out at least five times. I kept telling friends who invited me along. It gets funnier every time! His facial expressions, spot-on mimicry of his father's abusive words, tone, and demeanor are all hilarious.

Murphy wasn't even close. Hart's recent attempts at portraying father-children relationships are good, but Pryor just slayed it! Nothing was off-limits. He imitates his father, grandmother, children, and examines black versus white culture. Stereotyping cultures by this self-debasing king of comedy is nothing short of genius. This includes his laser-like mimicry of then-top prizefighters, dogs, deer, and ...more

The best out there today by a long shot. Not only does he speak many true statements about everyday life that people never think about until they hear it, but he also makes it absolutely hilarious! To me, he is much funnier than Dane Cook could ever hope to be, and I believe he rivals the greats like Robin Williams and George Carlin. If he continues to produce material as good or funnier than what he has right now, I believe he will go down as the best comedian of all time.

Louis C.K. is the best working comedian. There are no other comedians today who are delivering new, fresh material year after year for their fans. Louis seems to be gaining more and more recognition from every person who is a fan of comedy, or a comedian themselves. You will never hear a bad word about the guy, and you will never hear a bad joke either. He is the most relatable stand-up out today, and arguably the most original in a long time. If anyone today were to take the position of a true stand-up legend, Louis will be able to if he keeps up his pace.

He is the absolute funniest comedian in the world, in my opinion. He is straightforward, honest, and his witty observations are what expand his fan base. One aspect of his comedy that I thoroughly enjoy is his ability to make a variety of jokes without really offending anyone - at least, I can speak for myself.

In other words, he doesn't rely on demeaning jokes about women or raunchy sexual humor to get ahead. Although he does have a bit of this kind of humor in his act, the fact that he doesn't rely on them shows that he has a lot of substance as a comedian. He is truly talented and doesn't need to rely on any particular "kind" of joke to get ahead in his career. That's what I admire.

I hope he can maintain his down-to-earth approach with his material. Louis C.K. seems like a comedian that can evolve. His parental stories touch on a common thread with people my age. I don't know how he will be able to keep his connection with his audience while experiencing celebrity. When comedians are hungry, they experience peak/highly creative moments. However, when fame and fortune hit, comedians often lose their grip on life's grittiness.

Eddie Murphy is one of the greatest and most iconic comedians of all time. He has inspired many who came after him, including top comedians like Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Kevin Hart. He revolutionized comedy with his special "Delirious," which never fails to make me laugh, even after countless viewings. The bit about ice cream is a classic. His other special, "Raw," is also fantastic. The Bill Cosby impression is particularly hilarious.

His stand-up performances remain incredible and have stood the test of time. His impressions are consistently spot-on, whether it's Mr. T in "Delirious," Bill Cosby in "Raw," James Brown in "Delirious," or Michael Jackson in "Delirious." He is one of the best comedians when it comes to impersonations.

Eddie Murphy's sketches on SNL, such as Buckwheat and Mr. Robinson, remain iconic. If it weren't for him, SNL probably would have died out in the 1980s. His movies are also noteworthy. "Coming to America" is a classic and humorous ...more

Eddie Murphy deserves no second thought. Many comedians resort to insults and put-downs to seem funny, but Eddie Murphy is naturally funny. Don't believe me? Check out some of his films, like Beverly Hills Cop 1, 2, and 3. He's awesome and has been going strong for more than 20 years. Will Smith is great as well.

Eddie should be in the top 3, not just scraping into the top 20. That's truly delirious! This man practically reinvented comedy. To me, he is the greatest crossover comedian because he successfully transitioned into acting while remaining funny. It's a disgrace he's not in the top 3!

I don't understand how Eddie Murphy isn't in the top 3. He went from being completely raunchy and inappropriate with "Delirious" and "Raw" to cleaning up his act and starring in family-friendly movies to this day. Personally, I prefer the old Eddie, but both styles of comedy are effective. It's a disgrace he's so low on the list.

I definitely think that Chris Rock should be one of the top three comedians on this list. The reason is that not only did he help influence Dave Chappelle's career, but he also talks about relationships and everyday things. This is unlike Russell Peters, who focuses on races. I like Russell. He's from my hometown, but I don't think he's as funny as Chris Rock.

Hands down, Chris Rock is the best stand-up comedian for me. I have actually seen most of the others who people call "Greats," but I didn't find them all that amusing. I'd say if others here are great, then Chris Rock is definitely the "GOD" of stand-up.

Chris Rock kills it. "What Ever Happened to Crazy?" and "Bigger and Blacker" are some of the best ever. How the hell is Dane Cook above Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Mitch Hedberg, Bill Cosby, etc.? I am only 29. Is the "new generation" that poisoned by "Jersey Shore" and "16 and Pregnant"?

Does anything he says ever not relate to something that didn't just happen to you the same day? Rock is the man when it comes to what's funny. He always knows what he's talking about and always relates to everybody.

He's a wonderful storyteller. Incredibly talented at mimicry, including sound effects, accents, and the attitudes of characters, he's completely hilarious. I caught the attention of my entire household with my uncontrollable laughter at his genuinely engaging, warm, self-deprecating routine. I love him. He needs to be way higher on this list. Way.

He is so funny! But actually, he is fat, and it isn't something to be proud of. Not saying people need to all be skinny, but you need to maintain a healthy weight. But he admits that he is fat and that makes me glad except for the fact that once again, being morbidly obese is not something to flaunt. Though he is an awesome comedian.

I just saw his show in a small venue in San Diego. That's what's great about him. After selling out an arena, a couple of days later he does an intimate show where he tells new jokes and lets the audience ask him anything. The show was scheduled for no more than three hours but lasted over five hours. It was awesome.

He's just amazing! I don't think there's a person who can't laugh while watching him. His impressions are amazing and extremely funny as well. So far, I've only been able to find two specials from him, but I've seen both of them about 20 times. He's just amazing, and he definitely deserves to be higher on this list.

The best and most ingenious comedian of modern times is Bill Hicks. He makes jokes and satirizes the foolish aspects of our way of life that we consider so important. He tackles topics most comedians wouldn't dare touch because they lack substance. Topics include the government, smoking cigarettes, religion and hypocrisy, consumerism and advertisement, and selling out in music, as well as commenting on stupid people in general.

He is also one of the few comedians today who address the issue of mind-altering drugs as potentially beneficial for society, rather than harmful, as many claim. His sketch on Marijuana vs. Alcohol is one of the best sketches of all time, in my opinion, and reveals undeniable truths about marijuana. As he said, if you're against drugs, then you should delete all your music, because most of the good songs were probably created by people using drugs.

Bill ingeniously argues that drugs elevate us to a higher level of thinking and creativity, which ...more

Simply the greatest ever. The only one who could match him in wittiness and commentary about the stupidity of our way of life was George Carlin. He was truly a man who died way before his time and performed his comedy for the ascension of human mass consciousness.

Ranking him at 16 is way too low. Either move him up to 1 or 2 for the benefit of mankind, or reevaluate your choices. You voters seriously can't think Russell Peters and Dane Cook are better than the Man in Black. If you don't think Hicks is funny, then you seriously have no sense of humor, or you better check your own inferior belief systems. Many of the things he talked about in his routines have come true, merely two decades after his death, unfortunately. You people are sheep! Wake up!

I agree that Bill was ahead of his time, and we really need him today as much, if not more, than before. I miss Bill Hicks more than any other celebrity that has passed away. Most people don't agree with Bill, but those are the people Bill was trying to wake up.

I wish Bill were here to see how America has sunk even further into the depths of hell, so that his comedy could make it somewhat better. Bill Hicks was the best comedian that ever lived, and no one will ever come close.

I'm so glad Bill never went commercial to sponsor products, have a talk show, or star in a sitcom. Bill never sold out or compromised his integrity, and so few comedians - yes, I'm talking to you, Larry the Cable Guy, Tim Allen, and Bill Cosby - can say they stood for something and didn't let corporate America buy them out.
Bill Hicks... greatness.

15! Yes, Bill Hicks is the greatest comedian ever, times 15! Every year his new material is excellent and surprising. His popularity will grow until his work is no longer just comedy. Instead, it will become incredible anecdotes about how idiotic the world used to be.

He's not your typical comedian who has been clinically dead for 18 years. They should wire his grave marker with an LED scrolling screen. That way, with the right dowsing rods employed, we could get some more great material. His attitude would no doubt remain intact from that stage. And there's precedent for the work of great, deceased talent - just look at Keith Richards!

This guy is very talented and also very funny to watch. I bet if you don't laugh at this guy, there's something wrong with your brain. Even though I am from the Netherlands, I think Kevin Hart is the greatest comedian in the world to watch. I've been to his shows several times, and I keep laughing at them. I really think Kevin Hart should be a more successful person. I met him once backstage when my girlfriend and I had bought a backstage ticket. When you talk with Kevin Hart, it feels like he is your best friend.

You really need to go to one of his shows. I bet you'll laugh at them as well.

Regards,
Peter, Hypixel Staff Team

Kevin Hart has some of the most classic lines I've ever heard. They simply get stuck in your head. While comedians like Dave Chappelle and others who have been around longer may have more extensive material and better jokes, I've never laughed harder than when listening to Kevin Hart. He really knows how to combine everyday life with original material. This material is not only relevant to current times but also includes classic lines.

He's the funniest guy ever. You'll die laughing if you see his concerts. It's the best and funniest stand-up comedy ever, I promise. Download some of his movies and watch the whole thing without stopping, because his jokes are interconnected. I couldn't stop laughing when I went to his concert. He is the best, for sure!

What can I say? The guy is a comedic rock star for sure! I've followed his career since Soul Plane, and I've also watched all the movies he's starred in, as well as the ones where he was a guest on a show. This guy is so funny! I also follow him on Instagram, and I truly believe he's the only comedian who gives us something to laugh about every day. What else can I say? He's just too funny.

"A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer."

"An escalator can never break. It can only become stairs. You should never see an 'Escalator Temporarily Out Of Order' sign, just 'Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the convenience.'"

"Dogs are forever in the push-up position."

"Every time I go and shave, I assume there's someone else on the planet shaving. So I say, 'I'm gonna go shave, too.'"

"I had a stick of CareFree gum, but it didn't work. I felt pretty good while I was blowing that bubble, but as soon as the gum lost its flavor, I was back to pondering my mortality."

"I was at this casino minding my own business, and this guy came up to me and said, 'You're gonna have to move. You're blocking a fire exit.' As though if there was a fire, I wasn't going to run. If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit."

"Wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy, all day. Wearing a backpack and a ...more

"I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to too." "I bought an ant farm. Those little guys didn't grow." More people need to watch this man. He is easily the best at what he does. His delivery and humor are so difficult, it's intimidating to see Mitch do it so effortlessly. If you don't think so, then let's just agree that you're wrong. His jokes are far more witty, relatable, clean, simple, complex, surprising, and far more ingenious than anyone's on this list. It's scary how many people vote on a subject they obviously know so little about.

I ordered a chicken sandwich, but I think the waitress misunderstood me because she said, "How would you like your eggs?" So I tried to answer her anyhow. I said, "Incubated, and then raised, and then beheaded, and then plucked, and then cut up, then put onto a grill, then put onto a bun. Shoot, it's going to take a while. I don't have time, scrambled!"

His delivery is perfect, and he takes things that happen in everyday life, which no one pays attention to, and makes them hilarious. "I opened a yogurt, and under the tab it said 'Please Try Again.' It was having a contest I was unaware of... Or maybe Yoplait was trying to inspire me, 'Come on Mitch, don't give up.'" He could also easily be considered the best punchline comic of all time.

You need to separate the man from his work. The man from 1965 to 1970 won six straight Grammys for Best Comedy Album and was hugely influential to Jerry Seinfeld and other comics later on. He is a master of stand-up, and you simply can't erase his legacy in the genre because of the allegations. Just listen to any of the Grammy-winning albums: Himself, Sports, Why Is There Air, or To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With. All are highly influential.

The because was a good story teller. He should have been a sixth grade teacher. Who else gave a care about Fat Albert and the gang? And his so-called social commentary was lame. He was never as trenchant as Carlin, Williams, Rock or Murphy. In fact his social commentary was always pedantic and moralizing. He told lame morality stories and now I guess that little joke is on him.

The only one on this list that actually made me gut-roll laugh to the point where I couldn't catch my breath. An amazing comedian that influenced multiple generations (as well as comedians) with his sitcoms, comedy specials, records, cassettes, cartoons, movies, and the plethora of other work he has done over the past 40 years.

What his Cosby Show did was show a normal family. His timing was excellent. His non-verbals were hysterical! He helped to appeal to an American audience, not just one race over another. He is a very generous person. He skipped a panel in order to help a youth get a mentor. He helped a mother give her 17-year-old a birthday party and paid for everything.

Like a great Champagne, Daniel Tosh is getting better and better with age. Daniel is one of the few "Comedy Gods" who is still doing stand-up. If you don't like laughing until you fall over at a live show, he may not be your type. It's wonderful that someone can deliver an entire arsenal of critical notes aimed carefully at anybody and everybody, yet nearly nobody is ever really insulted. He is truly gifted in making people laugh. Now, as he has aged, he's perfect in a really imperfect world of comedy. Want proof? Look how the ladies dress their best when he performs. It's like a contest! He is the prime bubbly, ready to pop. Go Daniel! Love, Mother.

Daniel Tosh is leagues ahead of a few comedians in front of him. In my opinion, Daniel Tosh is better than Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Pryor. There's nothing worse than having to sit through a comedy special where African Americans say the "N" word four hundred times. That, and the excessive use of the word "crack," is really unfunny. Daniel Tosh is offensively funny, intellectually amusing, and has far better delivery than half the comedians above him.

Daniel Tosh is thoroughly funny. He has no limits and no boundaries he won't push. He isn't afraid of making the crowd gasp. In fact, I think he enjoys it. He is "HILARIOUS," if Louis C.K. doesn't mind my use of the word. I enjoy his show "Tosh.0," but for the real deal, you have to check out his hour-long special, "Completely Serious." He's a comic genius.

"My girlfriend is Korean... For this joke."

If there's something Daniel Tosh knows about comedy, it's that

1. Nothing is sacred,
and
2. People enjoy the suffering of others.

A good example is his show. There is not one episode where he doesn't make fun of every nationality, or at least most of them. There is also not a single episode where someone is not shown in pain, and he makes it hilarious. He is a riot, and I enjoy his dark, twisted humor.

In terms of expression, Jim Carrey is the best. He is a natural comedian and a very flexible actor. He deserves to be number one. He is also the most famous comedian. Anyway, I think this list is not about the best, but rather, who deserves most to go to hell. The person at the top is the most deserving of hell. That's why Jim is not worthy to go to hell. He should be the least on the list. No offense...

Jim Carrey uses his entire body as a tool for his comedy, not to mention his amazing facial expressions. He is also an extremely intelligent man. I love everything he does. He doesn't make fun of other people for laughs. That's true genius! I can't believe he's not in the top ten, let alone number one!

God! I agree with you guys! He should be on the top-ten list. He is so funny that I nearly peed myself with laughter. Especially in the movies The Mask and Mr. Popper's Penguins. I've forgotten most of the movies that I've watched with Jim Carrey in them.

I love this man. Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, Ace Ventura 1 & 2, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Bruce Almighty, and more are movies I've seen him in. None of them are bad at all. One movie I want to see is Liar, Liar.

Jim should be number one. His jokes about food, being fat, and McDonald's are hilarious. Also, he's family-friendly. I watched him live in Greensboro, NC, and he was amazing. He has shows on Netflix such as Cinco, Mr. Universe, and many more.

I do hope you put this into consideration. He's the funniest comedian I've ever heard, besides Robin Williams. I love how he uses a second voice, a voice he uses as if a member of the audience is making commentary on his act, while still maintaining the flow of his routine. His bit on Hot Pockets had me laughing for days and repeating his jokes to friends and family. I hope you guys try him out!

I've watched so many stand-up routines, and yes, I laugh out loud and agree many are very funny. But Jim Gaffigan is different. He makes me laugh almost hysterically and non-stop in all of his comedy shows. He's just a good guy too. He doesn't have to use profanity to make a great joke.

He is absolutely my number one. This is just too subjective for what your taste is. Everyone is different! But Jim Gaffigan has made every one of my family members laugh as hard as I have. He's that great! A master! Jeanne should get a little credit, as she writes his routines with him. What a great wife! They are a team!

I have a tough sense of humor. I find very few comedians to be funny. So when I heard Jim, I thought, "Oh no, here we go again, another comedian using sex as a one-way ticket to people's sense of humor." But honestly, I was wrong. His jokes are clean but not cheesy. They focus on real-life events and how life can be irritating.

However, he's not complaining the whole time. He does funny voices and is a very relatable person. He brings attention to how silly things are, and I just love his sense of humor.

Jim is funny to people of all ages. He doesn't rely on cursing or other typical comic methods. He takes ordinary topics and makes them funny. Even my five-year-old was laughing at old videos of his Hot Pocket routine. I first heard Jim on the radio and thought he was great. His second voice, which operates as if an audience member is making commentary on his act while maintaining the flow of his routine, is genius.

I agree with all the other positive comments about Bill Burr. I have always held the late Sam Kinison as my measuring stick for comedians who make me laugh uncontrollably. For the conservatism of the '80s, he was edgy and unapologetic in his comedy and definitely not politically correct. To me, Bill Burr is the first comedian since Sam Kinison who has made me laugh that hard and consistently. Out of the four one-hour specials that I have seen of his, there may be only one or two moments where there are dead spots in his routine. That's pretty remarkable for four hours of comedy! For my money, he's the best guy out there today, and I would put him in the top 3 of all-time.

Easily my favorite. No other comic has continuously made me laugh more than Bill Burr. That is notoriously difficult to do, to be so consistent. With other comedians, I just like some of their stuff. I nitpick, but all of Bill Burr's videos are gold. His material isn't even offensive (maybe except to a woman). He maneuvers around race well. His female voice is hilarious, and his references and explanations are on point. What he says is true and makes sense, but he sounds like a cranky old white guy (which these days he actually is) that you can't take seriously.

While most people would compare Bill Burr to Louis CK, I would argue that he is more like Stephen Colbert a sharp mind and a quick wit behind an idiot alter ego. He's referred to himself as "that loud guy in the bar with uninformed logic", which perfectly describes his stage act, which in my opinion is the ultimate angry, stupid white guy routine on stage.

To me he's the best American standup comic working today because he can kick in all directions without being a total dick and be so funny doing it that he can literarly make me pee my pants.

He's also become one of the primary voices against mass hysteria and political correctness, and he does it without falling into rants of narrow mindedness and bigotry, something comedians like George Carlin and Bill Maher unfortunatly couldn't help.

It is now 2016 and Bill Burr is finally getting some well deserved credit for being one of the best if not the best comedians in the world today. His netflix animated show F is for Family is also hilarious and is bringing this mans brilliance to a wider audience. He can also act! he was the pasty redhead that held up the train in the Breaking Bad episode " Dead Freight" as well as a few others. Whatever you do don't listen to his "me undies" commercial because that will be stuck in your head all day.

Even though I know his material is a little dated, it is a complete disrespect to have Lenny Bruce this low on a stand-up comedian list. This is a guy that even George Carlin praised extensively for pushing the boundaries of what could be said on stage. Every successful and funny comedian recognizes the impact Lenny Bruce had on stand-up.

It all starts with Lenny.

Lenny's later battles with the legal and showbiz establishments tend to obscure his brilliance in doing schtick. Check out his bits on Religions Incorporated, Bad Comedian Playing the Palladium, or Mein Kampf Arises. And realize that, of all the guys you have on your list, "Lenny did it first."

The reason Lenny Bruce (and other older comedians) is this low on the poll is that those voting are too young to know him. Let's face it. The majority of people voting here are under 50. The same reason Richard Pryor is lower than Chris Rock, for instance.

Lenny Bruce... What can you say? The man who, along with George Carlin (who was inspired by Lenny, by the way), changed how TV and networks, not to mention the law, handled comedy, etc. Without them, we would still be stuck in the puritan hell that existed before they put their lives on the line. Seriously, look up both Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. They went to jail for you and freedom of speech. This list should have Lenny Bruce in the #1 position and George Carlin in #2.

Jeff Dunham is one of the best and most brilliant comedians of all time! All of his characters have unique and hilarious personalities. They are all like a bunch of miniature comedians. If you're not a big fan of ventriloquism, he will get you hooked. Jeff is definitely a genius! At a time when ventriloquism was considered dead, he brought it back to life. How on earth is he not in the top ten? Jeff Dunham is the only ventriloquist act that covers all types of comedy! I highly recommend you check out his comedy!

I give him credit because he has to be funny and also do it with puppets. The relationship that the puppets have is so amazing. I absolutely love Peanut and Jose the Jalapeno on a stick. They just make the show so much fun and enjoyable. I watch a lot of comedy, but Jeff is overall my favorite. He has such talent, and it's amazing what he does with an art that others would mock and call nerdy or oddball. He gives hope to all those like him with hidden talents.

I admit that I've only seen one of Jeff Dunham's specials, but it was hilarious. Unlike many of the other comedians listed here, he is capable of being funny without being vulgar and using f-bombs as the main source of humor. The only comedian that I know of who was better than Jeff Dunham in this respect was Red Skelton, who unfortunately is not on this list.

Jeff Dunham is the best, period. Sure, some of his jokes are a bit forced, but they are funny. Peanut, Walter, and Achmed are the most hilarious characters. Most of the time, when I watch Jeff Dunham's specials, I hardly think he's even talking. It's as if the puppets are. He is the best and will be until the end of time.

I listen to Lewis Black every night as I fall asleep. I find something exceptionally calming about his caustic but down-to-earth jokes. I've listened to most of the comedians on this list, but there are none I can listen to with the regularity of Mr. Black and still enjoy. Give him time - there's something very intelligent in much of what he says.

He is, without a doubt, one of the top funniest men alive. His actions, like rolling his eyes and raising his voice, just crack me up. Nobody will ever fill Rodney's shoes, but if I were you, I'd add a Lewis Black show to my bucket list. This guy is hilarious - top 5 in my opinion. He seems like an average Joe and then starts to lose his mind. A must-see act!

Frankly, it's criminal that Mr. Black isn't in the top 5, let alone 10. He really knows his stuff, and he's one of the angriest people you're likely to hear. Do yourself a favor and fins everything you can, because it will make you roll off your seat.

Unlike most people, I don't think that cursing automatically makes comedy any easier. It's just a form in which Mr. Black's comedy is at its maximum potential. Strangely enough, I also listen to Lewis Black as I fall asleep.

Simply the best. He seems to really enjoy his performances, and audiences can feel it. Everyone can feel it, even from their own home. If I could recommend just one comedian, I would recommend him. There can be no other who uses such a variety of topics with such effectiveness, apart from perhaps George Carlin. However, with Izzard, you can tell he enjoys poking fun.

This guy is the best comedian in the world, if you ask me. His jokes combine serious topics and give them an incredibly absurd twist. His joke about "stealing empires with the cunning use of flags" as a reflection on the British colonial empire is awesome. Bottom line: his shows are incredibly sharp and surprisingly funny in an absurd way. Refreshing.

I was exhausted after a day of delays at the airport. They put me up in a hotel. Against my better judgment, I flipped on the TV, and Dressed to Kill was on HBO. By all rights, I should have nodded off immediately, but I was up laughing for another two hours. Do you have a flag?

Best comedian most Americans have never seen. He has the smartest material out there. As quick as Robin Williams and a genius on so many levels. For anyone who hasn't seen him in concert, just watch a few clips on YouTube and you'll quickly understand how brilliant he is.

You might be a redneck! How is he only at #69? This guy is so funny and was on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Like, hello, this guy is awesome!

Saw him in November. I don't think I stopped laughing until he left the stage. So funny. Would love to see him again.

He's a quality redneck comedian, legendary worldwide for his sarcastic humor.

If you have to re-crank your car at every intersection, you might be a redneck.

So, underrated. Needs to be way higher, like up there with George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Perhaps the best comic out there today. Stanhope doesn't spoon feed you his jokes. People consider what he has to say controversial, but the stuff he says is true to the point of hilarity. He is usually wasted on stage and smokes what looks like an entire pack on one set, while ranting about stupidity in society. He is not as famous as many of the people ahead of him on the list, but he must have balls to say and criticize some of the things he does. He is also becoming more deservedly well known through his appearance on the show Louis, when he plays Louis CK's friend, Eddie, who said he wanted to go through and end his life. I believe Doug and Bill Hicks should both be much higher on this list.

It has been said that Doug Stanhope is "the comedian of comedians." I feel this is an accurate statement. If there ever was a pantheon of stand-up comedians, this man would be the overseer. Being a connoisseur of stand-up myself (Bruce, Hicks, Pryor, Carlin, Wright, Kinnison, Dice-Clay, Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Barr, Whoopi, Martin Lawrence, Rock, Foxx, Hedberg, Burr, etc.), I don't make this statement lightly. If you call yourself a fan of stand-up comedy and you have never heard Doug Stanhope, I suggest you stop what you are doing and start from the top down. Number 24? This entire site loses credibility on this ranking alone.

Without a doubt, he is one of the best comics of his generation. Too many people dismiss him as crude or offensive when, if they listened to what he was saying, they would hear some of the best social commentary in decades. He also has a brilliant gift for darkly poetic descriptions, which are both amazingly funny and revolting.

He is by far my favorite stand-up comic. The fact that he is not hugely successful is 100% his choice, as he has said many times in the past that he prefers to do stand-up for his fans. I'm a huge fan of dark comedy in general, so as soon as I discovered him, he instantly became my favorite! I highly recommend you check out his stuff.

I was so poor that if I hadn't been born a boy, I wouldn't have had anything to play with. I met the Surgeon General - he offered me a cigarette. My parents didn't like me. My bath toys were a radio and a toaster.

I came home from work, and my wife met me at the front door in a negligée. Turns out, she was coming home too. The doctor told me I have to keep smoking cigarettes if I want to stop chewing gum. My marriage is on the rocks again. Yeah, my wife just broke up with her boyfriend.

I asked my father if I could go ice skating. He said, "Wait till it's warmer." I told my father I wanted to go to the zoo. He said, "If they want you, they'll come and get you."

My mother never breastfed me. She said she liked me as a friend. My wife likes to talk dirty to me during sex. Yesterday, she called me from a motel.

Rodney wrote jokes that will be just as funny and fresh 100 years from now. Not many comics can do that. He deserves more respect.

"I called Triple A. They left the car and towed me away!" Dangerfield has some of the most hilarious one-liners I've ever heard in my life. His entire persona - with the bugged-out eyes, the woe-is-me voice, and the loud suits - only makes him that much more idiosyncratic. I wish he was in the top 10. Although, considering how little respect he got in life, perhaps it's appropriate he's here.

At the #37 spot, Rodney still gets no respect for being the king! He got his start late in life and also helped young comedians like Sam Kinison and Andrew Dice Clay get their start, because he knew how hard it was. RIP Dangerfield! He should be #1.

No way should he be this far down, especially since a lot of the people who looked up to him or were inspired by him are ranked higher than him on this list. Hedberg was great, but he was nowhere near as good as Rodney.

I cannot believe I am going to see him live in 6 days. He has been my favorite comedian since I was 11 or 12, and his jokes have made my life so much better. Thanks to John Mulaney for being so hilarious and day brightening.

Edit: he was GREAT

Why, oh why is he so low on this list? The guy is hilarious, and he's the one that actually made me seriously like stand-up comedy. Probably the best thing about him, is that his performances really sound like something that might happen to anyone BUT WITH A TWIST!

No joke I've watched the specials and listened to them at least 20 times over between showing friends who will love it, forcing it on friends who are skeptical, and watching and rewatching drunk or otherwise. So sassy, fantastical and hilarious.

I've listened to both of his albums on Spotify at LEAST a dozen times each... His wit is sharp, and his timing is spot-on! When my spirits need a boost, I find myself going back to his albums again and again. Smart, funny and honest humor!