Top 10 Funniest Stand-up Comedians of All Time

Laughter is the best medicine, and there's no better source of it than stand-up comedy. From the classic one-liners of George Carlin to the observational humor of Jerry Seinfeld, stand-up comedians have been making us laugh for decades.

Whether you're a fan of puns, satire, or absurdity, you're sure to find something to tickle your funny bone in this list. These comedians have made us laugh through the toughest of times, and their humor has stood the test of time. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh as we celebrate the funniest stand-up comedians of all time.

1. George Carlin

   

   George Denis Patrick Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic. Carlin was noted for his black comedy and reflections on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and various taboo subjects. His Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television routine played... read more

   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.

2. Dave Chappelle

   

   David Khari Webber "Dave" Chappelle is an African American stand-up comedian, screenwriter, producer, and actor. He gained widespread fame for his sketch comedy television series, "Chappelle's Show," which aired from 2003 to 2006. Chappelle has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Mark Twain Prize for American... read more

   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 them 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.

3. Richard Pryor

   

   Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and social critic. He was known for his uncompromising examinations of racism and contemporary issues, using profanity and racial epithets to underscore his commentary. Pryor is widely regarded as one of the most influential... read more

   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.

4. Robin Williams

   

   Robin McLaurin Williams was an American actor and comedian. Starting as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco and Los Angeles in the mid-1970s, he helped lead a comedy renaissance in San Francisco. He passed away in August 2014 and is remembered for his improvisational genius, charity work, and heartfelt... read more

   It's surely a tragedy, and he will be missed by many. Williams achieved tremendous success by anyone's standards. This man will be remembered as one of, if not "the" greatest comic geniuses of all time. And that is incredible because, in my opinion, 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 is depression gets the much-needed attention it deserves.

   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!

5. Eddie Murphy

   

   Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American comedian, actor, writer, singer, and producer. Murphy was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984. He gained fame through hit films such as Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor, and has received numerous awards... read more

   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 film, and his other collaboration with director John Landis, "Trading Places," is equally funny. Both are comedy classics from the 1980s.

   Other films like the Beverly Hills Cop franchise also stand out, with the first movie being the highest-grossing film of its release year. "The Nutty Professor" is another classic comedy where he showcases his ability to play multiple characters. His acting career demonstrates his wide-ranging talent for playing multiple roles, as seen in "The Nutty Professor," where he plays the entire Klump family, and in "Coming to America," where he plays the barbershop characters.

6. Louis C.K.

   

   Louis Székely, known professionally as Louis C.K., is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and editor. He is known for his dark humor and for creating and starring in the television series Louie. He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his writing and performance.

   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.

7. Chris Rock

   

   Christopher Julius Rock III is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He gained fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s. Rock has also starred in several successful comedy specials and films and is known for his sharp wit and social commentary.

   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.

8. Jerry Seinfeld

   

   Jerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. He was born on April 29, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York.

   He is best known for playing a fictional version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he co-created and co-wrote with Larry David. Comedy... read more

   No stand-up comedian has toured, gone on late-night shows, and done interviews so consistently throughout his career. AND he has done so with new and fresh material almost every time! His bits and routines are always topical and performed masterfully. Definitely top 5 right now. He could be number one when it's all said and done!

   Jerry Seinfeld stands out as the elegant comedian of everyday life, with its contradictory details, without compromising his language. The TV series have Seinfeld written throughout all the episodes. Although the show belongs to a radically different era, it is as relevant today as it was in the '90s. Love Seinfeld!

9. Bill Hicks

   

   William Melvin "Bill" Hicks was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist. He was known for his dark humor and thought-provoking commentary on politics, religion, and popular culture. Hicks also incorporated music into his performances and often played guitar during his sets.

   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: the government, smoking cigarettes, religion and hypocrisy, consumerism and advertisement, and selling out in music. He also comments 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 could help solve our problems. While this idea may not be a popular opinion, it's one that he strongly believed in and defended. His performance style helps you understand that he is using comedy as an outlet to express the hidden possibilities in his mind, which he's observed from the larger world. No one has yet reached his level of comedy and satire. Alongside George Carlin, he should be at the top of every list of the best comedians.

10. Kevin Hart

    

    Kevin Darnell Hart (born July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He won several amateur stand-up comedy competitions across New England before landing his first television role in 2001 on Undeclared, cast by Judd Apatow. He has since released... read more

    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

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Nate Bargatze

    

    So funny, my mom laughs every time she watches him.

12. ?

    Drew Nickens

    
The Contenders

13. Bill Cosby

    

    William Henry "Bill" Cosby Jr. (born July 12, 1937) is an American former stand-up comedian, actor, author, and media personality.

    He is most famous for his contribution to the TV show The Cosby Show, which he produced and starred in. His other works include Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, Kids... read more

    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 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.

14. Gabriel Iglesias

    

    Gabriel Jesús Iglesias (born July 15, 1976) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and voice actor. He is professionally known as Gabriel Iglesias and is affectionately referred to as Fluffy by fans. Iglesias has released numerous comedy specials and has appeared in various television... read more

    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.

    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.

15. Daniel Tosh

    

    Daniel Dwight Tosh is an American comedian, television host, actor, writer, and executive producer. He is best known for hosting the Comedy Central show Tosh.0, which featured viral internet videos and commentary. Tosh is also known for his stand-up comedy, often characterized by observational and dark... read more

    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.

16. Mitch Hedberg

    

    Mitchell Lee "Mitch" Hedberg was an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal humor and unconventional comedic delivery. His one-liners and unique stage presence earned him a cult following. Hedberg passed away in 2005 at the age of 37.

    "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 turtleneck is like a weak midget trying to bring you down."

    "My belt holds my pants up, but the belt loops hold my belt up. I don't really know what's happening down there. Who is the real hero?"

    "There are six ducks out there, and they all want Sun Chips."

    So, yeah. Best ever. Enough said.

17. Bill Burr

    

    William Frederic "Bill" Burr is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is best known for his stand-up comedy specials, including Let It Go and Paper Tiger. Burr also created and voiced the main character in the animated Netflix series F Is for Family.

    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.

18. Lewis Black

    

    Lewis Niles Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic, actor, and voice actor. He is widely recognized for his angry facial expressions and rant-style comedic delivery, which often mimics a mental breakdown.... read more

    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!

19. Russell Peters

    

    Russell Dominic Peters is a Canadian comedian and actor of Indian descent. He began performing in Toronto in 1989 and won a Gemini Award in 2008. He is known for his observational comedy and has performed internationally, currently residing in Los Angeles, California.

    Smooth flowing, easy-to-get comedy, simple yet brilliant. Russell Peters stands heads above the rest.

    Russell finally let the world know about the secret manual for ladies that I have been asking my wife to reveal. When she saw Russell, although she cracked up laughing until she cried tears of laughter (secretly I was wondering if she was also crying about the disclosure of the hidden manual), I noticed the look that Russell mentioned. Yes, Russell Peters is the man.

    The best stand-up comedy I've ever seen was Red, White and Brown. I just laughed throughout the damn show.

20. Katt Williams

    

    Micah Sierra "Katt" Williams is an American stand-up comedian, actor, rapper, singer, and voice artist. He is known for his energetic delivery and appearances in stand-up specials such as Katt Williams: Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1 and American Hustle. Williams has also acted in films including Friday After... read more

    Katt Williams is funny as hell! You seriously need to watch him. I'm always in tears from laughing so hard because he's THAT funny. He can make you laugh so much in just a minute and a half. Don't believe me? Try it and see if he doesn't change your mind.

    Katt Williams is a brilliant comedian. He has the ability to say everything we think and really want to say about any situation. He's as real as they come.

    He says some of the funniest things I have ever heard. Love you, Katt Williams!

    This guy is so funny, insightful, and sensitive, and he has terrific physical comedy. When I watch him doing stand-up, I laugh so hard that I cry. His commentary about people, different races, and sexes is brilliant.

21. Jim Gaffigan

    

    James Christopher Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice-over artist, and author. He is widely recognized for his clean, observational humor that often focuses on food, parenting, and everyday life. Gaffigan has released several comedy specials and written multiple bestselling books... read more

    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!

22. Jim Carrey

    

    James Eugene "Jim" Carrey is a Canadian and American actor, comedian, impressionist, screenwriter, and producer. He's well known for comedic roles in films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, The Cable Guy, Liar Liar, How the Grinch Stole Christmas... read more

    Jim Carrey is the king of comedy, and I absolutely love him so much because he is incredibly hilarious. He has the most awesome sense of humor, and I'm a big, huge, number one fan of Jim Carrey.

    He is so awesome in Liar Liar and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and he really cracks me up when he makes his speeches. Jim Carrey absolutely makes me laugh. My sides and stomach hurt from laughing.

    Whenever I need a good laugh, I love Jim Carrey because of his awesome sense of humor.

    Jim Carrey is best known for Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and his hilarious award speeches, which absolutely crack me up and make my stomach hurt. I am a big, huge, number one fan of Jim Carrey.

23. Jeff Dunham

    

    Jeffrey "Jeff" Dunham is an American ventriloquist, producer, and stand-up comedian. He has appeared on numerous television programs, including Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents, The Tonight Show, and Sonny with a Chance. He is best known for his puppet characters such as Walter... read more

    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 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's capable of being funny without being vulgar or using f-bombs as the main source of humor.

    The only comedian I know of who was better than Jeff Dunham in this respect was Red Skelton, who unfortunately isn't on this list.

24. Lenny Bruce

    

    Leonard Alfred Schneider, better known by his stage name Lenny Bruce, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and screenwriter. He was known for his open, freestyle, and critical form of comedy which integrated satire, politics, religion, and vulgarity. Bruce is considered a pioneer... read more

    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."

25. Rodney Dangerfield

    

    Rodney Dangerfield was an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer. He was known for his catchphrase, I don't get no respect! and for his self-deprecating monologues on that theme. Dangerfield starred in several comedy films, including Caddyshack and Back to School.

    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.

26. Dane Cook

    

    Dane Jeffrey Cook is an American stand-up comedian and film actor. He has released five comedy albums: Harmful If Swallowed, Retaliation, Vicious Circle, Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garden, and Isolated Incident. He is known for his energetic comedic style and was one of the first... read more

    Dane Cook is one of the few comics that can make me laugh so hard I cry. Not too much can make me laugh these days. And the fact that he moves around while he's telling his jokes makes it all the funnier. He's animated, not boring and just standing still in one place with the same old style as the rest. He's original. In my opinion, he's one of the best. Thanks for making bad days brighter and good days even better. Thanks for the laughs.

    My friend has no sense of humor whatsoever. I always wanna shoot him for it. But I showed him Dane Cook, Vicious Circle. He was crying on the floor, literally.

    Dane knows life. He knows what everyone goes through in a day. He's not the stereotypical comedian that is always racist and whatnot. He rarely bashes on races. I have not heard him once make fun of a race. He uses what we go through every day, and makes us laugh about it. He should be number 1 in my book.

27. Steve Martin

    

    Stephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, playwright, author, and musician. He first gained public attention in the 1960s as a writer for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and later became a popular stand-up comic. Martin is also known for his roles in films such... read more

    Come on, people. Steve Martin deserves a much higher position on this list. The guy was comedy gold. People forget, I suppose, and maybe it's cooler to openly praise more intellectual comedy, but Steve Martin was laugh-out-loud goofy and hilarious on stage. His movies were amusing too.

    "Pure" comedy. I would NOT recommend any of his movies as an indicator of how funny he was doing stand-up during his big show in the late '70s. I was surprised by how much less funny he seemed in films. Just the opposite of Robin Williams, who I liked a lot more in films.