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.
The Top Ten
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.

Carlin was authentic, bold, brave, conscious, and hilarious. His comedy was well-calculated and politically on target. It's like he knew what we all go through and expressed it for us through every emotion.

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.

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.

3 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 is credited with leading San Francisco's comedy renaissance. He died in 2014.

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!

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.

4 Richard Pryor Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and social critic. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, which employed vulgarities and profanity, as well as racial epithets.

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.

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.

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.

He also excels in voice acting, most notably as Donkey in "Shrek," where he performs brilliantly. Eddie Murphy has been in the game since he was 16 and he continues to be one of the greatest and most influential comedians of all time.

6 Louis C.K. Louis Székely, known professionally as Louis C.K., is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and editor.

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. After working as a standup comic and appearing in small film roles, Rock came to wider prominence as a cast member of Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s.

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"?

8 Gabriel Iglesias Gabriel J. Iglecias, known professionally as Gabriel Iglesias and comically as Fluffy, is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer and voice actor.

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.

9 Bill Hicks William Melvin "Bill" Hicks was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and musician.

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 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 that 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 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 known for playing himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David. As a stand-up comedian, Seinfeld specializes in observational comedy; in 2005, Comedy Central named Seinfeld the "12th Greatest Stand-up Comedian... 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!

I once had a leather jacket that got ruined in the rain. Why does moisture ruin leather? Aren't cows outside a lot of the time? When it's raining, do cows go up to the farmhouse, saying, "Let us in! We're all wearing leather! Open the door! We're going to ruin the whole outfit here!"? - Jerry Seinfeld.

The Newcomers

? Chris Distefano
? Akaash Singh
The Contenders
11 Kevin Hart Kevin Darnell Hart is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hart began his career by winning several amateur comedy competitions at clubs throughout New England, culminating in his first real break in 2000 when he was cast by Judd Apatow for a recurring role on the TV series Undeclared.

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.

12 Mitch Hedberg Mitchell Lee "Mitch" Hedberg was an American stand-up comedian known for his surreal humor and unconventional comedic delivery.

"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.

13 Bill Cosby William Henry "Bill" Cosby Jr. is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and author.

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 Say the Darndest Things," and "I Spy," among others.

Over 60 women have accused him of sexual assault. These charges include rape, date... 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.

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.

14 Daniel Tosh

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.

15 Jim Carrey James Eugene "Jim" Carrey is a Canadian American actor, comedian, impressionist, screenwriter, and producer. He is 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, and Bruce Almighty. He is also acclaimed for his serious roles in The Truman Show, Man of the... read more

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.

16 Jim Gaffigan James Christopher "Jim" Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice-over artist, and author.

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!

17 Bill Burr William Frederic "Bill" Burr is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is best known for his stand-up comedy specials.

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.

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

To me, he's the best American stand-up comic working today because he can dish out criticism in all directions without being a total jerk. He's so funny while doing it that he can literally make me pee my pants.

Additionally, he has become one of the primary voices against mass hysteria and political correctness. He does this without falling into narrow-minded rants and bigotry, something that comedians like George Carlin and Bill Maher unfortunately couldn't avoid.

18 Lenny Bruce Leonard Alfred Schneider, better known by his stage name Lenny Bruce, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, and screenwriter.

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.

19 Jeff Dunham Jeffrey "Jeff" Dunham is an American ventriloquist, producer, and stand-up comedian who has also appeared on numerous television shows, including Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents, The Tonight Show and Sonny With a Chance.

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.

20 Lewis Black Lewis Niles Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic, actor and voice actor. He is known for his angry face and his belligerent comedic style, in which he often simulates having a mental breakdown.

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 find everything you can by him, because it will make you roll off your seat.

21 Jeff Foxworthy Jeffrey Marshall "Jeff" Foxworthy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, television and radio personality, author, and voice artist.

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.

22 Eddie Izzard

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?

23 Doug Stanhope Douglas Gene "Doug" Stanhope is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and author known for his cynical, controversial comedy style and libertarian political views.

He's so underrated. He needs to be way higher on the list, like up there with George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Perhaps he's the best comic out there today. Stanhope doesn't spoon-feed you his jokes. Many people consider what he has to say controversial, but the stuff he says is true to the point of hilarity.

He is usually inebriated on stage and appears to smoke an entire pack in one set, all while ranting about the stupidity in society. He may not be as famous as many of the people ahead of him on the list, but he must have a lot of courage 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, where he plays Louis CK's friend, Eddie, who expresses a desire to 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.

24 Rodney Dangerfield Rodney Dangerfield was an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer and writer, known for the catchphrase, I don't get no respect!, and his monologues on that theme.

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.

25 John Mulaney

Why, oh why, is he so low on this list? The guy is hilarious and he's the one who actually made me seriously like stand-up comedy. 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. This includes showing them to friends who will love it, forcing it on skeptical friends, and watching and rewatching, whether drunk or sober. He's 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!

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