Skip to content

Top 100 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians

"The comedians who make us laugh until we cry."

Laughter is a universal language, and stand-up comedians are the masters of this art form. They can turn ordinary experiences into hilarious anecdotes and make the world seem a little brighter, even if just for a moment. This list celebrates the top 100 funniest stand-up comedians, whose humor has transcended cultures and generations, leaving audiences in stitches.

Topics

Overview

  • Title: "Top 100 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians: A Celebration of Laughter"
  • Subtitle: "A Celebration of Laughter"
  • Tagline: "The comedians who make us laugh until we cry."
  • Description: "A countdown of the top 100 funniest stand-up comedians, known for their unique humor, memorable routines, and lasting impact on comedy."
  • Keywords: Stand-up, comedy, comedians, humor, funny, laughter, jokes, entertainment

Cheat

# Top 100 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians
- A Celebration of Laughter
- The comedians who make us laugh until we cry.
- A countdown of the top 100 funniest stand-up comedians, known for their unique humor, memorable routines, and lasting impact on comedy.
- 5 Topics

## Topics
- Legends: Stand-up, icons, classic, pioneers, influential
- Modern Era: Contemporary, Netflix specials, viral, popular, mainstream
- Observational Humor: Everyday life, relatable, witty, clever, storytelling
- Satire & Politics: Political, satire, commentary, social issues, sharp
- Edgy & Dark Humor: Dark, controversial, edgy, boundary-pushing, fearless

Topic 1: "Legends"

"The giants of comedy who paved the way."

These are the comedians whose names are synonymous with stand-up comedy. They are the trailblazers who defined the genre, from the early days of nightclub performances to becoming household names. Their influence is immeasurable, and their jokes are timeless.

  1. Richard Pryor: A trailblazer in stand-up, known for his raw and insightful humor.
  2. George Carlin: Master of social commentary and a pioneer in pushing comedic boundaries.
  3. Lenny Bruce: The original bad boy of comedy, challenging societal norms.
  4. Joan Rivers: Queen of the one-liner, with a sharp tongue and even sharper wit.
  5. Bill Cosby: Known for his clean, family-oriented humor and storytelling ability.
  6. Rodney Dangerfield: "I don't get no respect!" became a catchphrase thanks to his self-deprecating humor.
  7. Eddie Murphy: Comedy superstar with unforgettable stand-up specials.
  8. Robin Williams: A whirlwind of energy and improvisation.
  9. Steve Martin: The "wild and crazy guy" who brought absurdity to the mainstream.
  10. Richard Jeni: A brilliant stand-up known for his rapid-fire delivery and clever insights.
  11. Redd Foxx: A pioneer for African-American comedians, known for his raunchy humor.
  12. Don Rickles: The "Merchant of Venom," famous for his insult comedy.
  13. Bob Newhart: The king of the deadpan delivery, with a gentle, dry humor.
  14. Phyllis Diller: One of the first female stand-up comedians, known for her eccentric stage persona.
  15. Mort Sahl: The father of modern political comedy.
  16. Bill Hicks: A philosophical comedian who tackled controversial topics with biting humor.
  17. Sam Kinison: Known for his loud, ranting style and over-the-top energy.
  18. Jerry Seinfeld: Master of observational humor, focusing on the minutiae of everyday life.
  19. Billy Connolly: The "Big Yin" from Scotland, known for his storytelling and irreverence.
  20. Andy Kaufman: A comedian who blurred the lines between comedy and performance art.

Topic 2: "Modern Era"

"The new faces of comedy who define today's humor."

The comedians of the modern era have brought stand-up comedy into the digital age. With Netflix specials, viral videos, and massive tours, they have become some of the most recognized names in entertainment, blending traditional stand-up with new media.

  1. Dave Chappelle: A master storyteller and social commentator, revered for his bold humor.
  2. Kevin Hart: The hardest working man in comedy, known for his high-energy performances.
  3. Ali Wong: Breaking boundaries with her raw and relatable humor.
  4. John Mulaney: The prince of clever, self-deprecating humor.
  5. Louis C.K.: Known for his dark, introspective humor.
  6. Hasan Minhaj: Blending comedy with poignant social commentary.
  7. Amy Schumer: A fearless comedian who tackles gender politics head-on.
  8. Bo Burnham: A unique blend of music, comedy, and introspection.
  9. Russell Peters: A global comedy sensation with a focus on cultural humor.
  10. Sarah Silverman: A comedian who pushes boundaries with her provocative humor.
  11. Patton Oswalt: A nerd culture icon with a talent for observational humor.
  12. Wanda Sykes: Known for her sharp wit and political satire.
  13. Trevor Noah: The Daily Show host who brings his unique perspective as a South African comedian.
  14. Jim Gaffigan: The "everyman" comedian, known for his clean, family-friendly humor.
  15. Chris Rock: A stand-up legend known for his incisive social commentary.
  16. Michelle Wolf: A bold voice in political comedy, known for her sharp delivery.
  17. Tig Notaro: Known for her deadpan delivery and personal, heartfelt humor.
  18. Hannibal Buress: A laid-back comedian with a unique, offbeat style.
  19. Gabriel Iglesias: Known as "Fluffy," his humor is relatable and family-friendly.
  20. Iliza Shlesinger: Known for her energetic performances and focus on millennial culture.

Topic 3: "Observational Humor"

"Finding the funny in everyday life."

Observational comedians excel at turning the mundane into the hilarious. They take the little things that we all experience and make them laugh-out-loud funny, connecting with audiences on a deeply relatable level.

  1. Jerry Seinfeld: The king of observational comedy, focusing on the minutiae of life.
  2. Ellen DeGeneres: Known for her relatable humor and positive energy.
  3. Jim Gaffigan: Master of turning food and parenting into comedic gold.
  4. Brian Regan: Clean, yet incredibly funny, focusing on everyday situations.
  5. George Wallace: Known for his humorous take on common experiences.
  6. Steven Wright: The master of deadpan, with surreal and absurd observations.
  7. Mike Birbiglia: A storyteller who turns personal anecdotes into comedy.
  8. Sebastian Maniscalco: Known for his animated style and focus on cultural observations.
  9. Demetri Martin: A quirky comedian who mixes wordplay with observations.
  10. Maria Bamford: Unique, personal, and often surreal in her observations.
  11. Kevin James: Known for his physical comedy and relatable humor.
  12. Ray Romano: An everyman comedian who finds humor in the mundane.
  13. Gary Gulman: Known for his clever takes on everyday life.
  14. Nate Bargatze: A laid-back style focusing on relatable topics.
  15. Tig Notaro: A minimalist approach, finding humor in life’s challenges.
  16. Tom Papa: Known for his clean, family-oriented observational comedy.
  17. Paula Poundstone: Quick-witted and focuses on everyday absurdities.
  18. Kathleen Madigan: A seasoned comedian known for her observational humor.
  19. Mitch Hedberg: A cult favorite, known for his offbeat, observational one-liners.
  20. Ronny Chieng: A fresh voice in observational comedy, blending cultural insights with humor.

Topic 4: "Satire & Politics"

"Comedy that cuts through the noise."

Satirical comedians are the ones who use humor as a weapon, dissecting politics, social issues, and cultural phenomena with sharp wit. They don't just make us laugh—they make us think.

  1. George Carlin: A legend in satirical comedy, taking on social and political issues with gusto.
  2. Jon Stewart: The face of political satire for a generation.
  3. Bill Maher: Known for his provocative takes on politics and religion.
  4. John Oliver: The king of deep-dive satire on Last Week Tonight.
  5. Stephen Colbert: Master of satire, from The Colbert Report to The Late Show.
  6. Hasan Minhaj: Blending comedy with insightful social and political commentary.
  7. Sarah Silverman: Known for her edgy, satirical humor.
  8. Samantha Bee: A sharp voice in political satire, especially in the late-night arena.
  9. Trevor Noah: Bringing an international perspective to political satire.
  10. Michelle Wolf: Fearless in her satirical approach to politics.
  11. W. Kamau Bell: Focuses on race and social issues with a satirical edge.
  12. Patton Oswalt: Mixes personal and political humor with ease.
  13. Lenny Bruce: The original satirist, challenging societal norms.
  14. Bill Hicks: A satirist with a focus on big ideas and controversial topics.
  15. Doug Stanhope: A no-holds-barred comedian with a dark, satirical edge.
  16. Lewis Black: Known for his angry, ranting style on politics.
  17. Dave Chappelle: Uses satire to dissect social issues with sharp humor.
  18. Jim Jefferies: An Australian comedian known for his biting satire.
  19. George Lopez: Brings a cultural perspective to his satirical humor.
  20. Dick Gregory: A pioneer in political and social satire.

Topic 5: "Ed

gy & Dark Humor"

"Pushing boundaries and challenging comfort zones."

These comedians aren't afraid to venture into uncomfortable territory. Their humor is dark, edgy, and often controversial, but they have a unique ability to find laughs in the most unexpected places.

  1. Louis C.K.: Known for his dark, introspective humor.
  2. Bill Burr: A comedian who tackles controversial topics with fearless honesty.
  3. Doug Stanhope: The epitome of dark, edgy humor.
  4. Anthony Jeselnik: The king of dark comedy, with a sharp, biting style.
  5. Jim Jefferies: Combines edgy humor with social commentary.
  6. Ricky Gervais: Known for his fearless, often controversial, humor.
  7. Patrice O'Neal: A comedian's comedian, known for his no-holds-barred approach.
  8. Sarah Silverman: Blends edgy, dark humor with satirical wit.
  9. David Cross: Known for his biting, dark humor.
  10. Chelsea Handler: A comedian with a dark, sarcastic edge.
  11. Norm Macdonald: A master of dry, often dark humor.
  12. Gilbert Gottfried: Known for his outrageous, boundary-pushing jokes.
  13. Eddie Izzard: Blends dark humor with surrealism and satire.
  14. Frankie Boyle: A Scottish comedian known for his brutal, dark humor.
  15. Joan Rivers: Pushed boundaries with her fearless, often dark humor.
  16. Paul Mooney: Known for his dark, sharp take on race and society.
  17. Andrew Dice Clay: An 80s icon known for his controversial, edgy humor.
  18. Richard Jeni: Mixed dark humor with clever insights.
  19. Larry David: The master of uncomfortable, cringe-inducing humor.
  20. Marc Maron: Combines dark, introspective humor with sharp wit.

Top 100 List

  1. Richard Pryor (Legends)
  2. Dave Chappelle (Modern Era)
  3. George Carlin (Legends)
  4. Kevin Hart (Modern Era)
  5. Lenny Bruce (Legends)
  6. Ali Wong (Modern Era)
  7. Joan Rivers (Legends)
  8. Louis C.K. (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  9. Bill Cosby (Legends)
  10. John Mulaney (Modern Era)
  11. Rodney Dangerfield (Legends)
  12. Eddie Murphy (Legends)
  13. Bill Burr (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  14. Robin Williams (Legends)
  15. Hasan Minhaj (Satire & Politics)
  16. Steve Martin (Legends)
  17. Sarah Silverman (Modern Era)
  18. George Wallace (Observational Humor)
  19. Don Rickles (Legends)
  20. Ricky Gervais (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  21. Richard Jeni (Legends)
  22. Anthony Jeselnik (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  23. Bo Burnham (Modern Era)
  24. Russell Peters (Modern Era)
  25. Jim Jefferies (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  26. Patton Oswalt (Modern Era)
  27. W. Kamau Bell (Satire & Politics)
  28. Wanda Sykes (Modern Era)
  29. Mort Sahl (Legends)
  30. Robin Williams (Legends)
  31. Phyllis Diller (Legends)
  32. George Lopez (Satire & Politics)
  33. Doug Stanhope (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  34. Mitch Hedberg (Observational Humor)
  35. Steven Wright (Observational Humor)
  36. Jerry Seinfeld (Observational Humor)
  37. Larry David (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  38. Norm Macdonald (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  39. Eddie Izzard (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  40. Andrew Dice Clay (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  41. John Oliver (Satire & Politics)
  42. Bill Maher (Satire & Politics)
  43. Phyllis Diller (Legends)
  44. Bob Newhart (Legends)
  45. Brian Regan (Observational Humor)
  46. Gilbert Gottfried (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  47. Chris Rock (Modern Era)
  48. Sarah Silverman (Satire & Politics)
  49. Trevor Noah (Satire & Politics)
  50. Stephen Colbert (Satire & Politics)
  51. Jim Gaffigan (Observational Humor)
  52. Kathleen Madigan (Observational Humor)
  53. Marc Maron (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  54. Ellen DeGeneres (Observational Humor)
  55. Kevin James (Observational Humor)
  56. Sebastian Maniscalco (Observational Humor)
  57. Tom Papa (Observational Humor)
  58. Gabriel Iglesias (Modern Era)
  59. Tig Notaro (Modern Era)
  60. Mike Birbiglia (Observational Humor)
  61. Billy Connolly (Legends)
  62. Nate Bargatze (Observational Humor)
  63. Paul Mooney (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  64. Michael Che (Satire & Politics)
  65. Joan Rivers (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  66. Bill Hicks (Legends)
  67. Hannibal Buress (Modern Era)
  68. George Carlin (Satire & Politics)
  69. Don Rickles (Legends)
  70. Ronny Chieng (Observational Humor)
  71. David Cross (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  72. John Cleese (Legends)
  73. Dana Carvey (Legends)
  74. Maria Bamford (Observational Humor)
  75. Tom Segura (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  76. Chelsea Handler (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  77. Jim Carrey (Legends)
  78. Bob Hope (Legends)
  79. Sam Kinison (Legends)
  80. Phyllis Diller (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  81. Louis C.K. (Modern Era)
  82. Jerry Seinfeld (Observational Humor)
  83. Richard Jeni (Legends)
  84. Wanda Sykes (Modern Era)
  85. Lenny Bruce (Satire & Politics)
  86. Martin Lawrence (Modern Era)
  87. Sarah Silverman (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  88. Bill Burr (Modern Era)
  89. Daniel Tosh (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  90. Ricky Gervais (Satire & Politics)
  91. Kevin Hart (Modern Era)
  92. Joan Rivers (Legends)
  93. Bill Hicks (Edgy & Dark Humor)
  94. Eddie Murphy (Legends)
  95. Amy Schumer (Modern Era)
  96. Ellen DeGeneres (Modern Era)
  97. Chris Rock (Modern Era)
  98. Margaret Cho (Modern Era)
  99. Phyllis Diller (Legends)
  100. Mitch Hedberg (Legends)

Top 100 Table

Rank Name Topic Tagline
1 Richard Pryor Legends "A trailblazer in stand-up."
2 Dave Chappelle Modern Era "Master storyteller."
3 George Carlin Legends "Master of social commentary."
4 Kevin Hart Modern Era "High-energy performances."
5 Lenny Bruce Legends "Challenged societal norms."
6 Ali Wong Modern Era "Raw and relatable humor."
7 Joan Rivers Legends "Queen of the one-liner."
8 Louis C.K. Edgy & Dark Humor "Dark, introspective humor."
9 Bill Cosby Legends "Family-oriented humor."
10 John Mulaney Modern Era "Clever, self-deprecating humor."
11 Rodney Dangerfield Legends "Self-deprecating humor."
12 Eddie Murphy Legends "Comedy superstar."
13 Bill Burr Edgy & Dark Humor "Fearless honesty."
14 Robin Williams Legends "Whirlwind of energy."
15 Hasan Minhaj Satire & Politics "Social commentary."
16 Steve Martin Legends "Brought absurdity to mainstream."
17 Sarah Silverman Modern Era "Provocative humor."
18 George Wallace Observational Humor "Humorous takes on life."
19 Don Rickles Legends "Merchant of Venom."
20 Ricky Gervais Edgy & Dark Humor "Fearless humor."
21 Richard Jeni Legends "Rapid-fire delivery."
22 Anthony Jeselnik Edgy & Dark Humor "King of dark comedy."
23 Bo Burnham Modern Era "Music, comedy, introspection."
24 Russell Peters Modern Era "Cultural humor."
25 Jim Jefferies Edgy & Dark Humor "Biting satire."
26 Patton Oswalt Modern Era "Observational humor."
27 W. Kamau Bell Satire & Politics "Sharp voice in satire."
28 Wanda Sykes Modern Era "Political satire."
29 Mort Sahl Legends "Father of modern political comedy."
30 Robin Williams Legends "Improvisational genius."
31 Phyllis Diller Legends "Eccentric stage persona."
32 George Lopez Satire & Politics "Cultural perspective."
33 Doug Stanhope Edgy & Dark Humor "Dark, edgy humor."
34 Mitch Hedberg Observational Humor "Offbeat, surreal humor."
35 Steven Wright Observational Humor "Deadpan delivery."
36 Jerry Seinfeld Observational Humor "Observational comedy king."
37 Larry David Edgy & Dark Humor "Master of cringe humor."
38 Norm Macdonald Edgy & Dark Humor "Dry, dark humor."
39 Eddie Izzard Edgy & Dark Humor "Surreal, dark humor."
40 Andrew Dice Clay Edgy & Dark Humor "80s icon with edgy humor."
41 John Oliver Satire & Politics "Deep-dive satire."
42 Bill Maher Satire & Politics "Provocative political humor."
43 Phyllis Diller Legends "First female stand-up star."
44 Bob Newhart Legends "King of deadpan."
45 Brian Regan Observational Humor "Clean, everyday humor."
46 Gilbert Gottfried Edgy & Dark Humor "Outrageous jokes."
47 Chris Rock Modern Era "Incisive social commentary."
48 Sarah Silverman Satire & Politics "Edgy satire."
49 Trevor Noah Satire & Politics "International perspective."
50 Stephen Colbert Satire & Politics "Master of satire."
51 Jim Gaffigan Observational Humor "Food and family comedy."
52 Kathleen Madigan Observational Humor "Sharp observational humor."
53 Marc Maron Edgy & Dark Humor "Introspective humor."
54 Ellen DeGeneres Observational Humor "Relatable and positive."
55 Kevin James Observational Humor "Physical, relatable humor."
56 Sebastian Maniscalco Observational Humor "Animated, cultural humor."
57 Tom Papa Observational Humor "Clean, family-oriented comedy."
58 Gabriel Iglesias Modern Era "Fluffy, family-friendly humor."
59 Tig Notaro Modern Era "Deadpan, personal humor."
60 Mike Birbiglia Observational Humor "Storytelling comedian."
61 Billy Connolly Legends "Irreverent storytelling."
62 Nate Bargatze Observational Humor "Laid-back, relatable humor."
63 Paul Mooney Edgy & Dark Humor "Sharp take on race."
64 Michael Che Satire & Politics "Sharp political humor."
65 Joan Rivers Edgy & Dark Humor "Fearless, dark humor."
66 Bill Hicks Legends "Philosophical, biting humor."
67 Hannibal Buress Modern Era "Offbeat, laid-back style."
68 George Carlin Satire & Politics "Social and political commentary."
69 Don Rickles Legends "Insult comedy."
70 Ronny Chieng Observational Humor "Cultural insights and humor."
71 David Cross Edgy & Dark Humor "Biting, dark humor."
72 John Cleese Legends "Absurd and intellectual humor."
73 Dana Carvey Legends "Master of impressions."
74 Maria Bamford Observational Humor "Personal, surreal humor."
75 Tom Segura Edgy & Dark Humor "Dark, dry humor."
76 Chelsea Handler Edgy & Dark Humor "Dark, sarcastic humor."
77 Jim Carrey Legends "Physical comedy genius."
78 Bob Hope Legends "Classic stand-up star."
79 Sam Kinison Legends "Loud, over-the-top humor."
80 Phyllis Diller Edgy & Dark Humor "Fearless, dark humor."
81 Louis C.K. Modern Era "Introspective, dark humor."
82 Jerry Seinfeld Observational Humor "Observational comedy genius."
83 Richard Jeni Legends "Clever, rapid-fire delivery."
84 Wanda Sykes Modern Era "Political satire and wit."
85 Lenny Bruce Satire & Politics "Challenged societal norms."
86 Martin Lawrence Modern Era "High-energy, cultural humor."
87 Sarah Silverman Edgy & Dark Humor "Edgy, dark humor."
88 Bill Burr Modern Era "Fearless, honest humor."
89 Daniel Tosh Edgy & Dark Humor "Sharp, dark humor."
90 Ricky Gervais Satire & Politics "Fearless political humor."
91 Kevin Hart Modern Era "High-energy, relatable humor."
92 Joan Rivers Legends "Queen of the one-liner."
93 Bill Hicks Edgy & Dark Humor "Controversial and biting."
94 Eddie Murphy Legends "Comedy superstar."
95 Amy Schumer Modern Era "Fearless, gender politics humor."
96 Ellen DeGeneres Modern Era "Relatable, positive energy."
97 Chris Rock Modern Era "Social commentary and wit."
98 Margaret Cho Modern Era "Fearless, cultural humor."
99 Phyllis Diller Legends "Eccentric, pioneering humor."
100 Mitch Hedberg Legends "Cult favorite, surreal humor."

Conclusion

This concludes the "Top 100 Funniest Stand-Up Comedians" list, a tribute to the comedians who have made us laugh until we cried. From the legends who set the stage to the modern voices redefining comedy today, each has contributed to the rich tapestry of stand-up comedy that continues to bring joy to audiences around the world.