23 of the Funniest Stand Up Comedians of All Time

When it comes to stand-up comedy, there have been countless legends that have left an indelible mark in the funny business. From classic stars like Richard Pryor and George Carlin, to modern powerhouses like Amy Schumer and Dave Chappelle – they are all true masters of their craft.

Many will argue that the king of comedy is Eddie Murphy. From the early days on Saturday Night Live, to his iconic stand up specials and movie roles, he has been a beacon of humor for over four decades. His observational style and hilarious impersonations have made him one of the most beloved comedians in history.

Other notable names include Steve Martin, who mastered the art of physical comedy, as well as Bill Cosby, who is known for his unique way of delivering a joke. More contemporary comedians such as Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari have become renowned for their clever observations on everyday life.

The Funniest Stand Up Comedians to Ever Hit the Stage

No matter what your preferred comedic style might be, there is no denying that these hilarious performers have helped shape the cultural landscape of stand-up comedy. From their ability to make us laugh out loud, to their knack for making us think, these funnymen and women have truly earned their place among the greatest comedic performers of all time.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle is widely considered to be one of the funniest stand up comedians of all time. He has a unique style that combines deadpan delivery and improvisation, along with his ability to make observations about everyday life. His popular Comedy Central show “Chappelle’s Show” ran from 2003-2006 and since then he has gone on to tour around the world doing live standup shows.

George Carlin

George Carlin is considered by many to be the most influential of all stand up comedians. His comedy was often political and observational, but it also relied heavily on language play and wordplay. He had a special ability to make his audience think as well as laugh, and he is remembered fondly for his work in television, movies and live standup performances.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld is perhaps best known for his iconic television series, but he also has a long history as one of the greatest stand up comics ever. His observational humor and knowledge of every day minutiae have made him a household name and established him as one of the most beloved comedians in American culture.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor was one of the most important figures in American comedy. His brand of humor drew from experiences with racism and poverty, allowing him to touch upon issues that were rarely discussed at the time. He also pushed the boundaries of comedy with his fearlessness on stage, tackling topics such as sex, drugs and politics without ever shying away from controversy.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy was one of the biggest names in comedy throughout the 1980s and 90s. His stand up comedy specials were legendary, and he gained mainstream success with movies such as “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Coming to America.” He is known for his larger-than-life personality and quick wit, making him a favorite among both critics and fans alike.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock is often cited as one of the best comedians working today. His sharp wit and observational humor have made him one of the most popular comedians ever, especially after his hit HBO series “The Chris Rock Show.” He continues to tour around the world doing live shows, and he has become an iconic figure in American pop culture.

Louis C.K.

Louis C.K. is an American stand-up comedian, actor and writer who has been performing since the late 1980s. His comedy often focuses on topics such as family life, relationships, sex and mortality, with a sharp wit and self-deprecating humor that resonates with audiences of all ages. He also had a successful show on FX called Louie, which earned him numerous awards throughout its run.

Bill Burr

Bill Burr is a comedian who has reached mainstream success with his hit Netflix specials. His edgy and confrontational approach to comedy has earned him both critical acclaim and commercial success, making him one of the biggest stand up comedians of all time. He is known for his bold opinions and no-holds-barred wit, which have made him a favorite among audiences everywhere.

Don Rickles

Don Rickles was a legend of stand-up comedy whose career spanned over 50 years. His particular brand of insult comedy made him a household name, with many calling him “the King of Insults.” While he was often criticized for his blunt delivery, no one could deny that he had an incredible ability to make people laugh.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer is a comedian who has made people laugh since she first emerged on the scene in 2007. She’s known for her brash and unapologetic style of comedy that covers everything from relationships to politics. Audiences love her relatable humor, often laughing until they cry at her jokes about everyday life. Schumer has starred in multiple films, including I Feel Pretty and Trainwreck, and won Primetime Emmy Awards for both writing and acting.

Rodney Dangerfield

One of the most iconic and beloved comedians of all time is Rodney Dangerfield. Born in 1921, he was known for his trademark phrase, “I don’t get no respect!” Dangerfield had a unique style that combined self-deprecating humor with physical comedy. He also popularized catchphrases such as “no respect” and “Hey, baby!” His style of stand-up comedy has had an enormous influence on modern day comedians.

Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan is an American stand-up comedian, actor and writer who has been performing for over 30 years. He is best known for his observational style of comedy which often centers around food, relationships and fatherhood. His humor is often self-deprecating and lighthearted yet still manages to be insightful and thought-provoking.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin was one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy in the late 1970s. He changed the landscape by introducing his unique brand of wacky physical comedy as well as clever wordplay. Martin became an American cultural icon due to his appearances in classic films like The Jerk and Roxanne, as well as his Grammy-winning comedy albums.

Robin Williams

Finally, Robin Williams needs no introduction. The beloved stand-up comedian and actor was arguably the most successful artist of his generation. Throughout his career, he performed on stages around the world and won awards for everything from movies to music. His sharp wit and contagious energy made him one of the funniest comedians of all time, guaranteeing he will always be remembered fondly.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac was a legendary comedian who had a lasting impact on the world of stand-up comedy. He gained fame through his television show The Bernie Mac Show (2001 – 2006) which showcased his quick wit and observational style. He was known for delivering sharp jabs about culture, race, and societal issues, with a laugh-out-loud delivery that made him a comedian for all generations.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey is one of the most beloved comedic actors of all time. He began his career as a stand-up comic in the late 1980s and his energetic performances earned him huge success throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Not only is he famous for his ability to make people laugh uncontrollably, but also for his incredible physical comedy and ability to transform into any character imaginable.

Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias, also known as Fluffy, is widely considered one of the funniest comedians of all time. His comedic style is a mix of storytelling and impersonations that never fails to make audiences roar in laughter. He has over 20 years’ experience in stand-up comedy and has appeared on numerous TV shows including his own sketch show “I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy”. Gabriel is known for his signature catchphrases such as ‘Oh hell no!’ and ‘Show me the burrito!’ which have become iconic lines in pop culture today.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong is another highly successful comedian who has made a name for herself with her darkly funny and often controversial material. Her comedy is unapologetically honest and tackles topics such as race, gender equality, motherhood and more in an accessible yet edgy way. She has starred in several Netflix specials including “Baby Cobra” where she fearlessly shared her thoughts on pregnancy, childbirth and the ups and downs of marriage with her unique brand of humor.

John Mulaney

John Mulaney is a renowned stand-up comedian known for his witty observations about everyday life. He has been performing since he was 13 years old and honed his craft over the years to become one of the most popular comedians around today. His sharp writing style combined with an endearing presence has made him highly successful in both TV shows and live performances. His critically acclaimed stand-up specials such as “New In Town” and “Kid Gorgeous at Radio City” have cemented his place in the comedy hall of fame.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart has become one of the biggest comedians in the world today. His stand-up specials always sell out and he has also starred in numerous films over the years including Jumanji and Ride Along. He is known for taking risks with his material as well as his goofy, physical style of comedy that often pushes boundaries but never fails to make people laugh.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais is a British comedian, writer, actor and producer who gained international fame through The Office (2001 – 2003) which he co-wrote, directed and starred in. His comedy is often satirical and biting, and his dry wit has made him a household name across the globe. He also had a popular talk show on HBO called Derek (2012 – 2014) which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman is an American stand-up comedian, writer, producer and actress who is known for her irreverent, edgy style of humor that often challenges social norms and taboos. She has been featured in numerous television shows such as The Sarah Silverman Program (2007 – 2010) as well as films like Wreck It Ralph (2012). She is often credited with paving the way for female comedians to break into the mainstream.

Top Comedians of All Time

Overall, these ten comedians are some of the greatest standup performers of all time. From Dave Chappelle’s improvisational style to Bill Burr’s edginess, their distinct approaches to comedy have made them beloved by audiences around the world.

t’s clear that these six comedians are more than just a few names on a list – they are the defining voices of modern comedy. And if you’d like to seem more fun lists like this one, check out our most recent ones on celebrities with a clubbed thumb and the best female rappers in the game today.