Get Ready to Laugh: The Top 20 Funniest Stand-up Performances of All Time

Laughing is one of the best medicines in the world, they say. One of the easiest ways to get a healthy dose of laughter is to watch a stand-up comedy performance. There have been so many stand-up performances that have left the audience in splits, and it’s time we celebrate 20 of the funniest ones of all time.

The Criteria:

Before we get started, let’s explain how we came up with the list. Our criteria for choosing the following stand-up performances were:

• Influence: The impact the performance had on the comedy industry.
• Delivery: How perfectly the comedians delivered their jokes.
• Laughter: How much the audience laughed during the performance.

The Top 20 Funniest Stand-up Performances of All Time

1. Eddie Murphy’s “Delirious” (1983)
2. Richard Pryor’s “Live in Concert” (1979)
3. George Carlin’s “Jammin’ in New York” (1992)
4. Dave Chappelle’s “Killing Them Softly” (2000)
5. Ellen DeGeneres’ “The Beginning” (2000)
6. Bill Hicks’ “Relentless” (1992)
7. Robin Williams’ “Live on Broadway” (2002)
8. Kevin Hart’s “I’m a Grown Little Man” (2009)
9. Sarah Silverman’s “Jesus is Magic” (2005)
10. Steve Martin’s “Comedy is Not Pretty” (1980)
11. Joan Rivers’ “Live at the London Palladium” (1991)
12. Jerry Seinfeld’s “I’m Telling You for the Last Time” (1998)
13. Louis C.K.’s “Hilarious” (2010)
14. Jim Gaffigan’s “Mr. Universe” (2012)
15. Chris Rock’s “Bigger & Blacker” (1999)
16. Katt Williams’ “Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1” (2006)
17. Patton Oswalt’s “Werewolves and Lollipops” (2007)
18. Janeane Garofalo’s “If You Will: The Story of the 2000 Presidential Election” (1999)
19. Margaret Cho’s “I’m the One That I Want” (2000)
20. Mitch Hedberg’s “Mitch All Together” (2003)

Why These Stand-up Performances are Worth Checking Out?

All of the comedians listed above are known for their unique styles and perspectives – that’s why we adore them. Still, these comedy specials that left a legacy in the comedy industry mainly for the outstanding laughter served in each performance. Oh, and trust us when we reveal this – some comedy sets on this list do go some extra miles in their ruthlessness.

The Bottom Line: Laugh Your Hearts Out & Be Happy!

No doubt, these stand-up comedy performances mentioned above should illuminate your gloomiest days to lightness and laughter – that’s comedy gold indeed! Besides- why be grumpy when you could rejoice in some fantastic, life-affirming stand-up performances?