This list ranks the best stand-up comedians in the history of the art form. First and foremost, all of the people on this list are funny comedians. Beyond that, this is a diverse list of people with different styles who approach different types of subject matter. Many of the popular comedians listed below worked their way up through the stand up circuit and eventually landed shows or specials on Netflix or Comedy Central, while others started their own YouTube channels and put their best jokes out into the world that way. The funniest comedians can come from any type of background, obviously there are insanely talented Black, Asian, Latino and white comedians (and everything in between.)
Being a good stand-up comic is tough, and whether they're an observant, an orator, an absurdist, blue collar, or alternative, all of the funny comedians on this list are unique, hardworking, and hilarious. They're some of the biggest and most famous names in the game, whether current or beloved goofy old comics. Many of the best comedians of all time got their start as stand-up comedians and then progressed to star in their own films or TV series. It takes a certain skill set and the ability to connect with people in order to excel at stand-up comedy, and we feel that these are the ones that shine.
This list is made of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians and then some. The top comedians are always changing. Feel free to add your votes on the greatest standups of all time. Then check back to see if any of your favorites broke into the top 20 comedians.
125,22910,633George Carlin
1937-05-12Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
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19,5938,547Richard Pryor
1940-12-01Birthplace: Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
![Robin Williams]()
322,62010,195Robin Williams
1951-07-21Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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24,51010,719Dave Chappelle
1973-08-24Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
![Eddie Murphy]()
518,2758,287Eddie Murphy
1961-04-03Birthplace: New York City, New York
![Rodney Dangerfield]()
612,3157,238Rodney Dangerfield
1921-11-22Birthplace: Deer Park, New York, United States of America
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16,6699,055Bill Burr
1968-06-10Birthplace: Canton, Massachusetts, United States of America
![Chris Rock]()
815,1399,721Chris Rock
1965-02-07Birthplace: Andrews, South Carolina, United States of America
![Steve Martin]()
911,3717,768Steve Martin
1945-08-14Birthplace: Waco, Texas, United States of America
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7,9545,449Redd Foxx
1922-12-09Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
![Don Rickles]()
118,7576,122Don Rickles
1926-05-08Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
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7,8884,744Bill Murray
1950-09-21Birthplace: Wilmette, Illinois, United States of America
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8,2525,992Bernie Mac
1957-10-05Birthplace: USA, Chicago, Illinois
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6,9054,359Mel Brooks
1926-06-28Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
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10,3437,709Ricky Gervais
1961-06-25Birthplace: South East England, Eurasia, Reading, United Kingdom, England
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10,6357,965Mitch Hedberg
1968-02-24Birthplace: Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
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6,9633,419John Candy
1950-10-31Birthplace: Newmarket, Canada
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8,1024,923Chris Farley
1964-02-15Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
![Louis C.K.]()
1916,38712,595Louis C.K.
1967-09-12Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
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5,4903,426Carol Burnett
1933-04-26Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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7,2405,083Ron White
1956-12-18Birthplace: Fritch, Texas, USA
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7,6285,710Gabriel Iglesias
1976-07-15Birthplace: San Diego, California, USA
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9,6007,422Jim Gaffigan
1966-07-07Birthplace: USA, Illinois, Elgin
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12,3719,751Kevin Hart
1979-07-06Birthplace: North Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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8,2206,343Norm Macdonald
1963-10-17Birthplace: Quebec City, Canada
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