Top 12 Stand Up Comedians Of All Time

Before I start this thing let me just say that these are my personal prefferences. It’s hard to be objective with comedy, something can be crazy funny for some people, but completely unfunny or even offensive to other people. But anyway, if you’re looking for a good stand up, these should make you laugh.

12. Jimmy Carr

Let’s start with a British one. This one in particular is amazing with hecklers. It seems like there’s nothing he likes more than to take them on.

11. Steven Wright

The king of dead pan comedy. That’s one liners in layman’s terms.

10. Amy Schumer

She’s one of the best female comedians out there today.

9. Tim Minchin

He’s another British comedian, and this one comes with a piano. That kind of allows him to be a bit edgier than most, simply because people swallow more if it comes in the form of a song.

8. Sarah Silverman

Perhaps the most famous female comedian. I think her appeal comes from having a sweet voice and appearance, while being just completely filthy.

7. Eddie Murphy

I think he was about 22 when he did this show. He talks about everything from ice cream to racism.

6. Dylan Moran

Irish crazy person. That’s all I can say.

5. Chris Rock

With everything from rap music, to gender inequality to racism, it’s Chris Rock, usually very loud.

4. Bill Hicks

One of the edgiest and most controversial comedians of all time. He was so controversial he was banned from several shows.

3. George Carlin

Another very edgy and controversial comedian. His big act is about religion though, so avoid him if you’re too religious.

2. Louis CK

He’s been doing stand up for almost 30 years, though he really got very good at it when he got his kids. He’s so good you probably won’t hear the same joke more than once, even if you go to every show he does.

1. Robin Williams

He’s the guy that could take any random thought and make it funny. When he was on stage it seemed like he didn’t have anything prepared, just pure genious.

I’m sure I missed a lot of great ones, some of them I’m aware of and some of them I’m not. If you know a really good stand up show, please let me know in the comments.