Top 14 Stand-up Comedians of All Time

Boundary-breaking pioneers, arena-filling superstars, and razor-sharp modern voices all share this stage. Some picks are icons, some are wildcards. Cast your vote!

1. 1
   Richard Pryor

   The raw, fearless storyteller widely regarded as the most influential stand-up comedian ever.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Steve Martin

   The wild-and-crazy absurdist who filled arenas before conquering film and music.
   643pts
3. 3
   Bill Burr

   The blue-collar ranter whose unfiltered honesty made him one of comedy's biggest modern draws.
   625pts
4. 4
   Ricky Gervais

   The provocative British comic and creator of The Office, known for boundary-pushing specials.
   577pts
5. 5
   Kevin Hart

   The relentlessly energetic everyman who became one of the highest-grossing comedians in history.
   566pts
6. 6
   John Mulaney

   The sharply-written modern favorite praised for his impeccable timing and storytelling craft.
   500pts
7. 7
   George Carlin

   The counterculture philosopher whose incisive routines on language and society reshaped the art form.
   423pts
8. 8
   Dave Chappelle

   The generation-defining social commentator behind some of the most talked-about specials of the era.
   423pts
9. 9
   Eddie Murphy

   The electrifying 1980s superstar whose specials Delirious and Raw set the box-office standard.
   333pts
10. 10
    Jerry Seinfeld

    The master of observational comedy who turned everyday minutiae into a global phenomenon.
    333pts
11. 11
    Rodney Dangerfield

    The no-respect one-liner machine whose self-deprecating persona became legendary.
    333pts
12. 12
    Robin Williams

    The manic improvisational genius who moved effortlessly between stand-up and film stardom.
    333pts
13. 13
    Chris Rock

    The sharp, high-energy commentator known for blistering takes on race, politics, and relationships.
    227pts
14. 14
    Joan Rivers

    The trailblazing, acid-tongued pioneer who opened doors for generations of women in comedy.
    227pts