19 Super Bowl Halftime performances that are the best of all time

A worldwide spectacle grew from the original musical performances staged by major music artists in the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Every performance, whether by contemporary pop stars or classic rock bands, offers a different fusion of stagecraft, energy, and cultural impact. Millions of American audiences watch these performances because of their beautiful choreography, stunning visuals, and powerful vocal performances. Based on their influence, entertainment value, and enduring legacy, this list ranks 19 of the best Super Bowl halftime shows ever. The unique stages, along with special guest artists, continue to shape football halftime traditions as people worldwide treasure these events.

Please note that this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

19. Katy Perry (2015)

The 2015 Katy Perry Super Bowl Halftime Show is considered the best show because of its show-stopping visuals together with its infectious energy throughout with iconic spectacle. She arrived in style through a gigantic golden tiger that established the exciting tone for her spectacular show. The spectacle included the performance of hits “Roar” and “Firework” combined with beautiful choreography together with remarkable visual effects. The surprise emergence of Left Shark during the show brought a humorous touch that made this halftime audience favorite both culturally significant and widely popular.

18. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar (2022)

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar were among the hip-hop icons featured in the historic 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Rich in nostalgia for West Coast rap, this historic performance offered a lively and important cultural moment. Hip-hop's significant influence on music and society was celebrated by the combination of timeless hits and contemporary choruses, which captivated audiences all over the world. The event was an incredible spectacle because of the star-studded roster and their unquestionable synergy.

17. Bruce Springsteen (2009)

Bruce Springsteen received praise for his 2009 Super Bowl Halftime execution due to its vibrant nerve and theatrical display. The performance kicked off with "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," and Springsteen used his powerful stage energy to draw in viewers. People heard the timeless Bruce Springsteen hits "Born to Run" and "Glory Days" during the performance while the artist maintained both intensity and accuracy in his delivery. His captivating performance between the spectators and television audience led to his place as a top highlight in Super Bowl history.

16. Madonna (2012)

The 2012 Super Bowl Halftime show by Madonna is mesmerizing due to its spectacular theatrical display of extraordinary stage design and captivating entertainment elements. The show combined fantastic choreography with elaborate staging while also bringing on stage LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, CeeLo Green, and M.I.A. that kept viewers worldwide mesmerized. During the performance, Madonna brought together songs from different periods, including "Vogue," "Like a Prayer," and "Music," to display her prosperous artistic journey. Through her high-energy performance, she established standards that following halftime shows would need to surpass.

15. Paul McCartney (2005)

Professional musician Paul McCartney performed a heartfelt Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2005 by playing memorable songs he recorded with The Beatles. The musical performance deeply touched the entire audience because McCartney's songs transcended generational differences. The historic Beatles songs "Hey Jude" and "Live and Let Die" took listeners to simpler times during the performance. His legendary musical abilities and friendly personality, along with universal Beatles music popularity, resulted in massive audience engagement for this memorable performance.

14. Lady Gaga (2017)

In 2017, Lady Gaga performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, combining powerful singing with incredibly dangerous stunts that created a magical experience for viewers. Her performance started when she descended from a rooftop before performing "Bad Romance" and "Born This Way" powerfully. Her powerful hand motions combined with dazzling outfits alongside complex dance movements thrilled the audience through both visual and audio sensations. Through her fearless presentation, Gaga made history with her Super Bowl performance.

13. Britney Spears and Aerosmith (2001)

When Britney Spears teamed up with Aerosmith during the 2001 Super Bowl Halftime Show, she delivered an unmissable performance that brought together rock music with her pop sound. The musical collaboration displayed its distinctive strengths with "Walk This Way." Both Spears' iconic status as a pop star and Aerosmith's legendary rock position combined to produce an exciting stage performance that succeeded in winning over diverse viewers of all ages. Nelly, Mary J. Blige and NSYNC were also on stage for this. The performance left strong memories in the minds of all who watched.

12. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake (2004)

Janet Jackson joined Justin Timberlake during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. The closing number emerged as a powerfully energetic musical combination between Jackson's pop artistry together with Timberlake's rhythm and blues flair. However, a wardrobe malfunction ended up stealing their spotlight while receiving massive media scrutiny from the public. The sudden incident transformed into a cultural milestone that led to the performance becoming one of the most discussed shows that ever appeared during a Super Bowl broadcast.

11. Prince (2007)

During the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, Prince delivered nothing less than a legendary performance. Under heavy rainfall, Prince played a memorable live version of "Purple Rain" while strumming his iconic guitar instrument to produce a show that surpassed the game itself. His daring musical performance against the adverse weather conditions solidified his position among the most outstanding performers throughout history while leaving permanent marks in Super Bowl history.

10. Kendrick Lamar (2025)

When Kendrick Lamar performed at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, he brought together an entire visual display featuring dance routines together with famous performers. During his high-energy performance, Lamar brought together SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, and Serena Williams as he played songs from his new album together with established fan-choice tracks. Kendrick Lamar received enthusiastic crowd participation when he played his anti-Drake diss track "Not Like Us" as all joined in to sing the lyric "A minor." Through technical problems with sound quality, Lamar maintained his complete talent and creativity, which produced a distinctive, albeit controversial, performance.

9. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (2020)

With her characteristic Latin style at the helm, Shakira performed at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show that enthralled viewers with her feverish dance choreography alongside her intense stage energy. Shakira performed with Jennifer Lopez during the show, and her robust voice, along with explosive stage charisma, charged up the stadium audience. People danced worldwide as Shakira played hits such as "Hips Don't Lie" and "Waka Waka" during her performance, which also featured her signature belly dancing. This event became one of the top highlights in Super Bowl history because it honored Latin culture through its performance.

8. U2 (2002)

U2 delivered their 2002 Super Bowl Halftime Show as a moving tribute that honored the victims who perished during the September 11 attacks. During their performance, U2 used a massive video display to show victim names while performing "Where the Streets Have No Name." The tribute emerged as an emotionally gripping moment. The band's tribute touched viewers powerfully by combining their influential music with devoted messages of remembrance and shared solidarity.

7. Justin Timberlake (2018)

The 2018 Super Bowl Halftime Show presented by Justin Timberlake united vintage music pieces with contemporary artistic elements. Through a sequence of his greatest hits "Rock Your Body" until "Can't Stop the Feeling!" he charmed viewers with his elegant dance skills along with his intense stage charisma. A tribute to Prince through a projector display and violet stadium lighting became a highlight moment that brought viewers deep emotions while honoring the late musician.

6. Maroon 5 (2019)

The 2019 Super Bowl Halftime Show delivered epic outcomes when Maroon 5 revealed Adam Levine performing sky-high vocals and intense enthusiasm. The band entertained their audience with familiar songs "Moves Like Jagger" and "Girls Like You" while witnesses joined in with the music. The performance achieved a rich musical diversity through the combination of a gospel choir while Travis Scott and Big Boi surprised the audience during the show along with a fusion of pop, rap, and rock genres.

5. Usher (2024)

During the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Usher displayed extraordinary charm along with dazzling ability. Usher danced with pure energy as his velvety tones hit the crowd with his iconic songs, including "Love In This Club" and "U Don’t Have to Call." The halftime entertainment delivered breathtaking visual elements and spectacular special effects alongside surprise guests Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, and Ludacris to create an explosive time-travel homage that won over spectators.

4. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (2008)

During the 2008 halftime spectacle, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers brought audiences on an emotional ride through the history of rock music. The fans deeply connected with Petty's soulful voice and masterful guitar playing as he sang his classic songs such as "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl." Through their relaxed yet intense performance, the band formed a deep bond with spectators that created a stadium-wide ocean of expressive light movements accompanied by singing along to timeless rock classics.

3. Beyoncé and Bruno Mars with Coldplay (2016)

The 2016 Super Bowl Halftime Show was a vibrant fusion of talent, with Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars delivering an unforgettable performance. Coldplay's colorful visuals and uplifting anthems set the stage, while Beyoncé's fierce rendition of "Formation" and Bruno Mars' high-energy "Uptown Funk" electrified the audience. The synergy between the artists created a dynamic and visually stunning show, making it a memorable moment in Super Bowl history.

2. The Weeknd (2021)

The Weeknd delivered a brilliant Super Bowl Halftime Show event that presented his standout artistic approach in 2021. During his performance, he sang his chart-topping songs "Blinding Lights" and "Can't Feel My Face" against an eye-catching stage decorated with theatrical lights and complex art installations. The Weeknd delivered enchanting vocals and performance amazed everyone viewing the mirrored maze sequence. Through musical and storytelling techniques, the performance created an absolute masterpiece that deeply impacted audience perception.

1. Rihanna (2023)

Rihanna delivered an unrepeatable 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance through the orchestration of her major hits with advanced imagery. During performances of "Umbrella" and "Diamonds," she kept her audience enchanted by her seductive singing and powerful stage charisma. Rihanna mastered the stage through her effortless stage presence along with stunning choreography and a futuristic stage design to produce an unforgettable show. The performance is considered the best among the list of 19 due to its innovative approach, Rihanna's undeniable star power, and the perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity.