The Ultimate Guide to the 50 Greatest ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sketches of All Time
Introduction
For over 50 years, ‘Saturday Night Live’ has been a cultural phenomenon, gracing our screens with countless unforgettable sketches. From the hilarious to the poignant, these skits have become an integral part of American entertainment history. In honor of the show’s upcoming 50th anniversary, we present the definitive ranking of the 50 greatest ‘SNL’ sketches of all time.
1. "David Pumpkins" (2016)
- This instant sensation features Tom Hanks as the enigmatic and oddly-dressed Halloween character, David Pumpkins, accompanied by two spooky skeletons. With his bizarre voice, ridiculous suit, and awkward dance moves, David Pumpkins leaves us giggling uncontrollably.
2. "Mom Jeans" (2003)
- Tina Fey’s trio of commercials mocking the fashion choices of middle-aged women marked a turning point in ‘SNL’ history. With biting wit, the sketches highlighted the absurd expectations society places on women.
3. "Christmas Car Commercial" (2020)
- This dark and chaotic sketch reflects the mood of 2020 with its depiction of a man buying his wife a car without her consent. Beck Bennett’s performance and the specific parody of a car commercial bring the sketch together in a slightly crazed yet hilarious fashion.
4. "Papyrus" (2017)
- Great comedy is both specific and universal, and this sketch about a man obsessed with the font choice for the movie "Avatar" perfectly captures that essence. Ryan Gosling’s deadpan delivery and the hilarious premise make this sketch an instant classic.
5. "Dysfunctional Family Dinner" (1998)
- Will Ferrell’s ability to lose his cool in the most hilarious way is on full display in this sketch. The chaotic dinner table dynamics and sharp performances from Ferrell, Ana Gastayer, and Sarah Michelle Gellar make this a memorable and relatable skit.
6. "Change Bank" (1988)
- Proof that even the simplest ideas can be comedic gold, this 1988 sketch depicts a bank that does nothing but make change. Its sheer absurdity and the infectious energy of the cast make it a timeless classic.
7. "Weekend Update with Pete Davidson" (2014)
- Pete Davidson’s rise to fame began with his breakout stand-up bit on ‘Weekend Update.’ His ability to deliver provocative and absurd material, often drawing from his personal life, has made him a beloved figure in the ‘SNL’ pantheon.
8. "Sean Spicer Press Conference" (2017)
- Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of then-press secretary Sean Spicer was a comedic tour de force. Her uncanny impersonation and embodiment of Spicer’s combative tone captured the absurdity of the Trump administration.
9. "Lisa Minelli on a Lamp" (2012)
- Kristen Wiig’s comedic brilliance shines in this sketch, where she plays a hyperactive Liza Minelli who struggles to turn off a lamp while dancing and jazz-handing excessively. Her physical comedy and zaniness make this a mesmerizing and hilarious moment.
10. "Roxbury Guys" (1990)
- Party on, Wayne! This infamous sketch features Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley as two male exotic dancers with questionable fashion sense. The contrast between Swayze’s conventional attractiveness and Farley’s physicality creates a laugh-out-loud dynamic.
11. "Superheroes" (1979)
- Before superheroes became ubiquitous, ‘SNL’ imagined them as insufferable yuppies at a dinner party. This sketch is full of hilarious in-jokes and broad gags that perfectly capture the over-the-top personalities of these iconic characters.
12. "Jingleheimer Junction" (1998)
- A clever parody of ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ this sketch features Tim Meadows as a host who becomes increasingly enraged by Ferrell’s absurd lyrics about the four-letter word "F." The escalation of humor and the sheer silliness make this a memorable favorite.
13. "Schmitt’s Gay" (1991)
- Revolutionary for its time, this commercial parody does not rely on offensive stereotypes. Instead, it pokes fun at the objectification of women in advertising by depicting a hyper-sexualized beer that targets gay men.
14. "McLaughlin Group" (1990)
- A send-up of a popular political talk show format, this sketch features a hilarious ensemble cast shouting at each other for laughs. Dana Carvey’s aggressive host and guest characters like Wiig’s office cleaner make this a chaotic and unforgettable skit.
15. "Debbie Downer" (2004)
- Rachel Dratch created an iconic character with Debbie Downer, a relentlessly pessimistic woman who ruins the day for everyone she encounters. The cast’s struggle to contain their laughter while Dratch delivers her deadpan lines makes this sketch an instant classic.
16. "Black Jeopardy" (2016)
- This sketch is a masterpiece of writing and execution. Tom Hanks’ MAGA-hat-wearing character cleverly navigates African American-centered questions on the game show, much to the surprise of his fellow contestants. The ending twist reveals a poignant and timely commentary on race and politics.
17. "Undercover Boss" (2013)
- This sketch features the show’s talented female cast in a hilarious music video parody. The catchy beat and club-thumping music perfectly complement the ridiculous concept of office workers objectifying men in tight swimsuits.
18. "The Colonel" (2003)
- Wordplay can be devilishly funny when executed with wit, as in this sketch revolving around the double entendre of "Colonel Angus." Tina Fey’s sharp writing and the cast’s impeccable delivery make this a memorable language-bending moment.
19. "Nerds" (1978)
- Gilda Radner and Bill Murray’s recurring characters, Lisa Loopner and Todd DiLaMuca, were the epitome of lovable and awkward nerds. Their nasally voices, hilarious jokes, and perfectly-timed physical comedy made them instant fan favorites.
20. "Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock on Race" (2016)
- In the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock offered a cathartic and pointed commentary on race and political hypocrisy. Their insights and unflinching honesty resonated deeply with viewers.
21. "Land Shark" (1975)
- One of the earliest ‘SNL’ sketches, "Land Shark" is a testament to the show’s groundbreaking humor. The ridiculous premise of a shark politely tricking women into opening their doors is a timeless classic that still elicits laughter today.
22. "Undercover Boss: Kylo Ren" (2016)
- Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren in this sketch is a masterclass in self-parody. The "Star Wars" villain goes undercover at Starkiller Base and hilariously fails to blend in with the "folk."
23. "Bass-O-Matic" (1976)
- Dan Aykroyd’s manic energy is on full display in this absurd infomercial for a blender that turns fish into music. The nonsensical product and Aykroyd’s over-the-top performance make this sketch a surreal and hilarious experience.
24. "Dead Poets Society" (2016)
- This sketch takes a dark and gruesome turn after a parody of "Dead Poets Society." Kristen Stewart’s seductive Sabine and Vanessa Bayer’s unsuspecting wife create a twisted dynamic that culminates in a shocking head-dropping climax.
25. "Waitress" (1990)
- Jan Hooks’ portrayal of a salty and sweet diner waitress is legendary. Her chemistry with host Alec Baldwin elevates this story to a memorable acting showcase, with perfectly timed tics and even panting.
26. "Totinos: Romantic" (2017)
- This sketch subverts expectations with a surprising sapphic twist. Vanessa Bayer’s unsettling "Hungry Man" wife character is joined by Kristen Stewart as the seductive Sabine, creating a sensual and unexpected moment.
27. "Wayne’s World" (1990)
- The clueless and rock-loving duo, Wayne and Garth, became cultural icons thanks to Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Their infectious enthusiasm, air guitar skills, and celebrity cameos made their basement adventures an unforgettable experience.
28. "Dick in a Box" (2005)
- The digital short revolution began with "Dick in a Box," a song that became a viral sensation. Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake, and Jorma Taccone’s hilarious lyrics and catchy melody made this one of ‘SNL’s most memorable moments.
29. "Man-Spreading" (2015)
- Kate McKinnon’s ability to embody a wide range of characters is on full display in this sketch. Her man-spreading, smoking character describes an increasingly deranged alien abduction experience, leaving the cast and audience in stitches.
30. "Hanukkah Song" (1994)
- Adam Sandler’s signature "Weekend Update" song is an ode to the Jewish
