Sometimes, all anybody needs is a good laugh. Listening to a funny story or a quick joke can change anyone's day around for the better. Stand-up comedians are a special breed for putting themselves on a stage in front of an audience of spectators, unleashing wisecrack after wisecrack. The laughter is truly infectious.
Netflix has positioned itself as the new king of comedy, offering a bundle of stand-up specials that are as thoughtful as they are funny. There are countless options for any number of humor styles. Although some are more memorable than others, they all bring something unique to the table.
10 Donald Glover: Weirdo
Donald Glover is a talented multi-media artist, known for his acting, producing, directing, and writing, as well as his music under the moniker Childish Gambino. He can add stand-up comic to his expanding resume too with this 2012 Netflix special.
Never one to shy away from his personal life and the abundance of crazy stories that come with it, Glover dives right in and is a natural on stage. Fans both new and old should get plenty of hearty chuckles out of this one.
9 Jerry Before Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld was the face and namesake of the iconic 90's comedy TV show, Seinfeld, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. A stand-up comedian at heart, Seinfeld returned to stand-up comedy with this 2017 Netflix hit.
His flow is as natural as ever, and the return to form is as special for him as it is his fans. Seinfeld even digs into his comedy influences in this special. He discusses the comedians who changed his life in some hilarious and introspective montages.
8 Kathleen Madigan: Bothering Jesus
Kathleen Madigan is like everyone's favorite kooky aunt. She's relatable, funny beyond belief, wise in her own strange way, and always a breath of fresh air.
Her Netflix special is a riot, filled with witty anecdotes, funny stories about her crazy family, and her hilarious takes on the modern world. She's on the top of her game with this instant classic, sure to resonate with plenty of audiences.
7 Bo Burnham: What
Bo Burnham hit the comedy scene a few years back, but his deranged sense of humor and clever antics have had long-lasting influences. Always a risk-taker, Burnham gets experimental with his jokes and even comes across as oddly metaphysical at certain points.
For stand-up fans looking for something a bit more unconventional, this oddball special is a fantastic way to spend an hour. His original brand of humor doesn't disappoint.
6 Wanda Sykes: Not Normal
Fans of stand-up comedy are likely familiar with the observational humor of Wanda Sykes. Her recent Netflix special is a victory lap for Sykes is many ways. She is such a natural comedian she hardly seems like she is even trying on stage.
Her views on reality TV are laugh-out-loud funny, and she isn't afraid to get political either. Throughout the special, she rocks the stage and keeps the audience howling with laughter.
5 Chris Rock: Tamborine
Netflix captured another stand-up comedy superstar with this 2018 special. Chris Rock is a legend in his own right, which makes this special extra engaging for viewers.
Rock doesn't shy away from getting personal with the stories, and he is comfortable with sharing his intimate views with the audience. Politics are a key issue for this special. Rock doesn't avoid the touchy subjects even he might have steered clear from in his past performances.
4 Tig Notaro: Happy To Be Here
Tig Notaro returns with her delightful brand of personal comedy in this 2018 stand-up special. Her cheerful demeanor is infectious. and her stories about parenthood are introspective as well as lively and hysterical.
Notaro uses her personal struggles to bring joy to others, making her humor heartfelt and relatable. She delivers a memorable performance with her consistent use of goofy gags and witty personal narratives.
3 Anthony Jeselnik: Thoughts And Prayers
Never one to steer away from controversy, Anthony Jeselnik barrel-rolls right into the most vulgar jokes he can conjure up. By mixing observational comedy with quick boorish one-liners, Jeselnik proves it doesn't take much to make an audience laugh.
He may make audiences uncomfortable, as the laughs turn into muffled murmurs. His comedy might not be for the easily offended. Nonetheless, he is a master at controlling the show and delivering bombastic jokes.
2 John Mulaney: New In Town
John Mulaney is arguably the most brilliant stand-up comedian of the past decade. Every joke, every story, every delivery is gold. It's hard to breathe when watching him onstage; he is so unbelievably fluid with his jokes.
Mulaney's story of a high school party is still one of the best deliveries any comedian has ever given. This is one of the best Netflix originals they've ever offered. Anyone looking for something quick and funny to watch should strongly consider this option. Just don't forget to breathe.
1 Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones
Dave Chappelle will be remembered for years to come as an introspective comedian and artist. His unique way of delivering a social message and a joke at the same time is important step in the world of comedy. After a long absence from the world of humor, Chappelle returned with a series of Netflix specials that delivered everything fans wanted.
For this 2019 special, Chappelle uses his time on stage to deliver entertaining and insightful quips and stories. He discusses a wide range of current topics from his family to Michael Jackson. Not everyone was pleased with some of his jokes, and the special did cause controversy. Regardless, Chappelle is loose, quick-witted, and ready to make people laugh more than ever.