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Super Bowl LIV has just wrapped up with a 40-22 victory, as the Philadelphia Eagles blocked the Kansas City Chiefs' goal of clinching a historic three-peat. Halftime fans were treated to an unforgettable performance as 22-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar took center stage, joined by special guests SZA and Serena Williams.
With more than 100 million viewers tuning in each year, the Super Bowl is more than just a football game — it’s a cultural event. And nothing unites the masses quite like music.
That said, not all halftime performances make a lasting impact. The most memorable shows hold cultural significance, deliver jaw-dropping moments, and dominate conversations long after the final touchdown. Here are eight of the best Super Bowl halftime performances that stand out years later.
The first Super Bowl halftime show to feature an all-hip-hop lineup did not disappoint. Icons like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar (plus a surprise appearance by 50 Cent) delivered an electrifying set filled with their biggest hits.
While Mary J. Blige commanded attention with powerhouse performances of Family Affair and No More Drama, Dre and Snoop proved the timelessness of their classics like The Next Episode, California Love, and In Da Club. Eminem’s rendition of Lose Yourself and Kendrick Lamar’s powerful Alright solidified this halftime show as one for the books.
Fresh off her 2016 album Joanne, Lady Gaga took the Super Bowl by storm — literally — by diving from the rooftop of Houston's NRG Stadium. She then launched into a set packed with hits, including Poker Face, Born This Way, Million Reasons, and Bad Romance.
With 117.5 million viewers, her performance became one of the most-watched halftime shows in history, even surpassing the game’s viewership. Her meticulous preparation was later showcased in the 2017 Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two.
Following a lackluster halftime show the previous year, the NFL booked Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to bring the heat — and they more than delivered. Their spectacular performance, featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny, celebrated Latin culture and sent a strong message on immigration policies.
With dazzling choreography, high-energy vocals, and a viral belly-dancing moment from Shakira, the show ended with an unforgettable dance-off. It was an electrifying tribute to their cultural roots and a reminder of their status as global superstars.
After a five-year performance hiatus, Rihanna returned to the stage and reminded the world of her musical dominance. Dressed in an all-red bodysuit, she performed an incredible 12-song medley, including Bitch Better Have My Money, We Found Love, Umbrella, and Diamonds.
Adding to the spectacle, Rihanna subtly revealed her second pregnancy during the performance, making this Super Bowl moment truly historic.
Prince was known for his theatrical flair, and his Super Bowl halftime show was no exception. In the middle of a rainstorm, he delivered a set that included Queen’s We Will Rock You, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Proud Mary, Bob Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower, and even the Foo Fighters’ Best of You.
But it was the finale — Purple Rain performed under an actual downpour — that cemented this show as one of the most legendary halftime performances of all time.
Before Michael Jackson, Super Bowl halftime shows weren’t must-see events. That changed in 1993 when he revolutionized the format with a grand entrance featuring multiple body doubles.
The King of Pop then delivered a flawless medley of Jam, Billie Jean, and Black or White, before closing with a heartfelt performance of Heal the World. The segment, which included a massive children’s choir and an audience card stunt, remains one of the most ambitious halftime productions ever.
Madonna may have been the star of the show, but it was rapper M.I.A. who made headlines after flipping off the camera during their performance of Give Me All Your Luvin'. Still, Madonna delivered a halftime show worthy of her legendary status, featuring Vogue, Like a Prayer, and guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, and CeeLo Green.
With a Cirque du Soleil-inspired production and massive stage spectacle, Madonna set a new bar for halftime shows in the modern era.
Who runs the world? Beyoncé — especially after her 2013 Super Bowl halftime show. The performance was a masterclass in vocals, choreography, and sheer star power. Queen Bey powered through hits like Crazy in Love and Single Ladies, but the biggest surprise came when Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams joined her on stage.
By the time she closed with Halo, fireworks filled the stadium, and a blackout temporarily halted the game — leading husband Jay-Z to quip, "Lights out. Any questions?"
While these eight stand as the best, there have been plenty of other great halftime shows, including U2’s emotional 2002 tribute to 9/11 victims, Katy Perry’s 2015 performance (hello, Left Shark), and Bruno Mars’ 2014 show that proved his superstar status.
Whether it's breathtaking vocals, mesmerizing visuals, or a cultural moment that stands the test of time, the best Super Bowl halftime shows always leave us talking. Which one is your favorite?
