Ranked from Prince to Bad Bunny

The Super Bowl halftime show has evolved from marching bands and novelty acts into one of the world’s biggest annual music spectacles, drawing more than 100 million viewers and often generating as much buzz as the game itself. With Bad Bunny’s historic 2026 performance featuring Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin still fresh in memory, here is a ranking of the 10 greatest Super Bowl halftime shows of all time, based on cultural impact, production value, surprise moments, viewership records and lasting legacy.

Prince – Super Bowl XLI (2007) Widely regarded as the gold standard, Prince delivered a rain-soaked masterpiece in Miami. Performing “Purple Rain” under a torrential downpour, the purple lights reflecting off the sheets of rain created an otherworldly visual. He covered Foo Fighters’ “Best of You,” shredded on guitar during “Purple Rain,” and closed with a silhouette against a giant Prince symbol. The show’s raw energy, technical brilliance and defiance of weather conditions cemented Prince’s legacy. Many critics and fans still call it the greatest halftime performance ever.

Beyoncé – Super Bowl XLVII (2013) After announcing her surprise reunion with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé delivered a fierce, 13-minute set that included “Crazy in Love,” “Baby Boy,” “Single Ladies” and a medley of DC classics with Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland. The choreography was razor-sharp, the staging minimalist yet powerful, and the Destiny’s Child reunion moment sent shockwaves through social media. It remains one of the most-watched and most-replayed halftime shows, with Beyoncé’s command of the stage unmatched.

Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII (1993) The performance that transformed the halftime show forever. Michael Jackson stood motionless for 90 seconds as the Rose Bowl crowd erupted, then launched into “Jam,” “Billie Jean,” “Black or White” and “Heal the World.” The spectacle introduced pyrotechnics, massive choreography and celebrity cameos (including children holding signs spelling “Heal the World”). It drew 133.5 million viewers — a record at the time — and set the template for modern halftime extravaganzas.

Lady Gaga – Super Bowl LI (2017) Lady Gaga leapt from the stadium roof, flew across the field on wires and delivered a patriotic, high-flying medley of “God Bless America,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” “Telephone,” “Born This Way,” “The Edge of Glory,” “Million Reasons” and “Just Dance.” The production was cinematic, the message unifying, and her live vocals under physical duress earned universal praise. It remains one of the most technically ambitious and emotionally resonant shows.

The Weeknd – Super Bowl LV (2021) In a pandemic-era spectacle at Raymond James Stadium, The Weeknd invested $7 million of his own money into a labyrinthine set that mirrored his “After Hours” aesthetic. He performed “Starboy,” “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” “I Feel It Coming,” “Save Your Tears” and “Blinding Lights,” complete with a hall-of-mirrors effect and a bloody bandage reveal. The show’s cinematic quality and commitment to artistic vision earned it high marks despite no live crowd.

Shakira & Jennifer Lopez – Super Bowl LIV (2020) A celebration of Latin culture, this high-octane performance featured Shakira’s belly-dancing flair and J.Lo’s pole-dancing prowess, backed by Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Emme Muñiz. Hits included “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” “Jenny from the Block” and “Let’s Get Loud.” The vibrant costumes, intricate choreography and powerful message of Latino pride made it one of the most culturally significant shows, drawing massive global attention.

U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002) Just months after 9/11, U2 delivered a poignant, stripped-down set in the Superdome. Bono opened with “Beautiful Day,” then the band performed “MLK” and “Where the Streets Have No Name” beneath a massive, billowing American flag projection listing names of 9/11 victims. The emotional weight, Bono’s salute to New York firefighters and the raw sincerity made it unforgettable.

Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI (2012) Madonna’s theatrical extravaganza featured LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and CeeLo Green. She performed “Vogue,” “Music,” “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” “Like a Prayer” and “Ray of Light” in elaborate costumes and with Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics. The show’s scale, production value and star-studded collaborations made it a benchmark for spectacle.

Katy Perry – Super Bowl XLIX (2015) The most-watched halftime show ever (118.5 million viewers), Perry’s performance included a giant mechanical lion, dancing sharks, a beach scene with “Teenage Dream” and a closing “Firework” with fireworks exploding overhead. Missy Elliott’s surprise appearance added hip-hop energy. The sheer fun, color and viral moments (Left Shark) made it a pop-culture phenomenon.

Bad Bunny – Super Bowl LX (2026) In a groundbreaking performance, Bad Bunny became the first Latino solo headliner and the first to perform primarily in Spanish. Joined by Lady Gaga for a Latin remix of “Die with a Smile” and Ricky Martin for “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” the set celebrated Puerto Rican heritage with a live wedding ceremony, marketplace staging and cameos from Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Karol G and Cardi B. The joyful, inclusive energy and bold cultural statement earned immediate acclaim as one of the most significant halftime shows in history.

Honorable mentions include Justin Timberlake & Janet Jackson (2004, infamous for the wardrobe malfunction), Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (2009), Coldplay with Beyoncé & Bruno Mars (2016), and Rihanna (2023).

The Super Bowl halftime show has become a cultural institution, blending music, spectacle and social commentary. From Prince defying the rain to Bad Bunny celebrating Latino pride on the world’s biggest stage, these performances continue to shape how America — and the world — experiences live entertainment.