From Worst to Best: All 37 Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is a spectacle that has delivered unforgettable moments—and a few we’d rather forget. We’ve ranked all 36 performances from worst to best, based on reviews from industry experts and fans alike. From awkward missteps to groundbreaking shows that redefined entertainment, this list captures the highs and lows of halftime history. Whether you’re here to relive the magic or cringe at the flops, stick around to discover which performance takes the ultimate top spot. Also – where does Kendrick Lamar’s controversial 2025 halftime show rank? Was it groundbreaking or the worst ever? Find out below!
37. The Black Eyed Peas: XLV 2021
The group didn’t have the best moment, to be honest. The Cowboy’s Stadium hosted the performance on February 6, 2011. People seemed to be slightly shocked when they saw their robot costumes. One magazine called them “pathetic or maximum mediocre,” and some called them dangerous. At least Usher was there briefly to help take the boredom away.
Opening number: Christina Aguilera’s unique interpretation of the national anthem, in which she forgot the melody and the words, is worth mentioning. People noticed that the famous burlesque singer, with substantial vocal cords, had an off night. Although the Black Eyed Peas had a chance at turning things around, it was not their night to redeem themselves. The Associated Press said they brought some…”Youth but not much else.”
36. Maroon 5 and Travis Scott: LIII 2019
In 2019, the NFL was flooded with political opinions and responses. Colin Kaepernick was also blacklisted. Cardi B, Rihanna, and many other artists turned the Showdown on its head. Maroon is a well-known band, but their music doesn’t fit the Superbowl atmosphere. We did have Adam Levine to admire. It was mostly girls who were screaming, so it seemed that the crowd nearest the stage loved it. Adam shouted, “Can you play some guitar right now?”
Travis Scott added to the mix: SpongeBob SquarePants’ introduction was funny, as Travis Scott emerged from a flame ball. Travis was great, but Adam’s guitar next to him seemed unrelated. Maroon Five didn’t meet high expectations for their performance, so it’s not surprising that they delivered what we all expected. Big Boi showed up in a nice car to add glamour to the show. The concert was cute overall but could have been better.
35. Enrique Iglesias, Phil Collins, Tony Braxton, and Christina Aguilera: XXXIV 2000
At the Georgia Dome, it was 2000, and the big names were finally on the stage. We were disappointed that they didn’t perform the songs that we requested.
People expected Phil Collins to sing “Sussudio” while Christina did a revival of “Genie in a Bottle.” Instead, Phil sang “Two Worlds” in a Kangol Hat. Although we would have loved the opportunity to see Enrique, the star of Latin music, live, we were treated to a bizarre rendition by Xtina of “Celebrate The Future Hand in Hand.”
34. The Blues Brothers: James Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, ZZ Top, John Goodman, James Brown: XXXI 1997
The Blues Brothers made an admirable effort to bring the soul back to the stage. This performance started with a T.V. show special report that stated that the trio was on a mission from God and that they would perform at the halftime show. John Belushi was dead, so they let James Belushi perform a Karaoke version of “Soul Man” with a mix of “Gimme Some Lovin.” Although the dancing seemed a bit sloppy, we still got to hear some real hits from artists.
Blues Brothers bash: It was a great show highlighting the Blues Brothers. They should have given James Brown more stage time. He probably would have done an even better job than James Belushi. He added rhythm, energy, and backup dancers to wrap up the show. His red and shining outfit is not to be forgotten. It’s better late than never, they say. However, the show lacked just a bit of “oomph” to be worthy.
33. Indiana Jones Tribute: Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Miami Sound Machine, Teddy Pendergrass: XXIX 1995
This performance is best described as an “utter mess!” There were shirtless dancers, Indiana Jones flew in from nowhere, Pattie LaBelle was dressed like a bedazzled goddess, and there were spikes everywhere. Harrison Ford wouldn’t want to be part of this franchise performance.
Tony Bennet did sing, and audiences were left gasping for air after the final song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” It was definitely one to remember.
32. Dre, Eminem, Snoop: Superbowl LVI 2022
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre performed alongside Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. This was the first time that hip-hop artists performed at the halftime show. It’s always amusing to make history.
The stunning appearance of 50 Cent hanging upside down surprised everyone. Eminem sat down on the ground in protest, which was the most controversial part. We can only expect more from Eminem, a rapper who lives and breathes controversy.
31. All the Shows From 1967 to 1989
In the ’90s, the Superbowl halftime shows began to take things seriously. It was just a group of college marching bands before that. Most people did not consider it a show, as it was time to get rid of all the beer and hot dogs they had consumed during the game.
Consider the 1977 halftime show. Disney produced it and featured the theme “It’s a Small World.” Rockettes, George Burns, and random Elvis impersonators were the highlights of this era. It wasn’t horrible, but it didn’t have the same hype as today.
30. New Kids on the Block: XXV 1991
It was the first time the entertainment industry understood they could use the halftime break to perform. The timing of the performance was not perfect, but that’s not to blame New Kids on Block. They sang “This One’s for the Children,” which was a bit mushy and not the best to watch.
The show was designed to be relevant during the difficult period of the Gulf War. However, the broadcasting networks seemed to have realized they could bring some truly unique voices to the stage after the war.
29. Olympic Figure Skaters: XXVI 1992
It was a winter wonderland on the stage. The location was perfect; it was in Minnesota, which is known for its cold winters. The show was not all bad, though. It was a significant turning point in the way performances were organized.
Highlights included dancing to “The Frosty” with Olympic skaters and Brian Boitano. Although it was a significant improvement over previous shows, there was still much to do.