21st Century All Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked

The definitive ranking of all the super bowls of the 21st century, combining the 2000's rankings with the 2010's ranking and the 2020's. Rankings will be based on entertainment, how hype it was, set pieces and choreography, and in some cases how kid friendly the show stays

Note: All rankings are in chronological order. I watched them in order, (except 2026 because I wasn't able to finish it before that Super Bowl), meaning I didn't see 2015 before 2014. This will explain why some reviews contain references to past dates but not future ones. Also, the current rankings of the 2000's and 2010's will still be upheld in the definitive ranking, meaning if I ranked 2006 under 2008 in this ranking 2006 will still stay under 2008. Lastly, I will try to keep these rankings fair since they span across different artists, genres, and even languages, but don't be surprised when my bias shows for certain artists because at the end of the day it is my ranking.

27. Super Bowl 2000 Disney and E-Trade: Tapestry Of Nations with Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton, Narrated by Edward James Olmos

I have never been more entertained by such a bad show. The definition of Disney slop. It's just so grand and has so much spectacle that it comes off as ridiculous. Only Disney could get an entire Superbowl to just be one big ad for their upcoming attraction at Disney Land. I cant even talk about Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton’s performance because it's so forgettable as they were forced to sing some Disney original made for the halftime show. Phil Collins is the only part that was actually bearable as he sings his songs from Tarzan. Overall, just ridiculous.

26. Super Bowl 2020 Pepsi: Shakira and Jennifer Lopez with Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Emme Muniz

Holy crap. This was torture. And I thought Maroon 5’s was bad. Shakira and J. Lo head the superbowl show and at face value seems like a good pick. I dont listen to them that much but I know their songs like Hips Dont Lie by Shakira, Whenever Wherever by Shakira, Waka Waka by Shakira and On The Floor by J. Lo. But literally the entire show was just one big twerk off between the two. It was just who could do the most sexual stuff and get away with it. Bad Bunny and J. Balvin were the only saving grace. And that Born In The USA cover sucked balls. I wish I could go back in time to regain my 14 minutes I lost.

25. Super Bowl 2011 Bridgestone: The Black Eyed Peas with Usher and Slash

Wow. I actually feel so bad for The Black Eyed Peas. Probably the only time I ever will. Because that SUCKED right there. Like whoever the sound technician is should get fired for that performance. Muting the performers mics, the absolute disrespect towards Slash with the terrible rushing and mixing for the backing track of Sweet Child O’Mine. While that part isn't necessarily their fault, there's only so much leeway I can give them. The choreography was pretty basic for the amount of dancers they had and the costume and set piece was stupid in my opinion. Not to mention but the Sweet Child O’Mine cover was just bad with Fergie on vocals. wil.i.am seemed to be the only one trying too. Yeah, terrible halftime show. I was actually cringing at how bad it was, though I will try to be nice in the ranking as much as I possibly can due to the sound quality not necessarily being The Black Eyed Peas fault but more of the NFL and Bridgestones.

24. Super Bowl 2019 Pepsi: Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi

Ooof. Thats how it felt watching this halftime show. Easily one of Pepsi’s worst. How you the header of the show and you get sidelined by your musical guests? And who thought it would be good to pair Travis Scott and Big Boi with Maroon 5?. And why Adam Levine taking off each layer the longer the show goes? Yeah Maroon 5, despite having some hits, does an absolutely terrible job. They did not pick the best setlist in my opinion, with too many ballads than hype energy songs. Even for the songs I did know by them like Sugar and Moves Like Jagger, man that mixing is horrible! Also your not slick with that fake guitar playing Adam Levine. As for the guests I will say they did good even if they didn't make sense that they were at a Maroon 5 show. Travis Scotts intro was a bit goofy, and while he didnt have any autotune I still thought it was fine with his raw vocals. But the disappointment to go from Sicko Mode to lame-o Maroo 5 was immeasurable. And Big Boi did good too, better than Travis in my opinion, and while I’m glad at least half of Outkast got to prove their worth at the Super Bowl after their stiffing of the show in 2004, the same question still applies of why after Big Bois 2 songs it went back to mid. Overall a bad show with Maroon 5 clearly not giving a crap of how it went based on how much they put into the show.

23. Super Bowl 2006 Sprint Nextel: The Rolling Stones

Following the unc theme of 2005, there's not much I can really say about this halftime show besides unc tweakin. Like Mick, you're like 63 I wouldn't move those hips too much. Still performance wise it was ok. I Cant Get No Satisfaction was the best part but it went a little bit too long in my opinion. Yeah if you can tell I’m not really the biggest fan of The Rolling Stones but I feel like even fans of theirs would agree with me that they didn't put on that captivating of a performance. Not to mention that they seemed to treat this like a regular concert rather than them playing at one of the biggest events in America. Overall quite boring.

22. Super Bowl 2010 Bridgestone: The Who

Whooooo are you. Who, who, who, who. Whooooo are The Who. Yeah I don't know who The Who are but their halftime show was ok. The best thing I can say was good handling of the stage and good theatrics but other than that the show was ok. Not to put all the blame on me not knowing them but in all honesty, and maybe why this is why they stopped having bands do the halftime show, but there's only so much a band can do to put on a show before it starts to get boring and name/song recognition is needed to keep an audience captivated.

21. Super Bowl 2008 Bridgestone: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Easy going rock ballads fill this halftime show as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers glide across the stage. Really, the show starts and ends that quickly. But still it comes off as average as the show regresses back to concert form that bores the death out of me. Yeah overall very forgettable

20. Super Bowl 2012 Bridgestone: Madonna with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, Cee Lo Green and Cirque du Soleil

If the seven deadly sins were a person Madonna would resemble Pride, as shown in the halftime show. Seriously, what was this crap that I just watched? Dont get me wrong Madonna has a good voice but what the hell was her set piece? First the strange greek/eygyptian costume opening, then the sexualized techno piece with stupid LMFAO, where they contributed absolutely nothing, along with the sexualized cheerleaders with Nicki Minaj and M.I.A, who thought she was being tuff by flipping us off (I wonder how that went for her career). I just felt weirded and creeped out the entire time. Like A Prayer was the only enjoyable part of the show. And then dont even get started with the “World Peace” sign at the end of the show. It just felt like this weird Madonna fantasy where she had to keep reminding us every minute that she’s Madonna! Thankfully this was Bridgestone's last halftime show, because I don't know how the NFL would have let them keep running it. Overall weirdly entertaining but much of it feels forced, almost like I was held at gun point to find this mildly enjoyable.

19. Super Bowl 2024 Apple Music: Usher with Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon and Ludacris

They really giving the halftime show to anyone now. Probably the most mellow halftime show ever since like 2006 or 2008. I don’t get why they picked a R&B singer without many hype hits to perform at the superbowl. Most of the show was just Usher strutting around the stage crooning. How am I supposed to find that entertaining? Yeah! was the only good part of the show where Lil Jon and Ludacris really brought some much needed life to the show. Other than that the other guests didn’t really do much, besides Alicia Keys getting rubbed down by Usher (hopefully her husband wasn’t watching). Pretty forgettable overall, like I’ve already moved on from it despite finishing it a minute ago.

18. Super Bowl 2018 Pepsi: Justin Timberlake with pre-recorded video of Prince and intro by Jimmy Fallon.

Justin Timberlake's return after the infamous 2004 halftime show with this marking his 3rd time at the Super Bowl (The most an artist has ever appeared). Justin's solo show though was pretty average. His hits such as SexyBack, Rock Your Body and Cant Stop The Feeling had me vibing and his choreography was average too. I did like the rendition of I Would Die 4 U with the Prince recording, even if I don't really know Justin's connection to Prince. My only critique of the show would probably be that I think artists should interact with people in the crowd to a certain extent (and I’m writing this with still 8 artists left to review). Like waving to them on stage or kneeling down to feel their hands is fine. But Lady Gaga's hug and now the awkward crowd stance when he went into the stands is cringy in my opinion. Still, it was an ok show.

17. Super Bowl 2021 Pepsi: The Weeknd

I mean its alright like. Thats what I felt watching the show. The only bad part was the hallway sequence, I think that was a bad choice artistically but other than that The Weeknd did good, its just that I didnt feel any identity at all in this performance. I dont know, maybe its cuz of him being isolated most of the show, or his songs not necessarily being hype crowd anthems, or my personal view on The Weeknd himself but it just came across as ok. Maybe The Weeknd fans can say it's a good show but to me it seemed like Pepsi and the NFL were just trying to play it safe after the 2020 disaster.

16. Super Bowl 2003 AT&T Wireless: Shania Twain and No Doubt with Sting

Yeah who thought it was a good idea letting Shania Twain be a co header of this Super Bowl. In what seems like an attempt to have a normal show after the chaos of previous shows and the emotional tribute of 2002’s show, 2003 comes off more or less a bit bland and boring. Mostly due to Shania Twain. You cannot convince me that she was actually singing her set, I swear that she has to be lip syncing. Because of that Man I Feel like A Woman comes off as fake and I dont even know her other song but whatever it was, it was definitely the wrong choice to perform at a show that is supposed to be hype and exciting. As for No Doubt, I’m Just A Girl was entertaining and Gwen Stefani did good actually singing her set. And surprisingly her and Sting’s rendition of The Police’s Message In A Bottle was really good. Overall sadly forgettable despite Gwen Stefani and Sting’s attempt to turn the show around.

15. Super Bowl 2026 Apple Music: Bad Bunny with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin

Ok I am going to be as impartial as I can be with breaking down Bad Bunny's performance at the halftime show and keeping feelings out of the conversation due to not only my strong opinions but all the political controversies and also Turning Point USAs rival halftime show with Kid Rock. But I can say despite not understanding a single thing he said he put on a good show. I was vibing with the music during it and he really utilized the set pieces too in a really creative way. I liked how he brought up Ricky Martin (even if he didn't sing Livin La Vida Loca) and Lady Gaga was ok even if it was a strange choice since she has like absolutely no ties to anything Spanish at all. The Wedding was sweet and apparently it was all real too like those people actually got married. I was lowkey hoping he would bring up Drake so they could do MIA together or that he would've performed MONACO longer since those are really the only songs I know by him. But overall it was a good show despite all the stupid controversy surrounding it.

14. Super Bowl 2025 Apple Music: Kendrick Lamar with Samuel L Jackson, SZA, Serena Williams and Mustard

Kendrick Lamar makes his return to the Super Bowl after 2022 and, well, it’s something. On one hand I like how he sprinkled in a message into his show, standing out from other shows that just play their hits with a bunch of choreography. But on the other hand that’s what I wanted to see. I don’t think it was a good idea doing the GNX catalog because at the time not only way it to new but in hindsight it’s not that hype. Also this show revealed to me that some artists like to do different renditions of songs when they are live, which I really don’t like, such as voiding lines or changing words especially in songs like DNA and HUMBLE. Still though being familiar with Kendrick’s catalog plus the hype from tv off and the troll energy from Not Like Us made the show pretty entertaining. I just think it’s like 2015 and 2017 Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. They’re all good artists in themselves but the show itself underperformed expectations.

13. Super Bowl 2015 Pepsi: Katy Perry with Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott

Huh. I'm a tad bit confused and disappointed. Because when a star like Katy Perry comes along who has some huge songs you expect the show to be crazy. But tell me then how Missy Elliot was able to steal the show from her. Maybe it was just something with the execution of how she sang the songs and her overall energy. Because really the only song that she sang where I was actually vibing with was Teenage Dream. And California Gurls is one of my favorite Katy perry songs. Like I know all the songs she sang, most of them by heart and yet there was something about the show, where instead of vibing and dancing, I was more or less just watching it. As for the set pieces, even though some were strange for a halftime show, it gets a pass because I know it fits with the theme of Katy Perry. Overall I cant say its a bad show, it was good at best, but definitely had the potential to be great.

12. Super Bowl 2004 MTV with AOL TopSpeed: Janet Jackson, P. Diddy, Nelly, Kid Rock, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson

The infamous halftime show that actually spawned the birth of Youtube, MTV attempts to basically recreate their 2001 halftime show, but this time learns for their lesson to have each performer go one at a time instead of all at once. However this whole lineup has got to be one of the most poorly aged lineups (I’ll get to why soon). Starting off with Jessica Simpson who kicks it off by literally doing nothing except to tell the marching band to start playing. Then Janet Jackson comes and plays some mid. She is easily the most boring and pretentious part of the show. She really thought she was Michael Jackson. Then Diddy and Nelly come and rap their songs Hot In Herre and Mo Money Mo problems,but man the rendition of Oh Mickey replacing Mickey with Diddy and Nelly did not age well. Still they were easily the second most entertaining part of the show. The most entertaining going to Kid Rock when he sang Bawitdaba. Whoever is the camera man deserves a raise for changing the camera to show all the white frat boys having the time of their lives. The Janet Jackson returns to play some more mid. But then Justin Timberlake, this time without the NSYNC crew comes and performs Rock Your Body which is all fine until thee moment happens. The one that sent Janet Jackson's career down the drain. And I mean props to Justin for doing the world a favor. At the end of the song Justin reaches for Janet and somehow, someway, pulls off her top on her right boob, exposing the whole world on live tv. Now that, combined with Diddy being a convicted sex offender, and Kid Rock now headlining the Turning Point USA rival show to Bad Bunny's 2026 show is really making this the most infamous halftime show. Still despite the disorganization and the lack of cohesion these artists have together it was entertaining even though Outkast would have been a better pick to go with. For all the gooners out their the moment happens at the 12 minute 30 second mark

11. Super Bowl 2005 Ameriquest Mortgage: Paul McCartney

Once again, copying the likes of 2001 to 2002, after a really crowded and chaotic halftime show the following year has just a solo headliner. And this is where it starts to stick. Paul McCartney heading the show was a safe choice after 2004’s and with it comes a safe show. Paul performs Drive My Car and Get Back in the first half and while he plays very well and they aren't bad songs in themselves, it lowkey comes off as boring and out of touch as previous shows had spectacle to it. Thankfully though he’s able to bring it back during the 2nd half with Live and Let Die with the firework show but also getting the entire crowd to sing Hey Jude. Overall not a bad show but it just comes off as average.

10. Super Bowl 2017 Pepsi Zero Sugar: Lady Gaga

I think this is the first halftime show besides 2010s The Who that has left me with questions despite it being a show for personal entertainment. First of all, why is it Pepsi Zero Sugar? Its like the meme of Obama giving the medal to himself, that's how Pepsi handed over the halftime show to Zero Sugar. Second, is this what has led to the belief that the Super Bowl and its halftime show represents America? I mean the Super Bowl is opened with the Star Spangled Banner and past halftime performers have said God bless America. But never has a halftime show really had much patriot symbolism like this show had, with her opening with God Bless America and This Land Is Your Land and there being so much red, white and blue scattered throughout the show. Outside of these questions Lady Gaga did do a good show with my favorite moment being Just Dance. But I will say I think she could have done better with the length of some songs and the configuration of the order. Some critiques I do have for the show is mostly with the middle part (the slowness of the song and the hugging kinda confused me), her choreography sometimes getting in the way with the songs (like the bungee cord at the beginning and the dancing in Bad Romance) and also her sudden entrance and exit (with her jumping off the stage). Otherwise it was a good show, but I do believe it could have been better.

9. Super Bowl 2013 Pepsi: Beyonce with Destiny's Child

Good show. While it leans a little bit to much on its sexual moments, Beyonce put on a very good show. Most of her songs had me vibin along, like Halo, and Single Ladies. Even the songs I didn't know by her were good choices as they were fast and upbeat and kept me entertained. I also like how she brought up Destiny's Child too as they were the group that helped her be the mega star she is today. Also very good set pieces and good theatricals that weren't too grand and glamorous but also weren't plain and simple.

8. Super Bowl 2023 Apple Music: Rihanna

Good show for Apple Music’s first. But a bit strange isn't it? I mean why did they pick Rihanna while she’s pregnant. And why did she agree with it? Still, once you get past her being pregnant, the show was good. Rihanna was able to add her signature flair and she’s actually, and I feel like I can say this confidently, one of the few rare female artists that have performed and not sexualized herself for the crowd. Now the baby might have been helping out with that but I felt like it helped elevate the show when I could finally focus on a female artist's music and not them twerking the entire time. Work, Bitch Better Have My Money, Diamonds and Only Girl In The World were great picks. But the audacity to play All Of The Lights and not bring out Kanye West. Tragic. No, her rendition was good because her chorus on the song is the iconic part. Overall a good show and I wont dock her for being pregnant.

7. Super Bowl 2009 Bridgestone: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Wow, I am impressed. I don't really know Bruce Springsteen outside of Born In The USA (which i’m surprised he didn't play) but Bruce genuinely put on a good show. It was actually genuinely entertaining! With his stage presence and the utilization of the band and the choir and fireworks the show was amazing even though I barely knew his songs. Normally when someone you don't know that well performs you tend to be bored or don't even bother watching it, but after this I am thoroughly impressed. Great jokes, great spectacle, definitely one of Bridgestones best halftime shows.

6. Super Bowl 2001 MTV and E-Trade: Aerosmith and NSYNC with Britney Spears, Mary J Blige and Nelly. Intro by Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Chris Rock

The definition of 2000’s chaos. Only MTV could put both Aerosmith and NSYNC in the same show and have them finish each other's songs. Not to mention how hectic the show is, having 2 big supergroups having to share the stage. Yeah both on their own were entertaining like NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye and It’s Gonna Be Me (even if the mic lowkey did them dirty) and despite not knowing any of the Aerosmith songs (besides Walk This Way which I’ll get to soon) they were very entertaining and had good stage presence. But man Walk This Way was something else man. I mean not only having both groups sing it at the same time but also bringing up Britney Spears to try and derail the song and Nelly to spit a freestyle that's not even in the song. It's just so funny watching them do it all on a tiny stage. But still it was a good performance from both and the pre-recorded intro of Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Chris Rock was funny too.

5. Super Bowl 2016 Pepsi: Coldplay with Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson

Wow what a trip. Coldplay definitely took us back, with not only bringing up previous halftime showstoppers Bruno Mars and Beyonce but also replaying old clips of previous shows such as Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones etc was cool and added to the nostalgia factor. Outside of that their hits of Viva La Vida and Adventure Of A Lifetime were great (along with their other songs of course). My only critique of the show to be honest is that there wasn't a lot of Coldplay identity in the show, and I felt it had to rely a lot on not only Bruno Mars and Beyonce but the unexpected montage of previous halftime shows. Now don't get me wrong, those aren't bad things and they added a lot to the show. But it inadvertently took away in my opinion Coldplay being the headliners of the show. Still though great show overall and W tribute.

4. Super Bowl 2007 Pepsi: Prince

I mean after having Michael Jackson, who else but years later to have his rival perform. Prince absolutely nailed what a halftime show should be. No overbloat of spectacle. No crowded lineups. No boring old rock songs. Just playing the hits. Ok there is some irony in my last statement considering that he actually played 3 of his songs, with All Along The Watchtower being Jimi Henrix/Bob Dylan, We Will Rock You being Queen and Best Of You being Foo Fighters, but still he put on an exciting show, especially with Purple Rain. Yeah really I dont have much to say other than Prince nailed this for the first Pepsi halftime show.

3. Super Bowl 2014 Pepsi: Bruno Mars with Red Hot Chili Peppers

Impeccable performance right here. I wanna say textbook definition but I feel like I might of already said that a couple of times to other shows. But man this show has literally everything. It has the bangers, the hype, the ENERGY. Seriously probably the most danceable halftime show ever. Not only for Brunos own songs, with songs like Treasure, Runaway Baby and Locked Out of Heaven, but when he brought on the Red Hot Chili Peppers man that elevated things to the next level. Like seriously the hype was off the charts, with everyone in the crowd going crazy as the Chili peppers rocked out. And Just The Way You Are was the perfect way to close out his set. Amazing show and I wish I was conscious enough to be able to watch this when it was 2014.

2. Super Bowl 2002 Clear Channel Entertainment and E-Trade: U2 as tribute to those killed in 9/11

Probably the most emotional halftime show performance ever. U2 was such a good pick and I can't stress that enough. After 9/11 with America hurting and lost without any direction they did the right choice picking U2. With their intro of Beautiful Day, the closing of Where The Streets Have No Name and the respectful tribute and display of the 9/11 victims names, somehow a halftime show performance actually filled me with awe. Easily the best performance of the 2000’s and this is without watching the rest of them at the time I’m writing this.

1. Super Bowl 2022 Pepsi: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary. J Blige, Kendrick Lamar with 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak

My personal favorite. See I don't know how I’m supposed to rank all these shows when this exists right here. It was literally perfect. This performance was like The Avengers assembling. I’m so glad Dre brought on everyone that he mentored because without him we wouldn't have ever gotten any of these people. And everyone sang their bangers! Next Episode, In Da Club, Lose Yourself, Alright, California Love and Still Dre. Just straight excitement and headbanging from me the entire time. The set piece was creative too with it being one big house and with the artists performing on different parts of it. If I had to give one critique at all it would be Mary J. Blige since I don't know her. But really it didn't matter because Kendrick and Eminem swept everyone away after her performance. Pepsi’s best even if it had to be their final for them to finally get it right. I know I'm supposed to rank all the shows fairly but at the end of the day, this was always gonna take the cake for number 1. I mean it's hard to top artists I have always liked and known since I was in middle school. Still though, personal bias aside, I do think it is the best show.