Ranking my favorite Super Bowl halftime shows

I enjoy the Super Bowl—not necessarily the game itself, but the commercials, the camaraderie of the watch party, and, of course, the snacks. One of the most talked about aspects every year is the halftime show; this year was no different, starring Kendrick Lamar and featuring Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, Serena Williams and Mustard.

While it wasn’t my favorite performance, the song selections, choreography and Lamar’s and SZA’s stage presence were entertaining. The symbolism was striking and thought-provoking.

I saw a lot of mixed reactions, with some viewers struggling to understand Lamar’s lyrics, something I get. Rap is undeniably a popular genre, but it doesn’t resonate with everyone.

I enjoyed the show and don’t think it deserved as much backlash. That said, there are halftime performances I loved even more. So, I decided to revisit and rank my favorites.

5. Lady Gaga (Super Bowl LI, 2017) 

I knew right away when she jumped off the roof that this would be unforgettable. Not only did she make an entrance, but she kept the energy high through her entire set, touching on debut hits and throwing in more recent hits at the time, like “Born This Way” and “Million Reasons.” 

By the time she closed with “Bad Romance,” I was out of my seat dancing and singing along. The only thing that would have made it even better was if Beyoncé joined her for “Telephone.”

4. Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars (Super Bowl 50, 2016)

Speaking of Beyoncé, she joined Coldplay and Bruno Mars for an amazing show a year earlier. I thought the stage design was stunning, with swirls of colors underneath the band. I loved the orchestra and marching band that performed alongside and thought it brought a cinematic flair to the show.

Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars looked like they were having the time of their lives on stage, and I had just as much fun watching. I’m a huge fan of Coldplay, and I loved seeing the NFL spotlight an alternative act. I also loved the tributes to past halftime shows during “Fix You.” That part gave me chills. 

Also on an unrelated but equally important note, my favorite team, the Denver Broncos, won that night, so I thoroughly enjoyed the whole game.

3. Paul McCartney (Super Bowl XXXIX, 2005)

This is a halftime show that has stuck with me—and I’m sure my dad feels the same. While it wasn’t the flashiest performance, the nostalgia factor more than made up for it.

McCartney’s setlist was a perfect balance of Beatles classics like “Get Back” and “Drive My Car,” alongside Wings’ “Live and Let Die,” showcasing his legendary talent while tapping into nostalgia. Ending with “Hey Jude” was a brilliant choice. Hearing the crowd belt out the iconic hook gave me chills, and of course, I was singing right along.

2. The Weeknd (Super Bowl LV, 2021)

Next up is a performance that I feel doesn’t get enough recognition. The Weeknd proved his star power by carrying the entire set without relying on guest appearances—much like Lady Gaga, another pop powerhouse. Despite going solo, he delivered a visually stunning and engaging show.

I especially loved “Earned It,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and, of course, the “Blinding Lights” finale. The Weeknd described his goal as “dialing in on the fans at home and making performances a cinematic experience,” and he achieved that. The artsy, avant-garde approach was a refreshing departure from the typical halftime spectacle. I also appreciated how hands-on he was in shaping the show—he contributed $7 million of his own money to bring his vision to life.

1. Prince (Super Bowl XLI, 2007) 

Prince’s halftime show is often hailed as the greatest of all time, and I couldn’t agree more.

Standing on his iconic symbol-shaped stage, Prince delivered an unforgettable show—a perfect blend of showmanship and raw talent. His song choices were a mix of his classics “Let’s Go Crazy” and “1999,” along with unexpected, but brilliant covers of “Proud Mary,” “All Along The Watchtower” and “Best of You.”

And then… the rain. The performance was already incredible, but when the skies opened up during Purple Rain, it transcended into something legendary. When he asked the crowd, “Can I play this guitar?” I practically shouted, “YES!” The moment the screen rose during the song’s soaring guitar solo, I was completely enthralled.

To this day, it’s the only halftime show that has actually brought a tear to my eye. It was just that beautiful.

The halftime show is always one of my favorite parts of the big game, and I think each one brings something fun and unique to the table. Some may spark debate, some fade into obscurity, but only a few become truly legendary.

So, what’s your favorite Super Bowl halftime show?