Super Bowl halftime shows are always quite the spectacle and many people prefer them over the actual game. There have been controversies, legendary performances, touching tributes and pretty much anything else you could expect. 

10. Bruno Mars/ Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014)

Bruno Mars was the headliner of this halftime show but the Red Hot Chili Peppers absolutely stole the show, their live renditions of “Give it Away” are always electric, the Chili Peppers always put on an awesome show and this was no exception. 

9. Katy Perry (2015)

Katy Perry started out with her song “Roar” while riding on a giant mechanical tiger, it was quite the show. The most memorable part of her halftime show was the infamous left shark. During Perry’s song “Teenage Dream” the background was beach themed, there were two people in shark costumes, the shark on Perry’s left side was absolutely groovin’, it was a really fun sight to see.

8. Michael Jackson (1993)

The king of pop, Michael Jackson played during the 1993 halftime show and started out with his smash hit “Billie Jean.” In typical fashion, Jackson broke out his famous liquid-smooth dance moves. The most powerful moment during his set was during the song “Heal The World,” where Jackson promoted world peace and accepting everyone through his songs like “Black or White.”  

7. Paul McCartney (2004)

Arguably the most prominent member of one of the best bands of all time, whenever Paul McCartney plays on stage, it is always notable. McCartney played three of his/The Beatles biggest hits, “Let It Be,” “Live And Let Die,” and “Hey Jude.”

6. The Who (2010)

Starting off with their eclectic hit “Pinball Wizard” and then transitioning into the iconic “Baba O’Reilly,” The Who brought the house down with their music and accompanying laser show. Guitarist Pete Townshend broke out his legendary windmill guitar strum, the band continued with “Who Are You” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” 

5. The Rolling Stones (2006)

One of the most renowned bands of all time playing at one of the biggest events of all time, it makes sense right? Mick Jagger was in full form with his charismatic dance moves and the song “Start Me Up” playing at Ford Field in Michigan feels appropriate. 

4. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (2008)

There aren’t many better musical storytellers than Tom Petty, his songs are widely recognizable. His set started out with “American Girl,” and gained steam with “I Won’t Back Down” and “Free Fallin’.”  

3. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (2009)

I am a firm believer that Bruce Springsteen is one of the best live artists of all time and that is very evident in this video. He wields his classic telecaster guitar and belts out his legendary hits, most notably, “Born to Run.” Springsteen was up on stage with his saxophone player Clarence Clemons. 

2. Prince (2007)

Prince delivered an absolute masterpiece with his song “Purple Rain” during his halftime show. He brought out his famous guitar and shredded a crazy solo. No matter where he performed, Prince always put on an incredible show filled with heart and emotion.

1. U2 (2002)

Coming in at the top spot on my top ten halftime show list is U2, they had an extremely touching tribute to the lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attack. A giant banner with the names of people lost was projected on it. The band played an extended rendition of “Where The Streets Have No Name” and at the end of the song, lead singer Bono opened his jacket to show the American flag stitched into it. This video gives me serious chills whenever I watch it.