10 Best Dave Chappelle Stand-up Comedy Specials Ranked

Dave Chappelle is already a household staple when it comes to comedy, and it is quite possible that everyone already knows him even when one is not really into his genre simply because he is just that great. And of course, let’s face it: Chappelle has been in the industry for quite some time now so it is no longer a surprise that the majority of adult viewers know him.

But for those who do not know him, one question stands: Are you living under a rock?

Kidding aside, let us get to know who Dave Chappelle is.

The 48-year-old is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He is most famously known for Chappelle’s Show which ran from 2003 to 2006. Aside from his show, he also took part in some movies like Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), The Nutty Professor (1996), and A Star Is Born (2018). He is no ordinary comedian, though, as he is a five-time Emmy Award and three-time Grammy Award winner. He is also a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor recipient.

Now that we have established Chappelle’s credibility as a comedian, it is now time to take a look at his best stand-up comedy specials, ranked from the good to the best ones.

10. Redemption Song

9. The Closer

8. Deep in the Heart of Texas

7. Age of Spin

6. Sticks and Stones

5. The Bird Revelation

4. For What It’s Worth

Year: 2004

Runtime: 1h

In his classic Chappelle style, the comedian takes on R. Kelly’s and Michael Jackson’s controversial careers. He also dabbles on how incomparable San Francisco is (the city where the special was filmed) to Utah. One commendable feat of Chappelle in this special is how he also talked about Utah kidnapping victim Elizabeth Smart and how he was able to dive into that topic in a non-obscene and non-offensive way.

3. 8:46

2. Killin’ Them Softly

Year: 2000

Runtime: 57mKillin’ Them Softly is Chappelle’s first-ever filmed stand-up special released by HBO in 2000, and it was filmed in Lincoln Theater, Washington, DC. The special dabbles on topics such as racism, police brutality, and drug use, while highlighting a somewhat hierarchical structure in society, specifically how men are considered more superior than women and how whites are more privileged than people of color.

1. Equanimity

And there you have it: Dave Chappelle’s 10 best stand-up specials. Make sure to create a list so that you will not miss out on any if you ever do decide to binge-watch all of his specials. But if you have already watched a handful of his comedy specials, which one is your favorite? Did this list match your own preferences? Let us know!