Top 10 SNL Line Deliveries That Made the Sketch Iconic

These sketches became famous mainly because Kate McKinnon needed little effort to break everyone—especially Ryan Gosling. The moment she opens her mouth, the whole tone shifts. While her scene partners share these dreamy, otherworldly alien experiences, She brings us crashing right back down to earth with her very different tales. She delivers every line with a perfect balance of disbelief and eerie calm, almost as if she’s describing a stroll in the park. But what really makes these sketches brilliant is how she physically throws herself into her strange stories—never missing a beat. Her commitment is so on point that it seems almost too easy to crack up the others.

Sometimes, a sketch is so wild you can't help but wish you'd been a fly on the wall behind the scenes. Adam Driver's delivery as Abraham H. Parnassus, the oil baron, is one of those moments. He fully delves into the absurdity of the character while grounding it with real weight. He delivers his lines with such serious commitment, especially with phrases like “Look at your father, boy!” and “CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES!” that we're still quoting them to this day. The humor may be dark and a little uncomfortable, but also totally unforgettable. Just when we thought it couldn’t get more unhinged, Driver pulls out the visual aid, and suddenly, a legend is born.

Darrell Hammond’s Sean Connery has got to be one of the most memorable characters from recent “SNL” history. He is totally outrageous and crass! No filter, constantly says something offensive, and turns every conversation with Will Ferrell’s Alex Trebek into a full-blown roast. It’s not just about his crude jokes or funny reading mix-ups, though. Hammond’s Connery is so full of confidence that it makes everything feel hilariously chaotic. He’s practically overflowing with cockiness! Pairing that with Ferrell’s frustrated Trebek makes it even better. Plus, when you throw in Norm Macdonald’s Burt Reynolds, you get pure comedy gold every time. Talk about a powerhouse of a trio!

“Weekend Update” has always been a goldmine for some of “SNL’s” most iconic and quotable moments. We could’ve picked John Belushi’s catchphrase, “But Nooooo” we’re going with something else. Emily Litella, played by Gilda Radner, would pop in to share her take on a news story. She’d get super passionate about an issue, but there’s just one problem: it turns out that she’d completely misread it. That’s when the Update host would step in to set her straight. While few of us like to admit when we’re wrong, Emily’s typical sweet retractions made swallowing that bitter pill just that little bit easier for the rest of us.

You know a character is iconic when it reportedly helped popularize the term to describe people who bring down the mood. While Rachel Dratch played the character multiple times, her first appearance stands out the most. After all, what better place to introduce the most miserable person on Earth than at the happiest place on Earth? Debbie’s lines are delivered with the driest, most deadpan expression as if she’s completely unaware of how uncomfortable she’s making everyone around her. She’ll chime in with the most depressing, doom-and-gloom statements, often at the worst possible moments. The extreme close-ups and the “wah-wahs” make it even funnier. It’s a miracle she didn’t break her co-stars more often!

This sketch has everything. Stefon was “Weekend Update’s” go-to “City Correspondent,” whose ideas for fun things to do in New York usually sounded like something out of a fever dream. The character had many quirks, from how he'd start his responses to his colorful descriptions. Bill Hader, who played Stefon, was pretty much known for almost always breaking character, usually because writer John Mulaney would sneak in last-minute changes to the script to catch him off guard. Hader would often cover his face to hide his laughter, though that didn’t always work out. It’s no surprise he became a fan favorite; audiences always love it when he makes a comeback.

The “Wayne’s World” sketches became a breakout “SNL” bit, spurring two movies, releasing merch, and topping the list on “Saturday Night Live: 101 Most Unforgettable Moments.” It also gave us some memorable lines that we still incorporate into everyday conversation. In the presence of an idol? Drop to your knees and declare, “We’re not worthy.” Celebrating a win? Why not throw out a “Schwing.” However, we’d say one of their best catchphrases was “Party on.” The delivery is almost effortlessly cool yet completely dorky, but it works for practically every occasion. Are you even a “Wayne’s World” fan if you don’t greet your buddies with your best Wayne or Garth-style “Party on!”?

“Two Wild and Crazy Guys” was golden in the late ‘70s, with Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd playing the over-the-top, thick-accented and utterly clueless Festrunk Brothers. They strut around in tacky, tight-fitting clothes, convinced that their exaggerated “swinging bachelor” lifestyle is irresistible to American “foxes.” What makes the sketch so funny is their absolute confidence despite being totally out of touch. Their delivery is loud, exaggerated, and packed with ridiculous phrases like calling themselves “two wild and crazy guys!” with big, theatrical gestures. They mangle American slang, miss social cues, and assume they’re the life of the party—even when everyone else is baffled by them.

Matt Foley is probably everything you wouldn’t want in a motivational speaker, but somehow, he gets the job done in his own bizarre way! With his loud voice and over-the-top movements, every line hits hard. He loves to share stories from his own life, urging everyone to learn from his mistakes so they don’t end up living, where, remind us? This impression is about more than just his voice; it’s a wild performance filled with dramatic gestures, and he often crashes through furniture for effect. And if you think about challenging Matt, be prepared for one big “Ladifrickinda.” Chris Farley really threw in everything, including the kitchen sink (well, if he hadn’t crashed into it first).

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

She May Not Have Been Talking to Us, but Church Lady’s Delivery Made Us Feel Judged

No One Can Resist a Schweddy Ball!

The Airline Staff’s Smarmy, Dismissive Tone Is the Defining Aspect of This Sketch

The Most Relatable Level of Hanger

We’ve Got a Fever & the Only Cure Is…

Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression has to be one of the best ever—and no, not just because of their uncanny likeness. The real Palin's, uh, interesting public appearances basically handed “SNL” writers material on a silver platter. But perhaps the most unforgettable moment isn't a direct quote—at least, we hope not. Fey's Palin and Amy Poehler's Hillary Clinton come together over the one thing they can actually agree on: sexism in politics. Poehler's Clinton stays composed, trying to make her points, while Palin is…there, too. And when Clinton lays out her thoughts on foreign diplomacy, Palin chimes in with her take on foreign affairs. It's so earnest, so unexpected, and somehow exactly what you'd expect.

Which “SNL” quote made the sketch for you? Let us know in the comments