Top 30 Funniest SNL Dance Sketches

#30: Walton Goggins Monologue

After years spent toiling away as a criminally underappreciated character actor, multiple Emmy nominee Goggins broke out in a huge way in 2025. This was largely due to his acclaimed supporting role on the HBO comedy series The White Lotus. As such, it made all too much sense for the veteran performer to earn his first SNL hosting gig as a result. Tasked with anchoring the shows annual Mothers Day episode, Goggins paid tribute to his mother by recalling the dances they would attend. In a heartwarming moment, Goggins invites his mom up on stage at which point they promptly burn down the house, country style.

#29: Les Jeunes de Paris

This wild, colorful sketch gets off to a markedly unfunny start. Declaring that she wants to travel the world, host Emma Stones character returns Taran Killams wedding ring. But not before he makes one last, dramatically French plea for her to stay. Over three spellbinding, wordless minutes, Killam and Stone twist, tango, and weave their way back into each others arms. And thats complete with Fred Armisen as Napoleon, who officiates their impromptu marriage. Killam, who co-wrote the sketch, shared in a 2011 interview that it was sort of just our exaggerated portrayal of our American interpretation of French youth culture, inspired by the song.

#28: Lollipop

Its the same old story youve heard a hundred times before. After one inadvertently causes the other to spill his drink, two roughneck bikers at a dive bar square up, hoping to resolve the dispute the old-fashioned way. To set the mood, Beck Bennetts character requests his trademark fight song in order to throw hands with Don Cheadle. And, of course, no one is surprised to hear British pop singer Mikas Lollipop? The two mortal enemies cant help but move their feet to the infectious beat, and the testosterone-fest slowly gives way to one of SNLs rowdiest dance parties. At least, until its closing moments, when Bennett finally tackles Cheadle.

#27: Mokiki

Much like Les Jeunes de Paris, SNL fans have Taran Killam and his twisted mind to thank for this well, lets call it, memorable sketch. Over a song that sounds like if Vincent Price tried his hand at reggae, Kenan Thompson delivers the bizarre, spoken-word story of Mokiki, a fictitious New York City urban legend-slash-cryptid. Thompson notes that Mokikis origins are appropriately shrouded in mystery, but his signature move, the Sloppy Swish, is indisputably hypnotizing. According to Killam himself, the Sloppy Swish derives from an actual dance that he came up with while in college. We can only imagine what his friends must have been put through

#26: Space Pants

Emmy winner Peter Dinklage just seems to carry an air of gravitas, no matter what role hes taken on. And thats no less true than in this beautifully baffling season 41 sketch. Bobby Moynihan and Beck Bennetts mobsters bring Pete Davidson and Jon Rudnitsky to a fancy restaurant, confronting them for a number of defaulted loans. While Davidson and Rudnitsky attempt to plead for more time (and their lives), Dinklages Jonathan Comets rather noticeably takes the stage. As Moynihan and Bennett attempt to shake the two beleaguered pals down, Comets performance becomes increasingly immersive including a cameo from Gwen Stefani. We hope Pete and Jon wrote Comets a thank-you note for saving their lives!

#25: The Creep

To paraphrase Bill Haders beloved Stefon, this sketch has everything: the Lonely Island, John Waters, pencil mustaches, voyeurism, and of course, Nicki Minaj. In this cut off of the comedy trios debut album Incredibad, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone rap about a new, particularly unsettling dance craze that theyve come up with. Paying tribute to filmmaker Waters famous look and directorial output, the Lonely Island regale a disgusted audience with tales of peeping that will give chills (and not in a good way). Unsurprisingly, Minaj proves a perfect match for the trios sensibilities, committing to the bit so impressively that she almost makes the Creep look good. Almost.

#24: Domingo

In a viral sketch that blew the Internet wide open in late 2024, the magic that Matt and Kelseys wedding captured was lightning in a bottle. At a painfully typical wedding reception, Kelseys bridesmaids (including host Ariana Grande) take things in a totally different direction. What starts off as an innocent, if off-key, parody of Sabrina Carpenters inescapable Espresso turns into a shockingly juicy story of infidelity much to groom Matts chagrin, as hes hearing all of this for the first time. Seeing as were highlighting dance sketches, we couldnt pass up the chance to call attention to the bridesmaids endearingly uncoordinated moves.

#23: Omeletteville

There was a time when Justin Timberlake was considered the SNL host to end all SNL hosts, onboard with pretty much anything and never failing to bring anything less than his A-game. While Timberlakes reputation took several lasting hits during the 2020s, looking back to his classic SNL appearances will remind you of his initial appeal all over again. Take, for instance, the first instalment of the recurring Mascots sketches, in which Timberlakes soulful vocals and groovy moves decisively stole the show. Even while dressed as a giant omelette, Timberlake proves that, at least at one point, he was the consummate showman.

#22: Church Lady

Admittedly, this ones a bit of a cheat. But, given that fan demand to see this sketch listed was strong, who are we to deny them? One of Dana Carveys most famous characters during his tenure at SNL, the Church Lady was perhaps best known for admonishing celebrities whose behavior she disapproved of. However, that wasnt her only defining trait: the other would be her trademark Superior Dance, which looked like a combination of the Chicken Dance and Steve Martins famous King Tut. Possibly the most iconic Superior Dance appearance was during The Wonder Years Fred Savages 1990 hosting gig, in which the child star nearly outshone the actual Church Lady. Sounds like it could only be the work of none other than Satan?!

#21: 3-Way (The Golden Rule)

When it comes to Justin Timberlake and Andy Sambergs loveably randy bozos, we were tempted to go with their first outing You-know-what in a box. Ultimately, we decided to go with their third and most recent hit, the scarily catchy 3-Way. In perhaps the fullest realization of their unmistakably 90s aesthetic to date, Timberlake and Samberg bop around New York looking like theyve just stepped off the set of a Biz Markie video. Bonus points for the duos chemistry with featured guest Lady Gaga, whose hilariously chaste dance moves give way to a beautifully cringey technique that well just say evokes helicopter blades.

#20: Late Night Battle

In this 2018 sketch, host Awkwafina took the opportunity to show off her dance moves. She plays a member of a dance crew who meets for a dance-off against a rival crew. When its her team's turn to show them up, their choice of music is surprising. Using the Price is Right theme song, the sketch receives an uproarious laugh from the studio audience, which is amplified by the choreography. The scene ends with musical guest Travis Scott serving up his own moves along to the Jeopardy! theme, making this sketch a definite winner.

#19: What Up With That?

If you have tuned in to the first season of Ted Lasso, you know that SNL alumni Jason Sudeikis is an expert at doing the running man. Before he co-created the series, he perfected the dance on Live in the recurring sketch: What Up With That?. The skit is set up as a BET talk show hosted by Diondre Cole, aka Kenan Thompson, whos a little obsessed with his own theme song. In the background, Jason can be seen doing the dance that was popularized in the 1980s and created by MC Hammer. Theres a lot going on in the sketch but in the midst of the chaos, Sudeikis moves stand out.

#18: Peyton Manning Locker Room

For sports fans, Peyton Manning is a god amongst men. The athletic titan has achieved greatness on the field and when he came to host Saturday Night Live, he also proved himself worthy of comedy gold. During one of the nights best sketches, Peyton plays a basketball captain whose team is down in the dumps after a disastrous first half. His coach, Will Forte, does everything he can to pep up his team including getting them up on their feet to dance. Fortes ridiculous moves cause his co-stars to break character. Eventually, the former Denver Broncos player joins in on the fun, making this sketch a certified touchdown.

#17: Halloween Party

In 2014, radio stations were blasting Sias hit Chandelier on repeat. The popular tune ended up finding its way to SNL in a sketch that mashed up the music videos signature bodysuit, angular dance moves, and the Halloween season. Starring host Jim Carrey and player Kate McKinnon, the two have a dance-off when both of them attend a work party dressed in costume as the girl from the music video. Both experts of physical comedy dance their way into the live studio audience and even Lorne Michaels cant help but get in on the action.

#16: Jillian Chizz Helps Students Find Their Fosse

Before she assumed hosting SNL duties, Christina Applegate was learning how to master the Fosse technique during her run in the 2005 revival of Broadways Sweet Charity. Years later in 2012, she used her skills in Studio 8H. Playing a dance teacher by the name of Jillian Chizz, she teaches a class on the legendary choreographers challenging moves. However, she uses some interesting terminology such as ka-konks and zuh-zaz much to the bewilderment of her students. It's a fun sketch, especially for any theatre lovers who will appreciate all the musical theatre references.

#15: Black Swan

In early 2011, one of the most topical films of the moment was Darren Aronofskys psychological thriller, Black Swan. The future Academy Award-winning film is a deep dive into the dark side of the ballet industry and SNL doesnt hold back from having some fun with that. Featuring host Jim Carrey as Mila Kunis character Lily, aka the Black Swan, the comedian takes all the elegance of ballet and turns it upside down. The contrast evokes some hilarious results and showcases Carreys signature physical comedy style which is a crowd pleaser.

#14: Ann-Margret

Following the success of a 2012 bit, Kristen Wiig revisited the same premise a year later with this sketch. Playing 60s screen icon, Ann Margaret, Wiig shimmies and flails around in the retro-inspired skit. Co-starring host Ed Helms, her long-lasting attempt at disposing of the garbage is side-splitting and some of Kristens best physical comedy. While its super niche, the concept works well and although it might not live up to the same popularity of its predecessor, the scene holds its own.

#13: James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub Party

As one of SNLs most legendary cast members, Eddie Murphy became well known for his spot-on impressions. He covered everyone from Stevie Wonder to Mr. T, but perhaps his best impersonation was James Brown. In James Browns Celebrity Hot Tub Party, Murphy plays up the Godfather of Souls iconic dance moves. More focused on his choreography than actually getting into the tub, this sketch is peak physical comedy. Plus, we cant help but suspect that a later sketch featuring Kristen Wiig was inspired by this memorable moment.

#12: King Tut

Arguably Steve Martins most famous Saturday Night Live performance, King Tuts success didnt end after cameras stopped rolling. The song actually reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making the whole sketch quite a sensation. Composed by Martin himself, the song parodies the Egyptian pharaohs popular roving exhibit that toured the USA in the late 70s. Throughout the sketch, Steve dances and sings his way through the funk-inspired number. In recent years, the performance has come under fire and even sparked a protest at a college in Portland, Oregon for cultural appropriation. Nevertheless, audiences went wild for the sketch at the time, and it remains unforgettable.

#11: Blues Brothers: Soul Man

Conceived by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, The Blues Brothers got their start when they made their on-screen debut in 1978. During a performance with Art Garfunkel, the comedians dressed in their now infamous suit and tie combos and accompanied Garfunkel and his band. The shtick paid off and before they knew it, they were musical guests themselves. Performing the song Soul Man, which would go on to become a chart-topper, they move and groove to the bluesy sax and harmonica-driven track. Not only is it a great moment, but it goes down as one of the most famous acts in SNLs history.

#10: Cha Cha Slide

In 2019, ex-SNL writer and returning host John Mulaney got an opportunity to show off his dancing skills in this sketch, along with cast member, Ego Nwodim. The two play a couple attending a wedding and Mulaney is riddled with nerves about meeting his girlfriend's family. Shaking off his worries on the dancefloor, the pair partakes in the wedding staple of dancing to DJ Caspers 2000 hit Cha Cha Slide, but this time, it features a bunch of new moves. Turns out this plus one knows everyone better than he thought and proves to be a pretty good dancer, too.

#9: Cobras & Panthers

Its been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery and if thats true, then this sketch is one heck of a compliment. Parodying music theatre legend Stephen Sondheims masterpiece, West Side Story, this sketch features host Robert Downey Jr. and a gang of singing and dancing gang members à la Sharks and the Jets. The choreography features West Side's signature snap and ballet inspired moves made famous by Jerome Robbins. The sketch is a funny and lighthearted poke at not only the musical but also the entire musical genre for its spontaneous nature of breaking into song and dance.

#8: Dancing in the Dark

When it comes to comedy, sometimes the most simple idea is the most effective. During this skit, Steve Martin and Gilda Radner play googly-eyed strangers who meet each others gaze in the middle of a crowded restaurant. The lights dim and time stops as they begin to dance across the famous 8H studio and around the live audience. Theyre not the most graceful or skilled dancers, but its their commitment to playing it straight while simultaneously looking absolutely ridiculous that makes this sketch comedy gold.

#7: Single Ladies

In 2008, Beyoncés Single Ladies took the world by storm. Not only did the song, music video and signature choreography become a sensation, but so did this sketch. Featuring Queen Bee herself, Justin Timberlake and cast members Andy Samberg and Bobby Moynihan, the scene asks: what if these guys were her backup dancers? Outfitted in the famous black leotards and heels, the guys put their own spin on the dance - which is less than stellar. However, when it comes to comedy, the badder the better, making this dance absolute perfection.

#6: The Spartan Cheerleaders

Its hard to name a more dynamic duo than cheerleading hopefuls, Craig and Arianna. These characters, created and performed by Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri, are full of school spirit, high kicks and a willing attitude in their recurring sketches. The Practice one sees them sneaking into the gym to rehearse for tryouts, where they pull out all of their best moves. Unfortunately, for this pair, their enthusiasm gets the better of them. Between their ridiculous chants and messy high kicks, their dreams of joining the Spartan cheerleading squad might never come true, but their commitment and dedication are certainly admirable.

#5: The Roxbury Guys

Inviting viewers into a 90s club, Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell offer up two of the most memorable characters of their era on SNL. Known as The Roxbury Guys, theyre two club dwellers who can't dance, cant flirt and have zero game, often joined by a third person. When that person is host Jim Carrey, the trio bounce around from party to party, bobbing and bouncing along to Haddaways What Is Love. The recurring sketch became such a hit that it successfully head bobbed its way right to the big screen when the characters received a big screen adaptation in 1998s A Night at the Roxbury.

#4: Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins)

In 2016, Saturday Night Live introduced viewers to one of its most talked about characters of all time. Featuring host Tom Hanks, this sketch starts off with a couple visiting a haunted attraction. There, they are introduced to David S. Pumpkins, a man dressed head-to-toe in a Jack-o-lantern patterned suit, accompanied by two dancing skeletons. The sketch, from the costumes to the dancing, is truly bizarre and even the characters themselves cant quite figure out what is happening. Despite all this, the character became so popular he even received his own animated special a year later.

#3: Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp

National treasure, Liza Minnelli, is a triple threat. She can do it all: sing, dance and act - but can she turn off a lamp? It's a question for the ages and thanks to SNL, we have an answer. Starring Kristen Wigg and Jonah Hill, in this sketch they play Minnelli and her unnamed friend as they prepare to leave her apartment to watch the opening night of the Broadway musical, Cats. Before they go, Liza has to turn off a lamp, but instead turns the simple task into a dance. Wigg makes a meal out of her Fosse-inspired gestures and earns every laugh in what has to be one of her funniest moments on the series.

#2: Lunch Lady Land

As an SNL cast member, Adam Sandler gained notoriety for his original musical comedy. Armed with his guitar, Sandler blessed viewers with this song told through the perspective of a high school lunch lady. The unsung hero, played by fellow cast member Chris Farley, dazzles with his graceful turns, spins and commitment to the sketch. The two are even joined onstage by a cast of foods like garlic bread and a Sloppy Joe sandwich. From the get-go, Farley goes the extra mile to try and make Sandler laugh, which he successfully pulls off several times throughout the performance. What makes this sketch stand out is that not only is it hilarious, but also a special moment between two friends.

#1: Chippendales Audition

In this sketch, Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley play aspiring Chippendale dancers who make it to the final round of auditions. Both Swazye and Farley are totally committed to the outrageous choreography that includes lots of thrusting, jumps and even The Worm. In the 21st century, the sketch from 1990 has received criticism for its portrayal of body image. It's an important reflection, especially considering that the sketch still continues to gain a lot of attention today. Farleys athleticism, energy and fuel are the driving forces of the piece and prove that no matter how much time passes, hell always be one of the best and brightest in the history of the show.

Which SNL sketch on our list got you kicking and stretching? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!