There is no question that Andy Samberg is one of the funniest actors working in Hollywood. He has a physicality and personality that is completely unique to him. At the same time, he is a very creative and gifted writer who has delivered great content over the years. In his rise to fame on Saturday Night Live, Samberg delivered many digital shorts that were beloved by fans. At the same time, his filmmaking team, The Lonely Island, has created several legendary internet short films and music videos. Most recently, Samberg really showed his acting chops in the critically acclaimed film Palm Springs.



Samberg was born in Berkeley, California and became very interested in writing during high school. Eventually, Samberg attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Upon graduation, Samberg frequently made comedy shorts with his collaborators, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. His videos grew and popularity and Samberg eventually was cast on Saturday Night Live. Since then, Samberg has become a prominent comedy writer/actor in show business. Let’s look at his best performances, ranked.

7 I Love You, Man

John Hamburg wrote and directed the hilarious film I Love You, Man, which explores the complicated dynamics of male friendship. The story follows Peter (Paul Rudd) who is desperate to make new male friends. Samberg plays Peter’s gay and confident brother who helps him along the way. In particular, Samberg has some great moments with his best friend/father played by J.K. Simmons. Although Samberg is a supporting character, he delivers several funny lines. He was a great addition to this classic comedy.

Related: Paul Rudd’s Best Movies from the 90s, Ranked

6 Celeste and Jesse Forever

Celeste and Jesse Forever follows a long-term relationship that comes to an end. Celeste (Rashida Jones) and Jesse (Samberg) are best friends who try to maintain their friendship after their divorce. Throughout the film, Samberg delivers comedic moments, but we also get to see him take on a more dramatic role. He is highly believable as a recently divorced man navigating the complicated dating world. At the same time, his chemistry with Jones was top-notch.

5 Hot Rod

Hot Rod is a total encapsulation of the comedy of Andy Samberg. It is goofy, stylistic, and features music and unique editing. Samberg plays a struggling stuntman who is desperate to save his step-father’s life with an epic fundraising stunt. Samberg’s line delivery is great from beginning to end, and he totally owned the character. At the same time, he has great chemistry with the rest of the cast including Bill Hader, Isla Fisher, and Jorma Taccone.

4 Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live brought Samberg into the spotlight, and he was a solid cast member during his tenure. He was also a writer and appeared in many SNL Digital Shorts. He delivered many music videos that are still talked about today including Lazy Sunday and I’m On A Boat. At the same time, Samberg did try his hand at celebrity impressions, including Nicolas Cage and Mark Wahlberg. Samberg worked very well with the other cast members of the time, including Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis.

Related: SNL: Top 10 Most Prolific Alumni

3 Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In the beloved comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Samberg plays a hilarious police detective named Jake Peralta. Samberg’s personality and demeanor works perfectly for the laid back, yet talented, detective. At the same time, he clicks very well with the rest of the cast including Sephanie Beatriz and Terry Crews. Samberg went on to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. The show takes the world of law enforcement and brilliantly gives it a comedic twist.

2 Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a hilarious mockumentary that sheds comedic light on the world of fame and music. Samberg wrote, produced, and stars in the film, and you can see his classic comedy from beginning to end. The film follows the ups and downs of the career of musician Conner Friel (Samberg). Samberg does so much with his character and delivers several classic lines. His character is arrogant and very determined, while also being very ignorant about how the world works. The movie is extremely funny from beginning to end.

1 Palm Springs

Andy Samberg absolutely shines in the sci-fi comedy Palm Springs, from start to finish. He plays a tragic, care-free character who has been stuck in a time-loop, having to repeat the same day over and over again. Eventually, he is joined by a struggling, selfish young woman named Sarah (Cristin Milioti). Samberg and Milioti worked very well together and were totally believable as two people destined for each other. Samberg delivers some very zaney drunk and intoxicated moments, as well as some more heartfelt speeches as well. The film is an original and hilarious take on the time-loop concept, and boasts a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.