Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a powerhouse of American comedy since its debut in 1975. Known for its sharp satire, over-the-top humor, and unforgettable sketches, the show has shaped generations of comedians and pop culture moments. For many fans, the 1990s was a golden era for SNL, producing some of the most legendary sketches, hilarious hosts, and comedic performances that still make us laugh today.

Let’s take a nostalgic look at the 10 funniest SNL episodes from the ‘90s, ranking them based on their most memorable moments, cast performances, and cultural impact.

Tom Hanks and His Out-of-Body Experience (Season 15, Episode 13)

Kicking off the list is a classic episode featuring Tom Hanks, who delivers a surreal and hilarious monologue where he experiences an out-of-body moment. As he prepares to greet the audience, he suddenly finds himself floating above the stage, watching his own performance from a ghostly perspective. The bizarre yet comedic moment is heightened by Hanks’ ability to poke fun at himself.

The episode also includes a hilarious sketch featuring Donald Trump and his then-wife Ivana arguing over their prenup, a scene that feels even funnier in hindsight given Trump’s future rise in politics.

Jim Carrey’s Wild SNL Debut (Season 21, Episode 20)

By the mid-‘90s, Jim Carrey was already a Hollywood sensation, known for his high-energy, rubber-faced performances. His SNL appearance was nothing short of electric. From an animated monologue where he jokes with director Adam McKay to his off-the-wall characters, Carrey fully committed to every sketch.

A standout moment was his parody of Bill Clinton, where he dramatically announces he’s stepping down to focus on his campaign. The absurdity of the sketch, coupled with Carrey’s wild physical comedy, made this episode unforgettable.

James Stockdale’s Debate Disaster (Season 18, Episode 4)

This episode features one of SNL’s best political parodies, poking fun at James Stockdale’s infamous vice-presidential debate blunder from the 1992 election. The sketch hilariously reenacts his now-iconic moment where he asks, “Who am I? Why am I here?” while looking completely bewildered.

Adding to the episode’s legendary status is Christopher Walken’s appearance in the famous “More Cowbell” sketch, which became one of the most quoted moments in SNL history.

Alec Baldwin as the Overconfident French Teacher (Season 18, Episode 13)

Alec Baldwin is no stranger to SNL, and this episode shows why he became one of the show’s favorite hosts. In one of the most hilarious sketches, Baldwin plays a pompous French teacher who constantly corrects his students’ pronunciation, even when faced with an actual French-speaking student. His exaggerated accent and arrogance make for one of the best classroom-themed sketches SNL has ever produced.

The episode also features a cameo by Paul McCartney, along with a high-energy performance from Adam Sandler, cementing it as a fan favorite.

Michael Jordan Hosts SNL (Season 17, Episode 1)

When basketball legend Michael Jordan stepped onto the SNL stage, no one expected him to be as funny as he was. Jordan proved he had comedic chops, delivering hilarious sketches that played on his serious on-court demeanor.

One of the best moments was a parody of his own endorsement commercials, where things take an unexpected and bizarre turn. Another standout was Reverend Jesse Jackson dramatically reading Green Eggs and Ham, turning the simple children’s book into an impassioned sermon.

Mariah Carey, Patrick Swayze, and the Walmart CEO (Season 16, Episode 4)

This episode is a wild mix of political satire, celebrity cameos, and weird yet brilliant sketches. Mariah Carey and Patrick Swayze shine as hosts, bringing their own unique charm to the show.

One of the most unexpected highlights is the appearance of Walmart founder Sam Walton, who delivers a ridiculous rant against tax hikes. His exaggerated frustration and absurd solutions create an unintentional comedic masterpiece. The episode also includes a hilarious spoof of the film Ghost, with Chris Rock perfectly imitating Whoopi Goldberg.

Bill Clinton and Jerry Brown’s Presidential Debate (Season 17, Episode 18)

SNL has always thrived on political humor, and this episode takes it to another level. The sketch revolves around Bill Clinton and Jerry Brown, who hilariously agree to avoid certain topics to protect each other’s reputations. Things take a ridiculous turn when Clinton jokingly suggests they swap wives as a sign of trust, only for Brown to awkwardly remind him that he isn’t married.

Jerry Seinfeld also makes an appearance in this episode, delivering a monologue and participating in a history class sketch that showcases his trademark dry humor.

George H.W. Bush Accidentally Gets High (Season 15, Episode 18)

In one of the most absurdly funny SNL cold opens, President George H.W. Bush mistakenly uses marijuana-laced glaucoma drops and begins delivering a speech in complete gibberish. The writers took a simple premise and pushed it to hilarious extremes, making it one of the most surreal political sketches in the show’s history.

Alec Baldwin also makes his first SNL hosting appearance in this episode, delivering an entertaining monologue and playing various outrageous characters throughout the night.

Frank Sinatra Seduces Nancy Reagan (Season 16, Episode 17)

This episode kicks off with a controversial but wildly funny sketch where Frank Sinatra attempts to seduce First Lady Nancy Reagan while President Ronald Reagan is addressing the nation. The sheer audacity of the scene makes it one of the most memorable SNL moments of the decade.

Another sketch reimagines the Kennedy family as a wild, party-obsessed clan, taking political satire to ridiculous new heights. Meanwhile, Chris Rock steals the show with his bizarre yet hilarious character, Lizard Man, constantly sticking his tongue out at inappropriate moments.

Sharon Stone’s Basic Instinct Leg Cross (Season 17, Episode 17)

Closing out the list is one of the most iconic SNL moments of the ‘90s. Sharon Stone hosts the episode and recreates her legendary Basic Instinct leg-crossing scene, but with a comedic twist. The camera continuously cuts to different audience members, capturing their ridiculous, exaggerated reactions. Some look horrified, others are mesmerized, and a few try to play it cool, making the sketch even funnier.

The episode is packed with great moments, including a segment where different SNL cast members attempt and fail to impress Stone, leading to some of the weirdest and most cringeworthy pickup lines ever delivered on television.

A Legacy of Laughter

These 10 episodes from the ‘90s prove why Saturday Night Live was at the peak of its comedic brilliance during this decade. From political satire to absurd parodies and unexpected celebrity performances, these moments continue to live on in the hearts of fans. Whether you were watching these episodes live or discovering them later, they remain a testament to SNL’s lasting impact on comedy and pop culture.

If you’re in need of a good laugh, these episodes are well worth revisiting. Who knows? You might even find yourself quoting some of these iconic sketches all over again.