Phil Hartman - Bill Clinton
Phil Hartman's sketches on SNL were always a joy, so it's no surprise that his portrayal of Bill Clinton is great as well. Hartman certainly leaned into the scandalous side of the President with sketches that either pointed toward gluttony or lust over other women. He didn't quite have the voice down as much as others who would do the role, but it was such a laugh to watch him in action that it's hard to care.
Alec Baldwin - Donald Trump
Obviously Alec Baldwin as Donal Trump is one of the most memorable portrayals in recent memory, likely because it has prompted the strongest response from a sitting President. President Donald Trump isn't a fan of Alec Baldwin's impression, nor a fan of SNL for allowing it. In terms of critiquing his performance, Baldwin has a lot of the mannerisms of Trump and speech patterns down, but there are better voice impersonators out there. This is ultimately a portrayal that will be better remembered for its impact, and not so much its quality.
Will Ferrell - George W. Bush
Will Ferrell's George W. Bush may be the one that people recognize the most. Ferrell certainly did a highly elevated portrayal compared to others on this list. Ferrell played the role well, and it's no coincidence that his career really took off in a big way towards the end of his tenure on SNL in 2002. Ferrell would continue to reprise the role several times after leaving the show and even starred as the former President in a Broadway play called You're Welcome America.
Jordan Peele - Barack Obama
The "Anger Translator" sketch appeared in the first episode of Key & Peele back in January of 2012. While Peele plays the mild-mannered Obama, Key plays the angry one who stares at the camera, interrupting Jordan Peele’s speech and speaking what’s running in the president’s mind angrily. At the 2015 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, then US President Barack Obama introduced his anger translator. The role was essayed by actor-comedian Keegan Michael-Key, who channelled ‘Luther’ a character from the Comedy Central show. Talk about meta!
Dana Carvey - George H.W. Bush
As if there was ever any doubt! How could anybody but Dana Carvey with his portrayal of George H.W. Bush , win the top spot for best Presidential impression? As far as Presidential parodies go, this is the cream of the crop. Dana Carvey had the look, the voice, the mannerisms, the whole shebang. Even if you weren't around to know how George Bush Sr. was on television, Carvey's sketches are just an absolute treat to watch.