By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Masterclass, the learning app that lets you take online classes taught by A-list celebrities, like Alicia Keys, Hillary Clinton, Gordon Ramsay, David Lynch, Malcolm Gladwell, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Serena Williams, Tony Hawk, and countless others.
With over 180 courses available for as little as $10 a month, you can learn just about anything on Masterclass, from cooking to business management to singing to acting and a whole lot more.
But with such an array of classes, you might be wondering what exactly the best Masterclass courses are, and which ones you should take.
That’s where we can help.
After over a year of using the app, doing extensive research, testing out dozens of courses, and seeing what other users say about their experiences, we’ve compiled a list of the top Masterclass courses across multiple categories.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.
The Best Masterclass Courses By Category
Art
These Masterclass classes are for anyone who is either a budding artist looking for art as a stress relief tool or ready to elevate their art skills to the next level.
Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography (Masterclass)
Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography (Masterclass)
Step into Annie Leibovitz’s world and learn the secrets of capturing amazing portraiture that tells a story!
Instructor: Annie Leibovitz
Duration: 15 video lessons, 3+ hours
Details: In this online photography course, acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz teaches you how to take beautiful, iconic photos.
As a staff photographer for top magazines like Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, Annie has taken photos of legends like John Lennon, Queen Elizabeth, LeBron James, and countless others.
Now, you can learn all about Annie’s philosophy, creative process, and the exact skills she uses to take her award-winning shots.
Click here to enroll in this course today.
Draw and Paint Realistic Portraits
Draw & Paint Realistic Portraits (Masterclass)
Learn the techniques to drawing and painting stunning portraits from TikTok sensation Devon Rodriguez.
Instructor: Devon Rodriguez
Duration: approx. 4 hours of instruction (you work at your own pace)
Details: With over 25 million followers on TikTok, Devon Rodriguez is known for his hyperrealistic portraits of everyday people. In his course, he teaches you the foundations of art and details of portrait drawing. This course is extremely popular and the enrollment fills up fast. No matter your level of experience, this course is laid out with artists on all skill level spectrums.
Music
Masterclass offers music courses in different genres, depending on your preference. From music theory to specific genre history to actual composition, you can find your fit based on your search criteria.
deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production
deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production (Masterclass)
Discover the secrets of electronic music production in this 6-hour masterclass from deadmau5, one of the world’s top EDM producers. From the basics to advanced techniques, learn the creative methods and studio tricks that have made deadmau5 a global superstar.
Instructor: deadmau5
Duration: 23 video lessons (6 hours)
Details: From “Building Your Home Studio” to “Developing Melodic Structures,” Joel Zimmerman, AKA deadmau5 shares his experience and success by offering students all the tools they need to develop their own musical voice and create the next hit. He walks you through the entire process of electronic music composition without the need for expensive equipment.
Timbaland Teaches Producing and Beatmaking (Masterclass)
Timbaland Teaches Producing & Beatmaking (Masterclass)
Step inside the studio with Timbaland and get a behind-the-scenes look at how he produces and records music. Hear Timbaland as he talks about his creative process, the art of songwriting, and what it takes to make great music.
Instructor: Timbaland
Duration: 3+ hours
Details: Grammy-winning music producer Timbaland teaches you the secrets to the production techniques he’s used with artists like Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Aaliyah to create hit songs.
From learning how to structure a melody to techniques for recording vocals, this course covers it all.
The video lessons also come with a 47-page workbook that gives students additional tasks to complete.
Metallica Teaches Being a Band
Metallica Teaches Being a Band (Masterclass)
In this class, rock and roll legends Metallica teach you what it takes to be in a successful band that stands the test of time.
Instructor: Metallica
Duration: 15 lessons (2 hours 45 minutes)
Details: Get ready if you want to start a garage band or simply wonder how Metallica got where they are today! Metallica, an 8x Grammy-Award-winning heavy metal band, will teach you some things that worked for them along their journey to success in the music industry. You will be able to take a look “behind the scenes” as you deconstruct their song “Enter Sandman” or learn what it takes to write great lyrics.
Culinary Arts
A culinary class might be the perfect fit for anyone looking to prepare fresh, healthy, and tasty meals at home. You can choose from several instructors, such as Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller, or Gordon Ramsay, who will share cooking techniques you can apply at home. Each instructor is a world-renowned chef with their own successful culinary career. They are ready to share expert tips and tricks with you so that you can elevate your cooking game at home.
Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I
Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking (Masterclass)
Take your cooking to the next level in Gordon’s online class on essential methods, ingredients, and recipes.
Instructor: Gordon Ramsay
Duration: 20 video lessons (3 hours 54 minutes)
Details: Known as the driven chef instructor on the “Hell’s Kitchen” cooking show, Gordon Ramsay has established himself as an authoritative fixture in the professional chef industry. When you sign up for Cooking I, you will learn skills like proper kitchen layout setup for successful meal prep. You will also learn how to prepare delectable dishes, such as Gordon’s poached eggs and mushrooms. You can follow along in your kitchen while entering Gordon Ramsay’s personal kitchen space. Get ready to impress your family and friends with an amazing meal at the next get-together.
Wolfgang Puck Teaches Cooking (Masterclass)
Wolfgang Puck Teaches Cooking (Masterclass)
Learn amazing recipes and new techniques from one of the true masters of cooking.
Instructor: Wolfgang Puck
Duration: Nearly 4 hours
Details: Wolfgang Puck will show you how to create classic, decadent dishes to impress your family and friends. Learn the fundamentals of his cooking style as you work through making a range of delicious, creative dishes.
Apollonia Polaine Teaches Bread Baking
Apollonia Polaine Teaches Bread Baking (Masterclass)
Want to learn how to make your own bread at home? In this course, you'll learn the best tips for baking bread, including common mistakes to avoid and pro tips for getting the best final product.
Instructor: Apollonia Poilane
Duration: 17 video lessons (3 hours 35 minutes)
Details: With the comeback of traditional life skills, bread-baking has been one of the top skills to master to bake healthy and delicious bread for yourself and your family. The CEO of the French bakery Apollonia Poilane will teach you everything from getting your sourdough starter going to how to bake your own rustic wheat, rye, or baguette. Although this class is a hands-on practical skills course, baking bread is also great for your mental health and stress management, helping you to slow down and experience the world through your senses.
Film
Masterclass offers a plethora of acting, film, and photography courses. Most instructors are well-known actors, filmmakers, or directors, sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with you. Some instructors include Ron Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, and Natalie Portman.
Helen Mirren Teaches Acting
Helen Mirren Teaches Acting (Masterclass)
Learn methods for acting on screen or the stage from Helen Mirren, winner of Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony, and Emmy awards.
Instructor: Helen Mirren
Duration: 28 video lessons (6 hours 17 minutes)
Details: The Oscar, Golden Globe, Tony, and Emmy-winning actress Helen Mirren shares with her students the craft of acting and gives you a sneak peek behind the curtain of the glamorous career. Whether you are preparing for your next improv group session, the upcoming school play, or you aim to make acting your career, Helen’s sessions include tools to help you become versatile at acting and learn how to break down a script properly. In one of her lessons, she makes Shakespeare come alive for her students.
Samuel L Jackson Teaches Acting
Samuel L Jackson Acting Class (Masterclass)
In this acting masterclass, the legendary Samuel L Jackson reveals his methods and techniques for perfecting a role. He covers everything from understanding your character to collaborating with the crew, so you can truly become someone else in front of the camera.
Instructor: Samuel L Jackson
Duration: 5 hours(21 lessons)
Details: In this acting masterclass, you’ll learn Samuel L Jackson’s tips for developing unforgettable characters, using your voice and body language, working with the directors, cast, and crew, getting noticed in auditions, and more.
Writing
Masterclass offers writing courses for different genres: from creative writing to business writing to screenwriting, there are different choices for everyone who would like to elevate their writing game.
Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing
Salman Rushdie Teaches Storytelling and Writing (Masterclass)
Salman Rushdie teaches you how to craft memorable, engaging stories that stand the test of time in this popular online class.
Instructor: Salman Rushdie
Duration: 19 video lessons (4 hours 17 minutes)
Details: Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie offers this course to help you discover and develop your creative side as a writer. Whether you are just exploring the idea of capturing stories on paper or whether your goal is to publish your first book, Salman shares his wealth of knowledge with his students. He coaches students on how to develop story characters properly and how to create a captivating storyline that will help them write the next bestseller. It’s perfect for aspiring writers!
Gaming
Masterclass offers a few courses on this subject for anyone considering developing video games. One of the best ones offered right now is “Game Design and Theory.” While you won’t learn the specifics of coding, you will be able to gain valuable information required to be successful at video game development.
Will Wright Teaches Game Design and Theory
Will Wright Teaches Game Design and Theory (Masterclass)
This course by The Sims creator Will Wright will teach you the fundamentals of creating games that people love to play. With this course, you'll have the foundational skills and knowledge to take your gaming ideas from concept to reality.
Instructor: Will Wright
Duration: 21 video lessons (4 hours 16 minutes)
Details: In this course, the Sims videogame creator Will Wright teaches his students everything from “The Fundamentals of Game Design” to “Exploring Player Psychology”. While it is important to focus on the technical aspect of videogame development, Will addresses the overlooked areas that can make or break a successful videogame launch.
Lifestyle
Masterclass offers a great selection of courses to help you in your everyday life around the house.
Brandon Mcmillan Teaches Dog Training
Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training (Masterclass)
Need help getting your dog to behave? Learn proven, practical tips to train your dog with this popular online course.
Instructor: Brandon McMillan
Duration: 15 video lessons (2 hours 58 minutes)
Details: Calling all dog lovers! If you have a dog that’s unruly or has a hard time with other animals or people, this course will help you to interact properly with your furry friend and help them learn to respond positively.
Before you know it, you will enjoy one another’s company regardless of external stressors.
Brandon will provide you with hands-on activities to practice with your pooch.
Professional Development (Business, Marketing, Public Speaking)
The Masterclass classes in this category help you become more successful in all areas of your life. Even though you might be looking for skills to help you be better at your job or to grow your business, marketing, communication, and public speaking skills are all transferable regardless of your current continued education and development needs.
Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation
Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation (Masterclass)
Learn the communication skills and strategies to start getting what you want out of life in this course taught by a former FBI lead hostage negotiator.
Instructor: Chris Voss
Duration: 18 video lessons (3 hrs and 4 min)
Details: Chris Voss is an expert in negotiation and skillful communication to create a win-win situation for all parties involved. As a former FBI lead hostage negotiator, the current CEO of The Black Swan Group, and a renowned author of the book “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” Chris will share with you the tools and insider advice on how to become a better negotiator in all aspects of life.
You won’t need to be in a hostage situation to benefit from his expertise: anytime you are in a situation where you want a person to say “yes” to your proposal or to find common ground through collaboration, the Chris Voss Masterclass will pay for itself as you build excellent negotiation skills.
In this course, Chris will share proven negotiation tactics such as mirroring and tactical empathy, giving you hands-on practice and practical exercises to apply in everyday interactions with others.
Sports
Masterclass offers different sports courses, from tennis (taught by the one and only Serena Williams) to skateboarding (taught by Tony Hawk). You learn some tips and tricks you can practice in real life, improving your sports performance in your favorite discipline.
Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess
Garry Kasparov Teaches Chess (Masterclass)
Learn advanced tactics, strategies, and techniques in this online class from a world-class chess player.
Instructor: Gary Kasparov
Duration: 29 video lessons (7 hours 20 minutes)
Details: While chess might not be considered an active sport, it is definitely considered a sport by the International Olympic Committee. In addition, chess is a versatile sport that helps you exercise your brain and your endurance and carries over into other areas of your life. World-class champion Gary Kasparov shares his fundamentals, and some strategic signature moves to help you master your next chess tournament. You will be able to open your next chess game like a pro.
Wayne Gretzky Teaches the Athlete’s Mindset
Wayne Gretzky Teaches the Athlete's Mindset (Masterclass)
Want to get inside the mind of one of the world's most successful athletes in history to discover what it really takes to win? This course from Wayne Gretzky gives you that chance.
Instructor: Wayne Gretzky
Duration: 19 video lessons (2+ hours)
Details: What does it take to develop a winning mindset? In this course, the greatest hockey player of all time takes you inside the mind of an elite, driven athlete. In the 19 video lessons, Gretzky shares his strategies to stay focused and motivated. He will teach you the techniques that helped him dominate the game and make a real difference in your life.
Science and Technology
Masterclass offers courses focusing on science and technology, especially cross-over skills like critical thinking or process-led decision-making. Some specific interest-led courses include classes on space exploration and mathematical thinking.
Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration (Masterclass)
Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration (Masterclass)
Learn about the science of exploration and get a peek into what the future holds in this online course from the former commander of the International Space Station.
Instructor: Chris Hadfield
Duration: 7+ hours
Details: This course gives you the opportunity to learn from Chris Hadfield, former commander of the International Space Station. He’ll teach you about exploring space and what the future holds for humans beyond Earth. The course covers the science of space travel, life as an astronaut, and what it’s like to fly in space.
Click here to try this course now.
Neil Degresse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication
Neil Degresse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication (Masterclass)
World-famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson teaches you how to discover objective truths in science in this course that covers the importance of scientific thinking and communication.
Instructor: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Duration: 13 video lessons (2 hours 14 minutes)
Details: Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson teaches his students how to find objective truth by exploring the cognitive bias theory and reviewing the scientific method as means of sound research. He encourages his students to be healthy skeptics and to ask questions while searching for the truth.
This course is great for anyone who wants to approach everyday problems more methodically, using an empirical approach.
Matthew Walker Teaches the Science of Better Sleep
Matthew Walker Teaches the Science of Better Sleep (Masterclass)
Sleep is inextricably linked to health and well-being in countless ways. In this class, sleep scientist Matthew Walker discusses the importance of sleep and shares some helpful advice for getting the rest you need.
Instructor: Matthew Walker
Duration: 15 lessons (3 hours 12 minutes)
Details: Everyone needs to sleep well to function well. Sleep hygiene is one of the most underrated topics, yet it affects everyone. Neuroscience professor Matthew Walker will help you understand the science of sleep and teach you some practical ways to improve your sleep quality and quantity to help you be at your best.
After all, a well-rested version of you will be more focused, healthy, attentive, productive, positive, and overall, functioning at your best.
What other class encourages napping as homework? Bring your favorite pillow and get ready to learn.
A Final Word on the Best Masterclass Courses
As you can see, Masterclass offers courses on many different subjects based on your needs and interest areas.
With over 180 Masterclass classes to choose from, it can be tricky to pick just one on this amazing online learning platform. Start with selecting the topic, then check out one of our top choices, and before you know it, you will be on your way to greatness, whether it’s cooking, public speaking, or skateboarding. When learning from the masters, you can’t go wrong.
Want to learn more before you sign up? Check out our full Masterclass review with all the details about the site’s pros and cons, features, and more.
Ready to try Masterclass now? Click here to get started!
Have any questions about our guide to the best Masterclass classes? Let us know by commenting below.