The short list
Betelgeuse, Rigel, Antares, Deneb, Mu Cephei, UY Scuti, VY Canis Majoris, and Stephenson 2-18 are frequent examples.
Not all lists use the same boundaries because some stars are hypergiant candidates or have uncertain parameters.
How to read the list
Do not compare only one number. A star can be physically huge, highly luminous, unusually hot, variable, dust-obscured, or famous because it is easy to see.
The best educational list includes a reason each star matters.
Good first targets
Betelgeuse and Rigel are easy starting points because both are in Orion and show the red-versus-blue contrast clearly.
Antares is another strong example because its reddish color is visible to the unaided eye.