BrightcastFrom heartwarming tales to laugh-out-loud moments, Super Bowl commercials have become as much a part of the game as touchdowns and halftime shows. Over the years, these advertisements have left an indelible mark on pop culture, capturing audiences’ attention with creativity, humor, and sometimes even a touch of nostalgia. Join us as we revisit 25 of the most iconic Super Bowl commercials of all time, each leaving an unforgettable impression on viewers and cementing their place in advertising history
25. Snickers – “The Brady Bunch” (2015)
Getty ImagesThe Brady Bunch” commercial puts a humorous twist on the iconic ’70s sitcom. The ad features actor Danny Trejo playing Marcia Brady and comedian Steve Buscemi as Jan Brady, highlighting the comical effects of hunger on the characters. With its clever reimagining of a beloved TV show and the familiar “You’re not you when you’re hungry” tagline, the commercial entertained viewers while effectively promoting Snickers as a satisfying snack option. The ad remains a memorable addition to Snickers’ long-running campaign.
24. Kia – “Binky Dad” (2023)
Getty ImagesKia’s “Binky Dad” commercial offers a comedic take on the challenges of modern parenting. Set in a suburban neighborhood, the ad follows a father’s humorous attempts to retrieve his baby’s pacifier (binky) from various precarious situations. With its relatable portrayal of parenting mishaps and the versatile features of Kia’s vehicle, the commercial resonated with families during Super Bowl LVII. By combining humor with a showcase of Kia’s safety and convenience features, the ad effectively communicated the brand’s commitment to making family life easier and more enjoyable.
23. Audi – “The Chase” (2009)
Getty ImagesAudi’s “The Chase” commercial is an action-packed homage to classic heist films, featuring the Audi A6 sedan as the vehicle of choice for a group of luxury car thieves. Set against a sleek urban backdrop, the ad follows the intense pursuit between the Audi A6 and pursuing law enforcement. With its high-octane action sequences and cinematic production quality, “The Chase” captivated audiences during Super Bowl XLIII, showcasing Audi’s reputation for performance, style, and sophistication.
22. T-Mobile – “New year. New neighbor.” (2023)
Getty ImagesT-Mobile’s “New Year. New Neighbor.” commercial humorously portrays the excitement and challenges of getting new neighbors. Featuring comedian Jason Sudeikis as a neighbor with an unexpected penchant for over-the-top celebrations, the ad highlights T-Mobile’s commitment to connectivity and community. With its lighthearted tone and relatable premise, the commercial entertained audiences during Super Bowl LVII while subtly promoting T-Mobile’s network reliability and customer satisfaction.
21. The Farmer’s Dog – “Our Best Friends” (2023)
Getty ImagesThe Farmer’s Dog commercial titled “Our Best Friends” celebrates the bond between dogs and their owners. Set against a backdrop of picturesque farmland, the ad showcases the joy and companionship that dogs bring to people’s lives. With heartwarming imagery and a message emphasizing the importance of quality nutrition for canine companions, the commercial struck a chord with viewers during Super Bowl LVII, reinforcing The Farmer’s Dog’s commitment to providing healthy, natural food for pets.
20. “Viva Young” — Taco Bell (2013)
Getty ImagesTaco Bell’s “Viva Young” commercial follows a group of senior citizens on a wild nighttime adventure, set to the tune of “We Are Young” by Fun. The ad’s humorous portrayal of the elderly breaking free from their routine and indulging in late-night shenanigans captured viewers’ imaginations during Super Bowl XLVII, showcasing Taco Bell’s irreverent and youthful brand identity.
19. “Brotherhood” — Budweiser (2013)
Getty ImagesBudweiser’s “Brotherhood” commercial tells the heartwarming story of a Clydesdale horse and its trainer, showcasing their bond over the years. The emotional narrative, set to the tune of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” resonated with viewers, making it one of the most memorable ads of Super Bowl XLVII and reinforcing Budweiser’s association with tradition and Americana.
18. Betty White for Snickers — Snickers (2010)
Getty ImagesSnickers’ commercial features actress Betty White playing football with a group of young men, humorously highlighting the “you’re not yourself when you’re hungry” tagline. The ad’s witty dialogue and White’s comedic timing made it a standout during Super Bowl XLIV, revitalizing White’s career and cementing Snickers’ reputation for clever advertising
17. “Parisian Love” — Google (2010)
Getty ImagesGoogle’s “Parisian Love” commercial is a sentimental journey through a person’s search history, showcasing the power of Google’s search engine to tell a love story. The ad resonated with audiences for its simplicity and emotional impact, highlighting Google’s ability to connect people and information during Super Bowl XLIV.
16. “Zeus and Hera Retire” — BMW (2022)
BMW’s Super Bowl commercial takes a creative spin on Greek mythology, portraying Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the gods, living out their retirement in modern-day Palm Springs. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Salma Hayek deliver comedic performances as the retired deities navigating mundane tasks and embracing the conveniences of electric vehicles. The ad cleverly promotes BMW’s all-electric cars while injecting humor and whimsy into the narrative.
15. “Alexa Loses Her Voice” — Amazon (2018)
Getty ImagesAmazon’s Super Bowl LII commercial takes a comedic approach to the idea of technological glitches by imagining a world where Alexa, the virtual assistant, loses her voice. The ad features a star-studded lineup of celebrities, including Rebel Wilson, Gordon Ramsay, and Cardi B, stepping in as replacements for Alexa with humorous results. Through witty dialogue and unexpected interactions, the commercial highlights the versatility of Amazon’s products while keeping viewers entertained.
14. “The Mix-Up” — T-Mobile (2021)
Drew Angerer/Getty Images)T-Mobile’s Super Bowl LV commercial capitalizes on the celebrity status of Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, who were dating at the time, to create a humorous mix-up scenario. As Stefani attempts to describe her ideal partner to Shelton over the phone, a series of technical glitches result in hilarious misunderstandings. The ad effectively promotes T-Mobile’s network reliability while providing comedic relief through its star-studded cast and relatable communication mishaps.
13. “Michael Bublé vs. Bubly” — Bubly (2019)
Getty ImagesThis humorous commercial pits Canadian crooner Michael Bublé against the beverage brand Bubly in a playful and pun-filled exchange. Bublé’s insistence on correcting the pronunciation of “Bubly” to match his name leads to hilarious encounters with unsuspecting consumers. The ad not only showcases Bublé’s comedic chops but also effectively promotes the brand’s sparkling water memorably and entertainingly.
12. “It’s a Tide Ad” — Tide (2018)
Getty ImagesTide’s innovative commercial during Super Bowl LII brilliantly parodied typical Super Bowl ad tropes by featuring actor David Harbour in a series of seemingly unrelated scenarios, all of which turn out to be Tide ads because the characters’ clothes are impeccably clean. By cleverly subverting viewer expectations and blurring the lines between different product advertisements, Tide effectively conveyed its message that every clean outfit seen on screen is ultimately thanks to Tide detergent.
11. “Talking Babies” — ETrade (2008)
Getty ImagesThis ETrade commercial features talking babies discussing investing and financial planning in a humorous and relatable way. The ad’s humor stems from the juxtaposition of infants discussing complex financial topics with adult voices dubbed over their mouths. The unexpectedness of the concept, combined with the babies’ witty banter, made it a memorable and entertaining Super Bowl commercial.
10. “Cast Away” — FedEx (2006)
Getty ImagesThis clever FedEx commercial parodies the film “Cast Away” starring Tom Hanks, with the protagonist delivering a package despite being stranded on a deserted island. The ad’s humor lies in its unexpected twist and clever use of pop culture references, showcasing FedEx’s commitment to delivering packages no matter the circumstances. The commercial’s witty execution and nod to a popular film made it a standout during Super Bowl XL.
9. Budweiser – “Lost Dog” (2015)
Getty ImagesBudweiser’s “Lost Dog” commercial from Super Bowl XLIX is a heartwarming tale of friendship. The ad follows the journey of a young Labrador Retriever puppy who gets separated from its owner and faces various obstacles while trying to find its way back home. Along the way, the puppy encounters a pack of wolves, but it is ultimately rescued by the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales. Set against the backdrop of scenic countryside and accompanied by a touching rendition of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” the commercial tugs at viewers’ heartstrings. With its emotional narrative and memorable imagery, “Lost Dog” captured the essence of Budweiser’s brand identity, emphasizing themes of camaraderie and resilience while showcasing the timeless bond between humans and animals.
8. “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” — Reebok (2003)
Getty ImagesIn this comedic ad series, Terry Tate, portrayed by Lester Speight, tackles office workers who fail to follow office policies. The ads humorously highlight workplace issues while promoting Reebok’s athletic apparel. With its over-the-top humor and memorable catchphrases like “You kill the joe, you make some mo’,” the “Terry Tate” commercials became instant classics and are remembered for their humor and creativity.
7. “Cat Herding” — EDS (2000):
Getty ImagesThis humorous commercial from EDS depicts cowboys herding cats across the prairie, illustrating the challenges of managing complexity in the digital economy. The absurdity of the concept, coupled with the deadpan delivery and impressive visuals, made it a standout during Super Bowl XXXIV. The ad’s humor resonated with audiences and earned it a place as one of the best Super Bowl commercials of all time.
6. “Hare Jordan” – Nike (1993)
Getty ImagesCombining animation with live-action, this Nike commercial brings together basketball legend Michael Jordan and the iconic cartoon character Bugs Bunny. The ad promotes the Air Jordan VII sneakers and sets the stage for the successful “Space Jam” franchise. With its humor, charm, and crossover appeal between sports and pop culture, “Hare Jordan” became an instant classic.
5. “Bud Ice Penguin” — Budweiser (1996)
Getty ImagesThis surreal commercial features a group of penguins invading a party and causing chaos while promoting Bud Ice beer. Set to Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” the ad blends humor with absurdity as the penguins wreak havoc in various scenarios. Despite its bizarre premise, the ad’s memorable characters and catchy soundtrack made it a hit with viewers.
4. “Budweiser Frogs” — Budweiser (1995)
Getty ImagesIn this legendary commercial, three frogs sit in a swamp and croak out the name “Bud-Weis-Er” in unison. The simplicity of the ad, combined with its catchy jingle and humorous depiction of the frogs, made it a standout during Super Bowl XXXIX. Despite its minimalism, the “Budweiser Frogs” ad became an iconic piece of advertising history.
3. “Hey Kid, Catch!” — Coca-Cola (1980)
Getty ImagesThis iconic Coca-Cola commercial features “Mean” Joe Greene, a football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who receives a Coke from a young fan after a game. The simple act of kindness and exchange of a Coke bottle between a famous athlete and a fan touched the hearts of viewers, making it a beloved Super Bowl ad remembered for its heartwarming message and simplicity.
2. “Wassup!” — Budweiser (2000)
Getty ImagesAiring during Super Bowl XXXIV, this Budweiser ad features a group of friends casually greeting each other with the now-famous catchphrase “Wassup!” The ad’s humor lies in its simplicity and relatability, capturing the casual interactions and camaraderie of friendship. The catchphrase became a cultural phenomenon and remains synonymous with the early 2000s era.
1. “1984” — Apple (1984)
Getty ImagesDirected by Ridley Scott, Apple’s “1984” commercial is a reference to George Orwell’s novel and portrays a dystopian future where conformity is challenged by a rebellious young woman (perhaps ironic given Apple’s popularity today). The ad introduced the Apple Macintosh computer and is celebrated for its cinematic quality, powerful imagery, and bold statement against conformity, making it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
