The NFL Super Bowl is more than just a football game—it’s an annual spectacle that brings together the best of sports, entertainment, and advertising. Every year, some of the biggest brands in the world create groundbreaking commercials to air during the game, hoping to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. These commercials not only aim for humor, emotional appeal, or sheer spectacle but also look to align with the cultural moment in ways that resonate deeply with viewers. Here’s a list of the top 10 Super Bowl ads that left an indelible mark on history.
Apple: “1984”
A cultural landmark in the world of advertising, Apple’s “1984” ad, directed by Ridley Scott, is often considered one of the greatest Super Bowl commercials of all time. Airing during Super Bowl XVIII, the ad depicted a dystopian future where people were brainwashed by a totalitarian regime. In a striking visual moment, a woman, symbolizing Apple’s innovative products, hurls a hammer at a screen that represents conformity. The ad was a bold statement for the debut of the Macintosh computer and positioned Apple as the company challenging the status quo. The ad’s blend of sci-fi, rebellion, and art left a lasting impression on viewers and set the tone for Apple’s marketing for decades.
Coca-Cola: “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979) – Super Bowl Ads
Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” ad from Super Bowl XIII is an enduring classic. The commercial featured Pittsburgh Steelers’ Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw tossing a football to a young boy on the field. The boy catches the ball, and as he turns to run, he takes a swig of Coca-Cola. The feel-good ad highlighted the connection between sports, youth, and the joy of sharing a Coke. Simple but effective, it reinforced Coca-Cola’s status as a symbol of happiness and togetherness. It was a masterclass in how to create a lasting emotional connection without relying on high-concept storytelling.
Budweiser: “Whassup?” (2000) – Super Bowl Ads
Budweiser’s “Whassup?” ad, aired during Super Bowl XXXIV, became a cultural phenomenon. Featuring friends answering the phone with the catchy phrase, the commercial resonated with a new generation through its infectious energy and relatable humor. The phrase quickly became a pop-culture catchphrase, boosting Budweiser’s popularity.
Old Spice: “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Old Spice’s 2010 Super Bowl ad, “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like,” starring Isaiah Mustafa, was a game-changer in marketing. With its humorous monologue, clever writing, and charismatic delivery, it successfully rebranded Old Spice for a younger audience and went viral, leading to follow-up social media videos.
Pepsi: “The Joy of Pepsi” (2001) – Super Bowl Ads
Starring Britney Spears, Pepsi’s “The Joy of Pepsi” ad during Super Bowl XXXV perfectly captured the energy and excitement of early 2000s pop culture. The ad depicted Britney in a high-energy, music-filled sequence that showcased her dancing and singing while endorsing Pepsi as the ultimate beverage. The commercial blended celebrity endorsement with catchy music, and it was a moment of pure pop spectacle. Britney’s star power, combined with the high-octane visuals and infectious pop song, made this ad a significant cultural event and a turning point in how brands utilized celebrity influence to connect with young audiences.
Volkswagen: “The Force” (2011)
Volkswagen’s “The Force” ad from Super Bowl XLV is a perfect example of how simplicity can create an emotional connection. The ad featured a young boy dressed as Darth Vader trying to use “The Force” to make various objects move around his house. The most heartwarming moment arrives when he tries to use his powers on a Volkswagen Passat in the driveway—only for the car to start, thanks to his father, who uses the remote starter. The ad’s charm lay in its ability to merge nostalgia (Star Wars) with a universal family moment. It became an instant hit, blending humor with emotion in a way that resonated with millions.
Google: “Parisian Love” (2009) – Super Bowl Ads
Google’s “Parisian Love” ad, aired during Super Bowl XLIII, told a love story through search queries like “learn French” and “how to propose.” Its simplicity, emotional depth, and innovative use of Google’s search tool made it memorable, revolutionizing how digital platforms could tell meaningful stories.
Doritos: “Crash The Super Bowl” Campaign (2006-2016)
Doritos revolutionized Super Bowl advertising with its “Crash the Super Bowl” campaign, which invited fans to create their own commercials for a chance to have their ad air during the Super Bowl. This user-generated content strategy not only saved the brand money but also gave it a sense of authenticity and excitement. The ads that emerged from this campaign, like the 2007 spot “Free Doritos,” were often full of humor, creativity, and surprise. It was a great example of how a brand can engage with its audience directly, turning the Super Bowl into an interactive experience while producing memorable content.
Nike: “Good VS. Evil” (2005) – Super Bowl Ads
Nike’s “Good vs. Evil” ad aired during Super Bowl XXXIX and is remembered for its jaw-dropping visual effects and star-studded lineup. Featuring athletes like LeBron James, Michael Vick, and Serena Williams, the ad turned sports into a battle between good and evil, with iconic sports figures embodying heroic and villainous personas. The ad was part of Nike’s ongoing campaign to elevate sports into something more than just a game—casting athletes as modern-day heroes. The commercial became an unforgettable spectacle thanks to its epic scale and the seamless blending of sports and cinematic action.
M&M’s – “Love Ballad” (2017)
M&M’s “Love Ballad” ad, which aired during Super Bowl LI, featured a red M&M falling in love with actress and comedian Maya Rudolph. The humorous ad, which played on the M&M’s iconic anthropomorphized characters, used Rudolph’s deadpan delivery to its advantage, making it an instantly recognizable commercial. The ad was memorable not just for its humor, but for the unexpected pairing of a candy brand and a high-profile comedian, showing that even the simplest ideas could be taken to the next level with the right talent and execution.