The Best Super Bowl Commercials of All Time
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just here for the suds and wings, Super Bowl Sunday has something for everyone – the ads. These insanely expensive commercials are the advertisers’ shot to reach an enormous TV audience, and the result is often memorable, celebrity-filled, and meme-worthy.
Betty White’s Snickers Ad
The commercial featuring Betty White playing a game of football put Snickers on the map with their “You’re not you when you’re hungry” campaign. The Golden Girl star’s hard tackle and witty response made for a memorable ad, earning Snickers the top spot in the candy bar market.
Budweiser Frogs
Budweiser’s Super Bowl ad featuring the croaking frogs was so successful it caused a genuine moral panic, drawing comparisons to Joe Camel. The iconic frogs became highly recognized, even more so than other well-known mascots like Ronald McDonald and Tony the Tiger.
Budweiser Clydesdales and Puppy
This heartwarming ad featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and a lovable puppy tugged at the heartstrings of millions of viewers. The perfect blend of animals and a happy ending turned this into an instant classic.
Always’ “Like a Girl”
The 2015 ad questioned gender stereotypes, using little girls to demonstrate that being a girl has nothing to do with running or fighting. The emotional impact and powerful message of this ad catapulted it to the top spot in the Super Bowl ad hall of fame.
Monster.com “When I Grow Up”
An unsettling but effective 1999 ad from Monster.com featured children speaking about their bleak future career aspirations, such as being underappreciated and forced into early retirement. The ad connected with viewers in a powerful way, leading to a significant increase in the company’s website traffic.
Chrysler “Halftime in America”
In this sobering ad, Clint Eastwood narrates the auto industry’s attempts at recovery after the Great Recession. The focus extends to the entire country, delivering an optimistic message that resonated with viewers, making it one of the most viewed and controversial Super Bowl ads.
Volkswagen “The Force”
This charming 2011 ad features a little kid dressed as Darth Vader who is delighted to see his “force powers” seemingly work on his father’s car. The heartwarming moment struck a chord with viewers and inspired a TV special, cementing its place as one of the best Super Bowl ads of all time.
Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Green”
Aired during Super Bowl 14 in 1980, this iconic ad sees a young fan offering a Coke to a beleaguered and beaten-up Mean Joe Green. The moment Green tosses his jersey to the kid and utters the titular catchphrase instantly became a classic and put Coca-Cola at the forefront of advertising success.
Apple’s “1984”
Ridley Scott’s iconic “1984” Apple commercial remains one of the most influential and memorable ads ever. The spin on George Orwell’s dystopian future, combined with the promise of a new era with the Macintosh, solidified Apple’s reputation as a groundbreaking brand. The ad has left a lasting legacy in the world of advertising.
These ads have proven to be truly worship-worthy, each making a significant impact on the American cultural landscape. From heartfelt moments to disruptive messages, these Super Bowl commercials have left a lasting impression, making them some of the greatest ads of all time.
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