What Was the Best Super Bowl Commercial Ever?
Hey there, sports and advertising enthusiasts! We're about to dive into a fun debate that's been raging for years: What was the best Super Bowl commercial ever? So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's embark on this nostalgia-filled journey together! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what was best super bowl commercial.
Why Super Bowl Commercials Matter
Before we dive into the best of the best, let's talk about why Super Bowl commercials are such a big deal. The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in the United States, and advertisers shell out big bucks to reach that massive audience. According to Kantar, the average cost of a 30-second spot during Super Bowl LIV was a whopping $5.6 million! With so much riding on these ads, it's no surprise that brands pull out all the stops to create something memorable.
The Evolution of Super Bowl Ads
Super Bowl commercials have come a long way since the first big game in 1967. Back then, ads were simple and straightforward, with no halftime shows or elaborate productions. But as the years went by, advertisers started to get creative, and Super Bowl ads became must-see television events in their own right.
Today, we expect to see big-name celebrities, cutting-edge technology, and heartwarming stories. We laugh, we cry, and sometimes, we even change our minds about certain brands based on a single ad. That's the power of Super Bowl commercials!
Our Top Picks for the Best Super Bowl Commercials
Now, without further ado, let's count down our top picks for the best Super Bowl commercials of all time. Remember, this is subjective, so feel free to disagree and share your favorites in the comments!
1. Coca-Cola - "Hey Kid, Catch!" (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)
You might be wondering how an ad from 1991 made our list. Well, let us remind you that this simple yet effective spot has become a pop culture icon.
In the ad, a kid at a baseball game catches a Coke bottle tossed from the stands. The crowd goes wild, and the kid enjoys a refreshing sip. That's it! No big-budget special effects or celebrity cameos, just a relatable moment that resonated with viewers.
2. Apple - "1984" (Super Bowl XVIII, 1984)
Speaking of iconic ads, how could we not include Apple's groundbreaking "1984" spot? This ad introduced the original Macintosh computer and was a clear dig at IBM, Apple's main competitor at the time.
The ad features a woman in a white tank top and shorts running through a row of identically dressed men, carrying a sledgehammer. She hurls the hammer at a massive screen displaying Big Brother, shattering it and symbolizing the arrival of the Macintosh. The ad was directed by Ridley Scott and is often credited with helping to launch the personal computer revolution.
3. Volkswagen - "The Force" (Super Bowl XLV, 2011)
Who can forget this adorable ad featuring a kid in a Darth Vader costume trying to use "The Force" to start his dad's Volkswagen Passat?
The ad is a perfect blend of humor and heart, with the kid's determination and the family's reactions making it a instant classic. Plus, who doesn't love a good Star Wars reference?
4. Doritos - "Pug Attack" (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
This ad from Doritos' "Crash the Super Bowl" contest features a man trying to enjoy his Doritos while a group of hungry pugs attack him. The result is hilarious chaos, with the man ultimately giving in and sharing his chips with the adorable pooches.
The ad is a great example of how a simple, relatable premise can be executed perfectly to create a memorable spot.
5. Always - "Like a Girl" (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015)
Always' "Like a Girl" ad challenged societal perceptions of femininity and empowered young women everywhere. The ad features a series of people demonstrating what it means to do something "like a girl," with adults and young girls alike showing that being a girl is something to be proud of.
The ad was a massive success, winning a Cannes Lion Grand Prix award and sparking a national conversation about gender stereotypes.
6. Budweiser - "Puppy Love" (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
Who can resist the cuteness of a puppy? In this heartwarming ad, a Budweiser Clydesdale horse befriends a stray puppy and the two become inseparable. When the puppy follows the horse to the Budweiser brewery, the horse's friends help reunite them in a touching ending.
The ad was a massive hit, and it even spawned a sequel the following year.
7. Snickers - "Betty White" (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)
This ad features a group of tough guys playing football, with one of them getting a little too aggressive and knocking out his friend. The injured player wakes up as Betty White, who proceeds to dominate the game with her newfound feminine wiles.
The ad was a huge hit, and it helped launch Snickers' "You're Not You When You're Hungry" campaign.
8. Reebok - "Terry Tate, Office Linebacker" (Super Bowl XXXV, 2001)
In this hilarious ad, Terry Tate, a former college football player turned office worker, takes his job way too seriously. He tackles coworkers for minor infractions and even has a "playbook" for handling different situations.
The ad was a brilliant blend of humor and athleticism, and it helped Reebok sell a lot of shoes.
Honorable Mentions
We couldn't possibly include every great Super Bowl commercial in this list, so here are a few honorable mentions:
ETrade - "Wrestling" (Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000) Mountain Dew - "PuppyMonkeyBaby" (Super Bowl 50, 2016) Doritos - "Goat 4 Sale" (Super Bowl XLIX, 2015) Bud Light - "Bud Knight" (Super Bowl LII, 2018) Coca-Cola - "Mean Joe Green" (Super Bowl XIV, 1980)
The Best Super Bowl Commercials Keep Us Coming Back
So, there you have it - our picks for the best Super Bowl commercials of all time. Whether they're funny, heartwarming, or thought-provoking, these ads are part of what makes the Super Bowl such an exciting event year after year.
Which Super Bowl commercial is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family. Who knows? Maybe they'll discover their new favorite ad!
Until next time, keep your eyes peeled for the next big Super Bowl commercial - you never know when the next classic will air!