The Super Bowl is more than just a sporting event. It’s an opportunity for brands to showcase their creative advertising during the game’s commercial breaks. Some of the best Super Bowl ads of all time have become cultural touchstones, generating buzz and discussion long after the game is over. Here are some of the best Super Bowl ads of all time.
Apple’s “1984” (1984)
Apple’s “1984” is widely considered to be one of the greatest commercials of all time. Directed by Ridley Scott, the ad aired during Super Bowl XVIII in 1984 and introduced the Macintosh computer. The ad depicts a dystopian world where everyone is controlled by a Big Brother-like figure until a woman in athletic gear, representing the Macintosh, smashes a screen displaying the image of the leader, freeing the people.
Budweiser’s “Whassup” (2000)
Budweiser’s “Whassup” ad, which aired during Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, became an instant classic. The ad features a group of friends answering the phone with the now-famous catchphrase “Whassup?” The ad was so popular that it spawned a series of sequels and even a feature-length film.
Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” (1980)
Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” ad aired during Super Bowl XIV in 1980 and is widely regarded as one of the best Super Bowl ads of all time. The ad features NFL player “Mean” Joe Greene limping off the field, only to be greeted by a young boy who offers him a bottle of Coke. Greene drinks the Coke and throws the boy his jersey, showing a softer side to his tough exterior.
McDonald’s “The Showdown” (1993)
McDonald’s “The Showdown” ad, which aired during Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, is one of the most iconic commercials of the 90s. The ad features basketball legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird playing a high-stakes game of horse to determine who gets to eat a McDonald’s Big Mac. The ad was so popular that it spawned a sequel featuring Jordan and other athletes.
Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
Volkswagen’s “The Force” ad, which aired during Super Bowl XLV in 2011, is one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials of recent years. The ad features a young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempting to use the force on various objects, only to finally succeed when his father starts his Volkswagen Passat using a remote starter.
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” ad, which aired during Super Bowl XLIV in 2010, features Betty White and Abe Vigoda playing a high-intensity game of football. When one of the players is acting out of character due to hunger, the others give him a Snickers bar and he transforms back to his normal self.
Doritos’ “Crash the Super Bowl” (2007-2016)
From 2007 to 2016, Doritos ran a series of user-generated ads during the Super Bowl, dubbed “Crash the Super Bowl.” The ads were submitted by fans and selected through online voting. The winning ads were aired during the game and often featured humor, creativity, and a lot of chips.
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
This was a popular Super Bowl commercial for Old Spice that first aired in 2010. The ad featured former NFL player Isaiah Mustafa, who portrayed a suave and confident character promoting Old Spice men’s body wash.
The commercial was known for its humorous and over-the-top style, with Mustafa breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience in a series of absurd and unexpected scenarios. The ad became an instant hit, going viral online and earning critical acclaim for its creative approach to advertising.
