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20 Best Super Bowl Commercials Forever In Our Memories

By Sushan Shrestha / 8 December 2023 10:58 AM

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The Super Bowl is an occasion, a cultural phenomenon, and a platform for the best advertising brains to compete. Although the game is the main attraction, there's no denying that Super Bowl advertisements have developed into a phenomenon all their own.

These short, powerful stories have held viewers' attention for decades, leaving a profound mark on our shared recollections.

Brands have been pushing the envelope of comedy, passion, and narrative for decades to grab our attention during the most significant TV show of the year.

These advertisements serve as a reminder of the ability of advertising to amuse, inspire, and stick with us long after the blow of the last whistle. They feature everything from heartwarming tales to belly-laugh-inducing moments, cutting-edge technology, and celebrity appearances.

These commercials are more than just ads; they are cultural icons that ignite debates, inspire memes, and permanently etch themselves into our collective consciousness.

20. BMW: Zeus and Hera Retire (2022)

BMW's "Zeus and Hera Retire" commercial is a humorous and star-studded affair that captures the brand's approach to the electric future.

Featuring the legendary duo of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Zeus and Salma Hayek as Hera, the ad hilariously depicted their retirement struggles. From the noisy neighbors and others asking Zeus to help them charge their devices to the trouble of operating a microwave, the Greek God is in shambles.

At last, Hera helps him reignite his electric mojo by gifting him an all-electric BMW iX.

It's a humorous yet powerful message, which elevates it beyond other Super Bowl commercials.

19. Amazon: Alexa Loses Her Voice (2021)

The ad opens with a woman asking Alexa about the weather, only to break the news that Alexa has lost her voice. Jeff Bezos and his team work out a solution and deploy various replacements in the form of Gordon Ramsey, Cardi B, Rebel Wilson, and Anthony Hopkins.

The replies from these celebrities are nothing but pure entertainment. But just when things seem alarming, the original Alexa's voice returns, reassuring viewers and reminding them of her irreplaceable charm.

This relatable ad perfectly grasped the significance of technology in our lives, while remaining entertaining and lighthearted.

18. Google: Parisian Love (2010)

Google's "Parisian Love" commercial depicts a heartwarming fable of love and connection.

The ad follows a person navigating the streets of Paris, charmingly stumbling his way through the language barrier to connect with a local woman. He relies on Google Translate to communicate showing how a love story blossoms through the lens of search.

The simple yet powerful storytelling approach delivers the search engine's capabilities most effectively, proving that it is more than just a search engine. It is a reminder for all of us about the power of technology to connect us across borders and cultures.

17. McDonald's: The Showdown (1993)

Basketball legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan squared off in the comical match "The Showdown" over a Big Mac and fries.

The ad showcased their legendary skills with increasingly impossible trick shots from everywhere. The series of shots follow a hilarious exaggerated term, each ending with the iconic 'nothing but net.' Their playful banter and competitive energy resonated with the audience, turning it into a cultural moment.

It's still a shining example of how comedy and celebrity appeal can work wonders in advertising.

16. Amazon: Before Alexa (2017)

The ad features a montage of everyday circumstances, from adjusting the thermostat to playing music, all done through uncomfortable and intricate means without Alexa's help. The comedic scenarios present a humorous and nostalgic scenario of life without the convenience of Alexa.

The pre-Alexa world is shown to be chaotic and serves as a reminder of how technology is simplifying our daily routines and helping everyone do everyday things with ease and comfort.

This witty commercial effectively conveyed the influence of voice technology on our daily lives, making a lasting impression and assisting in the widespread use of Alexa.

15. Snickers: Betty White For Snickers (2010)

This ad is a clever take on the "You're not you when you're hungry" theme. It featured the beloved Betty White playing rough in a mud-slinging football game against young men.

As the play breaks, the teammates critique her performance, and one states, "You're playing like Betty White!" To which she replies, "That's not what your girlfriend said."

When she is pulled aside and takes a bite of Snickers, she changes into Mike. The commercial hilariously subverted expectations, showcasing White's comedic timing and sticking to the theme.

It takes an extra mile when the signal caller turns into Abe Vigoda and is sacked immediately hinting back at the ad's theme.

14. Tide: It's A Tide Ad (2018)

"It's A Tide Ad" cleverly hijacked other Super Bowl commercials and reinvented them into advertisements for Tide.

It features David Harbour who seamlessly transitions between different commercials and hilariously interrupts everyone declaring it a 'Tide Ad.' It poked fun at the predictable nature of Super Bowl commercials while simultaneously showcasing the power of Tide to clean even the most difficult stains.

This clever and revolutionary approach to advertising was refreshing since it defied stereotypes and surprised viewers with its unexpected comedy.

13. Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (2010)

"The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" rejuvenated the Old Spice brand and redefined the prospects of online advertising. It stars Isaiah Mustafa who directly talks to the camera and boasts the product's ability to transform an average man into a confident, adventurous hero.

From sailing on a yacht to riding on a majestic horse, Mustafa's unwavering confidence and playful humor captivated the audience. The commercial successfully reinvented the brand's image, appealing to a younger audience with its wit and self-aware humor.

The iconic catchphrases "Smell Like a Man, Man," and "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" are a cultural touchstone and a masterclass in modern advertsing.

12. Lay's: Golden Memories (2022)

"Golden Memories" brought back the classic Lay's charm with a touch of nostalgic ode to friendship.

The one-minute commercial portrays Paul Rudd and Seth Rogan reminiscing over a bag of Lay's. They include the viewers in their friendship journey where Lay's was present in every small and big moment.

Seth's pre-wedding nerves are calmed down by Paul using a bag of Lay's and a trip down memory lane. The heartfelt narrative coupled with the timeless appeal of Lay's resonated deeply with viewers, reminding them of the memories that are made, and the joy that comes from enjoying them together.

11. Monster.com: When I Grow Up (1999)

"When I Grow Up" is a dark humor that brutally targets the honest look at the realities of many workplaces. The satirical monologues of children appearing in black-and-white visuals highlight the unfulfilled potential and dissatisfaction many adults experience in their careers.

The depressing tone and the aspirations of the young children to be 'underappreciated' and 'yes man' in the future resonated deeply with the audience who felt trapped in their jobs.

This groundbreaking strategy not only launched Monster.com as a principal job search platform but also set a new norm for Super Bowl commercials, proving that courageous and provocative messages can be admiringly influential in advertising.

10. Pepsi: The Joy Of Pepsi (2001)

In 2001, Pepsi's "The Joy of Pepsi" exploded onto the Super Bowl stage, capturing the hearts of spectators with its infectious energy and festivity of youthfulness.

Britney Spears sings and shakes her leg on her hit sing 'Joy.' It represents the imagery of fun and freedom. From skateboarding and dancing to simply hanging out with friends, the commercial captured the essence of joy and the unifying power of music.

Spears' infectious energy and the memorable jingle of "The Joy of Pepsi" quickly made it a cultural phenomenon that is revisited time and again.

9. Budweiser: Puppy Love (2014)

The ad follows a lovable puppy's repeated attempts to escape his kennel and play with a Clydesdale horse. As the commercial progresses, the Clydesdale's owner and the puppy's caretaker develop their connection, mirroring the bond between the animals.

The climax features the Clydesdales blocking the puppy from leaving, forcing the humans to acknowledge their friendship and allow them to play together.

Like many of Budweiser's ads "Puppy Love" became a cultural phenomenon, garnering widespread praise for its emotional impact and clever storytelling.

It represents the themes like loyalty, companionship, and the joy of unlikely connections.

8. Honda: Yearbooks (2017)

"Yearbooks" captured the essence of the Honda brand through a series of heartwarming vignettes presenting a touching tribute to life's milestones.

It cleverly integrates nostalgia with subtle product placement, reminding viewers of Honda's long-standing commitment to reliability and quality.

Animated renditions of the celebs' actual high school yearbook images, spoken by Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Viola Davis, Missy Elliott, Tina Fey, Magic Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, comic book great Stan Lee, and Robert Redford, are presented with their own narrations.

The ad ends with the message, "Life takes you places you never expected. Go with it," perfectly encapsulating the brand's spirit of adventure and embracing the unknown.

7. Wendy: Where's The Beef (1984)

This commercial featured three elderly ladies poking fun at a competitor's "big bun, no beef" hamburger.

They examine a comically oversized bun with a tiny patty. This leads to the ladies repeatedly questioning "Where's the beef?" and the mockery of the lack of substance in fast food burgers.

This iconic commercial perfectly captured the core of Wendy's brand - fresh, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to delivering the beef.

This direct and relatable message, coupled with the unforgettable catchphrase, thrust Wendy's to success and cemented its place in fast-food history.

6. Apple: 1984 (1984)

The ad borrows from George Orwell's dystopian novel and depicts a grayscale world where individuality is crushed. A young athletic woman in a brightly-colored Macintosh rushes to throw a hammer at the big screen and crush the monopoly.

The Ridley Scott directorial presents powerful imagery for breaking barriers and breaking free from oppressive conformity.

The ad's lack of product focus and controversial imagery sparked widespread discussion. It ultimately elevated Apple to a symbol of rebellion and ushered it into a new era of computer technology.

5. E-Trade: Talking Babies (2008)

"Talking Babies" is a hilarious and unexpected take on the classic "talking animal" trope. The clever message and the absurdity of engaging the audience are top-notch.

A talking baby explaining complex financial advice is a satirical take on investing and trading. This unexpected combination of innocence and economic expertise created an instantly memorable and humorous contrast.

This unique approach not only made E-Trade stand out from the competition but also reverberated with a younger audience unfamiliar with definitive financial advertising.

4. Budweiser: Brotherhood (2013)

Budweiser's "Brotherhood" commercial, aired during the 2013 Super Bowl, became an instant classic for its powerful and emotional tribute to friendship.

The commercial depicts the tale of a young Clydesdale horse that must part ways with his sibling, highlighting their undying loyalty and will to get back together. The story conveys ideas of loyalty, solidarity, and the eternal strength of brotherhood via stunning graphics and a stirring musical composition.

"Brotherhood" is still a well-known example of how powerful narrative and striking images can come together to produce an enduring and deeply moving advertisement.

3. Google: Loretta (2020)

Google's "Loretta" is a heartwarming and emotional tribute to love and memory which successfully captivated the spectators during the 2010 Super Bowl.

The commercial features an elderly man who reminisces the memories of his late wife Loretta. He revisits old photos, places, and movies, and asks Google to remember every small detail about the love of his life.

The commercial's unsophistication and focus on real human connection resonated deeply, highlighting Google Assistant's ability to preserve cherished memories and offer comfort in times of grief.

2. Coca Cola: Hey Kid, Catch! (1980)

Coca-Cola's iconic "Hey Kid, Catch!" commercial captured millions of hearts with a simple gesture of kindness.

A limping "Mean" Joe Greene (Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle) comes into the tunnel after a game. He is intervened by a young fan who offers him Coke. The Defensive Tackle drinks the entire bottle in one go.

As the kid is about to exit the tunnel, Greene calls him and gives him his jersey. The one-minute clip with Coke's motto "Have a Coke and a smile."

The ad remains a classic example of persuasive advertising that combines celebrity charm, emotional storytelling, and a timeless message of generosity.

1. Budweiser: Respect (2002)

A somber yet powerful homage to the victims of 9/11, Budweiser's "Respect" commercial broke away from the usual Super Bowl fare.

The commercial featured no narration, only the powerful image of the Clydesdales walking in formation past Ground Zero, their hooves echoing the somber mood. The camera panned towards the Clydesdales who bow their heads towards the Manhattan Skyline, a powerful symbol of respect and mourning for the victims of the tragedy.

The Zack Snyder directorial transcended advertising and presented itself as an insignia of national unity and reminding viewers of the significance of remembrance.

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