With the Super Bowl being one of the most-watched events in the United States, it’s no surprise that the commercials showcased during the game have become an integral part of the experience.
Over the years, brands have gone above and beyond to create memorable and impactful advertisements that resonate with viewers long after the final whistle blows.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 Super Bowl commercials of all time that have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
From heartwarming stories to hilarious antics, these commercials have set the bar high for creativity, storytelling, and brand awareness.
Each year, advertisers compete for the coveted title of having the best Super Bowl commercial, and only a select few have managed to capture the hearts and minds of viewers across generations.
Join us as we revisit these iconic ads that have become a significant part of Super Bowl history.
Top 10 Best Super Bowl Commercials of All Time
Super Bowl commercials have become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with their creativiThese ads set a high standard for advertisers, aiming to leave a lasting impact on viewers and enhance brand awareness.
“Zeus and Hera Retire” — BMW (2022)
BMW’s 2022 Super Bowl ad, “Zeus and Hera Retire,” features the iconic Greek gods Zeus and Hera deciding to retire from their mythological duties. The commercial depicts them settling into a modern lifestyle, complete with a sleek BMW electric vehicle. The ad cleverly contrasts their divine, ancient origins with contemporary, everyday experiences, such as shopping for groceries and relaxing at a cafe. The high production value, including impressive special effects and a humorous script, captures the gods’ bemusement and adjustment to modern life. This ad not only highlights BMW’s commitment to innovation and sustainability but also cleverly uses pop culture references to appeal to a wide audience. It effectively integrates the idea of luxury and modernity with the timeless allure of mythological figures, making it a standout in recent Super Bowl history.
“Alexa Loses Her Voice” — Amazon (2021)
Amazon’s 2021 commercial, “Alexa Loses Her Voice,” takes viewers on a comedic journey where Alexa, the popular voice assistant, loses her voice, leading to a series of amusing situations. Celebrities like Michael B. Jordan, Cardi B, and others step in to provide their own unique versions of Alexa’s voice, resulting in a humorous and entertaining series of interactions. The commercial highlights Amazon’s technology and its integration into everyday life while showcasing the versatility and appeal of Alexa. The ad is effective in reinforcing Amazon’s brand identity as innovative and customer-focused. By using a blend of humor and star power, it captivates viewers and emphasizes the brand’s ability to bring a touch of fun to its products.
“Michael Bublé vs. Bubly” — Bubly (2019)
In Bubly’s 2019 Super Bowl ad, singer Michael Bublé finds himself in a playful conflict with the brand’s sparkling water, which sounds like his last name. The commercial features Bublé humorously objecting to the way his name is pronounced, with the Bubly brand consistently correcting him. This engaging and light-hearted ad cleverly plays on the phonetic similarity between Bublé and Bubly, creating a memorable and entertaining narrative. The use of Bublé’s celebrity status and comedic timing helps to emphasize the brand’s fun and approachable personality. The ad effectively connects with viewers by incorporating a well-known personality in a way that highlights Bubly’s refreshing and playful brand identity.
“It’s a Tide Ad” — Tide (2018)
Tide’s 2018 campaign, “It’s a Tide Ad,” stood out for its inventive approach to advertising. The commercial cleverly inserted Tide branding into various typical ad scenarios, including car commercials, perfume ads, and more, making it appear as though every commercial during the Super Bowl was actually a Tide ad. This meta-advertising strategy played on viewers’ expectations and kept them guessing, all while reinforcing Tide’s message of cleanliness and quality. The ad’s self-awareness and humor made it highly memorable and set a new standard for creative advertising. By blurring the lines between different types of ads, Tide’s campaign ensured that it remained top-of-mind for viewers throughout the Super Bowl.
“Viva Young” — Taco Bell (2013)
Taco Bell’s 2013 commercial, “Viva Young,” features a group of senior citizens who, for one night, reclaim their youth and embark on an adventurous spree. The ad includes scenes of the elderly group engaging in wild and energetic activities like partying, dancing, and having fun, all set to a catchy soundtrack. The lively and spirited nature of the commercial challenges stereotypes about aging and highlights Taco Bell’s ability to connect with a diverse audience. The ad’s upbeat and inclusive message, combined with its fun visuals and music, resonates with viewers of all ages and reinforces Taco Bell’s brand as one that embraces youthful energy and excitement.
“Betty White for Snickers” — Snickers (2010)
Snickers’ 2010 Super Bowl ad features the legendary Betty White playing a spirited game of football, humorously illustrating the brand’s message that Snickers satisfies hunger and restores energy. The ad depicts White as overly aggressive and out of character, suggesting that her unusual behavior is due to being hungry and not having had a Snickers bar. The commercial’s humor is enhanced by White’s well-known comedic timing and her ability to playfully subvert expectations. The ad successfully communicates Snickers’ brand promise of satisfying hunger with a memorable and entertaining approach, thanks to White’s iconic status and the ad’s playful narrative.
“Talking Babies” — E*Trade (2008)
ETrade’s 2008 ad, featuring “Talking Babies,” showcases infants engaging in sophisticated financial discussions.
The babies are depicted as savvy investors, discussing stock market trends and investment strategies in a humorous manner.
The ad uses the incongruity of babies talking about serious financial matters to create a memorable and entertaining experience.
This clever juxtaposition of innocence and financial expertise highlights ETrade’s services in a lighthearted way, making the ad both amusing and effective.
The commercial’s unique concept and witty dialogue helped it stand out, making it one of the most memorable Super Bowl ads of its time.
“Cast Away” — FedEx (2006)
FedEx’s 2006 ad, “Cast Away,” humorously references the film of the same name, featuring a character stranded on a deserted island who is eagerly awaiting a FedEx package.
The ad portrays the castaway’s anticipation and the challenges he faces while waiting for his delivery.
The clever use of the movie’s plot and the humorous depiction of the castaway’s plight underscore FedEx’s reliability and commitment to delivering packages under any circumstances.
The ad effectively combines popular culture with a brand message, making it both entertaining and informative. Its creative approach and humor helped reinforce FedEx’s image as a dependable and efficient delivery service.
“Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” — Reebok (2003)
Reebok’s 2003 commercial, “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker,” introduces a fictional character who enforces office productivity with over-the-top physicality.
Terry Tate, played by actor Lester Speight, tackles employees for various workplace infractions, such as taking long breaks or failing to meet deadlines.
The ad’s exaggerated humor and unique concept create a memorable portrayal of office life, highlighting the importance of performance and efficiency in a humorous way.
The commercial effectively uses comedy to connect with viewers, while reinforcing Reebok’s brand message of high energy and performance.
The character of Terry Tate became an iconic figure in advertising, remembered for his comedic enforcement of office rules.
“Hey Kid, Catch!” — Coca-Cola (1980)
Coca-Cola’s 1980 ad, “Hey Kid, Catch!” features football legend Mean Joe Greene sharing a heartfelt moment with a young fan.
After the fan offers Greene a Coke, the football star, touched by the gesture, gives the kid his game jersey in return.
The ad’s emotional storytelling and the simple, genuine interaction between Greene and the young fan create a powerful and memorable message about kindness and connection.
The commercial’s enduring popularity is attributed to its heartfelt and relatable message, as well as its ability to evoke strong emotions.
It remains a classic example of how effective Super Bowl ads can blend storytelling with brand messaging to create a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Super Bowl commercials so important?
Super Bowl commercials are important due to their creativity, storytelling, and impact on brand awareness. They have the potential to resonate with audiences, boost brand recognition, and set new standards in advertising.
What makes a Super Bowl commercial memorable?
Memorable Super Bowl commercials push boundaries in creativity, storytelling, and emotional resonance. They create a lasting impact by connecting with viewers on a personal level and leaving a lasting impression.
What can we expect from future Super Bowl commercials?
Future Super Bowl commercials are expected to continue breaking new ground in creativity and brand awareness. They will set higher standards for engaging storytelling, innovative concepts, and emotional connections with audiences.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the captivating world of Super Bowl commercials, highlighting their pivotal role in the annual sporting event.
These commercials have become an integral part of Super Bowl culture, known for their creativity, humor, and ability to leave a lasting impact on viewers.
Brands leverage this platform to showcase their best work, aiming to resonate with audiences and boost brand recognition.
Moving forward, it’s crucial for advertisers to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity when crafting Super Bowl commercials.
By focusing on engaging storytelling, emotional resonance, and memorable characters, brands can create commercials that not only entertain but also establish a strong connection with viewers.
Through innovative concepts and strategic messaging, advertisers can elevate their Super Bowl commercial game and leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
As we look ahead to future Super Bowl events, we anticipate even more groundbreaking commercials that will redefine advertising standards and captivate audiences around the globe.
The legacy of iconic Super Bowl commercials is sure to continue, setting new benchmarks for creativity, impact, and brand awareness in the realm of advertising.
Ashley Hopkinson