The Top 10 Most Memorable Super Bowl Commercials of All Time
The Super Bowl is one of the most significant events in the United States. It is known not only for its exciting football action but also for its extravagant and unforgettable commercials. Over the years, brands have put in millions of dollars to create unique and impactful ads that will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Here, we look at the 10 most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time:
- Apple’s “1984” – This iconic commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, introduced the Macintosh computer and took a shot at IBM’s monopoly on the computer market. The ad, which depicted a dystopian future ruled by Big Brother and ended with a woman running into a room full of people with sledgehammers and smashing a giant screen, has been widely regarded as one of the greatest commercials of all time.
- Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” – This commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XV in 1981, features Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw offering a Coke to a young fan in the stands. The ad’s memorable catchphrase and heartwarming storyline have made it one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- Budweiser’s “Frogs” – This commercial, which first aired during Super Bowl XXIX in 1995, features three frogs croaking “Bud-weis-er” in unison, followed by a chorus of lizards and a snake singing “Bud.” The ad’s quirky humor and catchy jingle have made it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- McDonald’s “The Showdown” – This commercial, aired during Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, features basketball legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird playing a game of Horse for a Big Mac. The ad’s humor, competitiveness, and use of two of the biggest sports icons of the time have made it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- Pepsi’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – This commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XXVI in 1992, features country music legend Hank Williams Jr. singing his hit song “Your Cheatin’ Heart” while various people cheat on their diets with a Pepsi. The ad’s catchy tune and humorous storyline have made it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- Bud Light’s “Real Men of Genius” – This series of commercials, which first aired during Super Bowl XXXII in 1998, pays homage to various “real men of genius” with humorous jingles and over-the-top narration. The ads’ humor and catchy tunes have made them some of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- GoDaddy.com’s “Bodybuilder” – This commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, features a bodybuilder who can’t seem to flex his muscles until he goes to the GoDaddy.com website. The ad’s humorous storyline and use of sexual innuendo have made it one of the most memorable (and controversial) Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- E-Trade’s “Wasted” – This commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, features a chimpanzee using an E-Trade account to make stock trades while his human friends waste their money on frivolous things. The ad’s humor and memorable tagline, “Well, we just wasted 2 million bucks. What are you doing with your money?” have made it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- CareerBuilder.com’s “Monkeys” – This series of commercials, which first aired during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, features office workers who are tired of working with “monkeys” (i.e. their idiot bosses) and decide to look for new jobs using CareerBuilder.com. The commercials’ humor and relatable storyline have made them some of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- VW’s “The Force” – This commercial, which aired during Super Bowl XLV in 2011, features a young boy dressed in a Darth Vader costume attempting to use “The Force” on various objects around the house, only to be disappointed when his powers don’t work. That is until he successfully uses them to start the family’s Volkswagen Passat. The ad’s humor and pop-culture references have made it one of the most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
These are just a few examples of the many memorable Super Bowl commercials that have been created over the years. As the Super Bowl continues to be one of the biggest events in the United States, we can expect to see many more memorable commercials in the future. Whether it’s for the game itself, or for the highly anticipated ads, the Super Bowl remains a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences year after year.