The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game—it’s a platform for brands to shine. Year after year, advertisers strive to create memorable campaigns that captivate the millions of viewers. These commercials are eagerly anticipated, sometimes rivaling the game itself.
Brands have mastered the art of the Super Bowl ad, blending A-list celebrities, humor, and social messages to leave a lasting impact. Some ads have become iconic, etching themselves into pop culture history.
From celebrity cameos to emotional tearjerkers, here are the timeless Super Bowl ads that have endured:
Verizon’s “Can’t B Broken” (2024)
Beyoncé showed her power in this commercial by challenging Verizon’s 5G network. From playful alter egos to dropping new music, the ad captivated fans and shook the BeyHive.
Pepsi’s “The Joy of Pepsi” (2001)
Britney Spears stole the show with her Pepsi debut, energizing Super Bowl XXXV with her song and dance.
Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
A mini Darth Vader trying to wield “The Force” captured hearts, with a surprise twist that warmed viewers’ hearts. The child actor, Max Page, later became a health advocate.
These ads are more than just marketing—they’re cultural landmarks that continue to resonate with audiences.
The Super Bowl XLV ad changed his life forever as he navigated similar complications. “It was beyond my wildest dreams, especially at 7 years old,” remarked Page. “I had no understanding of what a Super Bowl commercial was or the impact it would have. To see it evolve into something of such magnitude is truly incredible.”
Budweiser’s “Whassup?” (1999)
In 1999, Budweiser posed a simple query that resonates even today: “Whassup?” This iconic ad showcases five friends engaging in phone calls, playfully greeting each other with exaggerated expressions and the familiar “Whassup?” catchphrase. The ad features two pals conversing over their Budweiser beers while watching a game, highlighting the camaraderie and simplicity of moments shared over a cold drink. Originally aired during Monday Night Football in December 1999, the ad gained legendary status during the 2000 Super Bowl and continues to influence pop culture. The commercial, inspired by the short film “True,” received accolades such as the Grand Prix award at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes and a place in the Clio Awards hall of fame. It has been parodied in films like “Scary Movie” (2000) and referenced in popular TV shows like “The Simpsons,” “Friends,” and “The Office.” Budweiser revisited the iconic catchphrase in 2020 with its “Checking In, That’s Whassup” campaign, promoting connections during the COVID-19 pandemic with appearances from stars like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.
E*Trade’s “Monkey” (2000)
At the turn of the century, E*Trade’s memorable dancing monkey ad captivated audiences with its whimsical and extravagant production. Featuring a monkey grooving alongside two men to the tune of “La Cucaracha,” the scene culminates with a humorous punchline displayed on screen, questioning viewers about their financial decisions amidst the frivolous spectacle. The advertisement, marked by a large budget and eccentricity, left a lasting impression on viewers.
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
Snickers’ ad takes the tagline “You’re not you when you’re hungry” to new heights by transforming the iconic Betty White into an unexpected character on the football field. The commercial showcases a group of players, including the legendary actress, engaging in a game where White’s performance is critiqued as lackluster. Prompted by her underwhelming display, a fellow player remarks that she’s playing like Betty White, sparking a playful retort from the actress. As White is encouraged to eat a Snickers bar, her transformation back into a competitive player named Mike highlights the snack’s ability to rejuvenate and energize.
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Old Spice’s captivating ad from 2010 introduces Isaiah Must
Discover the unexpected with E*Trade’s iconic baby spokesperson, join the hilarious legal drama in e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Super Bowl commercial, feel the emotional tribute in Budweiser’s “Respect,” witness Apple’s groundbreaking ad in “1984,” and spark nostalgia with McDonald’s “The Showdown.”
During the broadcast of Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, a memorable moment unfolded featuring NBA legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. In a commercial, Bird challenges Jordan to a shooting contest for a Big Mac and fries that Jordan had brought for lunch. The stakes are high, with the loser having to watch the winner enjoy the meal. The two superstars showcase their incredible skills, matching each other shot for shot. As the contest escalates, they move from the basketball court to various locations, including the rafters of the stadium and even the John Hancock Center in Chicago. Despite the challenges, the game continues with both players impressively sinking shots. In the end, standing on the edge of the Hancock Center, Jordan describes a trick shot that involves bouncing the ball off various obstacles before scoring.
Another iconic Super Bowl commercial was Budweiser’s “Frogs” ad from 1995. The commercial introduced three frogs named “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” croaking out the beer company’s name in a swampy setting, culminating in a neon Budweiser sign illuminating above them.
In 2022, actors Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd teamed up for Lay’s “Golden Memories” Super Bowl spot. The duo, dressed in tuxedos, shares a bag of Lay’s chips while reminiscing about their favorite memories, from road trips to odd encounters. The commercial takes a comedic turn as they recall bizarre experiences, all while snacking on Lay’s chips.
Additionally, Coca-Cola’s heartwarming commercial from 1980, featuring former NFL player “Mean” Joe Greene, showed a softer side of the tough athlete. In the ad, a young boy offers Greene a Coke, which eventually leads to a heartwarming moment between them.
These Super Bowl commercials have become iconic moments in advertising history, captivating audiences with humor, nostalgia, and memorable performances.
Cheerful Greene enthusiastically calls out to the kid as he exits the tunnel: “Hey, kid — catch!” The young fan eagerly receives the jersey of the legendary player, sporting a huge grin on his face.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Coca-Cola unveiled a follow-up advertisement for its Coke Mini product during the 2016 Super Bowl. The ad featured Marvel superheroes Hulk and Ant-Man reenacting the iconic jersey exchange moment, but this time with a Coke Mini bottle instead.
In a commercial for Squarespace titled “Sally’s Seashells” in 2022, actress Zendaya, playing the role of “Sally,” embarks on a journey as a beachside entrepreneur. She transforms her seashell business from a mere dream into a thriving empire, expanding her offerings to include swanky seashell accessories, seashell serenity sessions, savory seaside snacks, and seashell excursions along the shore. The advertisement, inspired by tongue twisters, exudes a playful and sunny vibe, capturing four signature Zendaya-style moments in just 30 seconds.
The Wendy’s commercial “Where’s the Beef” from 1984 has solidified its place in pop culture history, with its catchphrase still being used today. The ad showcases three elderly women scrutinizing a competitor’s burger for its oversized bun and undersized meat patty, ultimately propelling actress Clara Peller into stardom.
In Dunkin’s 2023 Super Bowl spot titled “Drive-Thru,” Ben Affleck surprises customers by posing as a drive-thru attendant, with a special appearance by his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. Meanwhile, T-Mobile’s 2023 ad “New Neighbor” features a memorable performance of “Summer Nights” by John Travolta, Zach Braff, and Donald Faison.
The heartwarming 2023 Super Bowl ad from The Farmer’s Dog introduces a Labrador named Bear, who grows alongside a young girl named Ava, accompanying her through life’s milestones. Uber Eats’ 2024 Super Bowl commercial playfully explores A-list amnesia, with Jennifer Aniston forgetting her former Friends co-star David Schwimmer, and David Beckham and Victoria Beckham struggling to recall the name of her former girl group, the Spice Girls.
Uber Eats delivers not only food but also comedic moments, as seen in their ads that bring laughter and entertainment to viewers.
