The best Super Bowl commercials ever
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 19 March 2025
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
Ranking the best Super Bowl commercials of all-time
The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a spectacle of athleticism, entertainment, and, of course, advertising. For decades, the best Super Bowl commercials have become as much a part of the Super Bowl experience as the game itself.
As the Super Bowl has grown into the biggest sporting event in the United States, the commercials aren’t just ads; they’re mini-movies, comedic sketches, and sometimes, even works of art.
Ranking the best Super Bowl ads of all time is a subjective exercise, but some commercials have undeniably etched themselves into the collective consciousness. This article attempts to do just that, offering a (hopefully) definitive list of the best Super Bowl commercials ever.
The Titans of the Super Bowl Ad World
When discussing the best Super Bowl commercials of all time, certain names inevitably arise. One such titan is Apple, whose 1984 commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, remains a masterpiece of advertising. Based on George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, the commercial depicts a lone woman running through a crowd of conformist drones, eventually hurling a sledgehammer at a screen displaying a Big Brother-like figure. The message was clear: Apple was breaking the mold, challenging the status quo, and ushering in a new era of personal computing. The ad, created by Chiat\Day, was audacious, visually stunning, and instantly iconic. It didn’t just sell computers; it sold a vision.
Another heavyweight contender for the title of best Super Bowl commercial of all time is Budweiser’s “Frogs” campaign. This series of ads, created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, featured a chorus of frogs croaking “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er,” eventually forming the name of the beer. The simple yet ingenious concept, combined with the charming animatronics, made these commercials incredibly popular. The frogs became cultural icons, their croaking voices instantly recognizable. This campaign proved that effective advertising doesn’t have to be complex; sometimes, simplicity is the key to memorability.
More Memorable Moments in Super Bowl Advertising
Beyond these legendary examples, countless other commercials have vied for Super Bowl supremacy. Consider the “1999” Prince-themed commercial from Apple, or the “Mean Joe Greene” Coca-Cola ad from 1980. These commercials, each in their own way, captured the zeitgeist of their time and left a lasting impression on viewers. They demonstrate the power of advertising to not only sell products but also to create cultural moments.
For many years, another notable part of the Super Bowl experience was the Puppy Bowl advertising campaign. While not a commercial in the traditional sense, this Animal Planet counter-programming event, featuring adorable puppies playing in a miniature stadium, became a beloved Super Bowl tradition. The Puppy Bowl, while not selling a specific product, effectively promoted Animal Planet and provided a lighthearted alternative to the intense competition on the field.
The Cost of Super Bowl Glory
The price of Super Bowl advertising has skyrocketed over the years. What was once a relatively affordable way to reach a large audience has now become an investment of epic proportions. A 30-second spot during the Super Bowl can now cost as much as $8 million dollars. Brands are willing to pay these exorbitant fees not just for the immediate sales boost but also for the unparalleled brand recognition that comes with being associated with the biggest television event of the year.
The NFL’s Super Bowl is a stage for brands to showcase their creativity, their innovation, and their cultural relevance. That’s why we embarked on Super Bowl ads ranked. It’s a chance to make a statement, to connect with consumers on a massive scale, and to etch their brand into the collective consciousness.
The Global Stage
The Super Bowl’s reach extends far beyond the borders of the United States. While the game itself is an American football championship for the NFL, its global audience has grown exponentially. Millions of people around the world tune in to watch the game, the halftime show, and, of course, the commercials. The Super Bowl has become a global phenomenon, a shared cultural experience that transcends language and national boundaries. According to recent estimates, the global audience for the Super Bowl now reaches well over 100 million viewers. This vast reach makes the Super Bowl an even more attractive platform for advertisers, who see it as an opportunity to connect with a diverse and engaged audience.
The Art of the Super Bowl Ad
Creating a successful best Super Bowl commercial of all-time is an art form. It requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior, a knack for storytelling, and a willingness to take risks. The best Super Bowl ads are often the ones that break the mold, that surprise and delight viewers, that make them laugh or think or feel something. They’re the commercials that people talk about long after the game is over.
The creative agencies behind these ads deserve much of the credit. These agencies, staffed by talented writers, directors, and producers, are the architects of the Super Bowl advertising spectacle. They’re the ones who come up with the clever concepts, the memorable characters, and the emotional hooks that make these commercials so effective.
The world of advertising is constantly evolving, and the Super Bowl is no exception. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, the way people consume and interact with advertising has changed dramatically. Super Bowl commercials are no longer confined to a single airing on game day; they’re released online in advance, shared on social media, and dissected by bloggers and commentators. This has created a new level of engagement with Super Bowl advertising, allowing brands to extend the life of their campaigns and reach an even wider audience.
Ranking the Best Super Bowl Commercials
Attempting to create a definitive ranking of the best Super Bowl ads of all time is a daunting task. Taste is subjective, and what resonates with one person may not resonate with another. However, some commercials have clearly stood the test of time, earning their place in the pantheon of advertising greatness. These are the commercials that are still talked about years later, the commercials that have become part of our cultural lexicon. Whether you’re looking to bet on the Super Bowl or just enjoy the spectacle, the ads are a crucial part of the experience.
- Mean Joe Greene Coca-Cola
- Apple’s 1984 commercial
- E Trade Talking Babies
- Budweiser Frogs
- Animal Planet “Puppy Bowl” content
The Legacy of Super Bowl Advertising
The Super Bowl has become synonymous with great advertising. It’s a showcase for creativity, a battleground for brands, and a cultural touchstone. The best Super Bowl commercials aren’t just ads; they’re cultural artifacts, reflecting the values, the anxieties, and the aspirations of our society. They’re a reminder of the power of advertising to not only sell products but also to entertain, to inform, and to inspire. The legacy of Super Bowl advertising is one of innovation, creativity, and cultural impact. It’s a legacy that continues to evolve, as brands strive to capture the attention of a global audience and create the next iconic Super Bowl commercial. These best super bowl commercials of all time will continue to entertain and inspire for years to come.
