The Crème de la Crème: The Greatest Super Bowl Commercials Ever
Alright, guys, buckle up! We're about to dive into the world of advertising's biggest stage – the Super Bowl. But we're not here to talk about the game (well, not entirely), we're here to celebrate the greatest Super Bowl commercials that have ever graced our screens. These ads have left us laughing, crying, and craving some serious snacks. So, let's grab a bag of chips and dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and greatest super bowl commercials.
Why Super Bowl Commercials Matter
Before we get started, you might be wondering, "Why all the fuss about Super Bowl commercials?" Well, let us tell you, it's a big deal! The Super Bowl is the most-watched television event in the U.S., with over 100 million viewers tuning in every year. That's a massive audience for advertisers to tap into. Plus, with a 30-second slot costing upwards of $5 million, these ads better be good!
But it's not just about the money. Super Bowl commercials have become an event unto themselves. They're anticipated, discussed, and even parodied. They've given us iconic characters (looking at you, Mr. Clean), launched memes, and even influenced pop culture. So, without further ado, let's count down the greatest Super Bowl commercials of all time!
The Early Years: When Ads Were Simple and Fun
Coca-Cola: "Mean Joe Green" (1979)
Kicking off our list is a classic from Coca-Cola, featuring Pittsburgh Steelers legend "Mean" Joe Green. In this heartwarming ad, a young kid gives Green his last Coke, and Green, touched by the boy's kindness, gives him his game-winning jersey. It's a simple, feel-good ad that's stood the test of time. And who can forget the tagline, "I'd like to buy the world a Coke"?
Apple: "1984" (1984)
This groundbreaking ad from Apple introduced the Macintosh computer with a bang. The ad, directed by Ridley Scott, features a woman in a white singlet throwing a sledgehammer at a screen displaying Big Brother, symbolizing Apple's rebellion against IBM's dominance. It's bold, it's dramatic, and it's still one of the most iconic Super Bowl commercials ever made.
The '90s: When Ads Got Weird and Wonderful
McDonald's: "Pizza Delivery" (1993)
In this hilarious ad, a McDonald's employee delivers a pizza to a house full of hungry kids. But when the kids realize it's not pizza, they lose their minds. The delivery guy, unfazed, simply says, "You're welcome," and drives off. It's a silly, memorable ad that's still talked about today.
Budweiser: "Frogs" (1995)
Budweiser's "Frogs" campaign is one of the most recognizable Super Bowl commercials of all time. In the ad, a group of talking frogs sing, "Bud-weis-er, Bud-weis-er," while a human tries (and fails) to get them to say "Bud Light" instead. It's simple, it's catchy, and it's still a classic.
The 2000s: When Ads Got Big, Bold, and Sometimes Controversial
Doritos: "Crash the Super Bowl" (2007-2016)
Doritos' "Crash the Super Bowl" campaign was a game-changer. For several years, the company held a contest inviting fans to submit their own Super Bowl commercial ideas. The winners got to see their ads air during the big game, and some even became instant classics. Our favorite? "House Rules," featuring a group of kids playing a high-stakes game of poker with Doritos as the prize.
GoDaddy: "Encypted" (2005)
GoDaddy's Super Bowl commercials were infamous for their controversial content. But none was more talked-about than "Encypted," which featured a woman in a bikini getting locked out of her car. The twist? The "emergency" she needed help with was that she'd forgotten her domain name. It was racy, it was ridiculous, and it worked – everyone was talking about GoDaddy.
The 2010s: When Ads Got Heartfelt and Shareable
Dodge: "God Made a Farmer" (2013)
This powerful ad from Dodge features a voiceover of Paul Harvey's 1978 speech "So God Made a Farmer," interspersed with footage of farmers at work. It's a heartfelt tribute to the American farmer, and it's guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye. The ad was so popular that it was shared widely online, long after the Super Bowl was over.
Amazon: "Alexa Loses Her Voice" (2018)
In this star-studded ad, a series of celebrities (including Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Hopkins, and Cardi B) fill in for Alexa when she loses her voice. It's a clever way to showcase Amazon's virtual assistant – and it's hilarious to boot. This ad was so popular that Amazon actually released a follow-up ad the next year.
The 2020s: When Ads Got Woke and Weird
Microsoft: "Be the One" (2020)
Microsoft's "Be the One" ad features Katie Sowers, the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl, leading her team with a powerful message about being true to yourself. It's a moving ad that's all about empowerment and authenticity – and it's a great example of a brand using its platform to make a statement.
Jeep: "Groundhog Day" (2021)
In this surreal ad, Bill Murray relives the events of "Groundhog Day" – except this time, he's driving a Jeep. It's a weird, wonderful ad that's all about the joy of driving – and it's a great example of how Super Bowl commercials can be both funny and memorable.
Honorable Mentions: The Super Bowl Commercials That Almost Made the List
Before we wrap up, we've got to give a shout-out to some of the other greatest Super Bowl commercials that didn't quite make our top list. There's the E*TRADE baby, who taught us all about investing (and became a pop culture icon in the process). There's the Snickers "Betty White" ad, which featured the legendary actress getting tackled during a football game – and reminded us all that you're not you when you're hungry. And who could forget the Doritos "Pug Attack" ad, which featured a group of dogs attacking a man with a bag of Doritos? It's silly, it's ridiculous, and it's everything we love about Super Bowl commercials.
So, What Makes a Super Bowl Commercial Great?
As you can see, the greatest Super Bowl commercials come in all shapes and sizes. Some are funny, some are heartwarming, and some are just plain weird. But what they all have in common is that they're memorable. They're the kind of ads that you remember long after the game is over – and that's the true mark of a great Super Bowl commercial.
So, there you have it, folks – our definitive list of the greatest Super Bowl commercials of all time. Whether you're a football fan or an advertising enthusiast, these ads are must-watch TV. So grab some snacks, get comfortable, and enjoy the show! Just remember, folks – when it comes to Super Bowl commercials, anything can happen. And that's what makes them so much fun.