Every Super Bowl Sunday, millions gather not just for the game but for the commercials—mini-masterpieces that blend humor, storytelling, and branding into a few unforgettable seconds. Some ads make us laugh, some make us think, and a rare few become pop culture landmarks.
What makes a Super Bowl ad truly great? We ranked dozens of the best Super Bowl commercials based on four equally weighted criteria:
- Humor. Did it make us laugh, and was it smartly executed?
- Creative genius. Did it push boundaries and showcase fresh storytelling?
- Cultural impact. Did it become a part of our collective memory?
- Brand memorability. Did it stick with us and reinforce the brand?
Here are 20 classic Super Bowl ads that crushed the competition,, with #1 being the most influential.
1. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
A suave, towel-clad Isaiah Mustafa took viewers on a rapid-fire, one-shot journey filled with absurd humor and impossible transitions. This ad was hilarious and completely revitalized Old Spice’s brand, shifting its audience from an older demographic to a younger, internet-savvy crowd.
With its meme-worthy lines and viral appeal, it remains one of the most successful Super Bowl commercials of all time.
2. Budweiser’s “Wassup?” (1999)
One word: “Wassup?” A simple, goofy greeting among friends that became a worldwide phenomenon. This ad created a catchphrase that lasted for years, proving just how much cultural impact a commercial can have.
3. Snickers’ “Betty White” (2010)
The “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign started here, with Betty White getting tackled in a backyard football game. The ad was hilarious, brilliantly cast, and instantly became a classic, reviving Snickers as a pop-culture powerhouse.
According to the agency that created the ad, the commercial propelled Snickers from 7th to 1st place in the market.
4. Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)
An elderly woman demanding, “Where’s the beef?” became an instant classic. The slogan became a way for consumers to call out anything lacking substance, keeping Wendy’s top of mind for years.
5. Budweiser’s “Frogs” (1995)
Three frogs croaking “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” in a dark swamp doesn’t sound like a recipe for success—but it was. This ad was weird, funny, and totally unforgettable, proving that absurd humor could make a brand stick in viewers’ minds.
6. Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” (2014)
A lost Labrador puppy forges a heartfelt bond with the brand’s iconic Clydesdales. This short, sweet story about loyalty and friendship connected with viewers on an emotional level.
This commercial strengthened Budweiser’s reputation for sentimental storytelling tied to its classic imagery.
7. Doritos’ “Crash the Super Bowl” (2007-2016)
Doritos flipped the script by letting everyday people create its Super Bowl ads. The result? A decade of quirky, hilarious, and wildly creative commercials that made the brand feel fun and unpredictable.
Below is the original, from 2007 (but see a compilation of all the winners, from 2007 to 2016, here).
8. Apple’s “1984” (1984)
Apple introduced the Macintosh with this Ridley Scott-directed dystopian vision, positioning itself as the bold innovator against an Orwellian status quo. This cinematic masterpiece revolutionized Super Bowl ads, proving they could be artistic, thought-provoking, and game-changing.
9. Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
A little kid in a Darth Vader costume trying to summon the Force on household objects—until his dad’s Volkswagen “magically” responds. This ad hit all the right emotional notes, connecting with Star Wars fans and families alike.
10. Reebok’s “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2003)
What if your office had a linebacker to enforce productivity? This ad’s over-the-top slapstick humor made it a viral sensation, bringing sports energy into the workplace in a way that stuck with viewers long after the game.
11. Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” (1979)
A tough football legend, a hopeful child, and a simple bottle of Coke—this ad packed heartwarming storytelling into 60 seconds. Its emotional appeal made it one of the most beloved commercials of all time, still referenced in pop culture decades later.
12. Always’ “#LikeAGirl” (2015)
Always took a common playground insult and reframed it with powerful messages of confidence for young women. The ad showed how the phrase “like a girl” damages self-esteem, then turned it into a rallying cry.
By sparking conversation on social media and beyond, Always established a new standard for cause-focused marketing.
13. Pepsi’s “Cindy Crawford” (1992)
Cindy Crawford stepping out of a red sports car, taking a sip of Pepsi, and making everyone want one—it was simple but iconic. With its sleek production and high-profile star, this ad cemented Pepsi’s place in ‘90s pop culture.
14. E-Trade’s “Baby” (Late 2000s)
A talking baby making stock trades while delivering dry, adult humor? It was an unexpected mix that worked, making financial services feel fresh, fun, and approachable.
This ad was a major win for E-Trade’s brand recognition and the beginning of one of the most popular ad series in history.
15. Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” (2011)
Eminem’s gritty hometown pride took center stage in this cinematic ode to Motor City toughness. Chrysler positioned itself as a symbol of American determination, tying the brand to the city’s resilient spirit.
The memorable tagline and stark visuals reinvigorated perceptions of Chrysler as confident and rooted in real-world grit.
16. McDonald’s “The Showdown” (1993)
Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, playing an increasingly impossible game of HORSE for a Big Mac? This ad blended humor, competition, and star power. The phrase “Nothing but net” quickly became a part of sports culture.
17. Tide’s “Miracle Stain” (2013)
A football fan’s jersey stain resembling Joe Montana becomes a shrine—until his Ravens-fan wife washes it out with Tide. The punch line landed perfectly, and the brand tie-in was seamless, making it one of the best Super Bowl ads in recent history.
18. Monster.com’s “When I Grow Up” (1999)
Children dreaming of dull, uninspiring careers—delivered with deadpan humor—was both hilarious and thought-provoking. The ad connected deeply with professionals questioning their paths, giving Monster.com an emotional edge.
19. Ram Trucks’ “Farmer” (2013)
Ram paired Paul Harvey’s striking narration with evocative photographs of American farming. The ad honored the hard work of farmers and placed the brand squarely in the heartland’s proud ethos.
Viewers recognized Ram’s commitment to resilience, heritage, and authenticity.
20. Google’s “Loretta” (2020)
In a quiet and touching narrative, an elderly man uses Google’s tools to recall special moments with his late wife, Loretta. The ad showcased the brand’s emotional potential by showing how simple voice commands can preserve cherished memories.
Viewers connected with its gentle portrayal of love, technology, and everyday life.
For a sneak peek at the best teaser ads for Super Bowl LIX, yet to be played, read First Look: Super Bowl 2025 Ads Everyone Will Be Talking About.
Honorable Mention: The Super Bowl Ad Prank
ZUG: The Prince Halftime Show (2007)
The Goal
In one for the ages, legendary prankster John Hargrave orchestrated an ambitious “commercial” during Prince’s Super Bowl XLI halftime show.
John and his team of comedians breached one of the strictest security details in the world to distribute 2,350 LED necklaces to sections of the audience with instructions to activate the blue lights during halftime.
The fans believed the light show would spell out “Prince,” but the lights were actually meant to showcase ZUG.COM, the name of Hargrave’s infamous comedy site that specialized in over-the-top pranks. Read the whole story on Esquire.
Marketer Takeaways
- The best Super Bowl ads are strategic. They blend humor, creativity, cultural relevance, and brand memorability to create moments that stick.
- Make it memorable. A strong, simple idea executed well will outlast the competition.
- Tap into emotion. Whether it’s laughter, nostalgia, or inspiration, emotional storytelling connects with audiences.
- Be culturally aware. The best ads reflect and shape the conversations people are already having.
- Prioritize brand impact. A great ad makes people remember who you are, not just what you said.