Best Super Bowl Adverts of All Time
Super Bowl adverts are a true cultural staple, and the TV advertising has become almost as anticipated as the big game itself. Each year, brands vie and compete for the global audience’s attention during Super Bowl halftime or any of the other commercial breaks.
Often, the best Super Bowl adverts will include celebrity cameos, surprises, cultural references and lots of humour. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most beloved, popular and memorable from over the years so you can revisit them.
Like a Girl, Always – 2016
It’s not unusual for a Super Bowl advert to go viral or be discussed around the water cooler along with the game highlights. However, the 2016 Always advert ‘Like a Girl’ had a genuine impact that went far beyond the ad break.
Advertising feminine care products during the NFL’s biggest game might not seem like an obvious choice, but the advert resounded with viewers – and was reacted to widely on social media, including a mention from the Malala Fund and viewers calling it the “best Super Bowl commercial ever”. The advert reimagines what the phrase ‘like a girl’ means, and was a huge moment for women in sports and beyond.
The Man Your Man Could Smell Like, Old Spice – 2010
When a Super Bowl advert becomes famous in its own right, you know it’s a success. Most of us are familiar with the Old Spice Man, and the adverts have become something of a cult fan favourite. However, it’s not commonly known that the 2010 advert originally aired during the Super Bowl, and was what catapulted star Isiah Mustafa into meme-fame.
The advert spawned many sequels from the aftershave brand, and has been parodied and spoofed countless times on the internet. While the Old Spice Man might not have quite the same demeanour as the NFL’s finest, he was certainly a hit with Super Bowl advert break viewers!
Apple – 1984
It might be a far cry from the best Apple adverts these days, but 1984’s 1984-inspired Macintosh advert really was something at the time. The advert was originally only aired in the United States once – during the third quarter of that year’s Super Bowl – but it is, obviously, quite a piece of history and certainly made waves.
The advert is directed by Ridley Scott, and uses George Orwell’s famous novel as a theme for its dystopian aesthetic. The advert was the world’s first introduction to the Macintosh computer, which of course went on to completely revolutionise the way we all use computers and laptops. Quite a big statement for midway through the second half of the Super Bowl!
The Joy of Pepsi, Pepsi – 2002
Arguably also one of the best Pepsi adverts of all time, this Super Bowl commercial from 2002 was always destined to be a hit with fans. Britney Spears, nostalgia, multiple costume changes, a catchy tune? What more could we want from a classic Super Bowl ad?
The ad starred the pop icon at the height of her fame, making the most of her song and dance prowess. We’re taken on a journey through the ages from the 1950s to the present day with an eternally-youthful Britney, showing how Pepsi has always been the drink for “those who think young”.
The Showdown, McDonalds – 1993
This iconic McDonalds advert follows the tried and tested blueprint for a successful and memorable Super Bowl commercial. Namely, get some really iconic big name celebrities in it, and you’re pretty good to go. As far as iconic names in the world of US sports goes, the fast food brand couldn’t really have done much better than Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.
In the ad to celebrate the 25th birthday of the Big Mac, Bird challenges Jordan to a game of H-O-R-S-E, with the winner receiving a Big Mac lunch. The ad aired in two parts, with a teaser setting up the contest and the full ad showing the two basketball stars challenging each other to more and more outlandish shots – neither of them seem to be bothered about the fries going cold…
Did your favourite Super Bowl advert make our list of the best? Let us know any we missed in the comments!