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We would never fast-forward through these
By Alexia Dellner
Published Feb 1, 2024
•
8:21pm
Additional reporting by
Nakeisha Campbell
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Back in February 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs won the big game, aka the Super Bowl, making it their second win in four years. (More recently, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about this team thanks to a woman named Ms. Taylor Swift.) And while we’re happy for the Chiefs and their Super Bowl victory, we've found that we’re usually more focused on those epic Super Bowl commercials, (and snacks) which we just can’t stop thinking about. So, in honor of the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII, which airs on Sunday, February 11, 2024 on CBS, we're listing the most memorable Super Bowl commercials ever made.
There's a wide variety of spots out there, including ones that have won awards, a few that gained tens of millions of views on YouTube and even one that started a years-long campaign that will remain in our minds forever. Considering that the cost of a 2023 commercial was more than $7 million (a record-high compared to previous years), it comes as no surprise that last year's star-studded line-up raised the bar.
For this year’s matchup, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will take on Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers. The halftime show will be led by Usher, and the national anthem will be sung by Reba McEntire.
From the ads that make us laugh out loud to the ones that tug at our heartstrings, here are the 55 best Super Bowl commercials of all time. (Best enjoyed with chips and dip. And maybe some tissues.)
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55. Coca-Cola: "Mean" Joe Greene (1979)
- Starring: Joe Greene
One of the best Super Bowl commercials of all time? Definitely this Coca-Cola ad starring former Pittsburg Steelers defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene. In it, an exhausted Greene is hobbling back to the locker room when he's offered a bottle of co*ke by a pint-sized fan. Greene accepts, chugs the drink and tosses the boy his jersey. The commercial even inspired a made-for-TV film about a football team that adopts an elementary schooler.
54. Bud Ice Penguins (1996)
This mid-'90s commercial makes almost no sense: penguins, beer and Frank Sinatra? That's part of the absurdity—and the charm. The series of ads follows a man desperate to enjoy just one bottle of Bud Ice, but a creepy animatronic penguin stalks him wherever he goes, announcing its presence with the "do-be-do-be-do" ending of Sinatra's song, "Strangers in the Night."
53. Rakuten: Not-So Clueless (2023)
- Starring: Alicia Silverstone; Elisa Donovan
Would we ever fast forward through this? As if! Alicia Silverstone and Elisa Donovan reprise their iconic Clueless roles in this Rakuten clip, where they give a teaching lesson, go shopping and more.
52. Planet Fitness: Feel Fitacular (2022)
- Starring: Lindsay Lohan; Dennis Rodman; Danny Trejo; William Shatner
Lindsay Lohan wasn't afraid to poke fun at herself in this 2022 Planet Fitness ad, and it helped mark her return to the screen (only months later, she starred in the Netflix film Falling for Christmas). Guess it was all thanks to Planet Fitness.
51. Uber One: Diddy Don't Jingle (2023)
- Starring: Diddy
Prepare to get the biggest dose of nostalgia with this ad. Uber One teamed up with Diddy to remix quite a few classics, including Montell Jordan's “This Is How We Do It,” Kelis's “Milkshake” and Haddaway's “What Is Love.” We dare you to sit still.
50. EDS: Cat Herders (2009)
After watching this commercial, all we can tell you is that EDS herds cats. Except, instead of furry felines, their "cats" are information, ideas and technology. Sure, it's abstract, but no matter. It still makes us feel like we're part of a big, important ranching legacy.
49. Audi: The Chase (2009)
- Starring: Jason Statham
Action hero Jason Statham takes us on a wild ride as he speeds through past decades in different Audi cars. Eagle-eyed fans will notice quite a few references, from Miami Vice to the popular Transporter franchise.
48. Doritos: Now It’s Hot (2019)
- Starring: Chance the Rapper; The Backstreet Boys
It’s the collab we never knew we needed: Chance the Rapper and the Backstreet Boys. In the ad, the boy band’s iconic song "I Want It That Way" gets some hip-hop flavor, including an impressive new verse from Chance.
47. Squarespace: Sally’s Seashells (2022)
- Starring: Zendaya
One word: Zendaya. Loyal fans definitely enjoyed her fun role as a fashionable entrepreneur (or shall we say “seashell celebrity”). Plus, the tongue-twisting alliteration was just the icing on the cake.
45. Mountain Dew Kickstart: Puppymonkeybaby (2016)
OK, hear us out. We know it was, well, odd, to say the least. But that’s not to say that the hybrid puppymonkeybaby creature wasn’t memorable. Seriously, the spot nearly broke the internet because the world had so much to say about it. Looks like the Mountain Dew marketing team really came through on this one.
44. Bud Light: Paper or Plastic (1999)
- Starring: Bitty Schram
Allow us to reintroduce another classic that aged like fine wine. In this ad, a pair of guys are forced to choose between a six-pack ofBud Light and a roll of toilet paper when they can’t afford all the items. Naturally, they go with the drinks, then enthusiastically request a "paper" bag. (You can probably guess what that paper bag will be used for.)
43. Rakuten: High Stakes (2022)
- Starring: Hannah Waddingham
This fun ad was a special treat for Ted Lasso fans, since it stars Hannah Waddingham as an overconfident high-roller. In the one-minute commercial, her character is sure that she’ll win a high-stakes poker game. That is, until a Rakuten shopper comes through with all the perks she earned on the site.
42. State Farm: Drake From State Farm (2021)
- Starring: Drake; Aaron Rodgers; Paul Rudd; Patrick Mahomes
Over the years, many iconic characters have developed from commercials, like Flo from Progressive or the gecko from GEICO. And included among those figures is Jake from State Farm, who got a surprise doppelgänger in 2021, when the insurance company aired a star-studded clip featuring Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Paul Rudd, and in a comical twist, Drake.
41. Best Buy: Asking Amy (2013)
- Starring: Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler was at the peak of her Parks and Recreation fame when this Super Bowl ad aired in 2013, and there is plenty of Leslie Knope-style zaniness as Poehler asks a Best Buy employee whether LTE is contagious or if we are “in the cloud.”
40. Snickers: The Brady Bunch (2015)
- Starring: Danny Trejo; Steve Buscemi
The brand recreated one of the most popular Brady Bunch scenes, where Danny Trejo appears as an angry version of Marcia—until she gets her first bite of a Snickers bar. Steve Buscemi's brilliant performance as angry Jan is everything we need.
39. Rocket Mortgage: Comfortable (2020)
- Starring: Jason Momoa; Lisa Bonet
Some Jason Momoa fans might find his “transformation” behind closed doors a bit jarring, but the overall concept of the ad is pretty intriguing. Also, seeing his ex-wife, Lisa Bonet, easily grab a weight that Momoa struggles to lift is oddly satisfying.
38. Fedex: The Lollipop Guild (2000)
- Starring: Judy Garland
In this clever homage to The Wizard of Oz, FedEx recreates the classic scene where the Munchkins welcome Dorothy with a song. Only this time, they run into an obstacle, which forces FedEx to come to the rescue with a special package. Although the ad was ultimately pulled due to safety concerns raised by the National Inhalant Prevention Council, it still gets points for creativity.
36. Pepsi: Now And Then (2002)
- Starring: Britney Spears
The fabulous Britney Spears takes us on a journey through recreated vintage Pepsi ads, starting with the '50s and working her way through five decades. Prepare to feel all the nostalgia.
35. Amazon: Mind Reader (2022)
- Starring: Scarlett Johansson; Colin Jost
We'll admit that we've watched this ad more times than we can count, but can you really blame us? Hearing Alexa automatically switch on the blender as soon as Colin Jost starts talking will never not be funny.
34. Nike: Hare Jordan (1993)
- Starring: Michael Jordan
Folks, allow us to introduce the fun ad that inspired the live-action animated movie, Space Jam. For the first time, Bugs Bunny teams up with Michael Jordan for an intense game on the court—while sporting the new Air Jordans, of course.
33. Esurance: Sorta Pharmacy (2015)
- Starring: Bryan Cranston
In this ad, Breaking Bad’s Walter White (Bryan Cranston) takes on a new role as a mysterious pharmacist, better known as "Sorta Greg," and it's nothing short of brilliant. Say his name.
32. Kia: The Truth (2012)
- Starring: Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne dons a pair of black shades and a trench coat to reprise his Matrix role as Morpheous in this sleek ad, making us all question, yet again, what's real and what's not. *Slowly reaches for the red pill key*
31. Hyundai Genesis: First Date (2016)
- Starring: Kevin Hart; Christopher Meyer
Anything that involves Kevin Hart is guaranteed to deliver some laughs—and this commercial is all the proof you need. The comedian stars as an overprotective dad, who follows his daughter’s every move while she goes out on a date.
30. Pepsi: More Than Ok (2019)
- Starring: Steve Carrell; Cardi B; Lil Jon
If Steve Carrell, Cardi B and Lil Jon all showed up at our local cafe to vouch for Pepsi, we’d totally order a tall glass (or two). The trio will have you convinced that Pepsi is way more than OK to drink. Or in Cardi's words, "Okurrr."
29. Mastercard: Errands (2004)
- Starring: Dan Castellaneta
As Homer Simpson runs his errands on a typical day, using his trusty Mastercard, he gets into a little spat with the narrator, who starts to contradict his actions. It’s always a treat to see this legendary character in action.
28. Pepsico: Doritos Blaze vs. Mountain Dew Ice Battle (2018)
- Starring: Morgan Freeman; Peter Dinklage
An intense lip-syncing rap battle between Morgan Freeman and Peter Dinklage? Um, YES please. The Game of Thrones alum kicks things off with Busta Rhymes’s fiery verse from Chris Brown's “Look at Me Now,” fittingly representing Doritos Blaze. But then Freeman follows up with a lip-sync of Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On," literally giving us chills.
27. Toyota: Jessica Long (2021)
- Starring: Jessica Long
The tear-inducing ad sheds light on the adoption story of American Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long, who went on to become a 16-time gold medalist after her lower legs were amputated at just 18 months old. (In case you’re confused about the connection to Toyota, the brand is a proud partner of Team USA.)
26. PopCorners: Breaking Bad Reunion (2023)
- Starring: Bryan Cranston; Aaron Paul
Jesse and Walter are back! The Breaking Bad characters teamed up once again for this PopCorners ad. Fans will immediately recognize the lawn chair that Jesse sits in, as well as the iconic RV.
25. Squarespace: Calling John Malkovich (2017)
- Starring: John Malkovich
In the ad, the Emmy Award-winning actor finds himself in a bit of a pickle after learning that someone else with the same name has already snagged the domain name he wanted. Anyone else feel compelled to visit JohnMalkovich.com right after watching this?
24. Kia: Hero's Journey (2017)
- Starring: Melissa McCarthy
You know anything starring Melissa McCarthy is going to be good, and this funny ad—which was Kia’s eighth consecutive Super Bowl appearance—definitely delivers. It even won the USA Today Ad Meter popularity contest.
23. Budweiser: True (Wassap) (2000)
The ad actually spurred an entire campaign for Budweiser using the catchy one-liner. August Busch IV of Anheuser Busch said in a statement: “In our lifetimes, we’ll never see so much value created from a single idea.” We loved it at the time. However, we hated it for the year our brother-in-law answered every call with “Wassap?”
22. Pepsi: Cindy Crawford (1992)
- Starring: Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford stepping out of a red Lamborghini in a white tank top was the ideal way for Pepsi to draw attention to their new can design. The commercial became so popular that the company even brought the model back for their 2018 spot.
21. Google: Parisian Love (2009)
This simple ad showcased the efficiency and elegance of the company's search capabilities while simultaneously telling a love story in the process. Don’t mind us: We’ll just be quietly sobbing in the corner.
20. Bud Light/HBO: Joust (2019)
Viewers were shocked when HBO made a surprise appearance in Bud Light's Super Bowl ad to tease the final season of Game of Thrones. The result? An interesting crossover of the show and Dilly Dilly.
19. Honda: Yearbook (2017)
- Starring: Tina Fey; Robert Redford; Amy Adams; Magic Johnson; Steve Carell; Missy Elliott; Stan Lee; Jimmy Kimmel; Viola Davis
A super-sweet (and technically impressive) commercial that encourages people to follow their dreams. What that has to do with cars, we don’t know.
18. Hyundai: Smart Park (2020)
- Starring: John Krasinski; Chris Evans; and Rachel Dratch
Native Bostonites John Krasinski, Chris Evans and Rachel Dratch made sure to let their accents shine in this popular ad. (We don’t think we’ll ever be able to "pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd.”) And according to creative director, Ryan Scott, he would love to do another spot, next time with a few Philly natives...
17. Amazon: Alexa Loses Her Voice (2018)
- Starring: Cardi B; Gordon Ramsay; Rebel Wilson; Anthony Hopkins
The celebrity-packed commercial (which had appearances from Cardi B, Gordon Ramsay, Rebel Wilson and Anthony Hopkins) became the year's most-viewed ad on YouTube with over 50 million views online.
16. Monster.com: When I Grow Up (1999)
Ad Age ended up naming this tragically-comedic spot Ad of the Year. “Before the Super Bowl, Monster.com’s traffic was running at about 1.5 unique visitors per month," the outlet reported in 2000. "For the remainder of 1999, it averaged 2.5 million visitors per month.” Pretty impressive.
15. Walmart: Famous Cars (2019)
To promote their new pickup service, Walmart went all out and paid homage to a host of iconic cars from our favorite films. Among the rides are the Batmobile, the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo, the Mutt Cutts Van from Dumb and Dumber and Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters.
14. Budweiser: Born The Hard Way (2017)
While we’d expect this ad to be for beer, it’s actually not. Instead, it reminds viewers of the core values of Adolphus Busch—a German immigrant who risked it all to travel an ocean and North America with a simple idea and a drawing. It’s also important to mention that the spot also came at a time when immigration came to the forefront of politics.
13. McDonald's: The Showdown (1993)
- Starring: Michael Jordan; Larry Bird
Larry Bird and Michael Jordan play a crazy game of H*O*R*S*E for Jordan's Big Mac. Sure, the shots are impressive, but this one lives on thanks to the famous “nothing but net” catch phrase.
12. Doritos: Keep Your Hands Off My Doritos (2010)
Betty White wasn’t the only star of 2010 ads. A young boy named Jaylin made quite the impression in a Doritos spot for Super Bowl XLIV. When his mom brings home a date who tries to eat Jaylin’s snack, the little boy slaps the man across the face and tells him to keep his hands off his mama and his Doritos.
11. Tide: It’s A Tide Ad (2018)
- Starring: David Harbour
Stranger Things star David Harbour proves his comedic chops in this clever Tide ad, which suggests that if we see anyone in a random commercial with stain-free clothes, then it’s got to be because of the brand’s detergent. We dare you to watch without laughing.
10. Budweiser: Puppy Love (2014)
While Budweiser is known for its memorable commercials (as proven by this list) this adorable clip, set to the tune of Passenger's “Let Her Go,” tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between two animals.
9. Wendy’s: Where's The Beef (1984)
Yup, Wendy’s has been throwing shade at its competitors for over 35 years (!). And before there was social media, they opted to do their trolling via Super Bowl commercials. Not only did "Where's the beef" instantly become a catch phrase, but the fast-food chain’s sales jumped 31 percent that year, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
8. Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (2010)
Old Spice is no stranger to SB ads, however, this spot was where it got its start (although it looks like it was shot for YouTube). And if you know the person who wrote the line, “I’m on a horse,” please introduce us.
7. E-trade: Baby (2008)
E-Trade managed to make a topic as boring as buying stocks entertaining with the use of one adorable talking baby. Turns out, the ad wasn’t expected to be a sure-fire hit. “When we first created the baby, we had no idea if it was the dumbest thing we’d ever done or if it was genius,” said Tor Myhren, chief creative officer at ad agency Grey. “I was terrified.”
6. T-Mobile: Scrubs Duet (2022)
- Starring: Zach Braff; Donald Faison; John Travolta
J.D. and Turk reuniting as neighbors to perform a musical number? Someone pinch us! Fans of Scrubs got the treat of a lifetime with when this legendary bromance made a comeback.
5. Volkswagen: The Force (2012)
Kids make the best commercials. Don’t believe us? This adorable spot about a young Star Wars fan is one of the most shared Super Bowl ads of all time. Not to mention, it immediately went viral and has been viewed over 50 million times.
4. Google: Loretta (2020)
An elderly man uses Google Assistant to help him remember his favorite moments with his late wife, Loretta, from pulling up anniversary pics to playing her favorite movie. We’re not crying, you are.
3. Always: Like A Girl (2015)
This inspirational ad addressing what it means to run, throw and fight “like a girl,” was actually a continuation of an earlier campaign from Always. The video really caught the eyes of viewers since it was strategically placed in the middle of male-centered ads.
2. Snickers: Betty White (2010)
- Starring: Betty White
While the phrase “You’re not you when you’re hungry” has become synonymous with this nutty candy, it was actually born during this 2010 spot featuring the famous actress.
1. Apple: 1984 (1984)
While it’s hard to imagine a world without Apple products, this spot, directed by Hollywood big shot Ridley Scott, was totally groundbreaking and marked the beginning of a new era.
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Alexia Dellner
Executive Editor
Alexia Dellner is an executive editor at PureWow who has over ten years of experience covering a broad range of topics including health, wellness, travel, family, culture and...
read full bio
Nakeisha Campbell
Associate Editor, News and Entertainment
Nakeisha has been interviewing celebrities and covering all things entertainment for over 8 years, but she has also written on a widerange of topics,like career...
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