Best Super Bowl Ads: Moments That Stay With Us
The Super Bowl is not just a championship game; it's also a grand stage for commercials, a place where brands really try to make a big splash. For many, the ads are just as much a part of the day's excitement as the football itself, or maybe even more so. Every year, companies pull out all the stops, aiming to create something truly memorable, something that sticks in people's minds long after the final whistle blows. These advertisements often feature famous faces, tell heartwarming stories, or deliver huge laughs, all designed to grab your attention.
You know, it's almost like a competition in itself, watching to see which commercial will be the one everyone talks about the next day. Top agency executives, for instance, often weigh in on which spots they found to be the smartest and most impactful. This annual showcase of creativity means that advertisers often spend a lot, a truly staggering amount, to get their message out there. This year, for example, ads reportedly sold for north of $8 million, a record price, which is just incredible.
So, what makes an advertisement stand out from the crowd during this huge event? It's about capturing hearts and laughs, really, through the years. From iconic moments that become part of pop culture to new, national ads shown during the game, the goal is always to make a connection. We are going to explore some of the very best Super Bowl ads that have left a lasting impression, taking a look at what made them so special.
Table of Contents
- What's the Secret to a Great Super Bowl Ad?
- The Ad Meter Champion: Budweiser and Its Legacy
- Star-Studded Showcases: Celebrities in the Spotlight
- Timeless Classics: Ads That Defined Eras
- Recent Highlights: Memorable Ads from the Last Few Years
- Laughter is King: The Power of Humor
- Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Ads
What's the Secret to a Great Super Bowl Ad?
When you think about the very best Super Bowl commercials, there's a certain quality they share. It's not just about being funny or having a big budget; it’s actually about understanding the basics of connecting with people. The ads that truly resonate often hit on universal feelings, whether that’s joy, nostalgia, or just plain surprise. They know how to tell a quick story that grabs your attention and holds it for the whole duration, which is pretty clever.
A lot of it comes down to impact, you know, making sure the message lands clearly and leaves a good feeling. Some of the most impactful ads are those that manage to be smart without being too complicated. They might use a simple idea but execute it in a way that feels fresh and new. This approach often leads to widespread discussion, turning a commercial into a cultural moment, which is what every brand hopes for, obviously.
It's also about avoiding anything that might be too controversial. The goal is to unite viewers, not divide them, and that's a delicate balance to strike, apparently. Brands work hard to create something that appeals to a wide audience, something that everyone can enjoy together, like a shared laugh or a moment of wonder. This focus on broad appeal helps these commercials become part of the collective memory of the Super Bowl Sunday experience, which is a big part of their charm.
The Ad Meter Champion: Budweiser and Its Legacy
When we talk about the most beloved Super Bowl ads, Budweiser certainly comes to mind, and for very good reason. This brand has a truly remarkable track record, consistently delivering commercials that resonate deeply with viewers. In 2025, for example, Budweiser broke out the iconic Clydesdales once again, and this move helped them win the USA Today Ad Meter, a prize they've claimed an impressive ninth time. That's a huge achievement, demonstrating a real understanding of what people want to see.
The beer brand brought back those majestic horses, and it seems to be a formula that works wonders, year after year. There's something about the Clydesdales that just captures the spirit of the Super Bowl, a kind of classic, comforting presence that viewers have come to associate with the big game. This consistent success shows that sometimes, sticking with what people love and doing it exceptionally well is the smartest play, really.
Winning the Ad Meter is a significant indicator of public favor, showing which commercial truly captured the hearts of the panelists. It's a testament to Budweiser's ability to create advertisements that are not just visually appealing but also emotionally engaging. Their long history of success proves that they understand how to connect with the audience on a deeper level, making their ads a highly anticipated part of the Super Bowl broadcast, pretty much every time.
Star-Studded Showcases: Celebrities in the Spotlight
One of the most exciting aspects of Super Bowl commercials is seeing which famous faces will pop up. Brands often bring in big names to help their messages stand out, and it usually works incredibly well. In 2024, for instance, the best Super Bowl commercials featured a whole host of stars, from Beyoncé to Jenna Ortega, Michael Cera, and Addison Rae. You also saw Ice Spice and Kris Jenner making appearances, which was quite a lineup, you know.
These celebrity appearances can really elevate an ad, adding a layer of excitement and recognition that draws viewers in. It’s not just about having a famous person on screen; it's about how they fit into the commercial's story and how they help convey the brand's message. Sometimes, the celebrity's persona itself becomes part of the humor or the emotional appeal, making the ad even more memorable, which is pretty smart.
Looking at other years, we've seen a lot of musical stars getting involved too. In the 2025 Super Bowl, for example, artists like Bad Bunny, Becky G, Seal, and Ludacris all appeared in various ads during the big game. And if you go back to 2023, you had a roundup of ads featuring 'Breaking Bad' stars, Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Harlow, and Missy Elliott, which was a very diverse group. Even Charli XCX and Martha Stewart starred in an Uber Eats ad alongside Matthew McConaughey, which was a bit unexpected, but fun.
The use of celebrities really highlights how advertisers pull out all the stops for these biggest, and often most expensive, ads of the year. They understand that a familiar face can create an instant connection with the audience, making the commercial more shareable and more talked about. It's a calculated move to maximize impact, and often, it pays off handsomely, creating those moments that people recall for a long time.
Timeless Classics: Ads That Defined Eras
Beyond the recent hits and celebrity cameos, there are some Super Bowl commercials that have truly achieved classic status, becoming influential pieces of advertising history. These are the ones that are still talked about years later, often setting new standards for creativity and impact. For example, Apple’s iconic "1984" ad is one that immediately comes to mind, a powerful statement that transcended advertising to become a cultural moment, honestly.
Then there are the unforgettable Budweiser frogs, which brought a simple, catchy concept to life in a way that captivated millions. These ads show that sometimes, the most effective commercials are those that create a unique and enduring image or sound that becomes synonymous with the brand. They don't just sell a product; they create a feeling or an experience, which is a very powerful thing.
We can also look at "Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” from 2010. This commercial, featuring a suave, towel-clad figure, really crushed the competition and is often cited as one of the most influential ads of its time. It completely changed the game for how a brand could use humor and a distinct personality to connect with its audience. It was bold, it was funny, and it was utterly unique, which made it stand out, obviously.
There are twenty classic Super Bowl ads that have really made their mark, with some being incredibly influential. These spots demonstrate that lasting appeal comes from a blend of originality, strong execution, and a clear understanding of the audience. They are the ads that captured hearts and laughs through the years, proving that a well-crafted commercial can truly become a piece of shared cultural heritage. You can learn more about advertising history on our site, if you like.
Recent Highlights: Memorable Ads from the Last Few Years
The Super Bowl continues to be a hotbed for new and exciting advertisements, with each year bringing its own set of memorable spots. In 2025, for example, besides the Budweiser triumph, there were many other commercials that got people talking. You had memorable spots from Dunkin' and Mountain Dew, among others, that really tried to capture the audience's attention, which is a bit of a challenge with so many ads.
Looking back a little further, the 10 best Super Bowl commercials in 2023 featured a range of creative ideas and celebrity appearances. It's always interesting to see how different brands approach this high-stakes advertising event, trying to find that perfect blend of entertainment and promotion. Some ads get mixed reactions, of course, but many truly hit the mark, creating buzz and good feelings, you know.
And let's not forget the 2022 Super Bowl, which also had its share of standout commercials. From Flamin' Hot Cheetos to Arnold Schwarzenegger, these were some of the top ads from that year. Each one aimed to be distinctive, to make viewers smile or think, and to leave a lasting impression. It's a continuous effort by advertisers to push creative boundaries and surprise the audience, which is pretty cool.
After the Super Bowl is finished, and the Kelce brothers and Taylor Swift have (maybe) finished celebrating, and the Usher halftime show has been fully processed, there’s always a period of reflection on the ads. People discuss which ones were their favorites, which ones made them laugh, and which ones simply missed the mark. This ongoing conversation is part of what makes Super Bowl advertising so special, the way it becomes a shared experience, a topic for water cooler chats, and a source of entertainment in its own right, actually.
Laughter is King: The Power of Humor
If there's one thing that consistently works well in Super Bowl ads, it's humor. Laughter is truly king at the Super Bowl, and many brands have found great success by making people chuckle. The "Office Linebacker" ad, for example, is a prime illustration of how a funny concept can become incredibly popular and memorable. It’s about creating a lighthearted moment that breaks through the seriousness of the game, which is a very effective strategy.
Food and beverage brands, in particular, seem to excel at using humor to their advantage. Famous food shorts from Doritos and Mountain Dew have often been among the Super Bowl's best commercials, largely thanks to their ability to deliver big laughs. These ads often use exaggerated scenarios or unexpected twists to get a reaction, making them highly entertaining and shareable, you know.
The goal is to create a positive association with the brand, and what better way to do that than by making people happy? When an ad makes you laugh, you're more likely to remember it, and you're more likely to feel good about the company behind it. This emotional connection is incredibly powerful, turning a simple commercial into a moment of pure enjoyment. It's a bit like a mini-comedy show embedded within the big game, which is rather clever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Ads
People often have questions about these highly anticipated commercials. Here are a few common ones:
What was the best Super Bowl ad of all time?
While opinions vary, several ads are consistently cited as the best of all time. Apple's "1984" commercial is often at the top of the list for its groundbreaking nature and cultural impact. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” from 2010 is another hugely influential one, known for its unique humor. The Budweiser frogs also hold a special place in many people's hearts for their simple yet effective charm, really.
Which Super Bowl ad won Ad Meter?
The USA Today Ad Meter is a key indicator of public favor for Super Bowl commercials. In 2025, Budweiser won the Ad Meter, marking the ninth time the brand has claimed this prestigious prize. Their commercial featuring the beloved Clydesdales was a big hit with panelists, showing that classic elements can still resonate strongly with today's audiences, which is pretty cool to see.
What makes a Super Bowl ad good?
A good Super Bowl ad understands the basics of effective communication. It needs to be smart, impactful, and memorable. Laughter is often king, as humor tends to connect well with a broad audience. The best ads avoid controversy and aim to create a positive, shared experience. They also often feature well-known celebrities or iconic brand elements that resonate with viewers, making them truly stand out. For more ideas, you might want to look at this page for more insights.
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