First of all, know that this post is not a review of this year’s Super Bowl Ads. We’ll leave the comparing and critiquing up to you. Instead, this is about embracing the originality, creativity and boldness of previous spots which have left a lasting impression.
The latest compilation of this year’s ads, which you can view here, have some standouts for sure with one being Michelob’s The Ultra Hustle. But compared to the classics below, don’t expect to see this year’s crop of ads to show up on a future top 10 list (or even a top 100). Today’s marketers and their agencies should jump into our wayback machine and see what it takes to land a spot in the hall of fame that exists in our collective memories of Super Bowl Ads.
Reminisce with our top 10 favorites in chronological order:
- Coca-Cola “Mean Joe Greene” (1979)
One of the most heartwarming commercials ever, this ad features Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mean Joe Greene rewarding a young fan after receiving a bottle of Coke. It remains an all-time classic.
- Apple “1984” (1984)
Directed by Ridley Scott, Apple’s famous ad introduced the Macintosh computer and changed advertising forever. The dystopian, cinematic style was unlike anything seen before in a commercial. Unfortunately, most of us were viewing in SD on a screen we would laugh at today. This remastered version does the masterpiece justice.
- Pepsi “Cindy Crawford” (1992)
Cindy Crawford’s entrance at a gas station in a red sports car was iconic, but the twist—two young boys marveling at the Pepsi can rather than Crawford—made it unforgettable.
- Budweiser “True/Whassup?” (1999)
This Budweiser ad became a cultural phenomenon, with people across the country repeating the “Whassup?” catchphrase for years after the commercial aired. In fact, it was popular enough to be followed with a series of ads.
- E-Trade “Talking Baby” (2008)
E-Trade’s talking baby ad was a game-changer in Super Bowl advertising, using humor and technology (laughably advanced for the era) to make online trading seem fun and accessible.
- Snickers “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
Betty White stole the show in this Snickers commercial, proving that hunger truly changes a person. The ad kicked off an entire campaign that remains popular today.
- Volkswagen “The Force” (2011)
This heartwarming ad featured a young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempting to use the Force around his house, only to be surprised when his father’s Volkswagen Passat “magically” responds.
- Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” Campaign (2007-2016)
For nearly a decade, Doritos invited fans to create their own commercials for a chance to air during the Super Bowl. The result? Some of the funniest and most creative ads ever. Our favorite is this hit from 2014.
- Budweiser “Puppy Love” (2014)
This emotional ad featuring a Clydesdale horse and a Labrador puppy forming an unbreakable bond melted hearts across the country, making it one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials ever.
- Amazon “Alexa Loses Her Voice” (2018)
What happens when Alexa loses her voice? Amazon’s hilarious 2018 ad featured celebrities like Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, and Rebel Wilson stepping in to replace Alexa, with disastrous results.
In between cheering on our own Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, we may choose to miss out on this year’s commercial breaks while we dive into the Italian hoagie tray or the pretzel bites. They are guaranteed to satisfy.
E-A-G-L-E-S Go Eagles!
