The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events on television every year, and for good reason. Whether you’re a die-hard NFL football fan or just enjoy some quality entertainment paired with ALL the Super Bowl snacks, there’s always a good reason to tune in. Plus, who would plan a non-Super Bowl event on Super Bowl Sunday anyways? Personally, we enjoy our fair share of football, but the real reason we tune in is to watch all the hilarious Super Bowl commercials (and debate about the best of the year) which pairs nicely with the halftime show.
Super Bowl commercials seem to become more elaborate and expensive every year. From their humble beginning where sex sold and the Clydesdale horses ruled the roost to modern-day masterpieces packed with A-list celebrities and complex comedy. After all, when you’re paying $7 million for a 30-second add, it better be good. Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, we’ve rounded up the best Super Bowl commercials of all time from 80s classics to recent hits. This selection of ads gone by will make you an expert at judging the best commercials at this years Super Bowl party, happy watching!
Our criteria for selecting the best commercials is as following:
-
Star quality (notable celebrities)
-
Memorable
-
Uniqueness
-
Most entertaining
-
Most talked about
“Where’s The Beef!?,” Wendy’s (1984)
Not only was Wendy’s “Where’s The Beef” commercial a smash hit in 1984, but it gained a new life on Vine in the 2010s and become one of the most well-recognized memes of all time among Gen Z and Millennials. Even 30 years later. this commercial gets a 10/10. Plus, it drives home the point that Wendy’s has the best meat to bun ratio while simultaneously dissing its competitors like Burger King and McDonalds.
“Terry Tate: Office Linebacker,” Reebok (2002)
Office humor, star quality, and a tie into football, what more could you ask for in a Super Bowl commercial?! This Reebok commercial from 2002 never gets old. Though this may not resemble a typical shoe commercial, Reebok sells their brand creating their own character which they used for numerous ads, Terry Tate, and making a really funny and memorable ad. Our favorite quote: “Break was over 15 minutes ago, MITCH!”
“Cat Herders,” EDS (2000)
President Bill Clinton said this was his favorite Super Bowl Commercial in 2000, and we have to agree with him on this one (of course we love a good Western backdrop). We’ve all heard the old expression about herding cats, but EDS really made it happen, and there couldn’t have been a better way to explain and market their complicated services.
“1 Second Ad,” Miller High Life (2009)
“Paying $3 million for a 30-second commercial makes as much sense as putting sauerkraut on a doughnut. Actually, even that makes more sense,” Miller prefaced in their pregame ad. That’s exactly why they chose to run a one-second ad, making fun of Anheuser-Busch’s extravagant spending. The fact that this ad is still funny even on a one-second timer, not to mention the hilarity of the concept in general, says it all.
“Time Machine,” Doritos (2014)
This fan-made commercial for Doritos outdoes major advertisers even without flash and celebrities (the cute Golden Retriever doesn’t hurt though). The video went on to be the grand prize winner for Frito-Lay’s Crash the Super Bowl contest for 2014, proving it was well-received by viewers of the 2014 Super Bowl. But, why can’t time travel be this easy for real?!
“Cast Away,” FedEx (2006)
If you’ve seen this movie then you’ll understand. If you haven’t seen this movie… what are you even doing?! In the movie Chuck has a FedEx package that he refuses to open, even though he is stranded on a desert island. The contents of the package are never revealed in the movie, but can you imagine if this is what was inside?!
“Secret Society,” Avocados From Mexico
It’s no secret that this is an elite super bowl ad (or is it?). What’s not to like about secret societies, conspiracy theories, AND guacamole? The joke about subliminal advertising really put this one over the top even without celebrity appearances.
“Wassup,” Budweiser (2000)
WASSUP!! This ad making fun of slang actually popularized it even more. The ad is based off a short film created by Charles Stone III. Stone also directed the ad and casted himself as the lead (guy on the couch) and recruited his friends to play his friends in the commercial. The fact that these guys are friends in real life makes this commercial that much better.
“Replay,” Budweiser (2003)
Ironically this commercial aired directly after a replay during the 2003 Super Bowl.
“You’re Not You When You’re Hungry,” Snickers (2010)
Snickers first debuted it’s slogan “you’re not you when you’re hungry” with this ad, and it’s safe to say it caught on. Over a decade later you can still catch this slogan in Snickers commercials. The late Betty White starring makes this commercial all the more special.
