The Super Bowl, one of the most-watched television events in the United States, is not just about football; it’s also a premier platform for advertisers to showcase their most creative and often humorous commercials. Over the years, Super Bowl ads have become a cultural phenomenon, with many viewers tuning in solely to see these advertisements. Here’s a list of some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads across various years, categorized by their impact, creativity, and popularity:
1. Apple - “1984” (Super Bowl XVIII, 1984)
Directed by Ridley Scott, this groundbreaking ad introduced the Macintosh computer and is often credited with setting the stage for future Super Bowl commercials. It depicted a dystopian future where a woman throws a hammer at a screen displaying a Big Brother-like figure, symbolizing the introduction of the Mac as a liberating force in the computer industry.
2. Budweiser - “Frogs” (Super Bowl XXIX, 1995)
This simple yet effective ad featured three frogs croaking “Bud-wei-ser” in a humorous and catchy way, becoming an instant hit and running for several years.
3. Coca-Cola - “Mean Joe Greene” (Super Bowl XIV, 1980)
In this iconic ad, football player Mean Joe Greene is offered a Coke by a young fan, and after drinking it, he tosses the kid his jersey, showcasing the power of kindness and Coke.
4. McDonald’s - “The Showdown” (Super Bowl XX, 1986)
This ad featured basketball legends Larry Bird and Michael Jordan competing in a shootout for a Big Mac, with the winner getting the burger. It’s remembered for its lighthearted and playful depiction of sports rivalry.
5. Budweiser - “Puppy Love” (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
A heartwarming ad about the friendship between a puppy and a Clydesdale horse, showcasing the adventures and eventual reunion of the two friends.
6. Volkswagen - “The Force” (Super Bowl XLV, 2011)
A young boy dressed as Darth Vader uses “the force” to start his dad’s Volkswagen, in a comedic take on Star Wars fandom and the ease of use of Volkswagen’s remote start feature.
7. Tide - “Talking Stain” (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)
A man with a talking stain on his shirt, which follows him through various scenarios, including a press conference, showcasing Tide’s ability to remove even the toughest stains.
8. E*TRADE - “Baby” (Super Bowl XLIII, 2009)
The debut of the E*TRADE baby, who discusses investing in a sarcastic and adult manner, creating a funny and memorable character that appeared in several subsequent ads.
9. Google - “Parisian Love” (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)
A romantic ad that tells the story of a couple’s relationship through Google search queries, from the initial meeting to marriage and starting a family, highlighting Google’s role in everyday life.
10. Doritos - “Crash the Super Bowl” (Various Years)
Doritos has run a contest for fan-made commercials for several years, resulting in some incredibly funny and creative ads, including “Nacho Average Joe” and “Pug Attack.”
11. Chrysler - “Imported from Detroit” (Super Bowl XLV, 2011)
Featuring Eminem, this ad was a powerful statement about Detroit’s resilience and the quality of American-made vehicles, specifically the Chrysler 200.
12. Amazon - “Alexa Loses Her Voice” (Super Bowl LII, 2018)
When Alexa loses her voice, several celebrities, including Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, and Rebel Wilson, step in to replace her, showcasing Amazon’s Echo and Alexa’s capabilities in a humorous light.
13. Pepsi - “Live for Now Moments” (Super Bowl LII, 2018)
Featuring Cindy Crawford, the ad was a nostalgic nod to her iconic 1992 commercial, as she recreates the moment with her son.
14. Kia - “Feel Something Again” (Super Bowl LIV, 2020)
Focusing on the importance of getting out and experiencing life, the ad featured a montage of people overcoming their fears and pushing their limits.
15. Toyota - “Upstream” (Super Bowl LV, 2021)
Highlighting the story of Jessica Long, a Paralympic swimmer, the ad was a powerful portrayal of perseverance and overcoming adversity.
FAQ Section
What makes a Super Bowl ad memorable?
+A memorable Super Bowl ad usually combines creativity, humor, and sometimes a touch of nostalgia or emotional depth. The key is to create a narrative or image that resonates with a wide audience and remains in viewers' minds long after the game is over.
How much does a Super Bowl ad cost?
+The cost of a Super Bowl ad can vary significantly from year to year, but as of the last Super Bowl, a 30-second commercial spot could cost upwards of $5.5 million. This does not include production costs, which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scale of the ad.
What is the impact of Super Bowl ads on sales and brand recognition?
+Super Bowl ads can have a significant impact on both sales and brand recognition. For many companies, the exposure and buzz generated by a well-received Super Bowl ad can lead to increased brand awareness and, subsequently, higher sales. Additionally, the social media buzz and chatter about the ads can extend the ad's reach and lifespan far beyond the initial broadcast.
Conclusion
The world of Super Bowl ads is a unique blend of entertainment, marketing, and cultural phenomenon. Each year, these commercials offer something new, whether it’s a laugh, a tear, or a memorable slogan. As we look forward to future Super Bowls, one thing is certain: the ads will continue to be a highlight of the event, offering viewers a chance to engage with brands in a fun, creative, and often unexpected way.
