Best Super Bowl Commercials of All Time
Super Bowl commercials have become as much a part of the big game as the touchdowns and halftime show. For many viewers, the commercial break is a highlight, an opportunity to see brands pull out all the stops with creativity, humor, and heart. Since the earliest days of the Super Bowl, bowl commercials have evolved from simple product pitches to must-see TV events, with brands vying for the attention of millions of viewers in a single game.
What sets Super Bowl commercials apart is their ability to capture the cultural moment. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud sketch, a tear-jerking story, or a bold statement, these ads are designed to be talked about long after the final whistle. With the rise of social media, the impact of Super Bowl commercials has only grown, as ads are now teased, shared, and debated online before, during, and after the game. For brands, the Super Bowl is the ultimate stage to make a statement, launch a campaign, or create an instant classic that lives on in memory lane.
Every February, the Super Bowl delivers more than just football. It delivers a once-a-year advertising moment where brands compete for cultural relevance, mass attention, and long-term recall. With more than 100 million viewers watching live, the Super Bowl has become the ultimate proving ground for creativity, storytelling, and brand strategy. For marketers and audiences alike, Super Bowl commercials are often just as anticipated as the game itself.
The best Super Bowl commercials are defined by humor, emotional storytelling, celebrity star power, and cultural impact, qualities that help these advertisements achieve iconic status. These ads stand out not only for their entertainment value but also for their lasting influence on pop culture and advertising history.
Over the decades, thousands of ads have aired during the Super Bowl. Most are quickly forgotten. Advertisers use humor, nostalgia, and emotional storytelling to resonate with diverse audiences, while celebrity endorsements can enhance the effectiveness of a Super Bowl advertisement by attracting attention and adding star power. A rare few break through and become part of pop culture, referenced years later in marketing presentations, creative briefings, and everyday conversation. These are the best Super Bowl commercials, the ads that defined eras, launched legendary campaigns, and set new creative standards for the industry.
The Gourmet Ads team voted on their personal favorites. The result is a list of the most memorable Super Bowl ads, spanning humor, heart, innovation, and brand storytelling at its best.
Brands leverage Super Bowl advertising to connect with audiences and drive sales, especially in the food and beverage sector, and advertisers go the extra mile to create unforgettable campaigns. This isn’t a popularity poll or a media spend ranking. It’s a human, marketer-driven perspective on what makes a Super Bowl ad truly iconic.
Below, we present our Super Bowl commercials ranked, highlighting why each one earned its place among the top Super Bowl commercials of all time and continues to influence how brands think about advertising on the biggest stage in the world. Food and beverage brands often use humor and powerful social messages in their Super Bowl ads to leave a lasting impression. The Super Bowl provides a unique opportunity for brands to reach a large audience and drive product sales.
1. Budweiser – Puppy Love (2014)
Brand: Budweiser
Why it’s iconic:
Few Super Bowl ads have mastered emotional storytelling like Puppy Love. The bond between a lost dog and Budweiser’s signature Clydesdale horses struck a universal chord, highlighting the deep emotional connection between the dog and the horses, and making it one of the best Super Bowl commercials ever produced.
Another standout example of a heartwarming tribute to the bond between a dog and its owner is The Farmer’s Dog’s ‘Forever’ ad, which resonated with viewers for its touching portrayal of loyalty and companionship.
This ad remains a benchmark for heart-led brand storytelling and consistently ranks among the top Super Bowl commercials of all time.
Doritos’ ‘Dog’s Revenge’ ad from 2011 is another memorable dog-themed Super Bowl commercial, celebrated for its humor and unforgettable punchline.
2. Jeep – Groundhog Day (2020)
Brand: Jeep
Why it’s memorable:
Reimagining the classic movie premise, Jeep paired Bill Murray with smart humor and cultural nostalgia. The result was one of the funniest Super Bowl ads in recent memory while still delivering a powerful brand message about freedom and adventure.
This spot proved that comedy, when done well, drives recall and relevance.
3. Honda – The Cog (2003)
Brand: Honda
Why it’s iconic:
A beautifully engineered chain reaction made entirely from car parts, The Cog showcased craftsmanship without a single spoken word. The mesmerizing sequence was captivating to watch on screen, drawing viewers into the intricate visual storytelling. It redefined what automotive advertising could be and remains one of the most memorable Super Bowl ads ever aired.
For creatives, this ad is still studied as one of the best ad campaigns in Super Bowl history. The Cog exemplifies the increased production quality of Super Bowl commercials over the years.
4. McDonald’s – Showdown (Jordan vs Bird) (1993)
Brand: McDonald’s
Why it stands out:
Michael Jordan and Larry Bird settling bragging rights over a Big Mac created instant cultural magic. The ad originally aired during Super Bowl XXVII, making it a standout moment in Super Bowl advertising history.
The commercial features a high-stakes basketball shootout, where each ‘shot’ raises the tension—if one ‘misses’, the ‘miss watches’ as the ‘winner eat’ the coveted Big Mac and fries. This clever use of competition, with the winner earning the meal, blended sports, celebrity, and humor perfectly, securing its place among the top Super Bowl commercials of all time.
It’s a masterclass in using star power without overpowering the brand.
5. Wendy’s – Where’s the Beef? (1984)
Brand: Wendy’s
Why it’s legendary:
Three words. Infinite impact. Where’s the Beef? became a national catchphrase overnight, proving that simplicity and humor can outperform even the biggest production budgets.
Decades later, it’s still referenced when discussing the most iconic Super Bowl commercials.
6. Reebok – Terry Tate: Office Linebacker (2003)
Brand: Reebok
Why it’s one of the funniest:
Absurd, physical comedy turned corporate office life into a football field. Terry Tate’s no-nonsense tackling style made this one of the funniest Super Bowl commercials ever created.
It also demonstrated how humor can create a long-lasting character franchise beyond the game.
7. Snickers – Betty White (2010)
Brand: Snickers
Why audiences loved it:
Pairing Betty White with slapstick football humor refreshed the Snickers brand and launched a hugely successful campaign. The message was clear, funny, and instantly repeatable. The ad is part of the iconic ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’ campaign, which cleverly used the idea of being hungry to show how a Snickers bar can transform someone back to themselves, making it one of the best Super Bowl commercials ever.
This ad remains a staple on any Super Bowl ads top picks list.
8. Apple – 1984 (1984)
Brand: Apple
Why it changed advertising:
More than an ad, 1984 was a declaration. During Super Bowl XVIII, Apple computer aired the groundbreaking commercial to introduce Macintosh with cinematic ambition and ideological clarity, redefining what brands could achieve during the Super Bowl.
It’s widely regarded as the most influential and iconic Super Bowl commercial ever aired. Apple’s ‘1984’ commercial is considered one of the greatest commercials of all time.
9. Coca-Cola – Hey Kid, Catch! (Mean Joe Greene) (1979)
Brand: Coca-Cola
Why it endures:
A simple exchange between a young kid and an exhausted football legend during Super Bowl XIV delivered warmth, authenticity, and humanity. This commercial set the foundation for emotional brand storytelling during the Super Bowl era.
Coca-Cola’s ‘Hey Kid, Catch!’ ad is remembered for its emotional appeal and iconic status. It remains one of the most memorable Super Bowl ads of all time.
Super Bowl Commercial Trends
Over the years, Super Bowl commercials have reflected the changing tastes and values of viewers. One of the most noticeable trends is the star power: brands regularly enlist A-list celebrities, athletes, and even surprise cameos to make their ads stand out during the commercial break. These partnerships often lead to unforgettable moments that become part of Super Bowl lore.
Emotional storytelling has also taken center stage, with brands using heartfelt narratives to forge a deeper connection with audiences. Whether it’s a love letter to family, a tribute to resilience, or a story of hope, these commercials aim to leave a lasting impression. At the same time, humor remains a tried-and-true formula, with many of the funniest Super Bowl commercials becoming instant classics.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift toward social responsibility, as brands use their Super Bowl ads to highlight important causes and spark conversations about issues that matter. As the Super Bowl continues to be a mirror of society, expect bowl commercials to keep evolving, blending entertainment, purpose, and innovation to capture the attention of millions of viewers.
Super Bowl Commercial Music
Music is the secret ingredient that can turn a good Super Bowl commercial into an unforgettable one. From the first note, the right soundtrack sets the tone, whether it’s the pulse of classic rock, the swagger of hip-hop, or the emotional pull of a cinematic score. Super Bowl commercials often use music to evoke nostalgia, build excitement, or underscore a powerful message, making the ad resonate long after the game.
Some bowl commercials have become inseparable from their soundtracks. Think of the haunting “Ode to Joy” in Apple’s legendary “1984” ad, or the playful use of the “Imperial March” in Volkswagen’s “The Force.” Music not only enhances the story but can also introduce viewers to new artists or revive classic hits. For brands, choosing the perfect song is as strategic as the visuals or script. Because in the world of Super Bowl commercials, a memorable tune can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Why These Ads Still Matter
What makes a Super Bowl commercial truly great isn’t just production budget or celebrity appearances. Over the years, Super Bowl commercials have evolved to feature A-list stars and elaborate storytelling techniques, raising the bar for creativity and audience engagement. It’s the ability to connect instantly, tell a clear story, and leave a lasting impression long after the final whistle. The nine ads on this list succeed because they balance entertainment with brand purpose, creating moments that viewers remember years or even decades later.
Across generations, these commercials continue to show up on “best of” lists, marketing case studies, and creative inspiration boards. Generational mash-ups in ads, like Dunkin’ featuring Ben Affleck and stars from ‘Friends’, appeal to multiple age groups at once, making the content resonate widely. Brands are also increasingly focusing on diversity and inclusivity in their advertisements, ensuring broader representation. AI is a dominant trend in 2025 and 2026, with brands like Salesforce showcasing innovation in relatable ways. Certain Super Bowl commercials have sparked viral trends and parodies, embedding themselves even deeper into pop culture. The emotional resonance of these ads often leads to discussions about social issues and brand values. Over time, brands have perfected the art of the Super Bowl ad by incorporating humor and powerful social messages. The production quality of Super Bowl commercials has increased significantly, and the humor has evolved from simple jokes to more complex narratives.
For brands and marketers, these iconic Super Bowl commercials offer enduring lessons. Simplicity beats clutter. Emotion drives recall. Humor builds affinity. And when storytelling is done right, a single 30-second spot can define a brand for generations.
As Super Bowl advertising continues to evolve across digital, social, and connected TV, these classics remind us that the fundamentals never change. The NFL’s role in shaping the cultural impact of Super Bowl commercials cannot be overstated, as its history and presence have helped make these ads a phenomenon. Looking back at the past, we see how these commercials have become part of pop culture. Great ideas win. Great stories last. And the best Super Bowl commercials of all time don’t just sell products, they become part of culture.
If you’re building your own super bowl ads top picks or looking for inspiration from the funniest and most memorable Super Bowl commercials, this list is a powerful place to start.
