For years, the Super Bowl has been the most watched event in America, with well over 100 million viewers. That’s a lot of people who like football. But actually, studies have proven that 50 percent of the audience only tune in for the commercials. Super Bowl commercials have become the main buzz of the event, and there is no Super Bowl without them. From standing at the water cooler with coworkers or talking to the guy at the bagel store, Super Bowl commercials are always talked about the Monday morning after.
Since the first Super Bowl aired in 1967, there has been endless competition between companies to see who can make the best ad. Although Super Bowl commercials cost companies millions of dollars to produce, there have been thousands of commercials created to air during this crucial four-hour spot. Out of the thousands of commercials, there have been many unforgettable ones. Here’s a list of some of the top rated and most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all time.
- Coke, “Hey Kid, Catch!” Mean Joe Greene Commercial
This 1979 commercial almost caused one of NFL’s toughest defensemen to lose his “Mean Joe Greene” nickname after the ad changed his image during Super Bowl XIIV. The commercial begins as the Pittsburgh Steeler is on his way to the locker room, and a young boy offers him a Coca-Cola. Greene declines the offer but eventually accepts the Coke. The boy is disappointed because he is about to walk away empty-handed when Greene says, “Hey kid, catch!” and throws over his #75 jersey. After this aired, he suddenly became approachable. Today, it continues to be voted one of the greatest Super Bowl ads of all time.
- The Force: Volkswagen Commercial
During Super Bowl XLV, this commercial touched the hearts of many. In this commercial, a little boy pretending to be Darth Vader is shocked when he thinks he started his dad’s VW Passat. He doesn’t realize his Dad used the key from inside the house. This 2011 Volkswagen commercial has become the most shared Super Bowl commercial of all time, with more than five million shares. They also released a sequel to the commercial during the 2012 Super Bowl titled “The Dog Strikes Back.”
- Honda CR-V – Matthew Broderick’s Day Off Commercial
This 2012 Super Bowl XLVI commercial recreates Matthew Broderick’s role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” As himself, Broderick calls in sick to take a day off from filming and have some fun. This ad contains dozens of references to the original movie, including the character Mr. Rooney and the famous Ferrari. His day off takes place riding around in his Honda CR-V, and it feels like you’re watching the 80’s classic all over again.
- M&Ms “I’m sexy and I know it” commercial
2012 struck again with the M&M’s commercial featuring Mrs. Brown, the first female M&M character to be shown in a commercial, and LMFAO’s song, “Sexy and I Know It.” As she is talking to friends at a party, she points out that it looks like her milk chocolate is showing. A red M&M enters making jokes, and he begins to take off his shell while dancing to the popular song. Mrs. Brown is not amused. They hit the spot with this one.
- Budweiser 9/11 Tribute Commercial
In 2002, during Super Bowl XXXVI, Budweiser aired this commercial to acknowledge 9/11. It features the company’s famous Clydesdale horses and the New York skyline. It is the company’s most shared ad to date. The only time this commercial ever aired on TV was during the game. An updated version of the commercial was aired on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.
- Clydesdales Brotherhood Commercial
Budweiser did it again in 2013 during Super Bowl XLVII with a commercial that tells a story of one their famous Clydesdale horses, showing the bond between him and his trainer. The trainer raises the horse to watch it leave for the big city. Three years later, the man and horse have an emotional reunion at a big city parade. This commercial definitely warms your heart.
- Snickers “Playing Like Betty White” Commercial
During Super Bowl XLIV, Betty White starred in this hilarious Snickers commercial. The 91-year-old gets tackled on a football field and huddles with the players after she gets up. To get her energy up and ready to play, she needs to eat a Snickers bar. Maybe it’s just Betty White, but this makes for one funny commercial.
- Old Spice: Smell Like a Man, Man Commercial
This 2010 Super Bowl XLIV commercial starred Isaiah Mustafa, who was an NFL wide receiver for four years. He begins in a bathroom that transforms into a boat, and then he finally drops onto a horse. This ad went viral as soon as it was aired and has more than 3.5 million views on YouTube. The entire commercial presents Mustafa as what a man could smell like. This ad opened new doors for Old Spice, as it expanded into a new, successful marketing campaign.
- Doritos Time Machine Commercial
In this ad, the man is invited by a young boy, played by Gavin Anderson, to try his cardboard time machine so he could get his hands on the man’s Doritos while he’s inside. This 30-second commercial is even cuter when you know the story behind it. This 2014 Super Bowl XLIX commercial was the winner of a contest held by Doritos. A single dad, Ryan Anderson, and his son Gavin, created the ad for less than $300.
