20 Most Watched Super Bowls of All Time (And Why They Were Iconic)

For sports fans, the Super Bowl has evolved into a vast stage presenting unforgettable events, venerable stars, and fierce rivalries. The 20 most-watched Super Bowls are honored for their cultural effect and lifelong memories as much as their exciting on-field action. This page explores the reasons behind the millions of people enthralled with these particular Super Bowls, permanently changing history.

Tricia Quitales
February 6, 2025
6 min read

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From their function as athletic events, Super Bowl games have evolved into enormous cultural spectacles. Beyond the last score, these 20 most-watched Super Bowls were noteworthy for dramatic comebacks, famous performances, classic halftime displays, and unforgettable plays. From unexpected shocks to thrilling finishes, every game won the hearts and attention of millions of fans, confirming their place in Super Bowl history. This list honors not only the sports achievements but also the larger impact these games have on popular culture, unifying enthusiasts.

1. Super Bowl XLIX (2015)

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Losing to the New England Patriots in an exciting game, the Seattle Seahawks had one of the most astonishing occurrences in Super Bowl history. Russell Wilson’s ball was intercepted, securing the Patriots’ 28-24 victory with just one yard to go. The startling play call and the pure passion of the last seconds set this Super Bowl apart.

2. Super Bowl LI (2017)

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Pulling off the best comeback in Super Bowl history, the New England Patriots overcame a 28-3 hole to win 34-28 in overtime, creating history. The way Tom Brady rallied the Patriots back was almost mythical. This game changed the “never give up” concept in sports.

3. Super Bowl XLII (2008)

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By beating the perfect New England Patriots 17-14, the New York Giants stunned the world and stopped made history. Late-game heroics by Eli Manning, particularly the legendary “helmet catch,” clinched the upset. Dramatic final moments and an underdog narrative abound from this Super Bowl.

4. Super Bowl XLV (2011)

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Winning their fourth Super Bowl, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25. With his outstanding performance, including throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, Aaron Rodgers was voted Super Bowl MVP. This triumph confirmed Rodgers’ status as among the NFL’s best quarterbacks.

5. Super Bowl XLVI (2012)

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The New England Patriots were defeated 21-17 by the New York Giants in yet another legendary Super Bowl encounter. Once more, Eli Manning outpaced Tom Brady in a game of emotional highs and lows. Key stops by the Giants’ defense, one in the last minutes, guaranteed the victory.

6. Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

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With one of the most thrilling final drives in Super Bowl history, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. Pittsburgh’s victory was assured by Santonio Holmes’ amazing toe-tapping touchdown reception. The dramatic ending of this game and the rise of Holmes as a Super Bowl hero are what many most recall about it.

7. Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)

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The Tom Brady era began with the New England Patriots surprising the much favored St. Louis Rams 20-17. Adam Vinatieri kicked a game-winning field goal with just seconds left to grab the first of many Patriots’ titles. This Super Bowl is legendary for bringing a young Tom Brady front-stage.

8. Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)

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The New England Patriots stunned the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in an amazing offensive struggle in one of the most entertaining Super Bowls ever. Two late touchdowns by Tom Brady guided his team to triumph, but the game was also known for its thrilling halftime performance by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. The spectacular back-and-forth action of this game made it a fan favorite.

9. Super Bowl XLIV (2010)

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Defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17, the New Orleans Saints asserted their first Super Bowl title. With Drew Brees’s outstanding performance earning him the MVP award, the Saints’ triumph came to represent the city’s post-Katrina healing. For the New Orleans fans, this victory was a personal one.

10. Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)

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Having one of the most dominant defensive efforts in Super Bowl history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Oakland Raiders 48-21. Under coordinator Monte Kiffin, the Buccaneers’ defense intercepted Rich Gannon five times to easily win. The defensive supremacy of Tampa Bay and its first-ever Super Bowl triumph defined this game.

11. Super Bowl XLIV (2010)

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With a 31-17 result, the New Orleans Saints’ triumph over the Indianapolis Colts marked yet another legendary event in Super Bowl history. With accurate passes, Drew Brees led the team to victory and received MVP recognition in the Super Bowl. Among the most famous games the Saints have ever participated in, this one represented their first championship victory.

12. Super Bowl XXXV (2001)

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With one of the most dreaded defenses in NFL history, the Baltimore Ravens controlled the New York Giants 34-7. Leading the effort, Ray Lewis received Super Bowl MVP recognition for his exceptional performance. This game was a defensive classic as the Ravens’ defense smacked the Giants’ offense.

13. Super Bowl XXIII (1989)

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Joe Montana led a last-minute drive to win the game as the San Francisco 49ers stunned the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16 in a thrilling contest. Often regarded as among the best quarterbacks of all time, Montana solidified his reputation with this clutch performance. Montana’s ice-cold performance and exciting ending of the game are what most remember most about it.

14. Super Bowl XVI (1982)

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The San Francisco 49ers overcame the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21 in a contest including two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Leading the 49ers toward their first Super Bowl triumph, Joe Montana launched their dynasty in the 1980s. One remembers this game for Montana’s composure and leadership.

15. Super Bowl XVII (1983)

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Running back John Riggins gave a remarkable performance in a memorable game the Washington Redskins won 27-17 against the Miami Dolphins. Riggins was awarded the Super Bowl MVP and his 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped guarantee the victory. Among the most whole team efforts in Super Bowl history, this triumph was one.

16. Super Bowl XXX (1996)

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With their 27-17 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys claimed their sixth Super Bowl Championship. Lead by quarterback Troy Aikman, the Cowboys’ attack was relentless, and the Steelers couldn’t keep up. By highlighting the Cowboys’ supremacy in the 1990s, this Super Bowl confirmed their rank among the NFL’s best teams.

17. Super Bowl XIII (1979)

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Claiming their fourth Super Bowl title, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 in a high-scoring contest. Terry Bradshaw’s outstanding quarterback performance won him Super Bowl MVP awards; the Steelers’ defense was crucial for their victory. This game is still among the best representations of 1970s football.

18. Super Bowl XXVII (1993)

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With the final score 52-17, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills, ruling both defensively and offensively. As the Cowboys seized control with a run of turnovers and touchdown drives, the Bills’ dreams for a comeback vanished. This game was an evidence to the Cowboys’ supremacy in the early 1990s.

19. Super Bowl XXXIV (2000)

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With a stunning goal-line stand, the St. Louis Rams stunned the Tennessee Titans 23-16 in an exciting contest. Though the Titans battled valiantly, the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” attack set the standard. It was a close call. The heart-stopping last moments of this Super Bowl are what make people remember it.

20. Super Bowl XV (1981)

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Declared as the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl, the Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10. Quarterback Jim Plunkett gave a good performance while the Raiders’ defense choked the Eagles. One remembers this game for the Raiders’ great collective effort.