20 Wildest Super Bowl Commercials That Everyone Still Talks About
Surprising as it is, it must be an effective marketing if you still talk about it.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 7 min read
Super Bowl commercials have become as highly anticipated as the game itself, providing humor, shock and emotion. Some have become embedded in pop culture, from Apple’s trailblazing 1984 advertisement to the Budweiser Clydesdales. These memorable ads still evoke nostalgia and discussion years after their airing.
1. Mountain Dew’s “Puppy Monkey Baby” (2016)
PepsiCo on Wikimedia Commons
With a strange but unforgettable twist, Mountain Dew gave the world the “Puppy Monkey Baby.” A hybrid of a puppy’s head, a monkey’s torso, and a baby’s legs, this little number spent the night dancing around and handing out Mountain Dew Kickstart to oblivious bystanders. That unusual premise led to the conversation from coast to coast and ensured that it will be remembered in Super Bowl ad history.
2. Chrysler’s “Born of Fire” (2011)
Chrysler - Logo on Wikimedia Commons
Chrysler played bold with their “Born of Fire” ad featuring Eminem. The Chrysler 200 ad highlighted the blue-collar spirit and toughness of Detroit while linking it to the precision manufacturing of the Chrysler car. It was cinematic, and the narrative was gripping.
3. Snickers’ “Betty White” (2010)
Wdwdbot on Wikimedia Commons
Snickers focused on humor with the ad “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry,” starring iconic actress Betty White. The ad flashes to a football game that’s gone rogue when Betty, as the underperforming player, gets tackled. She then returned to her old self once she ate Snickers. Surprise and humor were combined to make it an instant classic.
4. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Hstoops on Wikimedia Commons
The ad included a snappily delivered, one-sided monologue by the appealing Isaiah Mustafa that upended advertising. In transitions between every other scenario, he became poetic on Old Spice, all while making direct eye contact with the camera. Its clever script and unusual format fascinated the viewers.
5. Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
Minorax on Wikimedia Commons
Volkswagen released an ad featuring a young child dressed as Darth Vader attempting to use “The Force” on various household items. The family twist came when the child’s dad activated the car’s remote start, suggesting it was using the Force. This mix of nostalgia and whimsy struck a chord with the audience.
6. Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” (2014)
Nikon1803 on Wikimedia Commons
Budweiser played to heartstrings with a story of an unlikely friendship between a Labrador puppy and a Clydesdale horse. They faced challenges where they got physically separated, but this created unbreakable glimpses of a solemn reunion. The emotional plot demonstrated that the brand recognized how to touch hearts.
7. Doritos’ “Crash the Super Bowl” Campaign (2006-2016)
Doritos on Wikimedia Commons
By empowering fans, Doritos allowed them to submit and create their own commercials, which would be aired on Super Bowl. This effort produced a run of ridiculous, creative spots, including a dude who uses Doritos in a mousetrap and a time machine fueled by the snacks. It was all about unpredictability and creativity through user-generated content.
8. E*TRADE’s “Talking Baby” (2008)
Minorax on Wikimedia Commons
E*TRADE had a tech-savvy, wisecracking baby who held forth on stock trading and financial planning from his high chair. The juxtaposition of an infant now talking with the confident cadence of an adult about issues of such complexity provided both some humor and a memorable pitch for the brand’s services. Its surprising humor and relatability made it an immediate success.
9. Tide’s “It’s a Tide Ad” (2018)
Realalanlin on Wikimedia Commons
Tide did a wonderful job of butchering other commercials by cramming their product into different ad scenarios, all the while spotlighting clean clothes. All of the segments kept viewers wondering whether they were watching a Tide ad, highlighting the brand’s versatility and sense of humor. Its self-awareness and meta-humor made it one of the smartest Super Bowl ads ever.
10. Apple’s “1984” (1984)
Smasongarrison on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s introduction, in a dramatic cinematic form, of the Macintosh computer involved a dystopian society freed by a solo heroine. The ad, directed by Ridley Scott, featured Apple as a revolutionary force in the battle against conformity. Its audacious narrative and production value raised the bar for Super Bowl commercials.
11. Pepsi’s “Cindy Crawford” (1992)
Minorax on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi racked up eyeballs with supermodel Cindy Crawford pulling up in a red convertible to a vending machine to get out a cold Pepsi, as two little boys admired her from a distance. That simplicity, paired with Crawford’s star power, made the ad as iconic as it was memorable. It still ranks among the most-discussed beverage commercials in history.
12. Reebok’s “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2003)
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
Reebok unveiled Terry Tate, an office enforcer who bodyslammed employees for minor transgressions, generating productivity. It had over-the-top physical comedy and an unexpected setting, so it stood out, with some humor but also brand messaging. It became an office-culture phenomenon that people still refer to this day.
13. GoDaddy’s “Internet Only” (2005)
GoDaddy on Wikimedia Commons
GoDaddy broke new ground with a provocative ad that featured a wardrobe malfunction during a mock congressional hearing. The contentious content attracted considerable attention, setting off discussions about decency in advertising and establishing GoDaddy’s image as an edgy brand. Whether you loved it or hated it, it started a conversation.
14. Bud Light’s “Real Men of Genius” (2003)
Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia Commons
Bud Light lavished exaggerated tributes on ordinary heroes, like “Mr. Footlong Hot Dog Inventor.” The earnest narration combined with funny scenarios touched upon the playful side of the brand, and quickly became a fan favorite. Its radio-style format set it apart from flashy Super Bowl ads.
15. Avocados from Mexico’s “First Draft Ever” (2015)
Los Muertos Crew on Pexels
In a tongue in-cheek ad, it showed a draft pick of countries where each chose different animals and plants, with Mexico (you guessed it) picking avocados. The humorous premise showcased the diverse and attractive nature of avocados, ultimately making an impact. It was a funny and ingenious way to sell produce.
16. Taco Bell’s “Viva Young” (2013)
DatBot on Wikimedia Commons
Taco Bell featured a cadre of senior citizens sneaking out of their care facility for a night of youthful rebellion that ended at Taco Bell late at night. Set to a Spanish-language version of “We Are Young,” the ad cheerfully expressed that age is merely a number. That unexpected twist set it apart from the standard fare of fast-food ads.
17. Audi’s “Doberhuahua” (2014)
ENRDHIS on Wikimedia Commons
Audi had a cautionary tale about the perils of compromise, featuring a terrifying hybrid dog, a combination of Doberman and Chihuahua. The over-the-top, nightmarish results humorously underscored the necessity for making bold choices, a trait inherent in Audi’s luxury cars. The ridiculousness of the idea made it memorable.
18. FedEx’s “Castaway” (2003)
Andrew Pertsev on Wikimedia Commons
FedEx made a nod to the movie Cast Away, humorously featuring a man who had survived years on an uninhabited island only to deliver an unopened package. When the contents were revealed, it turned out that it was stuff for survival, though he could have had it on him to save his life. This ad was a classic for its clever use of pop culture and irony.
19. Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” (1979)
Minorax on Wikimedia Commons
Coca-Cola melted hearts with a spot showing NFL legend Mean Joe Greene accepting a Coke from a little kid after taking a bruising in a game. In exchange, he tossed the kid his jersey, making for an iconic moment in advertising history. That wholesomeness and touching quality made it a defining Super Bowl commercial.
20. Samsung’s “Next Big Thing” (2013)
Samsung on Wikimedia Commons
Samsung took a satirical approach by having Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd pitch ad ideas while wading through legal red tape about mentioning the Super Bowl. The meta-humor, combined with the herky-jerkiness of its industry-targeting lampooning, made it mesmerizingly self-aware. It promoted the brand cleverly while also poking fun at the ad industry itself.