Looking back at the history of the Super Bowl, one cannot overlook the impact of its advertisements. Over the years, the Super Bowl has become just as renowned for its commercials as it is for the game itself. These ads have become cultural phenomena, often sparking discussions and debates long after the final whistle blows. Here, we take a look at some of the best Super Bowl ads of all time:
- Apple’s “1984” (1984): Directed by Ridley Scott, this iconic ad introduced the Apple Macintosh computer to the world with a dystopian-themed commercial that is still celebrated for its creativity and impact.
- Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” (1979): This heartwarming ad featuring Pittsburgh Steelers’ player Mean Joe Greene sharing a Coca-Cola with a young fan remains a classic example of storytelling and emotional connection in advertising.
- Budweiser’s “Whassup?” (1999): This Budweiser commercial featuring friends casually greeting each other with a humorous “Whassup?” became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless parodies and cementing itself as a pop culture staple.
- Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011): This charming ad follows a young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempting to use “the force” on various objects around the house, only to be surprised when his dad remotely starts the family’s Volkswagen Passat. It’s a heartwarming and humorous take on the power of imagination.
- Doritos’ “Crash the Super Bowl” Campaign: Doritos’ user-generated ad campaign allowed fans to submit their own commercials for a chance to air during the Super Bowl. This crowdsourced approach resulted in numerous memorable and often hilarious ads over the years.
- McDonald’s “The Showdown” (1993): This epic basketball showdown between Michael Jordan and Larry Bird for a Big Mac meal showcased the star power of both athletes and remains one of McDonald’s most memorable ads.
- Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010): This irreverent and humorous ad featuring a suave spokesperson delivering rapid-fire monologue in various settings became an instant viral sensation, revitalizing the Old Spice brand and spawning numerous sequels.
These ads represent just a handful of the countless memorable commercials that have graced the Super Bowl over the years. From tear-jerking moments to laugh-out-loud humor, these advertisements have left an indelible mark on popular culture and continue to entertain audiences long after the final touchdown.