The 10 Best Super Bowl Ads of All Time

For some, the Super Bowl is about football. For others, it's about wings, beer, and yelling at the TV. But for the real fans? It's about the ads.

Super Bowl commercials aren’t just ads. They’re culture-defining moments that shape how brands connect with consumers.

With 200M+ viewers in 2024, the Super Bowl is the biggest stage for advertising. At $15 million per minute, only the boldest and most creative campaigns make an impact. Some brands miss the mark. Others become instant classics.

As we gear up for Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Eagles, here are 10 of the best Super Bowl commercials ever.

1. Budweiser – “WAZZUPPPP” (1999)

Brand: Budweiser
Why It’s Iconic: A group of friends answering the phone with an exaggerated “WAZZUPPPP!” became one of the most quoted and parodied commercials ever. This spot didn’t just sell beer. It created a cultural catchphrase that still holds up decades later.

2. Budweiser – “KNOCK, KNOCK… IT’S #SBLIX” (2025)

Brand: Budweiser
Why It’s Iconic: Post Malone and Shane Gillis revive the legendary WAZZUP campaign with a hilarious, updated take for 2025. This just-released Super Bowl commercial taps into nostalgia while keeping it fresh with two of today’s most recognizable personalities. A perfect mix of humor and brand legacy.

3. Hellmann’s – “When Sally Met Hellmann’s” (2025)

Brand: Hellmann’s
Why It’s Iconic: To celebrate five consecutive years of Super Bowl ads, Hellmann’s went big with a nostalgic recreation of the iconic diner scene from When Harry Met Sally, which turns 35 this year.

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal reprise their legendary roles at Katz’s Deli, with Ryan realizing her sandwich is missing something—until she adds Hellmann’s mayo and makes a commotion. The camera then cuts to Sydney Sweeney, who delivers the iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” line, modernizing the classic moment for a new generation.

Beyond the TV spot, Hellmann’s is extending the campaign with creator partnerships, an interactive TikTok filter, a Pinterest effect, and even a collaboration with Katz’s Deli, allowing fans to order a “What She’s Having” sandwich pack. The brand is also hosting on-the-ground activations in New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend.

4. Disney – “I’m Going to Disney World!” (1987-Present)

Brand: Disney
Why It’s Iconic: The most enduring Super Bowl tradition in advertising. After winning the Super Bowl, the game’s MVP looks into the camera and says, “I’m going to Disney World!”

The tradition began in 1987, when Phil Simms of the New York Giants shouted the phrase after winning Super Bowl XXI. Since then, legends like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Peyton Manning have kept the streak alive. It’s simple, effective, and synonymous with championship victory.

5. Reebok – “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2002)

Brand: Reebok
Why It’s Iconic: Before viral marketing took over, Reebok dropped one of the funniest Super Bowl ads ever. Terry Tate, an over-the-top office linebacker, polices workplace laziness with bone-crushing tackles and motivational one-liners like, “You kill the joe, you make some mo’!”

It was an instant cult hit and remains one of the most beloved sports-meets-humor ads in Super Bowl history.

6. Tide – “Silence the Stain” (2008)

Brand: Tide
Why It’s Iconic: Tide has mastered the art of Super Bowl advertising, and this year was no different.

“Silence the Stain” plays off high-stakes courtroom drama, featuring a lawyer trying to deliver a powerful closing argument—until his tiny mustard stain starts whispering insults. The stain’s snarky interruptions derail the trial, leading the lawyer to finally clean it with Tide, silencing it for good.

A brilliant mix of humor and brand messaging, this ad proves Tide knows how to make stains the villain and their detergent the hero.

7. Coinbase – “QR Code” (2022)

Brand: Coinbase
Why It’s Iconic: Sometimes, simplicity wins.

Coinbase’s Super Bowl LVI ad was nothing more than a bouncing QR code on a black screen for 60 seconds. No celebrities. No voiceover. Just nostalgia for old-school DVD screensavers and curiosity driving millions of viewers to scan the code—so many that it crashed Coinbase’s website.

This minimalist, data-driven stunt proved that you don’t need high production value to dominate the conversation. You just need curiosity, timing, and the right audience.

8. CeraVe – “Michael CeraVe” (2024)

Brand: CeraVe
Why It’s Iconic: A masterclass in internet-driven marketing, CeraVe’s Super Bowl LVIII ad played off an absurd conspiracy theory that had been circulating online: Is Michael Cera secretly behind CeraVe?

Instead of denying the rumor, the brand leaned in, casting Michael Cera himself in the commercial. The ad features him confidently claiming that he invented CeraVe, as dermatologists and brand reps look on, utterly confused.

By tapping into meme culture and embracing internet speculation, CeraVe created an instant viral hit—all while reinforcing its dermatologist-approved brand message.

9. NFL – “Eli Manning & Odell Beckham Jr. Dirty Dancing” (2018)

Brand: NFL
Why It’s Iconic: The NFL poking fun at itself? Unexpected.

In this hilarious Super Bowl LII commercial, Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. recreate the famous lift from Dirty Dancing, celebrating a touchdown like never before. Complete with dramatic spins, choreographed moves, and the iconic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” playing in the background, the ad was a perfect mix of humor, nostalgia, and football culture.

It showed a lighter, more entertaining side of the league and quickly became one of the most talked-about NFL ads ever.

10. Coca-Cola – “Mean Joe Greene” (1979)

Brand: Coca-Cola
Why It’s Iconic: This heartwarming ad featuring NFL legend Mean Joe Greene was one of the first Super Bowl ads to create an emotional connection with viewers. A young fan gives Greene his Coke, and in return, the football star tosses him his jersey. It became one of the most beloved commercials of all time.

Which Super Bowl Ads Will Dominate in 2025?

With Super Bowl LIX just around the corner, brands are ready to drop millions in hopes of creating the next viral ad. Will we see another low-budget viral hit? Or will legacy brands like Budweiser and Doritos reclaim their Super Bowl throne?

Want to create a Super Bowl-worthy campaign? Talk to our experts today.

, ,

More from Avenue Z

  • Composite trend artwork sketch image collage of businesswoman young lady work internet webpage ai bot generate data simulation technology.

    From SEO to AIO: What Still Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Win in AI Search

    Let’s start with the good news: not everything you’ve built in SEO land needs to be torched.

    Link

    12 min read

    ,
  • ChatGPT Shopping: How to Get Your Ecommerce Store Listed and Ranked

    ChatGPT Shopping: How to Get Your eCommerce Store Ranked

    ChatGPT Shopping is changing how people find products online. This guide shows how to get your store listed, improve…

    Link

    7 min read

    , ,
  • Who Won Marketing at the F1 Miami Grand Prix?

    Which F1 teams won the marketing race at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix? We break down the boldest brand…

    Link

    4 min read

    , , ,
  • Artistic representation of people in Times Square for NFT NYC 2025.

    Top NFT NYC 2025 Must-Attend Events

    Get ready for NFT NYC 2025 with our guide to the top events where culture, tech, and community collide.

    Link

    3 min read

    , ,
  • Introducing the AI Visibility Index: Fintech Payments

    A data-driven look at which payment brands are leading in AI search and what it takes to become the…

    Link

    7 min read

    ,
  • Why AI Agents Are Already Rewriting Your eCommerce Brand Strategy with Jonathan Snow

    AI is already making purchase decisions. My latest Fast Company feature unpacks what that means for brand visibility, discovery,…

    Link

    2 min read

    ,
  • Manhattan Bridge in New York City, view from the street between brick buildings, New York City, Architectural photography.

    Top NY Tech Week 2025 Events We’re Eyeing (and You Should Too)

    These are the rooftop hangs, power walks, and pitch rooms you need to be in—bookmark this list, grab your…

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • Top of Stack: Markets, Media, and the March Toward Mayhem

    Get the press hits, trend intel, and event picks you need to stay ahead in fintech, innovation, and digital…

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • The Mirage of Simplicity in AI: Why Strategy Still Comes First

    AI can move fast and look smart—but without a clear strategy, it often just scales misalignment. Here’s why the…

    Link

    3 min read

    ,
  • Google’s AI Mode: A CMO’s Field Guide

    Google’s AI Mode is transforming search into a conversational, AI-driven experience—challenging traditional SEO and redefining how brands achieve visibility,…

    Link

    8 min read

    ,
  • Retro background futuristic landscape 1980s style. Vector perspective grid. 80s sci-fi or game style. Retro neon background

    Top Picks for Miami Tech Week 2025

    The Best Events for Founders, Investors, and Operators to Attend This April in Miami

    Link

    4 min read

    , ,
  • perplexity-llm-integration-feature

    Perplexity’s “Frenemies” Strategy is Boldly Centralizing the LLM Ecosystem

    In a world where every AI company is racing to outbuild the competition, Perplexity made a bold move. Instead…

    Link

    7 min read

    , ,
  • Top of Stack: Fintech, Media, and the Rise of Borderless Everything

    From borderless banking breakthroughs to AI risks in federal policy, here’s issue #002 of what’s shaping headlines across fintech,…

    Link

    4 min read

    , , ,
  • Floating island adventure magical sky travel with pink cloud reflection in water landscape beauty view

    The Third Great Digital Land Grab: Why AI Search is the Biggest First-Mover Advantage Since SEO

    AI search is rewriting the rules of digital visibility; brands that move now to build AI authority will dominate…

    Link

    7 min read

    , , ,
  • Transparent Glass Cubes in Abstract Floating Arrangement

    AI Search Loves Answers: How to Write FAQ-Driven Content for LLMs

    AI search engines prioritize answers, not just keywords. Brands that structure content in a FAQ-driven format are more likely…

    Link

    4 min read

    , ,
  • Magnifying glass shows glowing red checkmark on dark surface. Quality control, validation concept. Image useful for illustrating assurance, standardization, certification. Compliance with law

    Top Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Agencies of 2025

    The top AEO agencies of 2025 are helping brands secure visibility in AI-generated answers (because if you're not ranking…

    Link

    4 min read

    ,

Recommended reads

  • Composite trend artwork sketch image collage of businesswoman young lady work internet webpage ai bot generate data simulation technology.

    From SEO to AIO: What Still Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Win in AI Search

    Let’s start with the good news: not everything you’ve built in SEO land needs to be torched.

    Link

  • ChatGPT Shopping: How to Get Your Ecommerce Store Listed and Ranked

    ChatGPT Shopping: How to Get Your eCommerce Store Ranked

    ChatGPT Shopping is changing how people find products online. This guide shows how to get your store listed, improve…

    Link

  • Who Won Marketing at the F1 Miami Grand Prix?

    Which F1 teams won the marketing race at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix? We break down the boldest brand…

    Link

  • Artistic representation of people in Times Square for NFT NYC 2025.

    Top NFT NYC 2025 Must-Attend Events

    Get ready for NFT NYC 2025 with our guide to the top events where culture, tech, and community collide.

    Link

  • Introducing the AI Visibility Index: Fintech Payments

    A data-driven look at which payment brands are leading in AI search and what it takes to become the…

    Link

  • Why AI Agents Are Already Rewriting Your eCommerce Brand Strategy with Jonathan Snow

    AI is already making purchase decisions. My latest Fast Company feature unpacks what that means for brand visibility, discovery,…

    Link

  • Manhattan Bridge in New York City, view from the street between brick buildings, New York City, Architectural photography.

    Top NY Tech Week 2025 Events We’re Eyeing (and You Should Too)

    These are the rooftop hangs, power walks, and pitch rooms you need to be in—bookmark this list, grab your…

    Link

  • Top of Stack: Markets, Media, and the March Toward Mayhem

    Get the press hits, trend intel, and event picks you need to stay ahead in fintech, innovation, and digital…

    Link

  • The Mirage of Simplicity in AI: Why Strategy Still Comes First

    AI can move fast and look smart—but without a clear strategy, it often just scales misalignment. Here’s why the…

    Link

  • Google’s AI Mode: A CMO’s Field Guide

    Google’s AI Mode is transforming search into a conversational, AI-driven experience—challenging traditional SEO and redefining how brands achieve visibility,…

    Link

  • Retro background futuristic landscape 1980s style. Vector perspective grid. 80s sci-fi or game style. Retro neon background

    Top Picks for Miami Tech Week 2025

    The Best Events for Founders, Investors, and Operators to Attend This April in Miami

    Link

  • perplexity-llm-integration-feature

    Perplexity’s “Frenemies” Strategy is Boldly Centralizing the LLM Ecosystem

    In a world where every AI company is racing to outbuild the competition, Perplexity made a bold move. Instead…

    Link

  • Top of Stack: Fintech, Media, and the Rise of Borderless Everything

    From borderless banking breakthroughs to AI risks in federal policy, here’s issue #002 of what’s shaping headlines across fintech,…

    Link

  • Floating island adventure magical sky travel with pink cloud reflection in water landscape beauty view

    The Third Great Digital Land Grab: Why AI Search is the Biggest First-Mover Advantage Since SEO

    AI search is rewriting the rules of digital visibility; brands that move now to build AI authority will dominate…

    Link

  • Transparent Glass Cubes in Abstract Floating Arrangement

    AI Search Loves Answers: How to Write FAQ-Driven Content for LLMs

    AI search engines prioritize answers, not just keywords. Brands that structure content in a FAQ-driven format are more likely…

    Link

  • Magnifying glass shows glowing red checkmark on dark surface. Quality control, validation concept. Image useful for illustrating assurance, standardization, certification. Compliance with law

    Top Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Agencies of 2025

    The top AEO agencies of 2025 are helping brands secure visibility in AI-generated answers (because if you're not ranking…

    Link

  • Programmatic advertising and media buying platform concept – 3d illustration depicting automated digital marketing strategy with real-time bidding, data-driven targeting, and ai-powered campaign optimization.

    AI Optimization is Here – What Brand  Marketers Are Doing to Adapt

    AI search is rewriting the rules of discoverability as we know it. We asked six brand leaders how they’re…

    Link

Connect With Us

Stay in touch. Discuss your needs with us and see how we can help.