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.
Table of Contents
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. Bud Light – “KNOCK, KNOCK… IT’S #SBLIX” (2025)
Brand: Bud Light 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.
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.
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.
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?
Dr. Jonathan Snow is Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Avenue Z with expertise in DTC, eCommerce, and social media. He's a four-time DTC founder, orthodontist, and U.S. Air Force veteran.
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