The 16 Best Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time

If you’re someone for whom the game is secondary, here’s a look back at the best the Super Bowl has ever had to offer.

16. Budweiser: Wazzzzup?

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UDTZCgsZGeA.

Sure it inspired millions of wanna-be “cool dads” to repeat it ad nauseum, but any commercial that turned into a legitimate cultural phenomenon on the level of “Gangnam Style” deserves inclusion. Also I bet Psy shows up in a Super Bowl commercial. Just culturally relevant enough to seem hip, but already too late to really make sense. The last gasp of stardom.

Source: youtube.com

15. NFL: Sitcom Football Fans

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hIrrOKxVXKs.

Kramer’s a Bills fan? I’m sold.

Source: youtube.com

14. Volkswagon: The Force

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0.

This is just perfect. Amazing use of Star Wars. Charming as hell. Captures the wide-eyed wonder of childhood. Now that’s a great commercial.

Source: youtube.com

13. Budweiser: Frogs

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pVcbasIb8lQ.

It’s shocking how simple this is considering the impact it made. Brilliant.

Source: youtube.com

12. Budweiser: Bud Bowl

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5_c1lKJMS2o.

It’s bottles of beers playing football. I’ve never needed anything else in life.

Source: youtube.com

11. Budweiser: Lizards

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aS3op_7QVIY.

Maybe somewhat controversial to put the lizards above the frogs, but the ferret assassin is just so weird that it seems more fitting on an Adult Swim show than in a Super Bowl commercial. That gets it the nod.

Source: youtube.com

10. Gatorade: Michael Jordan vs. Himself

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=f6WQLvRvtjs.

This is like the Jurassic Park of commercials. The CGI still holds up even though it seems like it should look terrible by this point.

Source: youtube.com

9. XEROX: Monks

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_IgH2M02xek.

A classic with a simple clever concept that gets extra credit for having the low level monk best the old, jerky monk. That makes the me still dealing with having survived 12 years of Catholic school very happy.

Source: youtube.com

8. McDonald’s: Michael Jordan vs. Larry Bird HORSE

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_oACRt-Qp-s.

MICHAEL JORDAN’S OUTFIT. MICHAEL JORDAN’S OUTFIT. MICHAEL JORDAN’S OUTFIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Source: youtube.com

7. Master Lock: Marksman

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-HvOhO8f0wc.

The ad that saved America from a band of gun-wielding locker thieves. Thank you, Master Lock. Thank you.

6. Diet Pepsi: Michael J. Fox’s New Neighbors

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=417Gn8KeEVY.

It stars Michael J. Fox trying to seduce multiple ladies using Diet Pepsi. Only Marty McFly has enough charm to make this work.

Source: youtube.com

5. Monster.com: When I Grow Up

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=88JRvXzytec.

Remember when the Super Bowl commercials were made up of a ton of dot-coms from the late ’90s tech bubble? Interesting that one of the ones who survived also had the best ad.

Source: youtube.com

4. Budweiser: Clydesdale 9/11 Tribute

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Px5YcOeQB4I.

This ad only aired once. And considering it’s about horses bowing, it’s shockingly moving.

Source: youtube.com

3. Reebok: Terry Tate Office Linebacker

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RzToNo7A-94.

The “Terry Tate Office Linebacker” commercials aren’t “commercial funny.” They’re legitimately funny. It’s a huge difference and it’s why this is so high on the list.

Source: youtube.com

2. Coca-Cola: Mean Joe Green

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=xffOCZYX6F8.

This would be the number one on the list if it weren’t for the fact that it didn’t premiere during the Super Bowl. It did air during one though, so it qualifies with a slight deduction. It’s sweet and wonderful. One of the NFL’s meanest “scary” guys showing his soft side.

Source: youtube.com

1. Apple: 1984

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2zfqw8nhUwA.

The commercial that brought Super Bowl commercials to a whole new level. It treated advertising like a movie and it helped make Super Bowl advertising must-see TV. It takes the crown.

Source: youtube.com