What is considered the best Super Bowl commercial ever?
How legendary ads turned game‑day breaks into cultural touchstones
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Why rank Super Bowl commercials — and what “best” even means
Every year, millions tune in to the Super Bowl for the game — but many stay glued to their screens for the commercials. Over decades, brands have turned those ad slots into high‑stakes investments, pouring creativity and big budgets into spots designed to entertain, surprise, or tug at the heart. The idea of a “best ever” Super Bowl commercial is inherently subjective: some judge by nostalgia, some by cultural impact, some by artistry, and others by pure entertainment value. Still, a handful of ads have emerged so often in critics’ lists, viewer polls, and advertising retrospectives that they’re widely accepted as among the greatest.
Below I explore what many regard as the top contenders for “best ever,” what makes them stand out — and why no single ad truly deserves the crown alone.
1984 (Apple) Super Bowl Commercial — The ad that changed Super Bowl ads forever
When the 1984 Apple commercial aired during the Super Bowl, it didn’t just promote a product — it launched a revolution. The spot, created for the launch of the first Macintosh, cast a dystopian world in which uniformity reigns, then a lone heroine smashes the screen broadcasting oppressive propaganda. The voiceover ends: “On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984.”
Why it endures:
It rejected the traditional cheesy-jingle or celebrity‑endorsement format and instead offered cinematic storytelling — something rare in commercials at the time.
It framed a piece of technology as a tool for liberation and individuality, tapping into cultural currents about freedom, expression, and resistance.
It demonstrated that commercials could be more than product pitches — they could be artistic statements.
Because of all that, many advertisers treat “1984” as the blueprint for what a Super Bowl commercial should aspire to be.
Hey Kid, Catch! (Coca‑Cola, 1980) — Heartwarming, human, timeless
Released during Super Bowl XIV, “Hey Kid, Catch!” features legendary football player “Mean” Joe Greene and a young fan: after a tough game, Greene limps off the field, only to be offered a cold Coke by a kid. Initially reluctant, Greene finally accepts — and, as the kid walks away, Greene calls out “Hey kid, catch!” tossing him his jersey.
Why it resonates decades later:
It humanizes an intimidating athlete, showing kindness and gratitude in a simple act.
It delivers emotional payoff without flashy effects, relying on performance, mood, and a universal feeling of goodwill.
It underscores the power of connection — even between strangers and across generations — which many recall fondly.
“Hey Kid, Catch!” became a reference point for emotionally driven ads, and its warmth and sincerity still stand out in an era of high‑tech spectacle.
Whassup? (Budweiser, 2000) — Simple, hilarious, iconic
When Budweiser dropped “Whassup?” during Super Bowl XXXIV, it didn’t try to sell the beer — it sold a vibe. A group of friends greet each other over the phone with an over‑the‑top, drawn-out “Whaaaassup?!” They bounce the phrase off one another with a mix of humor, camaraderie, and absurdity.
Why it works, and endures:
It captured the laid-back, buddy‑culture energy — making viewers laugh while delivering no hard sell.
The catchphrase seeped into pop culture, becoming a staple greeting and a pop-cultural reference long after the game ended.
Its simplicity proved that a 30‑second spot didn’t need cinematic ambition or emotional weights — sometimes, humor and rapport are enough.
Its legacy is evident: more than two decades later, many still quote or reference “Whassup?” The ad reshaped expectations for comedic, relatable Super Bowl ads.
Other strong contenders — blending nostalgia, humor, and creative risks
While the above three are frequently cited as the pinnacle, many other ads also compete for “best ever” status. What they share is memorable impact, clever ideas, or cultural resonance. Among them:
Budweiser Frogs (1995) — A surreal, absurdist commercial in which three frogs croak “Bud,” “Weis,” “Er.” Despite its simplicity and oddity, it became one of the most memorable beer ads ever.
Ads fueled by pop culture or celebrity: e.g. commercials leveraging humor, music, or familiar faces — sometimes contributing to the zeitgeist more than the product.
SI
Ads where emotional storytelling or cinematic ambition blur the line between ad and short film — suggesting that commercials can serve as cultural artefacts.
Modern ad-makers often look back at these classics for inspiration — trying to recapture the mix of originality, emotion, humor, and cultural relevance.
Why there’s no definitive “best ever” — and why that matters
Declaring a single Super Bowl commercial as the “best ever” inevitably runs into a few complications:
Generational differences: What resonated with viewers in 1980 might feel outdated to a 2025 audience. Nostalgia plays a big role.
Subjectivity of taste: Some people prioritize humor, others emotional depth, others spectacle or artistry. Each viewer’s “favorite” may score differently across those dimensions.
Context of its time: Many classic ads were groundbreaking because they broke the mold. Recreating that effect is inherently tricky — what felt revolutionary then may feel ordinary now.
Sheer volume and variety: Over decades, hundreds of Super Bowl ads have aired. The chances that one ad suits everyone’s style is slim.
Because of this — even as certain commercials repeatedly show up on “greatest of all time” lists — most experts and fans treat the question not as “which single ad wins,” but “which ones belong in the hall of fame.”
What the “best ever” Super Bowl ads teach us — about advertising, culture, and memory
Looking across decades of Super Bowl commercials reveals more than marketing tactics. It shows:
How advertising can reflect social and cultural moods. Whether it’s a dystopian future (as in “1984”), or a brotherhood among friends (as in “Whassup?”), many great ads capture broader feelings and anxieties of their time.
The power of simplicity. Some of the best ads don’t rely on spectacle or famous actors — sometimes, all you need is a frog croaking, a kind act, or a shared laugh.
That commercials can become part of personal and collective memory. For many people, certain ads evoke memories — of childhood Sundays, family gatherings, or the first time watching the Super Bowl.
The evolving relationship between brands and audiences. As marketing grows more sophisticated, so do our expectations: from cheeky humor to emotional resonance to social relevance. Great Super Bowl ads often ride that evolution.
Conclusion: The “best ever” may be a hall of fame, not a single trophy
If forced to pick only one, many critics and viewers might still point to the Apple “1984” commercial as the most consequential — for its bold artistry, cultural commentary, and lasting influence. But that doesn’t diminish the warmth of “Hey Kid, Catch!” or the infectious humor of “Whassup?” or the sheer weirdness of the “Budweiser Frogs.”
Ultimately, the best Super Bowl commercial is less about a single ad than about what it makes you feel, remember, or rethink. As long as brands continue to take risks — creatively, emotionally, linguistically — the Super Bowl will remain a stage where commercials can transcend commerce and become moments of cultural meaning.
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