Top 5 Super Bowl commercials of the past 25 years

The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most publicized events, with a total reach exceeding 100 million views every year. The total viewership for last year’s event was a staggering 123.7 million, so there is a pressure to deliver something for die-hard fans or casuals alike. As a result of this all-encompassing demographic of appeal, it has also historically been a lightning rod for advertisers. Their ‘holy grail,’ so to speak.

As a result of this reality on the business end of things, the audience has been treated to countless memorable campaigns and television spots over the years.

The companies involved first realized the potential of these ads in 1984, when Apple debuted its "1984" ad during Super Bowl XVIII. In the time since then, there have been some absolutely iconic ads released from some of the most universally recognized brands in the world that managed to enter the zeitgeist. Sometimes more so than the game itself.

Top 5 Super Bowl Ads since 2000

While any 'best of' list can be hotly debated in the storied and longstanding Super Bowl showcase, a few of these TV spots have undoubtedly eclipsed their competition and entered the realm of true cultural significance.

It is important to recognize the platform for today's ads has been magnified in part by the awesome campaigns that preceded them. The passing of the torch would not have been possible without the stunning success of some of the greatest TV spots in memory that came before. Let's examine some ads that really stood out in an exciting lineup of ads.

Volkswagen—The Force (Super Bowl XLV, 2011)

Star Wars never fails to unite. In their 2011 Super Bowl ad, Volkswagen took this idea and ran with it. ‘The Imperial March’ plays from the beginning as we follow a young child attempting to use the ‘force’ in a Darth Vader costume. The tv spot ended in a heartwarming way and also showcased the remote start feature for their Passat model.

Reebok—Terry Tate Office Linebacker (Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003)

This ad had a hilarious concept and is still discussed today. It explores what life in an office setting would be like if there was a designated ‘office linebacker’ who would penalize employees for in-office gaffes. The ensuing hijinks that followed remain unforgettable.

E-Trade—Talking Babies (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)

Next on the list is a revolutionary spot that had to be included. In it, a baby can be seen via video call, mimicking the adult voiceover playing in the background. This gimmick seemed to start here and has continued to be a mainstay in advertising to some degree in the time since.

Snickers—You’re Not You When You’re Hungry (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)

Multiple celebrities have appeared in Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaigns over the years. This particular installment featured the late Betty White playing football, in a perfect expression of her effortless flair for the comedic.

Budweiser—Whassup (Super Bowl XXXIV, 2000)

Last, but not least, is the Budweiser Whassup commercial that ran in 2000 during Super Bowl 34. It was a case of ‘boys will be boys’ and merely a compilation of friends calling one another during America’s Game. The simplicity of the piece spoke volumes, and it was popularly referenced for years after it aired.

This year's stand-out commercials

While there were several contenders, two ads from this year’s Super Bowl broadcast really stood out. With respect to the honorable mentions in this category, here’s the cream of the crop.

Firstly was Jeep’s “Big Game” campaign that featured Harrison Ford. It is a powerful meditation on the value of freedom and the importance of making the right decisions on the path to personal happiness and fulfillment.

Next up was the more lighthearted ad offered up by Stella Artois. Dubbed “The Other David," it stars David Beckham and Matt Damon as long-lost brothers and merits a spot on this list for star power alone, although it makes it to this list on its own merits.