The Super Bowl is not just about football—it’s about the glitz, the halftime shows, and, of course, the commercials. Every year, brands pull out all the stops to craft ads that are funny, emotional, or downright unforgettable. With millions of viewers glued to their screens, Super Bowl commercials have become an art form.
Let’s revisit some of the best Super Bowl ads that have stood the test of time.
Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1980)
Taking the top spot is Coca-Cola’s heartwarming “Hey Kid, Catch!” ad, which became an instant classic. It featured NFL legend Joe Greene, who was playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time. In the ad, Greene sits on a bench nursing an injury when a young boy shyly offers him a Coke. Greene drinks it, and in a moment of gratitude, tosses the boy his Steelers jersey. The emotional simplicity of the commercial struck a chord with viewers and became so iconic that it inspired the movie The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid.
Pittsburgh Steeler Mean Joe Greene.
— Sean Mcdowell (@dvesean) May 11, 2023
4X Super Bowl Champ,
Steel Curtain Member &
Coca-Cola TV Commercial Icon.
"Hey kid! Catch!" pic.twitter.com/3JCoy0BnNt
Volkswagen’s “The Force” (2011)
Volkswagen stole the show in 2011 with “The Force.” The ad featured a young boy dressed as Darth Vader trying to use “the Force” on various objects around the house. Nothing works until his dad arrives and secretly starts the family car using a remote-start feature. The boy’s reaction when the car comes to life is priceless. The ad’s blend of humor and nostalgia resonated with audiences and became the most shared Super Bowl ad in history. It also racked up over 17 million YouTube views shortly after its debut.
Also Read: Exploring The History And Significance Of The NFL’s Super Bowl Award
Apple’s “1984” (1984)
Apple changed the game with its revolutionary “1984” commercial. Directed by Ridley Scott, the ad introduced the Macintosh computer in a dystopian setting, where an athlete hurls a hammer at a screen displaying “Big Brother,” a veiled reference to IBM. The ad boldly positioned Apple as a disruptor in the computer industry. It aired only once during the Super Bowl but left an indelible mark, becoming one of the most talked-about commercials in history.
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Budweiser’s “Whassup?” (2000)
In 2000, Budweiser captured the essence of early 2000s culture with “Whassup?” The ad showed four friends on a phone call greeting each other with an exaggerated and hilarious “Whassup?” It was simple, but its catchphrase became a cultural phenomenon. People everywhere imitated it, making the ad a defining moment of the era. Even 24 years later, the phrase still brings smiles and memories of this clever marketing success.
Nike’s “Hare Jordan” (1993)
When Nike teamed up with Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny for “Hare Jordan,” they created magic. The ad featured the NBA star teaming up with the animated icon to play basketball against a group of bullies. It was the perfect mix of sports and entertainment, making it a hit with viewers. The commercial’s popularity was so immense that it later inspired the beloved movie Space Jam.
#2. Space Jam (1996) – Nike
— Daniel Murray (@Dmurr68) June 4, 2023
Nike's "Hare Jordan" ad aired during the 1992 Super Bowl, and was an instant hit.
They made another in '93, with MJ & Bugs going on a space adventure.
Then, WB made it into an iconic blockbuster.
(and sold a lot of Air Jordans in the process). pic.twitter.com/Q5a7KTZCb7
These ads didn’t just sell products—they told stories, created cultural moments, and connected with viewers in ways that few commercials do. As brands gear up for the next Super Bowl, we can only hope they deliver campaigns as memorable as these all-time greats.
Also Read: How NFL Teams Earn A Spot In The Super Bowl?
