The 10 Most Iconic Super Bowl Commercials of All Time

Super Bowl commercials are often just as anticipated as the game itself. Over the years, brands have delivered some of the most unforgettable, hilarious, and heartwarming ads that have become ingrained in pop culture. As we gear up for another year of big-budget, celebrity-packed, and nostalgia-filled Super Bowl ads, let’s take a deep dive into the most iconic Super Bowl commercials of all time.

1. Apple – “1984” (1984)

• Why It’s Iconic: This Ridley Scott-directed commercial introduced the Apple Macintosh and changed advertising forever. Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, the ad positioned Apple as the revolutionary force against IBM’s Big Brother-like dominance. It only aired once during the game, but its impact still resonates in tech and marketing history.

2. Coca-Cola – “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1980)

• Why It’s Iconic: A young fan offers his Coca-Cola to Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mean Joe Greene, who, in return, tosses the kid his jersey. This heartwarming moment transcended sports and solidified Coke’s reputation for crafting emotionally powerful ads. It remains one of the most replayed and referenced commercials ever.

3. Budweiser – “Whassup?!” (1999)

• Why It’s Iconic: A simple yet hilariously effective ad featuring a group of friends answering the phone with an exaggerated “Whassup?!” The spot became a cultural catchphrase, referenced in movies, TV shows, and daily conversations for years.

4. Doritos – “Crash the Super Bowl” Campaign (2007-2016)

• Why It’s Iconic: Doritos flipped the script by allowing fans to submit their own Super Bowl commercials. The best entries aired during the game, leading to some of the funniest, most creative ads in Super Bowl history. This campaign proved that great ads don’t always come from big agencies.

5. Pepsi – “Cindy Crawford” (1992)

• Why It’s Iconic: Cindy Crawford, a red sports car, and a new Pepsi can design—this commercial captured the essence of the '90s and became one of the most stylish, instantly recognizable ads of all time.

6. E*TRADE – “Baby Trader” (2008)

• Why It’s Iconic: A talking baby trading stocks with a sarcastic wit was an unexpected and hilarious hit. The E*TRADE baby became an instant pop culture phenomenon, spawning a series of ads in the following years.

7. Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)

• Why It’s Iconic: Featuring Betty White getting tackled in a game of backyard football, this ad launched Snickers’ highly successful campaign that has since featured a variety of celebrities. The concept—people transforming when they’re hungry—was universally relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

8. Reebok – “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2003)

• Why It’s Iconic: Imagine an intense NFL linebacker policing an office, tackling employees for minor infractions. This hilarious, over-the-top concept made for an unforgettable Super Bowl ad that still gets laughs today.

9. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)

• Why It’s Iconic: “Look at your man, now back to me.” Isaiah Mustafa’s smooth, surreal humor rebranded Old Spice from a stale, outdated brand into something fresh and cool. The ad’s absurd transitions and self-awareness made it an instant favorite.

10. Budweiser – “Puppy Love” (2014)

• Why It’s Iconic: Budweiser is known for its emotional Super Bowl ads, but this one, featuring the heartwarming friendship between a puppy and a Clydesdale, took things to a whole new level. It struck a chord with viewers and remains one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials.

Honorable Mentions:

11. Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)

• Why It’s Iconic: A young boy dressed as Darth Vader tries to use the Force on household items, only to be amazed when his dad (using the car’s remote start) makes the Volkswagen Passat react to his “powers.” Cute, clever, and perfect nostalgia bait.

12. McDonald’s – “The Showdown” (1993)

• Why It’s Iconic: Michael Jordan and Larry Bird engage in an epic trick-shot contest over a Big Mac and fries. The “Nothing but net” catchphrase and ridiculous stunts made this a classic.

13. Terry Crews for Old Spice – “Muscle Music” (2012)

• Why It’s Iconic: Featuring Terry Crews using his muscles to play musical instruments in an explosive, chaotic, yet completely mesmerizing ad that showed Old Spice knew how to keep up with its own viral success.

Super Bowl commercials have evolved into mini-blockbusters, combining celebrity power, humor, and nostalgia to create moments that last far beyond the game itself. These ten (plus a few extra) stand as the gold standard of Super Bowl advertising—some making us laugh, some making us cry, and some just making us say “Whassup?!”