Every year, the Super Bowl draws millions of viewers, History not just for the football but for the commercials that have become a cultural phenomenon. These high-stakes ads, costing up to $8 million for a 30-second spot in 2025, are packed with creativity, humor, and star power. Some commercials transcend their short runtime, leaving a lasting mark on pop culture and advertising history. Here’s a look at the top five U.S. Super Bowl ads that made history, why they stood out, and the lessons they offer for brands today.
Apple’s iconic “1984” ad, aired during Super Bowl XVIII, is widely regarded as a game-changer in advertising. Directed by Ridley Scott, the commercial introduced the Macintosh computer with a cinematic narrative inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984. It depicted a dystopian world dominated by a Big Brother-like figure, symbolizing IBM’s control over the tech industry. A lone heroine, representing Apple, smashes the screen, signaling a rebellion against conformity.
This ad was a bold move for Apple, a then-underdog company. It aired only once but generated $150 million in free press and cemented Apple’s image as an innovative, disruptive brand. Its storytelling and emotional impact set a new standard for Super Bowl commercials, proving that ads could sell an idea, not just a product. The ad’s cultural influence endures, with references still appearing in modern media.
Why It Made History: Cinematic quality, bold narrative, and a powerful brand identity launch.
Aired during Super Bowl XIV, Coca-Cola’s “Hey Kid, Catch!” is a heartwarming classic that redefined emotional storytelling in advertising. The ad featured Pittsburgh Steelers star “Mean” Joe Greene, known for his tough persona, interacting with a young fan. After a game, the boy offers Greene a Coke. In return, Greene tosses his jersey to the kid, creating a touching moment of connection.
This simple, human story resonated with audiences, turning Greene into a relatable figure and boosting Coca-Cola’s brand image. The ad’s emotional appeal inspired a made-for-TV movie, The Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid, and its tagline became iconic. It showed brands the power of authentic, heartfelt narratives in building customer loyalty.
Why It Made History: Emotional storytelling, celebrity relatability, and a memorable tagline.
Budweiser’s “Whassup?” ad, aired during Super Bowl XXXIV, became a global pop culture phenomenon with its simple yet hilarious concept. The commercial showed friends greeting each other with an exaggerated “Whassup?” over the phone while enjoying Budweiser beers. Its humor and catchy tagline struck a chord, leading to parodies in movies like Scary Movie and countless imitations.
The ad’s low-budget approach proved that creativity doesn’t need a massive budget to make an impact. It boosted Budweiser’s sales by 2.4 million barrels and generated $20 million in free publicity. The “Whassup?” campaign ran for years, showing how a single ad could create long-term brand engagement.
Why It Made History: Viral humor, cultural impact, and a sticky catchphrase.
Pepsi’s 1992 Super Bowl ad featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford is a masterclass in combining star power and brand focus. In the commercial, Crawford steps out of a red sports car, wearing a white tank top and denim shorts, and sips a Pepsi while two boys watch in awe. The twist? They’re admiring the new Pepsi can, not just Crawford.
This ad revitalized Pepsi’s image, blending striking visuals with clever humor. It became an enduring pop culture moment, revisited in a 2018 remake featuring Crawford and her son. The ad’s success showed brands how to leverage celebrity appeal without letting it overshadow the product, keeping Pepsi relevant across generations.
Why It Made History: Star power, memorable visuals, and smart brand integration.
Snickers’ 2010 Super Bowl ad, starring Betty White, introduced the “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign, which became a global hit. In the ad, White plays a football player who’s underperforming because he’s hungry. After eating a Snickers, he transforms back into a young athlete. The humor, paired with White’s unexpected presence, made it a standout.
The ad topped USA Today’s Ad Meter and drove a 15.9% sales increase for Snickers in its first year. Its flexible tagline allowed for global adaptations with stars like Elton John and Willem Dafoe, reinforcing Snickers’ brand identity. The ad’s pop culture impact, including references in TV shows like The Office, solidified its place in history.
Why It Made History: Universal humor, strategic celebrity use, and long-term campaign success.
These five Super Bowl ads didn’t just sell products; they shaped culture, sparked conversations, and redefined marketing. They share common traits: emotional resonance, memorable storytelling, and a clear brand message. Whether through humor, heart, or bold visuals, each ad connected with audiences in a way that extended far beyond the Super Bowl.
For brands today, these ads offer valuable lessons. Apple and Coca-Cola showed the power of storytelling, while Budweiser and Snickers proved humor and catchphrases can create lasting buzz. Pepsi’s ad highlighted the importance of balancing star power with brand focus. In an era where digital marketing dominates, these commercials remind us that a well-crafted story can still capture hearts and drive results.
As Super Bowl ad costs continue to rise—reaching $8 million for a 30-second spot in 2025—brands face pressure to innovate. Recent trends show a shift toward nostalgia, social media integration, and socially conscious messaging. For example, Dove’s 2025 ad addressed body positivity, while Budweiser’s Clydesdales remain a fan favorite. The challenge for future ads will be to balance creativity with measurable impact, ensuring they resonate with diverse audiences in a fragmented media landscape.
The Super Bowl is more than a game; it’s a stage for brands to make history. From Apple’s revolutionary “1984” to Snickers’ hilarious Betty White ad, these commercials have left an indelible mark on advertising. They remind us that the best ads don’t just sell—they inspire, entertain, and connect. As we look forward to the next Super Bowl, which ad will join this elite list? Share your favorite Super Bowl ad in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
Sources: Information compiled from various web sources, including designrush.com, cmswire.com, and usatoday.com.
Read More :- The Best Story Behind Route 66: America’s Highway Icon
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) in Austin, Texas, is one of the most prestigious…
What Makes Bronx High School of Science So Special? Bronx High School of Science is…
Carnegie Vanguard High School is more than just a school — it’s a symbol of…
The School for the Talented and Gifted, also known as TAG, is one of the…
Academic Magnet High School in South Carolina is widely regarded as one of the best…
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) is widely known as one of…