The Most Memorable Super Bowl Adverts

Believe it or not, while the main draw of the Super Bowl is, of course, the NFL action, a large percentage take a keen interest in the commercials and advertisements that take place during a global sporting and entertainment event.

And, it makes a lot of sense, too, as yes, the football unfolding on the field is what everyone is there for, in the main. However, other key components ensure the experience is everything an NFL fan wants it to be and more, such as taking the weekend off, ordering snacks and food, getting together with friends, and let's not forget having a flutter on the Super Bowl result itself. But what my not be that obvious, is that even checking out the adverts, of which many have lived long in the memory, is another epic part of the whole deal.

Coke – 1979

There’s no better place to start than with the Coke advertisement from 1979, when Mean Joe Greene, a giant of a defensive tackle, is making his way back to the locker room. But his demeanour suddenly changes when a kid offers him a Coke, and in return for his kind gesture, Greene hands the kid his jersey. It’s one of the most iconic Super Bowl ads of all time.

McDonald's – 1993

McDonald’s decision to rope in two legendary NBA players in, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, for a game of H-O-R-S-E, proved to be a masterstroke in 1993. While both had bank accounts that would allow them to purchase everyone on the planet a Big Mac and fries, the two face off in a game of H-O-R-S-E, with the winner getting to eat a Big Mac and fries.

Pepsi – 1996

It’s an argument that has raged on for years, but which is best, Pepsi or Coke? And, you could suggest that Pepsi add humour to the debate in this ad when a guy who works for Coke decides to try and sneak away a can of Pepsi from the fridge he’s restocking. But it’s all caught on camera, in true Big Brother style.

Budweiser – 2003

Budweiser could have had more than one entry on this list; it’s the beer company’s 2003 advertisement that gets the nod. If you look back to one of Budweiser’s older ads, they depicted bottles playing football. Well, in 2003, it’s horses competing and a zebra taking on the role of the referee.

Reebok – 2003

Also, in 2003, akin to Budweiser, Reebok delivered an excellent effort of their own which lives long in the memory. In the commercial, viewers see an office boss call in a linebacker in an attempt to shake things up. But, in doing so, it leads to comedic moments, such as Terry Tate, the linebacker, tackling his work colleagues.

As you can see, some of the best Super Bowl adverts combine pushing brands and companies with humour. All of the most memorable commercials have included moments that make viewers smile and laugh, and it’s arguably the reason why they live long in the memory still to this day.