The Super Bowl is pretty much the only sporting event in which commercials play an almost-more-important role than the actual game itself. People tune in specifically to watch the ads, which cost millions of dollars to produce and air during the big game. Twenty per cent of Super Bowl viewers, aged 18-54, watch just for the commercials, according to YouTube and Google research.
So it’s no surprise that ads from years past still resonate today. Commercials from the ’80s and ’90s are still fresh in peoples’ memories, and even help influence modern-day Super Bowl ads. With that in mind, here are the 14 best Super Bowl commercials of all time.
Always, “Like a Girl” (2015)
You can’t resist the feeling this commercial invokes, as girls young and old describe what it’s like to throw and play “like a girl.”
Reebok, “Terry Tate, Office Linebacker” (2002)
Often considered the best Super Bowl commercial of all time, try watching without laughing. It’s impossible.
Doritos, “Middle Seat” (2015)
We’ve all been there on airplanes. Watch how this guy’s ploy to keep the seat next to him empty completely and totally backfires.
Apple, “Mac” (1984)
This commercial broke the mould, bringing epic, artistic and abstract advertisements into the mainstream.
READ MORE: Super Bowl Sunday’s craziest food facts
Snickers, “Betty White” (2010)
Betty White was enjoying a huge resurgence in 2010 (at age 88!), and this commercial captured it perfectly.
Fiat, “Blue Pill” (2015)
To go with a jaunty European car, this ad supplies the jaunty European humour.
Pepsi, “Cindy Crawford” (1992)
Most boys who grew up in this time will recall this classic, featuring a flawless Cindy Crawford in the era of the supermodel.
Coke, “Meet Joe Greene” (1980)
Countless TV shows have riffed this ad, a testament to the feeling it evokes.
READ MORE: Hosting a Super Bowl party? Try these fun and easy DIY decor ideas
Budweiser, “Wassup” (1999)
“Wassssssupppppppppppp?” It’s scary to think how long this phrase was cool.
Budweiser, “Frogs” (1995)
Another classic that laid the groundwork for future commercials, “Frogs” is still referred to today, over 10 years later.
Pepsi, “Coke Guy Caught on Cam” (1996)
In the ongoing Coke/Pepsi feud, this was a unique method for the carbonated beverage company to use against their #1 competitor.
WATCH: Kitten Bowl III: Cuteness and claws collide to take on Super Bowl
Volkswagen, “Darth Vader Kid” (2011)
Pre-Star Wars hype of 2015, this cute commercial harnesses what we all wish for: The Force.
Budweiser, “Lost Dog” (2015)
Kleenex. You’ll need Kleenex.
Old Spice, “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
This ad was so successful it triggered an entire line of commercials featuring the Old Spice Guy. It still holds up.