Without a doubt, the Super Bowl is responsible for some of the most exciting, jaw-dropping, impactful, and downright dazzling feats of advertising in marketing.
In this post, we take a look back at some of the best and worst Super Bowl ads over the years—those that captur the audience’s attention for all the right reasons and those that left viewers scratching their heads. Whether they became viral sensations or were quickly forgotten, these commercials offer valuable lessons in storytelling, branding, and audience engagement.
From the groundbreaking Apple “1984” ad to unexpect celebrity cameos and marketing missteps, here’s a retrospective of Super Bowl advertising at its best—and worst.
The Super Bowl Ads Hall Of Fame
First up, we’re going to look at the best phone number database ads of the Super Bowl from over the years. These brilliantly craftfeats of advertising match the offbeat, crowd-luring brilliance you’d expect to see from a top flight Super Bowl ad.
Netflix and General Motors (2023)
In this colossal 2023 brand collaboration, Netflix test of pinned posts on user profiles and General Motors hir the help of Hollywood’s favorite funnyman, Will Ferrell, to dazzle audiences with a big-budget ad that’s slick, original, and mind-blowing in equal measure.
The ad showcases General Motors and Netflix’s plge to be more green: General Motors will make more electric vehicles and Netflix will feature them in its original content.
As Will Ferrell tells audiences of this eco-friendly initiative, he seamlessly bobs and weaves his way through a series of iconic Netflix box sets or movie scenes, letting his unique style of comic swagger shine through from start to finish. Epic.
Takeaway: The right brand collaboration will expand your ad reach and expose you to new audiences that are likely to engage with what you have to offer. By being sincere with your messaging and staying true to your brand tone and values, your authenticity is likely to build trust and attract more people to your brand. A quirky ad concept will help, too!
Lay’s Super Bowl ad (2022)
Part buddies-reunited sequence, part creepy cell phone number zombie-bride narrative, the popular potato chip brand Lay’s gives us a show-stopper of a Super Bowl ad that was slick, funny, and slightly unnerving.