We all know that the Super Bowl is known for having the best commercials, but no one ever really talks about the worst commercials. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered on both ends of the spectrum! Here is a definitive ranking of the best and worst commercials from Super Bowl LI.
We’ll start with the bad news:
1. The worst of the worst: The Mr. Clean is Sexy Now commercial
Not only was this commercial plain weird, but it literally made me cringe. I did NOT appreciate that. But I mean hey, if you’re into a sexy Mr. Clean, or just want to see how right I am, feel free to watch it here.
2. The almost worst: Febreze
They made a commercial about bathroom breaks. Okay, maybe it was clever, but really? For me, the everyday commercials are so much funnier! They should have just AIRED some of those.
3. The moderately bad: Turbotax
Was it clever? Yes. Did I want to see a giant egg version of Humpty Dumpty oozing into a hospital bed while I was trying to enjoy some chilli? Not really, no.
4. The not quite bad enough to be moderate, but also not quite good enough to end this list: KFC’s Colonel vs. Colonel
It wasn’t…bad? But also…what was it? I’m still not sure even though I’ve seen it six times now. All I know for sure is it is not “Finger Lickin’ Good.” Here it is for you to decide.
5. The not so bad, but definitely forgettable: Wendy’s
Yes, okay, fresh, never frozen beef is your thing, but WHERE’S THE BEEF? While the commercial was clever, it definitely didn’t do much to sell the actual product. It only showed what Wendy’s does not sell, which in this case, happens to be frozen meat that is thawed by a man with a hair drier. The only reason this wasn’t as bad as KFC’s commercial was because Wendy’s at least attempted to talk about their product, where as the Colonel just ran into a gold version of himself. (Clearly I’m still confused by the KFC one.)
Now onto some better news, and because I feel like we need some more of the good commercials to outweigh the bad, this list is longer. Enjoy!
10. Honda
Not only do they have an incredible cast of people (Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Amy Adams, “Magic” Johnson, Steve Carell, Missy Elliot, Stan Lee, Jimmy Kimmel and Viola Davis), but the message they share is amazing as well: Follow your dreams, no matter where they take you. That message is priceless.
9. Kia
Poor Melissa McCarthy! All she’s trying to do is save the world and be a good person, but everything just keeps going wrong! Good thing her Kia is there to give her a comfortable ride in between all the mishaps. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Melissa McCarthy—no matter what she’s in?
8. Budweiser
Not only is this ad timely, but it is also very important. We should all always remember our roots and all the good things that immigration has done for us. Most importantly, we must remember that without immigration we wouldn’t have a lot of the things we take for granted in this country. This piece’s sentimental meaning is really a fantastic message as well.
7. Coca-Cola
Even though this commercial was from 2014, it’s still relevant and related to the one before it. America is a beautiful melting pot and that should be celebrated! It doesn’t matter what language we all speak, we are all here for better lives for ourselves and our families. This reminds us we need to come together as a nation and love everyone around us, because after all, we are what makes America, America.
6. Airbnb
This commercial had another powerful statement. Like the Coca-Cola ad, it tells us that we all need to come together and stop blaming each other. Everyone is beautiful in their own right, no matter what religion, ethnicity, sex, etc. you are. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and know that their opinions and beliefs matter, because they do. Airbnb does a good job of addressing the things that are currently happening, and making a statement that everyone is accepted and loved.
5. T-mobile
Gronk, Justin Bieber and Terrell Owens showing off all their touchdown celebration dances? Great. The little girl who totally sassed Justin Bieber at the 30 second mark with her amazing dancing? PRICELESS. You go, girl, show off those moves!
4. Skittles
Very clever, marketing team, very clever. I see what you did there…when trying to romance your crush, don’t use Skittles, you won’t get a response because they’re just so good! A+ marketing team. Very much appreciated. Maybe we should just stick to tossing stones.
3. Buick
A child turning into Cam Newton and then running through a pack of small children because his father didn’t believe that a car was actually a Buick? How could that NOT be funny? Not to mention, the kid trying to catch the ball goes flying and another parent turns into a supermodel. Truly a must see.
2. Avocados from Mexico
The secret society that isn’t really a secret anymore because it’s being live streamed? Definitely a beautiful commentary on today’s addiction to technology. And, it effectively gets the viewers to pay attention to the product. The idea that avocados being healthy is as secret as things such as Area 51 and faking the moon landing is not just funny, but it is also effective and fun to watch. Not to mention the jingle—clever and catchy, the perfect duo.
1. And now, for the best commercial of Super Bowl LI: Audi’s “Daughter” Ad
This is the best for a lot of reasons. One: Female empowerment. Two: Female empowerment. Three: Girls can do what boys can do (and clearly even better), and four: Did I mention female empowerment? Well done Audi, well done.