Whether you’re football obsessed (and full disclosure, I have a very limited knowledge of the sport) or not, there’s something about the Super Bowl that even the most un-athletic among us can enjoy: the commercials. And, FUN FACT: a 30 second ad during the event cost a record setting $4.5 million dollars this year—so better start saving up for your time in the spotlight.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ads from this year and years past that you’ll be re-watching long after the game winds down:
Budweiser “Lost Dog” (2015)
I don’t believe you if you say you didn’t shed a tear or two during this one. If you’re really in the mood to cry, make sure to watch all of Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdale commercials.
EDS “Herding Cats” (2000)
Animals always win when it comes to Super Bowl ads. And, while you may have no idea what company was behind this hilarious ad, you’re guaranteed to watch it at least a couple (okay, more than a couple) times before the visual of a herd of cats running across the desert loses its appeal.
Diet Pepsi “Ray Charles” (1991)
Only Ray Charles could sing such a catchy song about such an everyday product. View at your own risk: after watching this one a time or two I promise that jingle will be stuck in your head.
Snickers “Betty White” (2010)
The “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign not only reintroduced Golden Girl Betty White to a new generation of American viewers but made pretty much everyone watching the game crave a Snickers bar.
Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
This ad put millions of boyfriends to shame by showing the yacht-owning, diamond-giving, horse-riding guy that your man could be… only of cousr if he used Old Spice. Collegiettes everywhere were left wishing that it was that easy.
Budweiser “Wassup” (2000)
This one is the ultimate early 2000’s throwback for anyone in the mood for some elementary school nostalgia. Repetitive as this commercial is, you can’t deny that this genius marketing campaign worked its way into American culture after it originally aired in 2000!
Pepsi “Justin Timberlake” (2008)
First of all, remember when people still called them Mp3s? This celebrity-packed commercial for Pepsi is sure to get a couple laughs, even out o the most serious sports fans.