The Super Bowl is not only a showdown between the NFL's best teams, but also a battleground for brands to showcase their wit and creativity. Over the years, companies have used the biggest stage in American sports to create ads that are not only memorable, but also laugh-out-loud funny. Here are some of the funniest ads aired during the Super Bowl TV spectacle that left America rolling on the floor.
"The Budweiser Frogs" (1995) – This classic ad features three frogs croaking the brand name, set to a lively banjo tune. With a budget of $2 million, this commercial was a huge hit and remains a Super Bowl staple. So memorable, in fact, that the frog croaking “Bud-weis-er” is now synonymous with the brand.
“Terry Tate, Office Linebacker” (2003) – This commercial for Reebok features former NFL player Lester Speight as “Terry Tate,” a tough office worker who keeps coworkers in line. The commercial was so successful that it spawned several sequels and remains a fan favorite to this day. The budget for this spot was a whopping $3 million.
"The Pepsi Stuff" (1997) – This commercial features celebrities including Cindy Crawford and David Bowie promoting Pepsi's loyalty program. With a production cost of $5 million, this commercial stands out in Super Bowl advertising history thanks to its catchy jingle and star lineup. Unfortunately, the ad is not available on Youtube.
"Betty White Gets Rough" (2010) – This Snickers commercial features beloved actress Betty White being attacked during a football game. The commercial was so successful that it won several awards and helped revive White's career. The budget for this spot was a modest $1 million.
"ETRADE Baby" (2008) – This commercial for an online trading platform features a talking baby who got rich with ETRADE. With a production cost of $3 million, this commercial is both silly and clever, and remains a popular choice for Super Bowl advertising.
These ads are just a few examples of the many memorable and funny ads that have graced the Super Bowl over the years. With a price tag of $7.2 million for a 30-second spot during Super Bowl LVII, brands need to up their game to make an impact on the more than 100 million viewers the ad reaches. Whether it's frogs croaking a sing-song tune or office companions for co-workers in line or talking babies getting rich, the Super Bowl has always been a showcase for some of the world's best and funniest commercials.