Every year, football fans and casual viewers alike huddle around the television to watch the Super Bowl. While commercials are typically an opportunity for viewers take a break from the action and walk away from the couch, Super Bowl commercials have always brought out the best and most entertaining commercials every year. Although there are several great commercials that are debuted during the Super Bowl every year, here’s a look at five momentous ones that have stood the test of time and are classics.
Budweiser Frogs, 1995
A classic commercial that was used and remixed many years after its debut in the mid 1990s. Directed by Gore Verbinski, who is also the director of the first three “Pirate of the Caribbean” films, the scene is of a swamp at night with three frogs on lily pads. In different patterns, the frogs each croak “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” until they start to croak the beer brand name in sequence. A simple and very catchy commercial that caught the attention of people of all ages.
McDonald’s “The Showdown,” 1993
In a battle for a Big Mac and other McDonald’s food selections, NBA legends Michael Jordan and Larry Bird played an epic game of “HORSE” for the food. As two of the sport’s biggest stars at the time, these commercials became an instant hit and caught the attention of viewers.
Pepsi Cindy Crawford, 1992
Capitalizing on the appearance and sex appeal of one of the world’s most popular supermodels, the combination of Cindy Crawford and Pepsi was a perfect blend. Made to help showcase their redesigned soda can, Crawford’s simple task of purchasing a soda absolutely mesmerized the two boys in the commercial and Super Bowl viewers.
Apple Macintosh Computer, 1984
Borrowing the theme from George Orwell’s novel, this advertisement introduced the first version of the Apple Macintosh personal computer to the world. Directed by Ridley Scott, this commercial tackled Big Brother and conformity to introduce a new product. Aside from getting the Apple brand name out in the public, this commercial is considered to be one of the best masterpieces in advertising history.
Coca-Cola “Mean” Joe Greene, 1979
As he limped away from a football game, “Mean” Joe Greene was approached by a kid who offered him a bottle of Coke. Despite his nickname, Greene took the bottle, drank it, and appeared with a smile along with the tagline “Have a Coke and a Smile.” This commercial was later recreated about 30 years later featuring Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Coke Zero.
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