Human Opinions: Best & Worst Super Bowl Commercials of All Time

On Episode 75 of the Speaking Human podcast, we debate the best and worst Super Bowl commercials in the history of the big game. We shared our picks—now watch them below and cast your vote for which of our finalists you think are truly the best and worst of all time. Make your voice heard!

BEST PICK

#1 – Apple’s “1984”

There’s no denying this groundbreaking commercial‘s place in advertising history. It was something completely different. It didn’t look like other commercials. It was cinematic, helmed by a big-time movie director (Ridley Scott). It had a great premise, alluding to the classic book 1984. And it promised something big. That may be this ad’s greatest lasting impact—it turned Super Bowl commercials from mere ads into something more epic.

BEST PICK

#2 – Budweiser “Bud Bowl”

This may seem like a trivial pick for number one, but Bud Bowl exemplifies what Super Bowl advertising is all about. It’s creative, simple, and fun. It was one of the first ads to play out as a series throughout the Super Bowl. It’s got puns galore, along with Bob Costas and Spuds Mackenzie.The brand is all over this one too—and Budweiser got a strong uptick in sales after the ad aired as a result. It also became a phenomenon that was part of the Super Bowl for almost a decade. The Bud Bowl became “a thing” many people looked forward to as much as the real game (even betting on the winner).

WORST PICK

#1 – GoDaddy “Perfect match”

It’s never a good thing when a TV commercial makes you want to physically move away from the TV. This one does. The close-up image of two people making out paired with the amplified sound effects of their smooching create a truly off-putting experience. And, more importantly, one that’s not funny. Or creative. Or clever. Or sexy. We just get two stereotypes uncomfortably swapping spit for pure shock value. It’s all show with no substance. It’s also the ad that signaled the end of GoDaddy’s “sex sells” Super Bowl advertising.

WORST PICK

#2 – Nationwide “Make Safe Happen”

This ad begins in a lighthearted, almost surreal tone before taking a dark turn. A really dark turn. Like dead child dark. Amidst the joy and excitement of Super Bowl Sunday, this commercial landed with a resounding thud—taking the air out of living rooms everywhere. It’s well made and maybe its intentions are good, but an insurance company talking about dead children during one of the funnest events of the year definitely did not sit well with people. It felt cold, manipulative, and depressing.

THAT’S OUR OPINION…

NOW GIVE YOUR HUMAN OPINION AND SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THESE PICKS.