The Super Bowl has the unique distinction as the only live sporting event where the commercials are welcomed with open arms. In fact, a lot of viewers tune into the big game not for the halftime show (shoutout to Rihanna), but only to see the ads. Even then, only the funniest Super Bowl commercials stand out.
The best Super Bowl commercials of all-time live rent-free in the heads of NFL fans. Budweiser's Clydesdales, Britney Spears' Pepsi Montage, Apple's 1984 homage have all withstood the test of time. This year, brands like Toyota, Uber Eats, Michelob Ultra, HBO, Pringles and Tide will employ celebs like Cindy Crawford and Pete Davidson to make us laugh on Super Bowl Sunday, but only a few will succeed.
Seeing as the Super Bowl is basically a shoe-in to be the most watched TV event of the year, it makes sense companies would invest a ton of money into making their product memorable. They do this by getting celebrity cameos, conceptualizing a character so baffling people have to talk about it (looking at you Puppy Monkey Baby) or trying something insane like referencing the past for nostalgia reasons.
Regardless of which strategy advertising agencies go with, the commercials that tend to make the biggest impact either tug at your heart strings or make you laugh. We saw that trend continue during Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals, and we're sure it will endure beyond Super Bowl LVII between the Eagles and Chiefs.
Now, there have been several comedic campaigns throughout the years. However, these 15 funniest Super Bowl ads make us crack up more than any others.
15. "The Showdown" - McDonald's (1993)
Was there anyone cooler than Michael Jordan in 1993? The NBA icon, who was at the peak of his powers at the time, played fellow hoops legend Larry Bird in a game of HORSE for a Big Mac.
The commercial hits its stride as the shots become increasingly difficult.
14. "Doritos Dogs" - Doritos (2016)
This one is as adorable as it is whimsical. Some friendly dogs are willing to do whatever it takes to get some Doritos, and for that, we love them.
13. "When I Grow Up" - Monster.com (1999)
What if every kid aspired to be a cog in the machine of corporate America when they grew up? Monster answered this question in 1999 by offering a different solution and crushed dreams in the process.
12. "Last Year's Lemons" - Bud Light (2021)
Bud Light took the old saying "When life give you lemons, make lemonade" and turned it into inclement weather in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I'm a sucker for seeing a guy laugh at his bike-riding neighbor getting pelted by lemons only to suffer the same fate seconds later.
11. Eli & OBJ's "Dirty Dancing" - NFL (2018)
I've really come around to Eli Manning lately. Peyton Manning is rightfully known for his comedic chops, but Eli's goofiness is captivating. In this commercial, Eli and his former New York Giants teammate Odell Beckham Jr. recreate the classic lift scene from 1987's "Dirty Dancing."
I think we know who deserves the lead roles if Hollywood greenlights a remake.
10. "Crystal Ball" - Doritos (2009)
Free Doritos and nut shots are what the Super Bowl is all about.
9. "Slap" - Doritos (2010)
Anyone who comes between a young kid, his mom and Doritos is bound to catch hands.
8. "Zebra" - Budweiser (2004)
We've all been there. A referee takes what feels like hours to review a call. Regardless if the ref is a literal zebra or a human, he's still a jackass.
7. "Pug Attack" - Doritos (2011)
Pugs are inherently funny. So, when a pug bulldozes through a door to get some Doritos and crushes a guy at the same time, I'm guaranteed to laugh.
6. "Wassup" - Budwesier (2000)
There's no bigger fan of guys being dudes than me. Calling a friend to chat about nothing while drinking a beer and watching the game is one of life's purest joys. Adding a catch phrase to it? Yeah, I'm thinking I'm in.
5. "Make Your Next Move - Squarespace (2017)
Watching John Malkovich freak out is like watching Picasso paint.
4. "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" - Old Spice (2010)
Guys wanted to be the Old Spice Man. Girls wanted to their boyfriends to be him. At least that's what my ex told me when she skipped town.
Anyway, the classic campaign kicked off during Super Bowl XLIV and immediately became a hit. The rapid, random transitions make the commercial a gem.
3. "Errands" - Mastercard (2004)
I could watch Homer Simpson all day. It doesn't even matter what he's doing. Mastercard took its famous "priceless" campaign and hilariously applied it to the daily life of Homer.
2. "You're Not You When You're Hungry" - Snickers (2010)
RELATED: Betty White's Hilarious Super Bowl Commercial Only Added to Her Legacy
As you can see, 2010 was a great year for Super Bowl ads. None were better than Betty White's appearance in Snickers' 30-second spot. The beloved actress gets rocked and rocks her delivery, especially with the "That's not what your girlfriend says" line. RIP Betty White. You gave us one of the funniest Super Bowl commercials of all-time and we're so grateful for the time we got to spend with you.
1. "Terry Tate: Office Linebacker" - Reebok (2003)
Ron Felcher doesn't mess around when it comes to office shenanigans. That's why he hired Terry Tate to be his muscle. Terry treats the office like the middle of the field by decking anyone who doesn't do things like putting cover sheets on their TPS reports. The results? Only a 46% increase in productivity. This ad was a big hit, which is why it's at the top of our funniest Super Bowl commercial list.
Honorable Mentions for Funniest Super Bowl Commercial
Pepsi via Getty Images
- "Baby" - E-Trade (2008)
- "The Lollipop Guild" - Fedex (2000)
- "Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson" - Amazon (2021)
- "First Date" - Hyundai (2016)
- "Sorta Pharmacy" - Esurance (2015)
