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superbowl ads from dull to dynamite on a TV screen

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Super Bowl Ads: From Dull to Dynamite:
The Greatest Show on Turf (and TV)

Super Bowl ads have gone from boring “buy my thing” pitches to multimillion-dollar mini-blockbusters. Let’s be real: some people only watch the Super Bowl for the ads. They’re like halftime snacks for the brain—fun, indulgent, and occasionally bizarre. Let’s dive into the history of these glorified money pits and see what made us laugh, cry, and wonder why a baby’s talking about stocks.

Once Upon a Time: The First Super Bowl Ad

The year was 1967. The first Super Bowl aired, and so did its ads. The cost? A paltry $37,500 for 30 seconds—you can’t even buy a tiny house for that now. Marlboro, among others, graced the screen with straight-shooting, no-frills pitches. Smoking was cool, remember? (Oh, how times have changed.) These ads were simple—none of the CGI or celebrity cameos we’re spoiled with today. Just a man, a product, and a dream.

The Glow-Up: When Ads Got Good

By the 1970s, Super Bowl commercials started to grow up. Master Lock hit the target (literally) with its Bulletproof Padlock Ad. Then, in 1980, Coca-Cola made us feel all warm and fuzzy with “Hey Kid, Catch!” Football legend ā€œMean Joeā€ Greene guzzled a Coke and tossed his jersey to a kid—cue the collective ā€œAww!ā€.

And then came “1984.” No, not Orwell’s book—Apple’s iconic ad. Directed by Ridley Scott, this epic introduced the Macintosh and revolutionized commercials. It aired once. That’s right, one time. Boom. Legend made.

 

Funniest Ads That Had Us Rolling

Super Bowl ads love to make us laugh. Here are a few that nailed it:

  • E*TRADE Baby (2008): Stock tips from a talking baby? Genius. Equal parts adorable and absurd.
  • Tide’s ā€œIt’s a Tide Adā€ (2018): A parody of every ad ever, this one kept us guessing. Is it a Tide ad? Yes. Always.
  • Pepsi’s ā€œYour Cheatin’ Heartā€ (1996): A dog stealing sodas to a country tune? Instant classic.

Tearjerkers That Hit You Right Where You Feel

Not all ads aim for laughs—some go straight for the heartstrings. Cue the tissues for these gems:

  • Google’s ā€œParisian Loveā€ (2010): A love story told through search terms. It’s simple, relatable, and emotional. Who knew algorithms could make us cry?
  • Budweiser’s Clydesdales Tribute (2002): A 9/11 tribute that’s poignant and respectful, this one remains unforgettable.
  • NFL’s ā€œThe 100-Year Gameā€ (2019): A celebration of football’s legacy, featuring legends past and present. This was pure magic for fans.

Cha-Ching! The Cost of Fame

Back in the 1960s, a 30-second ad was cheaper than a Tesla. Now? It’ll set you back $7 million—and that’s before production costs. But the payoff? Immense. Super Bowl ads reach over 100 million viewers just in the U.S., making them the Oscars of the marketing world.

What’s Next? The Future of Super Bowl Ads

As tech advances, ads are becoming more immersive. Think augmented reality, social media integration, and campaigns with a conscience. Brands know we want more than flashy visuals—we want authenticity, inclusivity, and innovation.

From Marlboro’s cowboy to Apple’s revolution to Budweiser’s frogs, Super Bowl ads have evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Whether they’re funny, heartfelt, or just plain weird, one thing’s certain: they’re the real MVPs of game day.

Now the only question is “What is your favorite ad during the 2025 Super Bowl?” Let us know on our Instagram, Facebook, or Threads accounts @reelamazing_com


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Ads That Broke the Internet

1. Apple’s ā€œ1984ā€ Super Bowl Commercial (1984)

Let’s start with Apple’s 1984 ad. It was so high-concept it probably went over half the audience’s heads (unless, of course, they were Sci-Fi fans like me). But it didn’t matter. It was cool and made other brands look basic.

 

2. Budweiser Frogs Super Bowl Commercial (1995)

Who knew three croaking amphibians could sell beer? “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” became household names, proving that simplicity (and a bit of absurdity) can work wonders.

 

3. Old Spice’s ā€œThe Man Your Man Could Smell Likeā€ Super Bowl Commercial (2010)

This one’s a masterclass in humor and charm. It single-handedly rebranded Old Spice from “dad cologne” to “cool again.” Plus, Isaiah Mustafa’s charisma? Chef’s kiss.

 

4. Snickers’ ā€œYou’re Not You When You’re Hungryā€ Super Bowl Commercial (2010)

Betty White playing football? Say no more. This ad launched a wildly successful campaign that’s still going strong. Who are you when you’re hungry?

 

5. Doritos’ Crowd-Pleasers Super Bowl Commercial (2006-2016)

Doritos invited fans to make their ads, and the results were gold. Creativity, hilarity, and a budget-friendly way to keep things fresh.


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