The Super Bowl is not just about football; it’s also the grandest stage for advertisers to showcase their creativity. Over the years, some commercials have become as iconic as the game itself, with humor being one of the most effective ways to make a lasting impression. Here’s a compilation of 12 of the funniest Super Bowl commercials of all time that had audiences laughing out loud.
1. Doritos – “Crash the Super Bowl” (2010)
Doritos has consistently delivered hilarious commercials, but the “Crash the Super Bowl” campaign stands out. The premise was simple: fans submitted their own Doritos commercials, and the best ones were aired during the big game. One standout ad featured a little boy fiercely protecting his mother’s Doritos from a potential suitor with the memorable line: “Keep your hands off my mama, keep your hands off my Doritos.” The unexpected punch made it an instant classic.
2. Pepsi – “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (1996)
This ad played off the idea of brand loyalty in a hilarious way. A Coca-Cola delivery driver, caught sneaking a sip of Pepsi, gets exposed when a stack of cans crashes all over the floor to the tune of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” The embarrassment and slapstick nature of the scene made it one of the most unforgettable Super Bowl moments.
3. Tide – “It’s a Tide Ad” (2018)
David Harbour of Stranger Things fame took over the Super Bowl with a clever and self-aware Tide campaign. The ad brilliantly spoofed other commercials, tricking viewers into thinking they were watching typical car, beer, or fragrance ads before hilariously revealing, “It’s a Tide ad.” This meta humor kept audiences entertained throughout the game.
4. Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
One of the most famous Super Bowl commercials of all time, this Snickers ad starred Betty White playing backyard football. After getting tackled hard, she transforms back into a young man upon eating a Snickers bar. The blend of unexpected humor and White’s perfect comedic timing made this ad legendary.
5. Bud Light – “Real Men of Genius” (2003)
Though this campaign originated on the radio, the Super Bowl version took it to the next level. The over-the-top tribute to everyday “heroes” like “Mr. Footlong Hot Dog Inventor” featured dramatic narration and anthemic singing that had everyone chuckling.
6. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
This fast-paced, surreal commercial starring Isaiah Mustafa became an instant hit. His absurdly smooth delivery, the unexpected transitions, and his final line—“I’m on a horse”—left viewers in stitches. It was one of the most talked-about ads of the year.
7. E*TRADE – “Baby Trader” (2008)
The E*TRADE baby, with his uncanny ability to talk about investments, stole the show. The absurdity of a baby discussing stock trading while making offhanded comments about “riding the dog like a horse” was comedy gold.
8. Reebok – “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker” (2003)
What happens when you put a professional linebacker in an office setting? Pure chaos. This commercial featured Terry Tate tackling unsuspecting office workers for minor infractions, like not using the correct cover sheet. The juxtaposition of aggressive football behavior in a mundane workplace made for an unforgettable ad.
9. Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)
A young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempts to use “The Force” on various household objects, failing each time. That is until his father secretly starts the family’s Volkswagen with a remote key, making the kid believe he actually has Jedi powers. The combination of Star Wars nostalgia and adorable humor made this ad a fan favorite.
10. Mountain Dew – “Puppy Monkey Baby” (2016)
This bizarre but oddly hilarious ad introduced the world to the “Puppy Monkey Baby,” a strange hybrid creature dancing around to promote Mountain Dew Kickstart. It was weird, unexpected, and undeniably funny, making it one of the most talked-about Super Bowl commercials.
11. FedEx – “Cast Away” (2003)
This ad hilariously spoofed Cast Away, showing a FedEx worker delivering a package after years stranded on an island. When asked what was inside, he finds out it contained a satellite phone, a GPS device, and other survival essentials that could have rescued him. The dry humor and clever twist made it a classic.
12. Doritos – “Goat 4 Sale” (2013)
In this commercial, a man buys a Doritos-loving goat, only to realize the animal is obsessed with the snack. The exaggerated reactions, combined with the goat’s aggressive attitude when the Doritos run out, made for a hilariously absurd ad.
Conclusion
Super Bowl commercials have become an art form, with humor often being the winning formula. These 12 ads are among the funniest and most memorable, proving that sometimes, the commercials are just as exciting as the game itself. Whether through slapstick, clever writing, or sheer absurdity, these ads have solidified their place in Super Bowl history.
