It's that time of the year again when all of America is glued to their TV screens. Yes, you guessed it right – it's Super Bowl time!
While some were hanging on to the edge of their seats watching the nail-biting game on the big day, others were eager for the halftime show – and almost all were there for the star-studded commercials. It is perhaps the only instance when commercial breaks are actually awaited.
Needless to say, the 2023 Super Bowl advertisements didn't disappoint! From Ben Affleck and JLo to Ben Stiller, Alicia Silverstone, Anna Ferris, Bradley Cooper, John Travolta, and Will Farrell – it was a glorious extravaganza.
While some adverts were bound to be a bore as always, others came up with big names to back their brand, some used gimmicks to stand out, while still others touched a nerve by playing with our empathetic side.
Now that you’re all riled up for the winners let's get on with the best Super Bowl commercials of 2023!
The Farmer’s Dog :
If we must choose a winner from a whopping 51 of total Super Bowl commercials, this downplayed, a subtle ad might just take the cake.
This is surprising because it didn’t include any stars to make it shine, just pure sentimentality that played with our heartstrings and had us all bawling like a baby.
The brand markets itself as the first-of-its-kind fresh food provider for pets to the alternate mass-produced fare. The commercial follows the journey of a little girl and her dog as they enjoy decades of special moments together.
It ends with a simple line that even the most unfeeling person won’t be able to dismiss “Nothing matters more than more years together” (sob sob)
General Motors and Netflix :
My personal favorite! This commercial was “the bomb”. Not only did it pique interest with the likes of Will Ferrell being the headliner, but its unique comedic twists had us laughing out loud – not an easy feat to accomplish!
The commercial follows Will Ferrell as he drives through various popular Netflix shows in a General Motors electric vehicle.
All in all, a definite winner!
Dunkin Donuts :
To be fair, this one might just be included in the best Super Bowl commercials list because it had the power of the ‘Bennifer’ to back it up.
Due to the rollercoaster love life of this high-profile celebrity couple that has splashed tabloid covers for decades, this was a surefire recipe for success. Moreover, after the recent ‘bored Ben’ memes that have been doing the rounds on Social Media since the Grammys, people couldn’t get enough of this skit.
It was a stroke of genius to capture the spotlight in a 30-second spot.
PopCorners :
This little gem had us go on a nostalgia trip. Suffice it to say that it was good to see these performers back, reprising their roles as Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, and Tuco Salamanca.
The short advertisement is heavy with references and glimpses of the set of the infamous "Breaking Bad", where instead of cooking up meth this time, Walter and Jesse are cooking up corn chips. Although, if you are among those few oddballs who haven't watched the series, all the jokes and references would just fly right over your head.
Crown Royal :
In this commercial, Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl throws shade at America, thanking Canada for things like peanut butter, football, hockey, and Celine Dion – to name a few. Points to Canada for this bold piece of comedic relief at one of America’s biggest events!
With the added mystique of ambiguity, this advertisement had us guessing till the last second.
Rakuten :
You’d think with the recent trend of reboots that has us bouncing from being singularly frustrated to can’t-wait-to-see-it, we’d be rolling our eyes at this one. But this is the one time a reboot was very warmly welcomed!
Who better to entice us to the shopping world than this 90s fashion queen?
In this gem of an advertisement, Alicia Silverstone and Elisa Donovan reprise their roles as Cher and Amber from Clueless – giving off some major 90s vibes. And we love it - while also getting a little teary-eyed for how time has flown! (Is it 2023 already? I mean, wowww)
Sam Adams :
You'll love this commercial if you're up for some good laughs and cameos from beloved celebrities. The ad, full of quirks, shows a Bostonese dreaming up Kevin Garnett radiating harmony, the mob going green, and the cutthroat Yankees and Red Sox fans getting along.
Well, could we have asked for anything better?
Pepsi Zero Sugar :
Pepsi Zero Sugar had two adverts going for it this super bowl season and we're here for it! It goes without saying that we loved the 2023 Super Bowl commercials, which were up to the brim with nostalgic trips.
The commercials feature Ben Stiller and Steve Martin, acting their way through a series of different scenarios (including the infamous Zoolander) and we are confused about which one we like better. It is, after all, a contest between Ben Stiller and Steve Martin - so who can choose?
All we can say is, the idea behind the commercial? Inspired!
Bud Light :
Can there be anyone on the planet who is immune to the supreme irritability caused by that all-too-familiar hold of music? I think not!
In this subtle masterpiece, Miles Teller, Keleigh Sperry, and their adorable dog dance off to that godawful hold of music while enjoying a cold one. Gotta give them credit for turning probably one of the most boring sounds on the planet into something you can bust a move to.
Needless to say, this ad poked a few laughs with its fun and relatable content. More power to you, Bud Light!
Busch Light :
Where to begin with this one? Definitely one of the best Super Bowl commercials of 2023!
In a spectacular parody, Sarah McLachlan, a singer who is a well-known advocate of animal rights, gets us all misty-eyed with pictures of beautiful exotic animals and their need for shelter. The track ‘Angel’ plays in the background, and just when we’re all taken in, it closes with an unexpectedly humorous twist.
Extra points for the beautiful scenic views; we long to grab a Busch Light and run off to mother nature.
T-Mobile :
Is there anything in the world sweeter and stronger than a mother-son bond?
This T-Mobile advert has us laughing out loud while also tugging at our heartstrings simultaneously.
Now we all miss our moms!
The light-hearted banter between Bradley and his mom, Gloria Campano, is all too familiar to every child out there (even if you are 60).
Points for showcasing the beautifully unequaled bond in a classy yet comic manner.
Now everyone is off, go call your moms!