Top 10 Greatest Ever Celebrity Super Bowl Commercials

#10: “Cera...Ve” (2024)

CeraVe

Michael Cera is probably the last person you’d expect to pop up in a moisturizing cream commercial. When the product is called CeraVe, though, the casting director’s work is essentially done. Cera was already making the rounds on social media, posing with the skin product and signing bottles. The confounding campaign culminated with this commercial, which still raises more questions than answers. It has many of the hallmarks we associate with beauty ads, ie a soothing ambiance, pretentious dialogue, and curtains blowing in the wind. Yet, it throws several curveballs, including a mountain, a narwhal, and, of course, Cera’s presence. If you’re wondering why the ad is so bizarrely hysterical, it all clicks when you realize Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim directed it.

#9: “Imported from Detroit” (2011) Chrysler

Any commercial that features “Lose Yourself” is already off to a strong start. Acquiring the rights to a popular song is one thing, but what matters most is how the music is employed. Just as it did in the film “8 Mile,” Eminem’s Oscar-winning song is an ideal match for this gritty yet empowering commercial. Where most Super Bowl ads strive to paint the prettiest portrait possible, this one submerges us in the hard-hitting backdrop of Detroit. It may not be the rosiest locale, but it takes nerves of steel to craft a car with the fortitude of the Chrysler 200. Although ultimately portraying Detroit in a positive light, there’s an honesty to the commercial that leaves us with a newfound respect for the city.

#8: “Beer Run” (2005)

Heineken

There’s nothing like a commercial with cinematic production values. Such is the case with “Beer Run,” which aired during Super Bowl XXXIX. Brad Pitt leaves his penthouse apartment to get some Heineken from the corner store. An enormous mob of paparazzi follows him, forcing Pitt to take some creative measures to get back home. If you’re thinking “this commercial is seriously well-directed,” that’s because it was done by the Oscar-nominated David Fincher. This ad was actually the third collaboration between Pitt and Fincher, following “Seven” and “Fight Club.” We’d say it’s a solid entry in both of their filmographies.

#7: “Like A Good Neighbaaa” (2024)

State Farm

Arnold Schwarzenegger, bodybuilder, movie star, governor of California, “Celebrity Apprentice” host. Now, he can add State Farm agent to his resume. Above all else, this action-packed commercial sees Arnold stepping up as a good neighbor, or “neighbaaa!” Arnold struggles to get the line down in his signature Austrian accent. This is only made funnier thanks to the commercial’s cinematic quality with Arnold thrust into scenarios involving explosions and choppas. To the director’s frustration, what should be the simplest part of the take turns out to be the most challenging. Nothing that a few tweaks to the script can’t fix… with extra support from Arnie’s twin. Arnold and Danny should play Radioactive Man and Fall Out Boy next, although that may bring some other script issues.

#6: “Kiss From a Lime” (2025)Mountain Dew

At first, this ad may seem par for the course with a motorboat of people drinking Mountain Dew, a tropical backdrop, and an actor who looks like Jason Momoa. For the record, it’s not Jason Momoa, but this ad did land a big name in musician Seal… playing a literal seal. Joined by a chorus of seals, the Grammy winner puts a twist on his hit “Kiss from a Rose,” receiving backup from a chorus of seals. It’s like the “Batman Forever” soundtrack invaded “The Island of Doctor Moreau,” resulting in imagery that’ll either haunt your nightmares or leave you laughing hysterically. Either way, we can all agree that this was weird. Of course, the commercial makes more sense upon learning Taika Waititi directed it.

#5: “Now & Then” (2002)

Pepsi

Nothing screams early 2000s nostalgia quite like Britney Spears. And speaking of nostalgia, this commercial plays on the concept in glorious fashion. Spears honors fifty years worth of Pepsi advertisements, going through the ages and appearing in different time periods. We start in 1958, with a cute, innocent Britney receiving a Pepsi in a malt shop. We then get surfing Britney, hippie Britney, and modern Britney, among some others. Not only is the commercial brilliantly conceived, it’s also creatively filmed. The costume changes, production design, and altering styles of music are all delightful, providing a treat for both the eyes and ears.

#4: “Breaking Good” (2023)

PopCorners

With “Better Call Saul” officially wrapped, we figured Walt and Jesse were done making surprise appearances. But just when you thought they were out, PopCorners brought Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul back to bake again. Thankfully, they’re only baking popcorn chips this time. Coming out almost ten years after the “Breaking Bad” finale, this commercial faithfully recreates the AMC drama’s look from the opening shot. While the tone is more comedic, Cranston and Paul remain in character as they reference classic moments. The same goes for Raymond Cruz, who reprises his role as Tuco to put a spin on one of his most famous lines. It’s a “tight, tight, tight” throwback, although No-Doze is missed. Then again, his presence might’ve taken the ad in a grim direction.

#3: You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)

Snickers

“You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” evolved into one of Snickers’ most successful ad campaigns, although it’s hard to top the commercial that kicked things off. Part of that’s because we went in with no expectations. Seeing Betty White get slammed down into the mud, we were intrigued, yet confused. We were even more perplexed when one of the players referred to the “Golden Girls” star as “Mike.” Everything falls into place when Mike’s girlfriend hands him a Snickers, supplying the boost needed to revert back to his usual self. During the final stages of Betty White’s illustrious career, this commercial provided a career highlight that only gained her more fans. The same goes for Abe Vigoda. Alas, Snickers couldn’t get him off the hook.

#2: “Vending Machine” (1992)Pepsi

Pepsi always brings out the A-listers and their A-game when it comes to the Super Bowl. Yet, it doesn’t get more iconic than Cindy Crawford drinking a Pepsi. Sporting a white tank top and jean shorts so recognizable that the outfit could be a Halloween costume, Crawford arrives at a soda machine. Two boys appear enamored by the thirsty supermodel, although they truly have eyes for the sleek new Pepsi can. While Crawford brings a sex-positive allure to the ad, it also possesses an innocent nativity that’s sure to leave a smirk on your face. The commercial has been recreated numerous times, including by Crawford herself, but the original belongs to every generation.

#1: “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979-80)Coca-Cola

For all the memorable commercials that the Super Bowl has given us, only a handful of them involve football. This ad reminds us what the event is all about. “Mean” Joe Greene is looking more like “Sad” Joe Greene following a game. A young fan attempts to boost his confidence, but Mr. Greene remains blue. The kid makes one last attempt to reach his idol by offering him a Coke. Chugging down the whole bottle, Greene’s woes wash away, returning the favor by granting the kid his jersey. Although the ad had aired a few times prior, Super Bowl XIV would turn it into a certified classic that continues to touch our hearts. We can’t help but smile every time we see it.

What’s your favorite Super Bowl ad of all time? Let us know in the comments!