Super Bowl LIX Commercials: The Best, The Worst, and The Trends
February 10, 2025
Super Bowl LIX, held on February 9, 2025, was more than just a football game—it was a stage for advertisers to showcase their best creative work. With ad slots selling for over $8 million per 30 seconds, brands brought humor, nostalgia, and star power to captivate millions of viewers. Below is a breakdown of the most talked-about commercials, audience reactions, and notable trends.
A Stirring Message of Patriotism
Before kickoff, a powerful commercial featuring Brad Pitt set a patriotic tone for the evening. The ad, backed by a hauntingly beautiful instrumental rendition of “America the Beautiful,” showcased scenes of everyday Americans—first responders, military families, and workers across the country—interwoven with historical moments that defined the nation’s resilience. Pitt’s narration emphasized unity, perseverance, and the shared values that bring Americans together. The commercial struck an emotional chord, drawing praise for its sincerity and lack of overt branding, making it one of the most memorable moments of the broadcast.
Top-Rated Commercials
According to USA Today’s Ad Meter, Budweiser’s “First Delivery” took the top spot. The ad featured a young Clydesdale horse heroically delivering a forgotten keg, blending the brand’s classic imagery with a heartwarming storyline.
Michelob Ultra’s “The ULTRA Hustle” also ranked highly, featuring actors Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara in a comedic pickleball match. The ad capitalized on the growing popularity of the sport and struck a chord with audiences.
T-Mobile’s “A New Era in Connectivity” was another standout, driving the most online engagement, followed closely by Ram’s “Drive Your Own Path.” These ads successfully translated their message into digital buzz, making them some of the most talked-about commercials post-game.
Trending Themes: Nostalgia, Humor, and AI
One major trend this year was nostalgia. Hellmann’s capitalized on this by reuniting Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in a “When Harry Met Sally” parody, much to the delight of longtime fans. Similarly, Pringles created a whimsical ad featuring Nick Offerman and James Harden with flying mustaches, embracing absurd humor.
Artificial intelligence also made its way into the commercial lineup. OpenAI debuted a 60-second ad tracing the evolution of AI, tapping into public curiosity about the rapidly advancing technology.
Controversial and Low-Rated Ads
Not every commercial was a hit. Mountain Dew’s CGI-heavy ad, featuring Seal as an actual singing seal performing “Kiss From a Rose,” left some viewers confused and unimpressed.
Meanwhile, some brands attempted to push the envelope with edgy humor, but not all efforts landed well. Critics noted that while brands took creative risks, some of them missed the mark in execution.
Final Thoughts
Super Bowl LIX’s commercials reflected a blend of humor, nostalgia, and cultural trends, ensuring that brands stayed in the conversation long after the final whistle. Whether it was Budweiser’s classic storytelling, Michelob Ultra’s comedic take on pickleball, or Brad Pitt’s stirring tribute to America, advertisers once again proved that the Super Bowl remains the ultimate platform for marketing magic.
