Super Bowl advertisers shelled out a record $5 million for a 30-second television spot in this year’s big game. That’s $166,666 per second—the most expensive ads ever. Who got the most bang for their buck?
1. Buick – Cam Newton
If your kid was Cam Newton, you bet he’d dominate his pee wee football game. Supermodel Miranda Kerr makes an appearance as his coach. Oh yeah, Buick has some pretty sweet rides too.
2. Honda CR-V – Yearbooks
Everybody needs a little help when it comes to following their dreams. Celebrities show us their yearbook photos that were a lot like yours – dorky, bad hairstyles, brandishing musical instruments – to motivate us all.
3. Kia – Hero’s Journey
Some people think Melissa McCarthy is funny. The jury’s still out for others. This commercial settles the score. Kia’s eco-friendly car makes a cameo in the commercial. Because ads are supposed to sell stuff.
4. Squarespace – Calling JohnMalkovich.com
Cybersquatters beware. John Malkovich is coming for you yet.
5. Busch – BUSCHHHHH and Budweiser – Born the Hard Way (Tie)
Busch Beer in the Super Bowl? Why not. Bud Light doesn’t need to have all the best commercials. Anheuser-Busch also taps a timely topic with Budweiser’s controversial immigration spot.
Best of the Rest
Stranger Things – Season 2
Why do we have to wait until Halloween? Please, let us binge now!
Intel –Brady Everyday
Tom Brady led the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. This ad is pretty good too.
Audi – Daughter
Audi puts forth an unapologetically feminist ad and the crowd goes wild.
By Jason Piasecki, Partner + Super Bowl Ad Critic