Let’s be honest: when Super Bowl Sunday rolls around, the last thing on my mind is the football game. Sure, touchdowns are cool, but you know what’s even cooler? Thirty seconds of pure marketing magic. This year delivered a mixed bag, but when the dust (and confetti) settled, these five commercials made the highlight reel.
1. Doritos — Alien Abduction
There’s been a Doritos-shaped hole in my heart ever since they retired their UGC commercial contest. The energy, the chaos, the unapologetic weirdness—it was all gone. But this year? Doritos came back swinging. Bold flavors, bolder ideas. It felt like a reunion tour of everything we missed, but with a fresh twist that reminded us why snack time should always be prime time.
2. Uber Eats — Food Conspiracy
Alright, alright, alright. There’s something oddly believable about Matthew McConaughey unraveling food conspiracies with that smooth, philosophical drawl. Uber Eats nailed the vibe: slightly absurd, totally engaging, and weirdly profound. It wasn’t just a commercial; it was a TED Talk wrapped in Super Bowl energy. Mission accomplished.
3. Bud Light — Big Men On Cul-De-Sac
It’s the Super Bowl and the ads that make you choke on your wings always rise to the top. This one made me wheeze. “No. It’s a smoker that cuts grass.” That line is going to echo in my brain every time I see a backyard BBQ. Plus, they didn’t stop at the screen—they dragged the giant cooler onto the actual field. Bud Light knows how to keep the party going, even when the commercial is technically over.
4. Little Caesar’s — Whoa!
It finally happened. Someone unlocked the true potential of Eugene Levy’s eyebrows. Little Caesar’s ad, simply titled “Whoa!” is so self-aware and delightfully absurd that it deserves its own franchise. The man’s brows have more acting range than most Hollywood stars, and this commercial gave them the screen time they deserved.
5. Pfiser — Knock Out Cancer
Super Bowl ads usually lean into humor or heartstrings, but Knock Out Cancer managed to balance both. Tackling a tough subject during a time of high energy and distraction? That’s a risk. But they struck gold—sentimental without being saccharine, inspirational without feeling forced. Amid all the noise, this one stuck with me the longest.
Final Whistle Thoughts
This year proved that Super Bowl commercials aren’t just filler between plays; they are the main event. Whether it’s a crunchy comeback, a philosophical food delivery, or eyebrows that deserve their own agent, 2025 served up ads that made me laugh, think, and maybe even tear up a little. Let’s hope the Commercial Bowl LX brings even more heat.