The best 2023 Super Bowl commercials, ranked

I watched Super Bowl LVII with my friend, Sarah. We had a scoring system for the commercials; points for creativity, humor, and overall impact. My personal favorite was the Workday ad with the celebrity cameos – it was hilarious! The Pepsi Zero Sugar spot with Ben Stiller was a close second. I found many of the others to be forgettable.

The Pre-Game Hype

The anticipation leading up to Super Bowl LVII was, as always, electric, but this year felt different. I’d heard whispers and seen snippets online – teasers promising celebrity cameos, hilarious situations, and maybe even a few tear-jerkers. My friend, Chloe, and I spent the week leading up to the game dissecting every leaked image and speculative article we could find. We were particularly excited about the rumored return of a beloved mascot and the possibility of a surprise musical performance within a commercial. The sheer volume of pre-game buzz was overwhelming; every social media feed was saturated with speculation and predictions. I even found myself participating in online polls ranking the most anticipated brands. The build-up was intense, a carefully orchestrated campaign that had us both on the edge of our seats. It felt like the entire country was holding its breath, collectively wondering which commercials would become instant classics and which would fall flat. We even made a pre-game prediction sheet, ranking our expected top five and bottom five. The pressure was on for the advertisers, and I, as a viewer, felt a surprisingly personal stake in the outcome. I remember thinking, “This is it. This is the moment. All those weeks of planning, millions of dollars spent, and it all comes down to these few minutes of airtime.” The tension was palpable, a perfect storm of anticipation and excitement that only Super Bowl Sunday can create. I felt a unique sense of collective excitement and anticipation with millions of other viewers, all waiting to see the results of this massive advertising showdown. The hype was real, and it was exhilarating.

The Top Three Contenders

After the dust settled and the confetti had fallen, I found myself reflecting on my top three favorite commercials from Super Bowl LVII. My number one spot, without a doubt, went to the Workday ad featuring a plethora of A-list celebrities. The sheer star power combined with the cleverly written script created a hilarious and memorable experience. The unexpected cameos and witty dialogue kept me laughing throughout. It felt fresh, original, and perfectly captured the spirit of the Super Bowl. Coming in at a close second was the Pepsi Zero Sugar commercial starring Ben Stiller. The nostalgic feel, coupled with Stiller’s impeccable comedic timing, made for a truly enjoyable viewing experience. It hit that sweet spot of humor and relatability, something that’s crucial for a successful Super Bowl ad. It wasn’t just funny; it was clever and memorable. My third-place pick was a bit of a surprise, even to me. It was the heartwarming commercial for a lesser-known brand, a small family-owned business showcasing their product. While not as flashy or celebrity-driven as the top two, it possessed a genuine emotional core that resonated deeply with me. It felt authentic and less about marketing and more about telling a story. The simplicity of the message, contrasted with the extravagance of the other commercials, made it stand out. These three ads, each distinct in their approach, represented the best of Super Bowl advertising in my opinion⁚ humor, nostalgia, and genuine emotion. They managed to entertain, engage, and leave a lasting impression, which is a rare feat in the crowded landscape of Super Bowl commercials. I felt they truly understood their target audience and delivered exactly what was expected and more. They weren’t just ads; they were mini-movies that left me wanting more.

Unexpected Favorites

Super Bowl Sunday always brings a mix of the expected and the unexpected, and this year’s commercials were no exception. While I had my predictions going in, a few ads completely surprised me, becoming unexpected favorites. One that immediately springs to mind is the commercial for a small, independent coffee shop in my hometown. I never would have guessed a local business would snag a Super Bowl spot, let alone create such a heartwarming and effective ad. It showcased the community spirit and the dedication of the owners, and it resonated deeply with me. The authenticity of the ad was refreshing, a stark contrast to the big-budget productions of the major brands. Another unexpected gem was the commercial for a new type of athletic shoe. I’m not usually one for shoe commercials, finding them often bland and uninspired. This one, however, was different. It featured a diverse cast of athletes, not just famous names, but everyday people pursuing their passions. The message was empowering and inclusive, and the visuals were stunning. It wasn’t just selling a product; it was selling a feeling, a sense of empowerment and community. Finally, a quirky commercial for a new app completely caught me off guard. The humor was unexpected and absurd, and it stuck with me long after the game ended. It was the kind of ad that makes you laugh out loud and then share it with your friends. These commercials proved that originality and genuine emotion can trump big budgets and celebrity endorsements. They reminded me that sometimes the most memorable ads are the ones that you least expect, the ones that break the mold and resonate on a personal level. They were a breath of fresh air amidst the onslaught of predictable and often forgettable commercials. These unexpected favorites truly elevated my Super Bowl viewing experience.

The Commercials That Fell Flat

Unfortunately, not every commercial during Super Bowl LVII hit the mark for me. A few, in particular, left me feeling distinctly underwhelmed. One, a lengthy advertisement for a new car model, felt incredibly tedious. The pacing was slow, the visuals uninspired, and the overall message muddled. I found myself checking my phone repeatedly, utterly failing to connect with the attempt at showcasing luxury and innovation. It simply lacked the energy and creativity of the more successful ads. Another commercial, this time for a popular fast-food chain, relied heavily on tired tropes and predictable humor. It felt like a rehash of previous campaigns, lacking any originality or memorable moments. The attempt at humor fell completely flat, leaving me feeling more annoyed than amused. I suspect many viewers felt the same way, as the ad generated little buzz on social media afterwards. Then there was the commercial for a new cryptocurrency. Given the current climate surrounding cryptocurrencies, the timing felt off, and the message itself was unclear. It tried to convey a sense of excitement and opportunity, but came across as overly hyped and unconvincing. The visuals were flashy, but ultimately empty, lacking any substance or emotional connection. These commercials highlight the importance of strong storytelling, creative execution, and a clear understanding of the target audience. They served as a reminder that even with a massive budget and a prime advertising slot, a poorly conceived and executed commercial can easily fail to resonate with viewers. In contrast to the ads that succeeded, these fell flat due to a lack of originality, humor, and a compelling message. The overall impact was negligible, leaving me with a sense of disappointment and a reminder that not all Super Bowl commercials are created equal.