The 15 Worst Super Bowl Commercials Of All Time

Every year, advertisers hail from around the globe to showcase their largest and most impressive commercials at the Super Bowl. This event is famed for its exceptional commercials, a tradition that persists annually. Securing an ad slot during the major game doesn’t come without a price, as companies must shell out a substantial $8 million for a 30-second spot in Super Bowl LIX.

In every Mean Joe Green Coca-Cola ad, you’ll find countless imitators, lacking in fresh ideas, and grating catchphrases. Consequently, there have been numerous subpar Super Bowl ads throughout history. Making a truly exceptional Super Bowl commercial requires not just money but also a lot of innovative thinking and originality, yet many fall short.

With advancements in technology, we’re seeing an increase in ads for cryptocurrencies, AI firms, and other cutting-edge industries dominating our airtime. Not every commercial is a success, however. Here are some of the most debated and least favorite Super Bowl commercials ever made. Some might have survived, but not always for positive reasons.

Apple – Lemmings (1985)

1984 marked the debut of an iconic Super Bowl commercial created by renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott for Apple. This groundbreaking advertisement depicted a chilling vision of the future to showcase their new Macintosh computer, positioning it against IBM. Today, this influential ad resides in the Clio Awards Hall of Fame and has been imitated numerous times since its release.

1985 saw Apple attempting to surpass its own achievements with an advertisement for The Macintosh Office, but this dystopian commercial failed spectacularly. In the ad, a multitude of executives were led blindfolded to a precipice, mimicking lemmings, and they plunged off it while singing a melancholic rendition of “Heigh-Ho” from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The scene concludes with the last businessman uncovering his eyes to discover he’s isolated with Macintosh Office. The underlying message seems to suggest that some American businesspeople, whom Apple intends as their customer base, might be less intelligent. However, it can be risky to offend your target demographic in an advertisement, and Apple learned this lesson with the Tony Scott-directed “Lemmings” ad, which did not receive the acclaim its predecessor did.

Miller Lite – Evil Beavers (1998)

Beer advertisements often focus more on the experience they promise rather than the product itself. For instance, in the ’90s, this usually involved attractive women mysteriously appearing, but Miller Lite often deviated from these stereotypes. In 1998, they aired an unusual commercial titled “Evil Beavers” during the Super Bowl, which remains one of the strangest to date.

In the advertisement, a band of pioneers construct a log cabin by felling some trees. A character dressed as a beaver growls “Thieves” in his own tongue and then sets off on a destructive spree. He retaliates by gnawing at the wood after arriving on a dirt bike, with the tune “Evil Beaver” playing in the backdrop.

People have been unsuccessful in preventing the mischievous beaver from causing trouble. In fact, he chewed through a man’s wooden leg before savoring a Miller Lite himself. This type of bizarre advertising approach has been employed by the company since 1997, with Devo member Gerald Casale at the helm. Among them all, “Evil Beavers” is undoubtedly the most unusual and eccentric.

LifeMinders – The Worst Commercial (2000)

2000 marked the year when tech startups seized control of the advertising time during the Super Bowl, investing millions from venture capital funds on these spots. One of the most creative yet least effective among them was a commercial titled “The Worst Commercial” by LifeMinders. The advertisement starts with the statement, “This is the worst Super Bowl commercial,” and it’s not an exaggeration.

The ad, lasting just 30 seconds, is primarily a dull PowerPoint display with yellow text against a black backdrop, accompanied by poor quality piano music that’s both grating on the ears and hard on the eyes. Remarkably, it was produced at a cost of $2.1 million. Despite its simplicity and unique nature, it falls short in effectively promoting the product, making it more of an oddity than an effective marketing tool.

The advertisement for LifeMinders should have been more straightforward regarding its product, as it maintained a somewhat ambiguous message. However, despite its unclear nature, it might have been effective, given the surge of 700,000 new signups the week following its airing during the Super Bowl. The company’s success is evident, as it was sold for $68.1 million just a year later, suggesting that the unusual ad strategy paid off for them.

SalesGenie – Pandas (2008)

Back in 2008, I found SalesGenie’s Super Bowl ad captivating with its charming panda characters and fluid animation. However, it was a disappointing moment when I realized that the ad, set in Ling Ling’s Bamboo Furniture Shack, crossed an unacceptable line for many viewers. In the storyline, Ling Ling, the lovable panda, frets about his struggling business, with his wife expressing her reluctance to return to the zoo. But unfortunately, the way this Asian-themed ad portrayed cultural stereotypes left a sour taste in the mouths of many viewers.

A woman consulted a psychic who suggested she use SalesGenie to attract more clients. They also aired another advertisement, depicting the same characters with their children. However, some viewers criticized the portrayal of the characters’ voices, claiming they were stereotypical representations of Chinese accents, which raised concerns about racial insensitivity.

Vinod Gupta, head of SalesGenie’s company, took action due to public backlash against their ads. He publicly acknowledged his mistake, stating, “We didn’t think anyone would be upset. The pandas are Chinese; they don’t speak German. If I’ve offended anyone, please accept my sincere apologies.” True to his promise, he removed both commercials from broadcast, and they have served as a marketing lesson in sensitivity ever since.

Teleflora – Valentine’s Day (2009)

Instead of saying “Everyone loves receiving flowers, but Teleflora wanted to let everyone know that flowers shipped in a box for Valentine’s Day don’t meet expectations,” you could rephrase it like this: “While people enjoy getting flowers, Teleflora aimed to convey that pre-packaged Valentine’s Day flowers may fall short. For their 2009 Super Bowl advertisement, they depicted a woman in an office receiving wilted flowers from a box, but even one of the sad-looking blooms scolded her persistently.

As a fan, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed when I see myself adorned with such a mismatched bouquet, Diane. It seems like you’re more of a train wreck than ever before. Perhaps that’s why he opted for the boxed arrangement instead – a symbolic gesture, if you will.

Back to the comfort of your romance novels and your portly, odorous feline companion they go. The thought of seeing you in anything but the finest attire is rather unsettling, I must admit.

In 2010’s Super Bowl, Teleflora introduced a revised advertisement that subtly changed the original concept. The scene is set in an office now, but the recipient of the somewhat less aggressive flowers isn’t as pleasant as before. This ad proved to be more effective in conveying its message without being unnecessarily harsh.

Sony – Ericsson Xperia (2011)

Effective advertisements should be catchy to boost product sales, but there’s a fine line between memorable and excessive. Sony, in its 2011 Super Bowl ad for the new Ericsson Xperia phone, definitely crossed that line. The ad, which boasted a high production budget, creatively blended body horror themes with commercial mascots.

In another part of the room, someone is observed taking scissors and heading towards a dimly lit back area. Upon arrival, they hand the scissors to a perspiring surgeon who was operating on the Android OS mascot figure. The surgeon then removes bandages from the figure’s hands, revealing that he had sewn two human thumbs onto them. This development enabled the mascot to play games, marking a significant step for Sony, as it was their first device, the Ericsson Xperia, to offer PlayStation game compatibility.

Unfortunately, the clarity about that part of the device isn’t as strong as advertisers probably intended. Regrettably, eliminating the unsettling vibe that runs throughout the ad is not feasible, given its disturbing nature. The idea of a cute mascot being given gruesome human limbs in these ads makes them unsuitable for any promotional purpose. Despite Sony’s persistent attempts with more eerie ads, the Xperia one undoubtedly stands out as the most unsettling.

HomeAway – Test Baby (2011)

During Super Bowl XLV, an advertisement by HomeAway showcasing their services received unfavorable reactions from the public. The commercial initiates with a character introduced as the Minister of De-Tourism, leaping out of a helicopter over a series of model hotel rooms. These rooms depicted common hotel drawbacks, serving to emphasize the advantages of booking a home via HomeAway instead.

All of a sudden, towards the climax, a lifelike baby doll is hurled against the pane, gradually descending due to the man’s exclamation, “Test baby!” This event leaves everyone baffled, and there’s a woman in the backdrop whose expression mirrors the shock felt by many viewers who witnessed this commercial unfold during the live game broadcast.

As a gamer, I came across an ad that tried to make a baby character look unrealistic and even slapped the words “Test Baby” on the screen. However, it didn’t work as intended, causing quite a stir among many. Some found it disrespectful towards children and violence, which led to an outcry. Eventually, they issued an apology two days later for any offense caused.

GoDaddy – Perfect Match (2013)

GoDaddy is known for testing boundaries when it comes to advertisements, sometimes venturing into more suggestive territory than typical website hosting platforms. In 2013’s Super Bowl ad titled “Perfect Match,” they took this approach, showcasing the dual nature of their company – the appealing and seductive side symbolized by Bar Refaeli, and the intelligent, logical side represented by Walter (Jesse Heiman).

In a scene labeled “It’s a beautiful thing,” the two individuals lean in and share a kiss that lasts several seconds. However, it’s revealed later that one of them was actually kissing a doll, which was part of Danica Patrick’s preparation for the infamous 2013 GoDaddy Super Bowl commercial. Regardless of the disturbing visual, the ad remains awkward to watch due to its lasting impact and legacy.

Usually, Heiman portrays geeky characters in the backdrop of office sitcoms and films, serving as a stark contrast to a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model like Refaeli. However, some viewers might find the sound of people’s mouths unsettling, and the close-up was equally uncomfortable. As a result, the advertisement is more likely to be remembered for its cringe-worthy awkwardness rather than the products or services it was promoting.

Nationwide – Boy (2015)

One key element in creating a commercial is effectively conveying your message, yet it doesn’t need to be excessively emotional – especially during half-time breaks from major sports events. However, Nationwide seems to have missed that memo with their 2015 Super Bowl advertisement titled “Boy.” In this ad, an anonymous boy expresses regret over activities he will never experience, such as riding a bike, catching cooties, and flying, among others.

The boy in question finds delight in everything he’s unable to participate in due to the vivid images portrayed. He expresses his sentiment thusly: “I never got to grow old, as I met an untimely end from an accident.” Following this disclosure, the imagery transitions to a bathtub brimming with water and a kitchen cabinet door left ajar, with detergent pods scattering out. This advertisement by Nationwide aimed to emphasize the significance of safeguarding children, and it proved effective in doing so.

This advertisement stirs deep sadness in those who watch it. Amidst the various Super Bowl ads tainted by controversy, this particular one made an indelible mark. Unfortunately, the Chief Marketing Officer of Nationwide, Matt Jauchius, departed from the company just two months following its airing, suggesting that the commercial may not have produced the desired outcome he envisioned when he approved it.

Mountain Dew – Puppy Monkey Baby (2016)

Have you ever found yourself humming a catchy tune, one that’s hard to forget – well, we’ve all been there! These tunes are called jingles, and while they can be incredibly annoying, their effectiveness is undeniable. For instance, almost everyone in the U.S. can recall the phone number for Kars4Kids. In 2016, Mountain Dew took jingle creativity to a new level with their Super Bowl ad, “Puppy Monkey Baby”. The ad was a bit zany, but that’s part of what made it memorable.

Three companions relax on the sofa when an unusual creature, resembling a mix between a puppy, a monkey, and a baby, delivers Mountain Dew’s latest beverage to them while announcing “puppy monkey baby.” The creature then starts dancing, prompting the gentlemen to follow suit. The phrase “puppy monkey baby” is repeated rhythmically, accompanied by a beat, effectively embedding this catchy phrase in the viewer’s mind like an infectious Mountain Dew-inspired melody.

Although the ad effectively makes people remember the phrase “puppy monkey baby,” it fails to adequately showcase the product it is promoting. The bizarre hybrid creature, which serves drinks, is impossible to ignore, but it doesn’t help much in selling the product or anything other than a disturbing dreamscape. In essence, “Puppy Monkey Baby” has longevity, but it isn’t an effective advertisement for anything other than nightmares.

Dodge – Dodge Ram (2018)

In their 2018 Super Bowl commercial for Dodge Ram, Dodge chose to pay tribute to one of history’s most influential civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, attempting to rephrase the eloquent words of such a renowned orator in an advertisement selling a truck may not resonate positively with a significant number of viewers.

When Dodge revealed their advertisement featuring Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 speech “The Drum Major Instinct,” it turned out to be a controversial move. Much like other Dodge ads, this 30-second spot highlighted American pride through images of service members dressed in uniform and surrounded by Dodge trucks. However, the public reception was unfavorable, prompting the King Center to express its disapproval.

The advertisement’s visuals contradict Martin Luther King Jr.’s expressed opinions on military spending, commercialization, the Vietnam War, and other matters. Specifically, the speech Dodge chose was about “The harm of consumerism and the fact that consumerism was dominating American thought, causing us to drift away from human values.” Therefore, utilizing it to promote trucks can be seen as an offensive gesture towards Martin Luther King Jr., who stood for civil rights. (via GBH)

Audi – Cashew (2019)

In the spirit of an enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows:

“I was captivated by Audi’s 2019 Super Bowl ad, ‘Cashew.’ It starts with stunning visuals as a character reaches a farm, encountering his deceased grandfather. Instead of being spooked, he trails after him indoors. There, the grandfather reveals the e-tron GT, Audi’s latest electric vehicle. Overwhelmed by its beauty, I found myself seated inside, ready to embark on a journey, only to be mysteriously lifted off the ground.

He suddenly snaps back to consciousness when a coworker performs the Heimlich maneuver, miraculously reviving him after he had nearly choked to death on a cashew. Initially, he wasn’t particularly enjoying Audi’s latest car model; instead, it was more like witnessing his own demise in an otherwise peaceful setting before being thrust into the dull monotony of an office environment. The ad, lasting just 60 seconds, is comical, but it deceptively switches the scene from a blissful atmosphere to a drab, grey-on-grey workplace.

It’s evident by his expression that he’s not thrilled about being alive; it seems like every memory he has might have been a fantasy. The company, Audi, invested $5 million in airing this advertisement, not counting production costs. The climax of the ad discloses that Audi aims to be one-third electric by 2025, which is commendable, but viewers may find themselves sharing the same sense of despair as the man depicted.

TurboTax – RoboChild (2019)

For the 2019 Super Bowl, TurboTax took an unusual turn with their ad featuring “RoboChild”. This spot introduces us to a man’s latest invention, a miniature robot with a baby-like face and a child’s voice. The man inquires about RoboChild’s aspirations for the future, and it expresses a desire to grow up to be a TurboTax Live CPA when it matures!

They express doubts about his motivations, suggesting he could achieve anything. A woman bends close to RoboChild and explains that only beings with intricate feelings can perform the task. Disappointed, RoboChild starts to chuckle sweetly like a child as his creator admits they’re working on developing emotions for him.

It’s challenging to pinpoint exactly what TurboTax was attempting with this advertisement. It gives the impression that the company wants customers to understand they won’t be interacting with robots, but rather real people who will assist them. However, the ad communicates this message in a peculiar and somewhat unsettling manner. Despite its high-quality production, it’s challenging not to associate an eerie feel with the service being advertised.

Planters – Mr. Peanut Funeral (2020)

In the 1990s, DC Comics introduced a trend of killing off major characters, famously depicted in the “Death of Superman” storyline. This concept has been imitated often since then. In a similar vein, Planters capitalized on this trend in their 2020 Super Bowl advertisement, featuring the funeral of Mr. Peanut. While the ad is well-made, it undeniably comes across as strange.

As I stand among the somber gathering, corporate mascots and actors alike, tears streaming down their faces, it’s I, Wesley Snipes, who steps forward to speak. The iconic Kool-Aid Man, a sight usually filled with joy, drops a solitary tear onto the grave, creating an unexpected spectacle. And then, a miracle unfolds: from the depths of the earth emerges a tiny plant, cradling a baby peanut in its leaves. A whisper escapes the lips of one mourner, “Is he back?” The baby peanut, animating briefly, emits a series of dolphin-like clicks before falling silent once more. With a playful twinkle in his tiny eye, the peanut speaks again, “Just kidding, I’m back,” and requests, with an air of authority, “Where’s my monocle?

This scene is hard to put into words as it’s quite unique and bizarre, intended to promote Mr. Peanut’s products while stirring a bit of nostalgia for the corporate symbol. However, after Kobe Bryant’s unfortunate passing, the ad was taken off-air temporarily. Later, it reappeared on television, leaving many new viewers puzzled and startled by its depiction of an anthropomorphic peanut character.

Tubi – Interface Interruption (2023)

People appreciate Super Bowl ads, yet dislike interruptions in their viewing experience beyond what’s necessary. Tubi attempted to blend a fantastic Super Bowl commercial with actually switching channels, which didn’t sit well with viewers. The 2023 ad, lasting just 15 seconds, starts with commentary from Fox Sports about the game, but the action is abruptly halted.

The scene on the screen seems to depict an individual operating their remote to launch Tubi, then the app’s emblem, concluding the commercial break. This incident sparked heated arguments in living rooms nationwide, as viewers became alarmed when someone sharing the TV space took control of the remote. In some instances, a disagreement escalated so severely that a couple even split up, with a man angrily shouting at his girlfriend.

Across the Internet, videos depict individuals showing strong reactions due to the perception that the TV channel switched during a crucial game moment. Setting aside these intense responses, the advertisement failed to win viewers over to Tubi. On the contrary, it sparked anger among an already tense group of spectators watching the year’s most anticipated game. As a result, Tubi’s Super Bowl LVII ad can be considered one of the poorest in terms of public reception.

2025-01-31 19:32