The Super Bowl is not only a highly anticipated sporting event, but also a major platform for brands to showcase their creativity and marketing prowess. With millions of viewers tuning in, the pressure is on to create ads that are not only memorable but also effective in promoting their products or services.

But what makes a great Super Bowl ad? It’s all about capturing attention in the first few seconds, telling a compelling story, and leaving a lasting impression. Whether it’s humor, emotion, or a surprising twist, the best Super Bowl ads have a way of sticking in our minds long after the game is over. And with so much competition, brands need to deliver something truly special to stand out from the crowd.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top Super Bowl ads of 2023 and see which brands brought their A-game to the biggest advertising stage of the year!

1. PopCorners, “Breaking Bad”

PopCorners’ “Breaking Bad” ad is a clever and engaging commercial that brilliantly incorporates familiar characters from the popular TV show to promote their product. It immediately captures the attention of viewers who are fans of the show, while also providing a clever tie-in to the product being advertised. The ad manages to seamlessly blend the brand’s message with the show’s tone and atmosphere, creating a commercial that is both memorable and effective.

In addition to the clever use of Breaking Bad’s characters, the ad is well executed, with high-quality production values and a sharp sense of humor. The acting is on point, and the editing is tight, making for a commercial that feels like a mini-episode of the show.

2. M&M’s, “They’re Back for Good”

In January 2023, Mars Wrigley, the makers of M&M’s, announced that they would be pausing their original “spokecandies” campaign that had become a staple in the advertising industry over the last few decades. This announcement was met with some controversy, as some individuals criticized the move as an attempt to pander to cancel culture.

However, many others have pointed out that the decision to bring back the spokecandies was not motivated by political correctness, but rather by a desire to celebrate the history and legacy of the M&M’s brand. The “They’re Back for Good” ad that premiered during this year’s Super Bowl was a huge part of this effort, using nostalgia and humor to remind consumers of the classic M&M’s that they know and love. It’s a great example of how to spin controversy into effective marketing.

3. The Farmer’s Dog, “Forever”

This is a beautiful and heart-wrenching coming of age story about a dog and its owner. The commercial follows a little girl and her faithful companion over the course of several years, as they grow older together and share countless memories. 

Commercials like “Forever” are always effective emotionally because they tap into a universal human experience: the bond between a person and their pet. As viewers, we can all relate to the love and companionship that pets provide, and watching a story like this one is bound to tug at our heartstrings.

Furthermore, the use of a tear-jerking story is a clever way to make the commercial memorable and stick in the minds of viewers. We may not remember the brand or product being advertised, but we will always remember the emotional impact of the commercial and the feelings it evoked.

4. Tubi, “Interface Disruption”

This was a clever and effective commercial that managed to create a sense of shock and surprise among viewers, despite being only 15 seconds long. The ad begins with what appears to be two announcers live at the Super Bowl. Suddenly, the screen glitches and changes to the Tubi streaming interface.

The sudden change in content is unexpected and catches viewers off guard, leading many to initially believe that their channel has actually been interrupted. This is such a smart technique, as it immediately captures the viewer’s attention and makes the commercial more memorable.

The short duration of the ad also works to its advantage, as it doesn’t overstay its welcome and leaves a lasting impact in a short amount of time. The ad is simple, to the point, and manages to effectively convey the message that Tubi offers a wide variety of content beyond what viewers may be used to.

5. Kia, “Binky Dad”

Kia’s “Binky Dad” is a clever and entertaining commercial that effectively mixes humor and action to keep the viewer captivated throughout. The ad features a father who finds himself on a dangerous mission to retrieve his baby’s pacifier, which has been lost in a dangerous and chaotic environment.

As the father drives his Kia Telluride X-Pro through various obstacles, the commercial humorously portrays him as a fearless hero on a mission to save the day. The ad’s ridiculous premise is effective in keeping the viewer engaged and entertained, and the action-packed scenes add to the excitement.

The Kia Telluride X-Pro serves as a reliable and trusty partner in the father’s quest, showcasing the car’s strength and durability. The car’s role in the ad is important, as it serves as a reminder to viewers that Kia’s cars are not only fun and stylish, but also practical and reliable.