Super Bowl 2025: The Ads Ranked and Reviewed
Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone, bringing with it a dazzling array of advertisements. Yahoo Sports, led by Jay Busbee and Ian Casselberry, has been a trusted source, assigning grades on a subjective, biased scale to the advertisements of the day. Let’s dive into the top ads of Super Bowl 2025 and see which ones stood out.
Top Ad: Yahoo x Bill Murray
Starting with the legendary Bill Murray in a Super Bowl spot: this ad could easily be considered the best ever made. The combination of comedy and nostalgia is unparalleled, and it delivers humor that transcends generations.
Grade: A
Notable Mentions:
The return of Ben Affleck as Dunkin’ Obsessive is a highlight. His brother Casey and Jeremy Strong join the cast, along with Jay and Silent Bob, and even Bill Belichick makes an appearance. The iconic orange hue of Dunkin’ will be hard to forget.
Homes.com, “What’s Legal?”
This ad treads a fine line with humor, attempting to avoid stating that Homes.com is the best without directly saying so. A Morgan Freeman appearance always adds credibility and charm to an advertisement.
Packed with iconic commercial characters, this ad capitalizes on nostalgia with references to Mr. Clean, the Energizer Bunny, and a kaiju Green Giant. It’s sure to have viewers rewinding to catch everything.
Hellman’s, “When Sally Met Hellman’s”
Recalling “When Harry Met Sally,” this ad captures a nostalgic moment with Sydney Sweeney in a cameo that appeals to a younger audience. However, the heavy mayo usage is a bit much.
Pringles, “Call of the Mustaches”
The “Batman” theme with “Mustache” is memorable, and seeing Nick Offerman’s facial hair being ripped off is an unforgettable moment. The cameo by James Harden also adds a unique twist.
Nike, “So Win”
Female athletes decades-making a stand against condescending attitudes towards women’s sports, this ad serves both its marketing and its message effectively.
Shane Gillis, Peyton Manning, and Post Malone creating a backyard havoc with Bud Lights, this ad brilliantly captures suburban dad life with its commercial winks. Observing branding in everyday use is an added bonus.
With Nate Bargatze at the helm, this ad showcases the DoorDash character’s comedic timing, especially when he chooses to clone himself to impress customers with compliments sung by an opera singer.
Grade: B
Standouts:
Pfizer, “Don’t Call It a Comeback”
This heartwarming ad showcases a young cancer survivor defying odds to the strains of “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J. The unexpected choice of music adds an emotional impact.
“How To Train Your Dragon” trailer
The live-action version is sure to delight a broad audience, especially kids. This ad sets the stage for anticipation.
Little Caesars, “Eyebrows Raised”
A quirky concept where Eugene Levy’s creativity and Eugene’s eyebrows take center stage, creating a chaotic but charming effect. Little Caesars knows how to stand out.
MSC Cruises, “Holiday”
Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore engage in a humorous cultural clash, sure to entice viewers with a destination offering a stark contrast between American and EuropeanAccent.
Thunderbolts*, Movie Trailer
The Marvel film Thunderbolts* seems poised to return excitement to the Marvel universe. This teaser will pique interest in fans looking for a return to form.
A simple concept executed well by an indie filmmaker, with aliens attempting to steal a Gary’s Chip bag, only to end up sharing the tasty chips. This is a strong showing for a Doritos ad.