The Best (And Worst) Super Bowl Ads of 2025

As the final whistle blew on Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs stood as one of the most lackluster performances in Super Bowl history. Yet, beyond the gridiron, another competition unfolded — one where brands vied for viewers’ attention with commercials that ranged from the unforgettable to the regrettable.

In this year’s lineup, advertisers leaned heavily into humor, nostalgia and star-studded casts. Some came with heartwarming narratives, while others were perplexing misfires. By understanding which brands scored big and which fumbled, marketers can lean into these strategies and learn what works and not so much with the best and worst Super Bowl ads of 2025.

Best Super Bowl Ads of 2025

Some Super Bowl commercials truly stood out of the pack this year. Take a look at how these ads managed to garner the attention of millions and leave a lasting impression.

1. Bud Light — Big Men on Cul-de-Sac

Bud Light has long leaned into humor for its Super Bowl ads, and this year’s “Big Men on Cul-de-Sac” was no exception. Featuring Peyton Manning, Post Malone and Shane Gillis, the commercial painted a hilariously exaggerated picture of suburban life. It was one where neighbors turned an ordinary cul-de-sac into the ultimate block party — complete with leaf-blower beer deliveries and over-the-top lawn equipment.

With the ad playing on FOMO, it made viewers wish they lived in a neighborhood where weekend gatherings looked this fun. The commercial also came packed with punchlines that had audiences cracking up, like “Your mower smokes meat?” “No, our smoker cuts grass.”

It was the kind of humor that viewers could relate to, and many took to social media to express their appreciation. One YouTube commenter quipped, “The HOA is already breathing down my neck,” showing just how true suburban antics can be.

Bud Light also nailed the tone — fun, lighthearted and centered around good times with great company. One fan summed it up perfectly — “This is how beer commercials should be.” By creating a classic beer advertisement and mixing the relatable feel of neighborhood camaraderie, Bud Light delivered one of the best commercials of Super Bowl 2025.

2. Nike — So Win

Nike’s “So Win” was one of those Super Bowl ads that gave viewers chills. It was a bold, inspiring celebration of female athletes, featuring rising basketball star Caitlin Clark alongside other powerhouse women in sports. Set to the electrifying sounds of Led Zeppelin, the commercial gave a high-energy montage of determination, grit and triumph — giving women’s sports the recognition they deserve.

For many, the ad was a breath of fresh air, a long-overdue moment that felt empowering and uplifting, especially for young girls watching. It was not just another sports commercial — it was a true rallying cry for women in athletics, showing their talent with the same intensity and reverence often reserved for men’s sports.

However, not all viewers were on board. The commercial itself garnered much praise on YouTube, but some took issue with Nike being the brand behind it. One skeptical commenter questioned, “Really, Nike? Now you want to stand up for women?” while another bluntly stated, “Looks like Nike jumped headfirst into the woodchipper.” These criticisms likely stem from past controversies surrounding Nike’s commercials, including gender stereotypes.

Despite the mixed reactions, “So Win” felt like a genuine celebration of women in sports and an inspiring message to the next generation of female athletes.

3. Pfizer — Hey Cancer, We’re Gonna Knock You Out

Pfizer’s Super Bowl LIX commercial struck a deeply emotional chord with viewers. The ad portrays a young cancer patient who transforms into a determined boxer. As LL Cool J’s 1991 hit “Mama Said Knock You Out” plays, the boy shadowboxes through hospital corridors and city streets, symbolizing his fight against cancer. His journey ends in a heartfelt reunion with his family, representing the triumph over adversity.

Many viewers praised the commercial for its inspirational message and storytelling. X “Twitter” users posted positive reactions like the one in the example below.

Source: https://x.com/jappleby/status/1888737385216606326

Additionally, Pfizer’s ad was recognized as the top pick for “Best Healthcare Advertisement” in LinkedIn’s #AdBowl. However, the ad was not without its critics. Some viewers questioned Pfizer’s intentions, with skepticism about the company’s commitment to cancer research. According to Adweek, the commercial faced negative reactions online.

While there were mixed feelings, “Knock Out” succeeded in sparking conversations about cancer awareness and Pfizer’s role in medical advancements.

4. Stella Artois — The Other David

Stella Artois was one of the most liked Super Bowl ads of 2025. The ad introduces the premise that, somehow, David Beckham has an American twin — none other than Matt Damon. What follows is a series of comedic exchanges in which the two Davids argue over who truly deserves the name.

The casting was spot on, and the ad did not miss a beat in bringing the classic Damon-Affleck humor that fans love. Viewers even declared it “the best ad of the night,” with some even arguing it was the only ad worth watching. 

With a blend of celebrity power, quick-witted humor and effortless charm, Stella Artois produced an ad that entertained and stuck with viewers long after the game ended. If there were a contest for the Super Bowl’s funniest commercial, “The Other David” would be a strong contender for the top spot.

5. Taco Bell — Photobomb featuring Doja Cat

Taco Bell’s “Photobomb” Super Bowl ad featuring Doja Cat was an instant hit among viewers, providing a perfect mix of comedy, pop culture and celebrity appeal. The ad revolved around a promotion where customers could have their Taco Bell moment. Yet, when Doja Cat appears, she’s photobombing a couple in the drive-thru cam. 

The humor landed flawlessly, thanks in large part to Doja Cat’s comedic timing. Many viewers felt she stole the show, with some even saying she should be in a movie. Her banter with the drive-thru employee was also a highlight, with fans praising the natural flow of the exchange. Doja’s delivery was effortless, making the commercial a genuinely funny moment that people wanted to rewatch.

Worst Super Bowl Ads of 2025

Not all Super Bowl commercials can be a winner. Some left viewers scratching their heads, with many being bizarre or plain awkward. Here is the lineup for the worst Super Bowl ads of 2025.

1. Reese’s — Don’t Eat Lava

Reese’s has a history of leaning into quirky, offbeat humor for its ads, but its “Don’t Eat Lava” commercial may have left some confused rather than amused. In the commercial, the new chocolate lava Reese’s cup becomes so irresistible that after eating one, people suddenly start craving actual lava.

The ad clearly aimed for absurdist marketing — a strategy that diverts from the traditional advertising norms to garner attention. However, it failed to land. Instead of being a clever take on deliciousness, it raised more questions than laughs. Why would eating a Reese’s cup make someone crave molten rock?

While some viewers appreciated the brand’s weird humor, it was one of the more nonsensical Super Bowl commercials this year.

2. Mountain Dew — Kiss from a Lime

Without a doubt, Mountain Dew’s “Kiss from a Lime” was one of the weirdest Super Bowl ads of 2025. While the brand has a reputation for creating outrageously quirky ads, this one took things to a whole new level of randomness in a not-so-good way.

The Singer Seal pops up as a CGI seal, belting out a parody of his hit song “Kiss from a Rose” — except with lyrics about limes and Mountain Dew. Sure, it was a playful nod to his name — which was funny at first — but the execution quickly veered into uncanny territory. Watching a hyper-realistic, human-eyed seal serenade a bottle of Mountain Dew was more creepy than comedic.

While some viewers found it absurdly funny, many found themselves to be weirded out. The visuals and odd premise overshadowed the brand’s actual message, leaving audiences wondering what they watched rather than craving a Mountain Dew.

In the end, “Kiss from a Lime” was memorable, but not for the right reasons.

3. Dunkin’ Donuts — Java Jam, DunKings 2

Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Java Jam” was another star-studded ad featuring Ben and Casey Affleck, continuing the brand’s tradition of lighthearted, Boston-infused humor. Yet, while some viewers found it entertaining, others felt it was too over-the-top and did not quite match the charm of Dunkin’s previous Super Bowl ad of 2024.

The ad was packed with high-energy chaos, featuring a coffee-fueled showdown between the Affleck brothers, surprise cameos and an excessive amount of Dunkin’ enthusiasm. While this kind of exaggerated humor worked well in previous campaigns, many viewers felt this one had too much going on, making it more overwhelming than funny.

Compared to Dunkin’s earlier Ben Affleck-led commercial — which had a more natural and witty feel — “JavaJam” seemed to try too hard. It was not a total miss — plenty of fans enjoyed its ridiculousness — but others felt like Dunkin’ was pushing too much, too fast.

4. Coffee Mate — Talking Tongue

The “Talking Tongue” Super Bowl ad by Coffee Mate aimed to introduce its new cold foam product in a memorable way. The ad featured an animated human tongue, voiced by Shania Twain, singing positively about the taste of cold foam. While the concept was intended to be humorous and attention-grabbing, it elicited a range of reactions from viewers.

According to The Today Show, many found the ad to be unsettling and off-putting. The sight of a personified tongue singing in front of a crowd struck some as more creepy than funny. 

However, not all feedback was negative. Some loved the ad’s boldness and uniqueness, acknowledging that it successfully captured their attention. Plus, the use of Shania Twain’s voice added a layer of celebrity appeal that part of the audience loved. Coffee Mate’s attempt to personify taste sensations was a creative gamble that faced the challenge of balancing originality with audience comfort.

5. T-Mobile Starlink — A New Era in Connectivity

T-Mobile and Starlink’s “A New Era in Connectivity” was supposed to be a heartfelt Super Bowl ad highlighting their partnership to bring better connectivity to underserved areas. The commercial featured sweeping landscapes, wholesome short videos and an aerial view of Earth from space. 

While the message was important and inspiring, the execution felt somewhat underwhelming. It lacked the strong emotional hook that could have made it more impactful, missing an opportunity to create a deeper connection with viewers. Without a compelling storyline, the ad felt more like a standard corporate announcement rather than a memorable Super Bowl moment.

In the end, T-Mobile and Starlink had an opportunity to inspire, but their ad did not quite reach the stars.

The Final Takeaway on the Best and Worst Super Bowl Ads of 2025

Super Bowl LIX brought a mix of memorable hits and forgettable misses in the advertising world. Some brands nailed their storyline, while some captured the audience’s attention in the wrong way. As always, the Super Bowl remains the biggest stage for advertisers to showcase their creativity. Yet, one thing is certain — its commercials will continue to ignite conversations, for better or worse.