Lion's ROAR Marketing

My Top 10 Super Bowl 50 Commercials

As much as I’m reluctant to watch sports, I always make sure to catch (some of) the Super Bowl. The main reason is to do my duty as a fellow American and partake in this long-lasting American pastime (also to not feel completely clueless when I’m a part of water cooler chatter).

But most importantly, I catch it because of the commercials! Like any good marketing communications professional, I want to know which brands are scoring a touchdown and which ones fumble in respect to their ads.

Therefore, I give you my Top 10 favorite commercials from Super Bowl 50. Check it out below.

1.  Bud Light – The Bud Light Party

You can’t go wrong having Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen in your commercial. Bud Light scores a touchdown with this 60-second spot. Why can’t all presidential races be this entertaining?

2.  Hyundai – Ryanville

Now I don’t just like this commercial because my name is Ryan and I enjoy Ryan Reynolds but Hyundai actually showcases an important feature of their Elantra model in this Super Bowl spot. Vroom vroom let’s head to Ryanville!

3.  OCIisDifferent.com – Envy

People with OIC shouldn’t have to hide in the shadows anymore! OICisDiffrent.com produced added a hilarious but honest take on this constipation disorder with their big game ad.

 

4.  Doritos – Ultrasound

I was not expecting this commercial to turn out this way but apparently Doritos are so delicious and bold that it can cause pre-mature labor; hilarious and horrifying at the same time.

5.  Taco Bell – Bigger Than…

Taco Bell pulls off a witty and applaud-worthy commercial by helping viewers understand how buzz-worthy their new Quesalupa is by stacking upon stack of what’s trending in pop culture at the moment. Also kudos for the George Takei cameo!

6.  Audi – Commander

Audi describes this commercial as featuring a “retired astronaut” but it’s safe to assume they’re portraying Neil Armstrong. This ad does a decent job of combining nostalgia and adrenaline into their R8 model to help even the saddest soul feel “choosing the moon brings out the best in us.”

7.  Advil – Distant Memory

Even though Motrin is my drug of choice, I’m now on the fence after watching Advil’s 30-second retrospective spot. I mean who doesn’t want to be 90 years old able to do firefly pose in yoga class?

8.  Marmot – Love the Outside

Using a literal translation of Marmot’s love for the outdoors, this big game spot makes this big squirrel that cutest ever with some sass. Granted I’m not a fan of the potential act of bestiality, I couldn’t help but smile from watching this commercial.

9.  Coca Cola – Coke Mini (The Hulk vs. Ant-Man)

Coca Cola claims its position an advertising juggernaut by featuring The Hulk and Ant-Man to promote Coke-Mini. An ad with star power that actually ties-in with their product positioning. Nice job Coke!

10. Michael & Son – Mike Tyson & Son

Not too clear on how boxing relates to plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning but now at least I know Mike Tyson has a son (Amir Tyson) who boxes and that they’ve signed an endorsement deal with Michael & Son.

*HONORABLE FAILS*

Mountain Dew – Puppymonkeybaby

 I think it’s safe to say everyone who’s mentioned this commercial was thoroughly freaked out. I think the most disturbing part has to be the pug (which is part baby) licking a grown man’s face. I’m fairly certain that qualifies as an 11 on the creepster scale.

Prius – The Longest Chase

So I guess the morale of the story is if you buy a Toyota Prius you can get away with robbing a bank…? Not sure if that’s what they should be aligning their brand with but I guess the less than 500,000 views shows that as well.

Hope you enjoyed my picks. Please share you top choices (or least favorite choices) in the comments section below! Let your ROAR be heard!