11 Classic Super Bowl Ads That Were Funny

Gen Alpha kids raised on iPads and streaming services may not get it, but Super Bowl commercials used to mean something in this country.

I’m talking about the frogs that say “Bud,” “Weis,” “Er.” I’m talking about handsome, shirtless men riding horses. And let’s not forget to completely drown out those “Wassup?!” the boys had american culture around 1999.

So, if you were one of the many people who were deeply disappointed by this year’s crop of Super Bowl ads, then join me in looking back at the best Super Bowl ads of yesteryear — a time before artificial intelligence and legalized sports gambling.

Anyway, I have to give you the “Relax Your Tight End” prostate exam ad featuring Rob Gronkowski.

Doritos “Finger Cleanser”

I feel like this ad should come with a trigger warning, but you have to see for yourself. I still see these commercials going viral on TikTok every once in a while.

Now, technically, this Super Bowl ad did not appear during the Super Bowl. Let me explain.

Frito-Lay used to host an annual Crash the Super Bowl contest, which allowed fans to submit their own ads for a cash prize. Winners would get their ads played during the game. Although the memorable Finger Cleaner ad was one of the winners of 2014, it was never seen, which is a great shame.

Nevertheless, it continues to gain commercial popularity.

Old Spice and “Your Man Can Smell Like This”

This 2010 classic introduced the world to Isaiah Mustafa, aka “What Does Your Man Smell Like,” aka the guy on the horse. (Fun fact: Mustafa will continue to play This is: Chapter Two.)

“Stuck” Pringles

According to a serious scientific study conducted by Pringles scientists, 43 percent of American Pringles customers put their hands in a Pringles tube. Who among us hasn’t wondered if there isn’t a better version of these delicious potato dishes?

This Super Bowl ad starts in 2022, the time before ChatGPT.

Pepsi and “The Joy of Pepsi”

So, you think you love all things Y2K, right? Does Britney Spears’ pre-9/11 “Pepsi Joy” commercial stick in your mind forever?

Sure, it’s less funny than the icon, but we had to include it.

Snickers, Shui noMtekhala, and The Brady Bunch

Small game species are putting out big guns for Big Game. Or, at least, they used to. You may remember the late Betty White starring in this Snickers commercial, and in the 2010 Super Bowl.

But that’s not the only Snickers ad worth remembering. Maskandi returned in 2015 with The Brady Bunch-themed sales are also very fun.

Say it with us now: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.

General Motors hates Norway

There was a time when you could put Will Ferrell in anything, and he would make you laugh. This 2021 electric car ad sees the Saturday Night Live A legend that takes aim at those bastards in Norway.

Reebok and Terry Tate, Office Linebacker

This classic Reebok Super Bowl ad sees Terry Tate running through the office. And while that’s for sure you look like Oscar from The officethis ad was made two years before we were introduced to Dunder-Mifflin’s accounting department.

Wendy’s “Where’s the Cow?”

The famous “Where’s the Beef?” the ad was released in 1984 and launched actress Clara Peller to international fame.

E*Trade Dancing Monkey

Who doesn’t love a dancing monkey? This E*Trade sale became an instant hit with the clever tag line, “Well, we just wasted $2,000,000. What are you doing with your money?”

Volkswagen “The Force”

The German car company Volkswagen is famous for its iconic advertisements, starting with its famous “Lemon” magazine ad. Mad Men. But modern audiences can remember this cute and fun star Wars-themed ad instead.