Super Bowl ads aren’t just about entertainment—they’re a masterclass in marketing strategy. Each of the commercials above leveraged key advertising principles to maximize their impact. Here’s what made them effective from a marketing perspective:
The Power of Celebrity Endorsements
A staggering 80% of this year’s Super Bowl commercials featured A-list celebrities. Why? Because celebrities instantly grab attention and bring built-in audiences.
Dunkin' Donuts (Ben Affleck & Casey Affleck) (list of linked videos below) → Taps into local loyalty and humor.
Hellmann’s (Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal) → Nostalgia-based emotional connection.
Michelob Ultra (Willem Dafoe & Catherine O’Hara) → Unconventional celebrity pairings create intrigue.
Strategic celebrity casting works best when it aligns with the brand message. It’s not just about big names—it’s about choosing the right names to enhance storytelling.
Nostalgia & Emotional Connection
Nostalgia-driven ads trigger emotional responses and make brands more memorable.
Hellmann’s – "When Sally Met Hellmann’s" → Brings back one of the most iconic rom-com moments, instantly appealing to Gen X and Millennials.
Stella Artois – "David and Dave" → Plays on the what if? factor of long-lost twins with humor and familiarity.
Brands that evoke memories and emotions create a stronger connection with their audience. This approach also encourages social sharing and word-of-mouth marketing.
Humor and Absurdity Sell
People watch the Super Bowl to have fun—ads that lean into comedy and absurdity tend to be the most memorable.
Little Caesars – "Whoa" → Eugene Levy’s flying eyebrows create an over-the-top, gif-worthy moment that makes the ad go viral.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast – "Kiss from a Lime" → Turning Seal (the singer) into a literal seal and remixing his iconic song is bizarre but effective.
Humor works when it’s unexpected, shareable, and ties back to the product. The weirder, the better—as long as it makes sense.
Brand Consistency & Storytelling
The best brands tell stories, not just sell products. A successful ad isn’t just about being funny or emotional—it’s about reinforcing brand identity and values consistently.
Nike – "So Win" → Nike stays true to its motivational branding, seamlessly integrating sports culture into its message.
Dunkin' Donuts – "DunKings 2" → Continues the successful Ben Affleck x Dunkin’ storyline, reinforcing brand identity.
5. Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) & Product Integration
An ad can be funny, emotional, or nostalgic—but if it doesn’t sell the product, it’s wasted money.
Dunkin' Donuts → Ends with a clear $6 meal deal offer that makes viewers take action.
Booking.com → Showcases different real hotels people can actually book.
Uber Eats → Promotes its easy delivery service with a recognizable, star-studded cast.
The best Super Bowl ads ensure that viewers remember the product, not just the joke.
Super Bowl commercials are high-stakes investments—costing brands over $7 million for just 30 seconds of airtime. But when done right, these ads can:
Increase brand awareness exponentially
Drive immediate consumer action (Dunkin’s $6 deal, Uber Eats' convenience)
Create viral moments that keep people talking (Mountain Dew, Pringles, Michelob Ultra)
For marketers, Super Bowl ads serve as an annual lesson in brand storytelling, emotional engagement, and viral potential. The key takeaways?
Use familiar faces (but make it relevant).
Make your audience feel something.
Embrace humor—especially the weird kind.
Tell a story that aligns with your brand.
Make sure your product is the star.
Here's a list of all the Super Bowl 2025 commercials mentioned, along with their YouTube links:
Dunkin' Donuts – "DunKings 2: The Movie"
Hellmann’s – "When Sally Met Hellmann’s"
Stella Artois – "David and Dave"
Mountain Dew Baja Blast – "Kiss from a Lime"
Little Caesars – "Whoa"
Booking.com – "Get Your Stay Ridiculously Right"
Nike – "So Win"
Michelob Ultra – "The Ultra Hustle"
Uber Eats – "Star-Studded Delivery"
Pringles – "The Call of The Moustaches"
love the 3rd one!☀️