From ‘Where’s the Beef?’ to a Very Sad Robot, We Picked the 15 Best and Worst Super Bowl Commercials

Wait, there’s a game on Sunday? Some viewers definitely only turn on the Super Bowl for the commercials, and Super Bowl LV in 2021 will likely be no different. Each year, there are several great ads to watch out for, but there are also some major duds. We took a look back at the 15 best and worst commercials to air during Super Bowls past to hold you over until the big game on February 7 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Over the years, fans have come to expect certain brands to shine on the big day. Budweiser’s famous Clydesdale horses often make an appearance, for example. These majestic horses are a strong part of the company’s history. In 1933, several Clydesdales were gifted to the brewery’s CEO by his son when prohibition was repealed, and they actually used to pull beer carts for the brand. Now they’re TV stars, having shown up in many ads over the years either as the main focal point of the commercial (cough cough the adorable 2015 one with the puppy) or simply in the background.

However, fans shouldn’t expect to see the iconic horses during Super Bowl LV. In late January, Budweiser revealed that for the first time in 37 years, they didn’t purchase an ad spot for the big game amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they will be “reallocating the media investment” to raise awareness for the coronavirus vaccine throughout the year.

“Like everyone else, we are eager to get people back together, reopen restaurants and bars, and be able to gather to cheers with friends and family,” said Bud’s VP of marketing Monica Rustgi in a statement. “To do this, and to bring consumers back into neighborhood bars and restaurants that were hit exceptionally hard by the pandemic, we’re stepping in to support critical awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

And they’re not the only ones choosing not to air traditional ads in 2021. Coke, Pepsi, and Hyundai have all made similar announcements. Even without those big names, we’re sure 2021’s ads will be iconic.

In the meantime, check out our gallery below to watch all of the best and worst Super Bowl commercials of all time!