The Super Bowl has consistently provided fertile ground for brands aiming to unveil their most ambitious and entertaining advertisements, and the 2025 edition lived up to its reputation. With the game played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a triumphant victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. Yet, as is often the case, the commercials became a talking point all their own.
The ads this year showcased a blend of humor, nostalgia, and emotional resonance, with production quality that rivaled blockbuster films. Notably, brands relied heavily on star power and innovative concepts to capture viewers’ fleeting attention. Set against the backdrop of increased streaming and online viewing, YouTube emerged as the definitive platform to measure an ad’s impact on audiences around the globe.
The 2025 YouTube Top 10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Ads list included a variety of themes, from heartfelt moments to outright hilarity. Here’s how this year’s commercials stood out:
One of the frontrunners in this year’s ranking was Budweiser’s ad featuring the iconic Clydesdales. Tapping into themes of tradition and resilience, the commercial introduced a storyline of togetherness that resonated across diverse audiences. With stunning visuals and an emotionally charged script, this ad quickly racked up millions of views.
Mountain Dew’s entry, another crowd favorite, combined humor and surrealism in a uniquely engaging narrative. The ad featured Hollywood star Glen Powell and Muppets, blending live-action and animation seamlessly to create a quirky yet memorable spectacle. It earned widespread acclaim not just for its creativity but also for its catchy closing jingle, designed to stay in viewers’ minds long after the game.
Doritos returned to its penchant for bizarre but imaginative storytelling. This year, their commercial revolved around an intergalactic setting, starring popular actor Kieran Culkin. The ad cleverly incorporated their latest flavor release while subtly poking fun at sci-fi tropes—a strategy that paid off handsomely in terms of views and attention.
Meanwhile, emerging tech products also made their mark. Google launched its Pixel 9 Pro smartphone with a stunning, futuristic mini-movie showcasing its photo-editing capabilities in real-time. The ad highlighted its advanced AI features, leaving tech enthusiasts and casual viewers alike impressed.
Clothing giant Nike introduced their new line of adaptive sportswear in a highly energetic ad featuring athletes across generations. This inclusive message struck a chord with audiences, proving that ads could entertain while promoting social awareness.
Among the many celebrity appearances during Super Bowl 2025 ads, none was more surprising than that of Bill Murray. The beloved comedian reprised his signature role from Groundhog Day in a Jeep commercial that cleverly twisted the film’s plot. With humor and nostalgia in equal measure, this ad became a viral hit, making the top spot on YouTube’s rankings in just hours.
Luxury car brand Audi had audiences spellbound with an atmospheric short film that felt more like an art-house cinema piece than an ad. Featuring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in an elegant road trip through picturesque settings, the commercial’s themes of rediscovery and elegance aligned perfectly with the brand’s image.
Uber Eats also took a bold step this year by partnering with up-and-coming comedian Sydney Sweeney. The ad played on viral internet culture and meme-worthy moments, which harnessed the younger demographic’s attention swiftly.
The Hallmark Channel turned heads with its first-ever Super Bowl ad. Set to a nostalgic soundtrack, it showcased poignant vignettes of families coming together. This relatively understated commercial still managed to make a huge impact online, earning high praise for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Capping off the list, Stella Showdowns produced a uniquely interactive multi-platform campaign. This mix of live action and engaging social prompts ensured that their ad maintained attention long after the game had ended.
In retrospect, the 2025 Super Bowl marked a significant evolution in advertising trends: content that reaches beyond screens. As traditional TV ratings continue to level out, advertisers are leveraging digital platforms to extend the lifespan of their investments. With YouTube being the hub of post-game engagement, the competition among brands to land at the top is fiercer than ever.
In conclusion, Super Bowl 2025 ads weren’t merely background noise—they were an integral part of the conversation. Brands investing in innovation, creativity, and clever storytelling underscored the enduring importance of this advertising showcase, elevating the Super Bowl from just a sporting event to an all-around cultural phenomenon.
