Top 2015 Super Bowl Commercials: A Look Back

The Super Bowl is not just about football; it's also a massive stage for advertisers to showcase their creativity and grab the attention of millions. The 2015 Super Bowl ads were no exception, delivering a mix of humor, heartwarming stories, and high-octane action. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable commercials from that year, analyzing what made them so effective and why they still resonate today.

Nostalgic and Humorous Ads

Several brands opted for a nostalgic approach, tapping into familiar faces and cultural references to connect with viewers. One standout was the Snickers ad featuring Danny Trejo as Marcia Brady from The Brady Bunch. The humor was unexpected and memorable, effectively conveying the message that Snickers satisfies when you're feeling out of sorts. The casting choice was brilliant, playing against Trejo's tough-guy image for comedic effect. The spot also included Steve Buscemi, adding another layer of surprise and nostalgia. The success of this ad lay in its ability to subvert expectations and create a genuinely funny moment that viewers wanted to share. It perfectly encapsulated Snickers' "You're Not You When You're Hungry" campaign, making it one of the most talked-about ads of the night. The use of iconic characters and a simple, relatable premise made it a winner. This ad reminds us that humor, when done well, can be a powerful tool for capturing audience attention and driving brand recall. The unexpected pairing of celebrities and the nostalgic setting created a perfect storm of entertainment that resonated with a broad audience. Ultimately, the Snickers ad proved that a well-executed comedic concept can leave a lasting impression, even years after its initial airing. It serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity and originality in the competitive landscape of Super Bowl advertising. By tapping into familiar cultural touchstones and delivering a genuinely funny message, Snickers created an ad that was both memorable and effective. This spot continues to be a benchmark for Super Bowl commercials, demonstrating the power of humor in advertising.

Another memorable humorous ad came from BMW, featuring Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel. The premise revolved around their bewilderment with the BMW i3, poking fun at their initial confusion with the internet in the early '90s. The humor was self-aware and relatable, highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement. The ad's effectiveness stemmed from its ability to leverage the personalities of Couric and Gumbel, who were known for their journalistic credibility. By positioning them as initially clueless about the i3, BMW cleverly underscored the car's innovative features while also making it approachable. The ad was a smart way to engage viewers who might have been intimidated by electric vehicles, making the technology seem less daunting and more accessible. Furthermore, the ad's clever writing and impeccable timing contributed to its overall success. The dialogue was sharp and witty, and the performances by Couric and Gumbel were spot-on. The spot managed to strike a balance between humor and information, showcasing the i3's features without sacrificing entertainment value. In a sea of high-budget, over-the-top Super Bowl commercials, BMW's ad stood out for its cleverness and wit. It proved that a simple concept, executed well, can be just as effective as a flashy spectacle. The ad's enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with viewers on a human level, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to new technology while also highlighting the excitement of innovation. This ad remains a prime example of how humor can be used to break down barriers and make complex concepts more understandable and relatable. It underscores the importance of knowing your audience and tailoring your message to resonate with their experiences and perspectives.

Heartwarming and Sentimental Ads

Not all Super Bowl ads rely on humor. Some aim for the heartstrings, telling emotional stories that connect with viewers on a deeper level. Nationwide's ad featuring a young boy talking about the things he'll never get to do because he died in an accident was a controversial example. While the intention was to raise awareness about preventable accidents, many viewers found the ad too dark and disturbing for the Super Bowl. The ad sparked a significant backlash on social media, with many criticizing Nationwide for its tone-deaf approach. The controversy highlighted the fine line that advertisers must walk when dealing with sensitive topics. While it's important to raise awareness about important issues, it's equally important to be mindful of the audience's emotional state and the context in which the message is being delivered. The Nationwide ad serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks of pushing boundaries too far in advertising. While the brand's intentions may have been noble, the execution missed the mark, resulting in a negative reaction from viewers. The ad underscores the importance of testing and refining creative concepts to ensure they resonate positively with the target audience. It also highlights the need for sensitivity and empathy when addressing potentially triggering or upsetting topics. Ultimately, the Nationwide ad became a case study in how not to approach sensitive subjects in advertising. It serves as a reminder of the power of advertising to evoke strong emotions, both positive and negative, and the importance of carefully considering the potential impact of a message before it is broadcast to a mass audience. This ad continues to be debated and analyzed in the advertising industry, serving as a valuable lesson in the importance of responsible and ethical communication.

Always' #LikeAGirl campaign also aired during the 2015 Super Bowl, aiming to redefine the phrase "like a girl" as something positive and empowering. The ad showed people of different ages being asked to run, throw, or fight "like a girl," and the results were eye-opening. Younger girls performed these actions with confidence and strength, while older individuals often did so in a weak or stereotypical manner. The ad's message was clear: the phrase "like a girl" should not be an insult, but rather a celebration of female strength and potential. The Always ad was widely praised for its positive message and its ability to challenge gender stereotypes. It sparked a global conversation about the way girls and women are perceived and treated, and it inspired many to rethink their own biases. The ad's success stemmed from its authenticity and its ability to tap into a deep-seated cultural issue. It resonated with viewers of all ages and genders, and it helped to elevate the Always brand as a champion of female empowerment. Furthermore, the ad's impact extended far beyond the Super Bowl. It generated millions of views online and sparked countless conversations on social media. The #LikeAGirl campaign became a global movement, inspiring girls and women around the world to embrace their strength and potential. The Always ad serves as a powerful example of how advertising can be used to promote positive social change. It demonstrates the importance of using the power of marketing to challenge stereotypes, inspire confidence, and empower individuals to reach their full potential. This ad remains a benchmark for socially conscious advertising, demonstrating the impact that a well-executed campaign can have on society. It underscores the importance of brands taking a stand on important issues and using their platform to make a positive difference in the world. The Always ad continues to be celebrated as a powerful and inspiring example of the potential of advertising to drive social change.

Action-Packed and Visually Stunning Ads

Of course, the Super Bowl is also known for its big-budget, action-packed commercials that showcase cutting-edge visual effects. The Jurassic World trailer was a prime example, giving viewers a sneak peek at the highly anticipated film. The trailer was visually stunning and filled with thrilling action sequences, generating massive excitement for the movie. The effectiveness of the Jurassic World trailer lay in its ability to tap into the nostalgia of the original Jurassic Park films while also showcasing the new and improved dinosaurs. The trailer was carefully crafted to build suspense and anticipation, leaving viewers eager to see more. It was a masterclass in how to use visual effects and editing to create a captivating and immersive experience. Furthermore, the Jurassic World trailer benefited from the inherent appeal of the Jurassic Park franchise. The films have a loyal fan base that spans generations, and the trailer was designed to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The trailer's success underscored the power of franchise marketing and the importance of leveraging existing intellectual property to generate buzz and excitement. In addition to its visual appeal, the Jurassic World trailer also benefited from its strategic placement during the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events of the year, providing a massive platform for advertisers to reach a broad audience. By airing the trailer during the Super Bowl, Universal Pictures ensured that it would be seen by millions of potential moviegoers. The Jurassic World trailer remains a prime example of how to use action and visual effects to create a memorable and impactful Super Bowl ad. It demonstrates the importance of tapping into nostalgia, building suspense, and leveraging the power of franchise marketing to generate excitement and drive ticket sales. This trailer continues to be studied and analyzed in the film industry as a case study in effective movie marketing.

Another visually stunning ad came from Mercedes-Benz, featuring a CGI turtle winning a race against a hare. The ad was a modern twist on the classic Aesop's fable, with the turtle representing the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The ad's message was clear: even though the hare (representing other luxury cars) may be faster, the turtle (Mercedes-Benz CLA) is more reliable and ultimately wins the race. The Mercedes-Benz ad was praised for its stunning visual effects and its clever storytelling. The CGI turtle was incredibly realistic and endearing, and the race was both exciting and suspenseful. The ad's effectiveness stemmed from its ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level. The classic fable of the tortoise and the hare is a timeless story that resonates with people of all ages. By reimagining the fable in a modern context, Mercedes-Benz created an ad that was both memorable and meaningful. Furthermore, the ad's message about reliability and perseverance was particularly relevant in the luxury car market. Mercedes-Benz is known for its high-quality vehicles, and the ad reinforced this reputation by highlighting the CLA's reliability. In addition to its visual appeal and storytelling, the Mercedes-Benz ad also benefited from its strategic placement during the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is a prime opportunity for luxury car brands to showcase their vehicles to a affluent audience. By airing the ad during the Super Bowl, Mercedes-Benz ensured that it would be seen by millions of potential customers. The Mercedes-Benz ad remains a prime example of how to use visual effects and storytelling to create a memorable and impactful Super Bowl ad. It demonstrates the importance of connecting with viewers on an emotional level, reinforcing brand values, and leveraging the power of the Super Bowl to reach a target audience. This ad continues to be cited as a successful example of luxury car advertising.

Conclusion

The 2015 Super Bowl ads offered a diverse range of creative approaches, from humor and heartwarming stories to action-packed visuals. Some ads sparked controversy, while others achieved widespread acclaim. What's clear is that the Super Bowl remains a coveted platform for advertisers to make a splash and leave a lasting impression. Whether through nostalgia, emotional storytelling, or cutting-edge technology, the best Super Bowl ads find a way to connect with viewers on a personal level, creating moments that are remembered long after the game is over. The ads highlighted here showcase the power of creativity, innovation, and emotional connection in advertising. They serve as a reminder that the most effective ads are not just about selling a product or service, but about telling a story that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impact. As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned from these Super Bowl ads remain relevant and valuable for marketers seeking to create memorable and impactful campaigns. Guys, each year brings new and exciting ads, but the classics always remind us of the power of a well-crafted message!