Super Bowl Ads 2015: The Best Of The Big Game
Alright guys, let's rewind the clock back to Super Bowl XLIX in 2015! It was a massive game, with the New England Patriots narrowly beating the Seattle Seahawks. But let's be honest, while the game itself was a nail-biter, we were all super excited for the commercials, right? The Super Bowl ad game is always a huge deal, with brands shelling out millions to capture our attention during the biggest television event of the year. 2015 was no exception, delivering a mix of hilarious, heartwarming, and downright bizarre ads that had everyone talking for weeks. From celebrity cameos to epic storytelling, these commercials were more than just ads; they were mini-movies, cultural moments that defined the year's water cooler chat. We're going to dive deep into some of the most memorable Super Bowl ads from 2015, breaking down what made them work and why they've stuck with us. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, because these ads were chef's kiss!
The Rise of the Storytelling Super Bowl Ad
One of the most prominent trends we saw in the Super Bowl 2015 ads was the increasing emphasis on storytelling. Brands realized that simply showing their product wasn't enough; they needed to connect with viewers on an emotional level. This meant crafting narratives that were engaging, relatable, or aspirational. We saw ads that told mini-stories, often with a clear beginning, middle, and end, designed to evoke specific feelings. This approach aimed to create a deeper connection with the audience, making the brand more memorable and likable. Instead of a hard sell, it was about building a relationship. Think about those ads that made you laugh until you cried or even brought a tear to your eye – those are the ones that stick. In 2015, marketers were getting really good at this, understanding that the Super Bowl stage wasn't just for showing off a product, but for telling a brand's story in a compelling way. This shift from direct advertising to narrative advertising meant that commercials became more entertaining and less intrusive. People were actively looking forward to seeing these ads, discussing them online, and sharing their favorites. It was a brilliant strategy because it tapped into the communal viewing experience of the Super Bowl, turning passive viewers into active participants in the brand's narrative. The best storytelling ads managed to be relevant to the product or brand without being overly obvious, weaving their message seamlessly into a compelling plot. This created a more profound and lasting impression, making viewers feel like they had experienced something rather than just been advertised to. It was a game-changer, guys, and it really set the tone for Super Bowl advertising in the years that followed.
Budweiser: "Lost Dog" - A Masterclass in Emotion
When we talk about Super Bowl ads 2015 that hit us right in the feels, Budweiser's "Lost Dog" is an absolute standout. Seriously, this ad was pure gold! It followed the heartwarming journey of a puppy who gets lost and eventually finds his way back home, with the help of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, of course. The emotional arc was simple yet incredibly effective. We see the puppy's struggle, his loneliness, and then the sheer joy of reunion. The music swelled, the Clydesdales were majestic as ever, and by the end, you probably had a little something in your eye, didn't you? Budweiser has always been a master of using the Clydesdales to create memorable Super Bowl moments, but "Lost Dog" took it to another level. It wasn't just about beer; it was about companionship, loyalty, and homecoming. This ad perfectly captured the spirit of the Super Bowl – a gathering of people, often far from home, celebrating together. The genius of this ad lies in its universal appeal. Everyone understands the bond between a pet and its owner, the anxiety of a lost loved one, and the elation of finding them again. Budweiser tapped into these fundamental human emotions and delivered an ad that was not only incredibly effective in terms of brand recall but also generated immense positive sentiment. People weren't just talking about the cute puppy; they were talking about the feeling the ad evoked. It was shared endlessly on social media, and it became a prime example of how to create an ad that resonates deeply with a massive audience. This wasn't just a commercial; it was a short film that tugged at heartstrings and left a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful. It cemented Budweiser's reputation for delivering some of the most anticipated and emotionally charged Super Bowl ads year after year.
Nationwide: "Make Safe Happen" - The Controversial Heartstring Puller
Now, not all emotional Super Bowl ads 2015 were universally loved. Nationwide's "Make Safe Happen" ad definitely stirred up a lot of conversation, and not always for the right reasons. This ad took a decidedly somber turn, featuring a little boy talking about all the things he would never do because he died in an accident. Yes, you read that right. It was incredibly dark, stark, and undeniably effective in grabbing attention. The ad's intention was to raise awareness about child safety and encourage parents to take precautions. However, juxtaposing such a tragic narrative with the celebratory atmosphere of the Super Bowl, where people are typically looking for entertainment and lightheartedness, proved to be a risky move. Many viewers found the ad deeply disturbing and inappropriate for the setting. Social media exploded with reactions, with many questioning the brand's decision to air such a heavy-hitting message during a game. Despite the controversy, you can't deny that it was memorable. It certainly achieved its goal of getting people talking and thinking about child safety. The ad sparked widespread debate about the appropriateness of tackling serious social issues in Super Bowl commercials. While some praised Nationwide for its bold approach and commitment to a cause, others felt it was a misstep that alienated viewers. This serves as a fascinating case study in the fine line brands walk when trying to create impactful Super Bowl ads. It shows that while emotional resonance is key, the type of emotion and the context in which it's delivered are crucial. Nationwide's ad was a stark reminder that pushing boundaries comes with risks, and not all risks pay off in the way a brand might intend. It certainly left an indelible mark on Super Bowl 2015 advertising history, whether for its intended impact or its unintended shock value.
Humor Reigns Supreme: Laughing Our Way Through the Game
While some ads aimed for the heart, others went straight for the funny bone. Super Bowl ads 2015 also delivered some serious laughs, proving that humor is a timeless and effective strategy for grabbing attention. When you're surrounded by friends and family, sharing snacks and cheering for your team, a good laugh is always welcome. Brands that managed to tap into that lighthearted, celebratory mood definitely scored big points. These comedic gems often relied on relatable situations, unexpected twists, or celebrity cameos to deliver their punchlines. The goal was simple: make people laugh, make them remember the brand, and make them feel good about it. It's a tough balance to strike – you want to be funny without being offensive, memorable without being forgettable. The Super Bowl audience is vast and diverse, so finding humor that appeals to everyone is a challenge. However, the ads that succeeded did so by tapping into universal comedic tropes or by creating unique, quirky characters and scenarios. These commercials often became as much a part of the Super Bowl experience as the halftime show, with people rewatching their favorite funny ads online and sharing them with friends who might have missed them. The success of these humorous ads reinforced the idea that the Super Bowl is a platform for entertainment, and brands that entertain are often the ones that win.
Doritos: "Ultrasound" and "When Pigs Fly" - Always a Winner
Oh man, Doritos! They were always in the running for the funniest Super Bowl ads 2015, weren't they? Their user-generated content strategy meant they often had some incredibly creative and hilarious entries. Two ads that really stood out that year were "Ultrasound" and "When Pigs Fly." "Ultrasound" featured a couple at a doctor's office for an ultrasound, and the dad-to-be can't stop munching on Doritos. The baby in the womb starts moving vigorously, seemingly wanting a Doritos chip. It was a bit edgy, a bit weird, and totally hilarious. The sheer absurdity of it made it unforgettable. Then there was "When Pigs Fly," which played on the idiom in a literal and funny way. A guy tries to get his extremely stubborn pig to do something, and the punchline involves the pig literally flying. Both ads leveraged unexpected scenarios and a touch of gross-out humor (in the best way possible!), which is a signature for Doritos. What's brilliant about their approach is how they harness the creativity of everyday people. By crowdsourcing their ads, they tap into a more authentic and often funnier style of humor that resonates with a broad audience. These Doritos ads weren't just funny; they were shareable. They encouraged people to engage with the brand and become part of the advertising conversation. It's a smart strategy that consistently delivers memorable and entertaining Super Bowl commercials, and 2015 was definitely a prime example of their comedic prowess. They proved that you don't need a massive budget or A-list celebrities to create a viral hit; sometimes, all you need is a great idea and a bag of chips.
M&M's: "Bad Date" - Celebrity Charm and Simple Silliness
Another brand that consistently brings the funny is M&M's, and their Super Bowl 2015 ad, "Bad Date," was no exception. This commercial featured Red M&M having a terrible date, trying to impress his companion, who happens to be a woman played by Jessica Alba. The humor comes from Red trying to be suave and sophisticated, but his M&M nature keeps getting in the way. The punchline? Red gets so flustered and embarrassed by his date eating him (yes, eating him!) that he accidentally breaks wind. It's a classic M&M's scenario – taking their candy characters and putting them in relatable, albeit absurd, human situations. The addition of Jessica Alba added a touch of star power, making the ad feel more polished and high-profile. The humor was light, a little cheeky, and perfectly suited for a Super Bowl audience. It played on the idea of awkward social encounters and the panic that can ensue. The M&M characters, particularly Red, are so well-established that they can deliver humor effectively without much setup. This ad was a great example of building on existing brand equity to create a fresh and funny piece of content. It was relatable, slightly shocking (in a funny way), and left viewers with a smile. M&M's understood that during the Super Bowl, people want to be entertained, and their "Bad Date" ad delivered just that with a dose of celebrity charm and M&M's signature silliness. It was a simple concept executed brilliantly, making it a memorable spot from that year.
Innovation and Intrigue: Ads That Made Us Think
Beyond the emotional and the hilarious, some Super Bowl ads 2015 stood out for their sheer creativity and innovation. These were the ads that took a different approach, perhaps showcasing cutting-edge technology, offering a unique perspective, or simply being so weird and wonderful that they couldn't be ignored. These commercials often pushed the boundaries of what a typical advertisement could be, aiming to surprise and delight the audience. They were the ones that made you lean in, scratch your head, and then go, "Wow, that was clever." This category is all about capturing attention through originality and a willingness to experiment. It’s about making a statement that goes beyond just selling a product and instead builds a brand's image as forward-thinking and imaginative. These innovative ads often spark conversations not just about the product, but about the creative process itself. They can be polarizing, with some viewers loving the boldness and others finding them too abstract, but their memorability is undeniable. This is where brands can truly showcase their personality and stand out in a crowded marketplace. The Super Bowl stage provides the perfect platform for such ambitious creative endeavors, allowing brands to take risks that might not be feasible during regular advertising slots. These ads often become benchmarks for creativity in advertising, inspiring other brands to think outside the box.
Coca-Cola: "Make It Happy" - A Positive Message
Coca-Cola always brings a big game to the Super Bowl, and in 2015, their "Make It Happy" campaign continued their tradition of positive, uplifting messages. This ad focused on the idea of turning negativity into positivity, using their iconic beverages as a symbol of connection and happiness. The visual was striking: a world that starts out drab and gray, with people seemingly disconnected, gradually transforms into a vibrant, colorful landscape as people share Coke and connect with each other. It was a powerful visual metaphor for the power of simple human connection and the joy that can be found in sharing a moment. The campaign tied into the broader theme of combating cyberbullying and promoting kindness, which resonated with many viewers. Coca-Cola has long positioned itself as a brand that brings people together and fosters happiness, and this ad beautifully encapsulated that message. It was aspirational, visually appealing, and carried a socially relevant undertone without being preachy. The ad encouraged viewers to spread positivity and make their own moments happy, aligning the brand with a desirable lifestyle and a positive outlook. It was a sophisticated approach that leveraged the massive Super Bowl audience to promote a message of goodwill, making Coca-Cola a brand associated not just with refreshment, but with positive social impact. The ad successfully blended brand messaging with a larger societal conversation, making it a memorable and meaningful contribution to the Super Bowl ad landscape.
Toyota: "My Bigger Idea" - Empowering Women
Toyota's Super Bowl 2015 ad, "My Bigger Idea," was a refreshing and important addition to the lineup. It told the story of Meredith Connors, a young woman who had a big idea for a new truck that could help her farming family. The ad showcased her journey from developing the concept to presenting it to Toyota engineers, highlighting her ingenuity and determination. What made this ad particularly impactful was its focus on female empowerment and innovation. In a space often dominated by male-centric narratives, Toyota presented a story of a young woman taking charge and making her mark. The ad celebrated her ambition and her practical, problem-solving approach. It showcased the Toyota Tundra in a functional, real-world context, demonstrating its capabilities while centering the narrative on Meredith's vision. This was more than just a car commercial; it was a message about breaking barriers and pursuing your dreams, regardless of gender. Toyota's decision to feature a female protagonist with a strong, innovative spirit resonated with a wide audience and contributed to a more diverse representation in Super Bowl advertising. The ad was inspiring, aspirational, and grounded in a relatable family context, making it a powerful statement about opportunity and achievement. It positioned Toyota not just as a car manufacturer, but as a brand that supports ambition and forward-thinking ideas, leaving a lasting impression of empowerment.
The Legacy of Super Bowl Ads 2015
Looking back at the Super Bowl ads 2015, it's clear that this year was a significant one for advertising. We saw a continued evolution in how brands approached this massive platform. Storytelling became even more sophisticated, humor remained a crowd-pleaser, and innovation pushed creative boundaries. The ads that resonated most were those that tapped into genuine emotion, delivered laugh-out-loud moments, or offered a fresh, thought-provoking perspective. Budweiser's "Lost Dog" reminded us of the power of simple, heartfelt narratives. Doritos continued to prove that user-generated content could be hilarious and effective. And messages of empowerment, like Toyota's "My Bigger Idea," showed the potential for ads to inspire. Even the controversial ads, like Nationwide's "Make Safe Happen," sparked important conversations, demonstrating the Super Bowl's power to not only entertain but also provoke thought. The Super Bowl ads of 2015 set a high bar, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the advertising world. They weren't just commercials; they were cultural touchstones that are still remembered and discussed today. They reinforced the idea that during the Super Bowl, brands have a unique opportunity to connect with millions of people on a deeply personal level. The best ads from 2015 continue to serve as benchmarks for creativity, emotional resonance, and strategic messaging in advertising. It was a fantastic year for Super Bowl ads, guys, and it really set the stage for the even more ambitious campaigns we've seen since!