Our Favorite Big Game Ads from Super Bowl LIX

Our Favorite Big Game Ads 2025:

The Best, the Bold, and the Ones That Made Us Feel Something

Every year, the Super Bowl delivers its fair share of unforgettable ads—some hilarious, some heartfelt, and some that make you wonder what did I just watch? This year was no different. From celebrity cameos to AI-powered storytelling, brands pulled out all the stops to grab our attention (and justify those multi-million-dollar ad buys).

Some of the most talked-about ads included Dunkin’s Ben Affleck and Matt Damon boy band reunion, the hilariously weird M&M’s “mystery flavor” teaser, and a dramatic Apple ad that somehow made a charging cable feel like an emotional moment. But what can businesses actually learn from these ads?

Below are my six favorite Super Bowl ads from this year—not just because they were entertaining, but because they nailed key elements of great marketing. And, at the end, I’ll talk about how one of the commercials we worked on for Ace & Sons Fence Company aired during our local market’s Super Bowl coverage.

6. Live-Action Stitch on the Football Field

This ad aired early in the game, and it immediately grabbed attention—especially from my kids. Like my wife pointed out, it was a genius move to hook younger viewers right at kickoff. The live-action version of Stitch running onto the field, dodging security, and then playfully interacting with the players felt fresh and fun. It was pure Disney magic.

What can brands learn from the Stitch ad?

Timing matters. Placing this ad early got families engaged before kids lost interest in the game.
Nostalgia sells. Stitch is a beloved character, and bringing him into a live-action setting made longtime fans curious while exciting a new generation.
Fun doesn’t have to be complicated. This ad was simple, but it worked. Sometimes, all you need is a great character and a lighthearted moment.

5. Google Pixel’s ‘Dream Job’ Ad

Google showcased their new AI-powered Gemini feature in a way that felt real, not forced. The ad followed a nervous job seeker preparing for an interview, using Gemini to practice responses and boost confidence. It wasn’t flashy—it was relatable. And that’s what made it effective.

What can brands learn from the Google Pixel ad?

Demonstrate, don’t just tell. Instead of listing AI features, Google showed how its product could help someone in a real situation.
Emotion makes tech more human. The nervousness, the hopeful music, and the small moments of hesitation made this ad feel genuine.
Authenticity wins. The best ads don’t just sell a product—they tell a story we see ourselves in.

4. ‘No Reason to Hate’ with Snoop Dogg & Tom Brady

This ad hit hard. The pacing, the growing intensity of the insults, and the way Snoop and Brady expressed anger over real issues—not just football trash talk—made it powerful. Then came the gut-punch moment: “Man, I hate that things are so bad we have to do a commercial about it.” The ad ended with a soft piano outro and a simple on-screen message. Chills.

What can brands learn from the ‘No Reason to Hate’ ad?

Tension and contrast create impact. The sharp dialogue followed by a quiet, reflective moment made the message stand out.
A good tagline is everything. That one final line summed up the whole commercial in a way that stuck.
Social responsibility in advertising works—when it’s done right. This ad wasn’t forced; it felt necessary. That’s the difference.

3. Jeep’s ‘Harrison Ford’s Owners Manual’ Ad

Celebrity endorsements are everywhere, but this one stood out. Why? Because Harrison Ford didn’t feel like he was acting. His delivery was natural, and the script was spot-on. The ad combined old military footage with modern Jeep visuals, reinforcing the brand’s deep-rooted patriotism.

What can brands learn from Jeep’s Harrison Ford ad?

Authenticity is key. If you’re using a celebrity, make sure it feels natural—not just like a paycheck gig.
Good copywriting makes a difference. The script was clever, informative, and engaging.
Tap into legacy. Jeep leaned into its history and patriotic ties, which resonates with its audience.

2. Dove’s ‘These Legs’ Commercial

This ad was a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It started with a little girl joyfully running, with the text “At Age 3, these legs are unstoppable.” Then, the shift: “At 14, she’ll think they’re unbearable.” The realization hit hard. Dove’s message—changing how we talk to young girls—was simple but incredibly powerful.

What can brands learn from the Dove ad?

Minimalism can be powerful. No voiceover, no overproduction—just strong visuals and text.
Pacing matters. The ad eased in with joy, then made the emotional turn at the perfect moment.
Make people feel something. This ad wasn’t just about selling a product; it was about starting a conversation.

1. Rocket.com’s ‘Own The Dream’ Ad

This was the ad for me. From the very first note of Take Me Home playing softly in the background, it set an emotional tone. The mix of cinematic storytelling, hot mic moments, and seamless integration into the live game (when they played the song coming back from commercial break) made this ad incredibly memorable. And judging by the fact that my living room was singing along, I wasn’t the only one who felt it.

What can brands learn from the Rocket.com ad?

Music is a powerful tool. A great song can turn a commercial into a moment.
Hot mic moments feel real. The small, candid audio clips made everything feel more genuine.
Seamless brand integration sticks. By tying the ad into the live broadcast, Rocket made sure viewers wouldn’t forget it.

Local Spotlight: Ace & Sons Fence Company Super Bowl Ad

While national brands were airing their multimillion-dollar commercials, we were pumped to see one of our own projects make it into the big game—twice! The Ace & Sons Fence Company ad aired during our local market’s Super Bowl coverage, showcasing their Fences that Bring People Together campaign.

This was a great reminder that you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to make an impact during the Super Bowl. Local businesses can use regional ad slots to get in front of a massive audience at a fraction of the cost. And if the creative is strong? It stands out just as much as the big-budget spots.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Super Bowl ads proved (again) that great storytelling wins. Whether it was emotional, funny, or just plain cool, the best commercials made people feel something. And that’s what every brand—big or small—should aim for.

If you’re ready to make commercials that move people to act, we’d love to talk with you!