Last year, (as seen in our press clippings) we helped the New York Times do a look back on Super Bowl ads from the past where the NYT did a little graphing to see what type of ad was most common each year, while showing at least one ad from every year since 1984. Sixteen of the 23 years ads were supplied by us from the 35 year strong Super Bowl ad collection a.k.a the Claymore project. Stuart Elliot's article Colts and Bears and Kevin Federline goes with the NYT graph.
Naturally we have all the ads (and more, hehe) that the NYT used in their fun graph - here are the ones they picked as standout ads from each year together with the ones that we think you should also see. Two minor mistakes in the grey lady - the year 2000 E*trade ad does not contain a monkey but a chimp, which is an ape. The Tabasco spot is from 1997, not 1998. I nitpick, I know. Links to commercials inside.
Adland's pick of super bowl commercials you shouldn't miss:
Apple - Lemmings (1985) - 0:60 (USA)
Unlike 1984 this ad is claimed to be universally hated - perhaps businessmen didn't want to be compared to lemmings. Personally, I like it.
Masterlock - (1976) - 0:30 (USA)
Masterlock used to rule the super bowl with their over the top demonstration ads. This one from 1976 kicked tush in its day.
Pepsi & Apple iTunes - I Fought the Law - (2004) 0:45 (USA)
Plenty hyped and spoofed, the Pepsi and iTunes combo gave you free music with every soda pop.
VW / Volkswagen GTI - Tree - long (2001) - 0:60 (USA)
We can only imagine the driving which landed the car in that tree.
Budweiser - Wassup - Alien (2001) - 0:60 (USA)
They spy on us. Mans best friend.
Quiznos Testing - "Blow Dart" - (2002) :30 (USA)
The truth about Focus groups.
Budweiser - Donkey - (2004) 0:60 (USA)
Aaaaaw!
The New York Times pick of Super Bowl ads - some of which we too adore. Some not.
Burger King - Herb the Nerd - 1986
Nissan Turbo Z - Dream - Outracing a jet.
1995 - Budweiser Frogs croak their way into our hearts.
1996 - Budweiser frogs out in the cold.
1997 - Tabasco Mosquito. (NYT actually has it under the wrong year.)
1999 - Monster "when I grow up"
1999 - Bud Light - Paper or plastic?
2000 - Etrade dancing chimp / Wasted 2 million
2000 - Pets.com - If you leave me now
2000 - Budweiser "Wassup" guy with girlfriend.
2002 - Monster - Mayor Rudy Giuliani
2004 - Frito-lay grandparents fight
2005 - Godaddy wardrobe malfunction
2005 - Fedex ten things - Burt Reynolds dances with bears
2005 - Anheuser-Busch - Heroes Salute
Which super bowl commercials do you think should go on the list?
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