In the glitzy world of Super Bowl commercials, 2024 belonged to the celebrities. State Farm’s ‘Like a Good Neighbaaa’ ad, featuring the unlikely duo of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, took the top spot in USA Today’s Ad Meter competition with a score of 6.68. But they weren’t the only stars who shone brightly during the big game.
This year’s Super Bowl ads were dominated by a parade of famous faces. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon teamed up with Tom Brady for a humorous spot for Dunkin’. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck starred in a romantic ad for Dunkin’ that had fans buzzing. The Beckhams made an appearance in an Uber Eats commercial, while Verizon enlisted Beyoncé for their ad.
Nostalgia was also a major theme in this year’s Super Bowl ads. Google’s emotional ad, featuring a man using Google tools to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart, was a standout. The ad tugged at viewers’ heartstrings and showcased the power of technology to bring people together.
Dove’s ad promoting body confidence for young girls was another emotional highlight. The ad featured a diverse group of girls discussing their insecurities and learning to embrace their bodies. The ad was a powerful reminder of the importance of body positivity and self-love.
While many brands scored big with their Super Bowl ads, there were also some missed opportunities. Some ads, like Temu’s Chinese e-commerce ad, received extensive social media attention but were met with negative feedback. Others, like the NFL’s ad, failed to make a lasting impression.
Despite these misses, the overall consensus was that this year’s Super Bowl ads were a success. Brands aimed to avoid controversy following the backlash faced by Bud Light in 2023 over a social media promotion with a transgender influencer. Instead, they focused on entertainment and creativity, with a heavy emphasis on celebrity power.
As the confetti settled and the final whistle blew, it was clear that the Super Bowl ads of 2024 were a celebration of star power and storytelling. With companies paying a reported $7 million per 30-second spot, the stakes were high. But the brands that took risks and embraced creativity were rewarded with memorable ads that resonated with viewers.
From Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito’s hilarious State Farm ad to Google’s heartwarming reunion story, this year’s Super Bowl ads were a testament to the power of great storytelling. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Super Bowl will remain a premier showcase for the best and brightest in advertising.
