The 2026 Super Bowl was a spectacular display of advertising prowess, with some brands truly standing out from the crowd. The best commercials were those that effectively communicated their message while also resonating emotionally with viewers.
Google took top honors for its heartwarming ad showcasing the capabilities of its Gemini artificial intelligence service. The ad skillfully demonstrated how the platform could be used to envision a new home, complete with fresh paint, a redecorated child's bedroom, and a cozy garden. This approachable and relatable message earned Google an "A" grade from Kellogg's review panel.
Bosch also wowed audiences with its creative ad featuring Guy Fieri as himself. By highlighting the transformative power of Bosch appliances, the brand effectively connected with viewers on multiple levels. As MediaTwo's CEO Seth Hargrave put it, "Love him or hate him, this hits. The audience and timing are right (as I reach for more food), and the two-in-one messaging for both product lines absolutely makes the most of the investment."
Anthropic's ad for its Claude chatbot stood out as a refreshing alternative to the numerous AI-related ads that dominated Super Bowl 60. By poking fun at the limitations of AI, Anthropic successfully differentiated itself from competitors.
Levi's celebrated its iconic status with a simple yet effective commercial showcasing jeans in all their glory. The ad cleverly referenced James Brown's "Get Up Offa That Thing," which became an instant earworm for viewers.
Michelob Ultra's ad, "The ULTRA Instructor," was another standout. Starring actor Kurt Russell as a mysterious ski instructor, the spot showcased the brand's commitment to empowering consumers and fostering a sense of community.
Other notable mentions include the NFL's inspirational ad, Pepsi's clever use of polar bears in its blind taste test commercial, and TurboTax's tongue-in-cheek ad featuring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody. These ads successfully connected with viewers on various levels, from humor to inspiration.
However, not all commercials fared as well. Coinbase earned a failing grade for its unclear ad that failed to communicate the value proposition of its service. Ai.com also struggled to resonate with viewers due to its confusing messaging and lack of clarity about its product offerings.
The full list of Super Bowl commercial ratings reveals a range of creative approaches, from heartwarming storytelling to clever marketing ploys. Whether an ad scored high or low, it undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the overall viewing experience for millions of people around the world.
Google took top honors for its heartwarming ad showcasing the capabilities of its Gemini artificial intelligence service. The ad skillfully demonstrated how the platform could be used to envision a new home, complete with fresh paint, a redecorated child's bedroom, and a cozy garden. This approachable and relatable message earned Google an "A" grade from Kellogg's review panel.
Bosch also wowed audiences with its creative ad featuring Guy Fieri as himself. By highlighting the transformative power of Bosch appliances, the brand effectively connected with viewers on multiple levels. As MediaTwo's CEO Seth Hargrave put it, "Love him or hate him, this hits. The audience and timing are right (as I reach for more food), and the two-in-one messaging for both product lines absolutely makes the most of the investment."
Anthropic's ad for its Claude chatbot stood out as a refreshing alternative to the numerous AI-related ads that dominated Super Bowl 60. By poking fun at the limitations of AI, Anthropic successfully differentiated itself from competitors.
Levi's celebrated its iconic status with a simple yet effective commercial showcasing jeans in all their glory. The ad cleverly referenced James Brown's "Get Up Offa That Thing," which became an instant earworm for viewers.
Michelob Ultra's ad, "The ULTRA Instructor," was another standout. Starring actor Kurt Russell as a mysterious ski instructor, the spot showcased the brand's commitment to empowering consumers and fostering a sense of community.
Other notable mentions include the NFL's inspirational ad, Pepsi's clever use of polar bears in its blind taste test commercial, and TurboTax's tongue-in-cheek ad featuring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody. These ads successfully connected with viewers on various levels, from humor to inspiration.
However, not all commercials fared as well. Coinbase earned a failing grade for its unclear ad that failed to communicate the value proposition of its service. Ai.com also struggled to resonate with viewers due to its confusing messaging and lack of clarity about its product offerings.
The full list of Super Bowl commercial ratings reveals a range of creative approaches, from heartwarming storytelling to clever marketing ploys. Whether an ad scored high or low, it undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the overall viewing experience for millions of people around the world.