Super Bowl Commercials 2017: The Best Of The Big Game

Hey guys! Let's rewind the tape back to 2017 and dive into one of the most talked-about aspects of any Super Bowl: the commercials! The Super Bowl isn't just about the touchdowns and the halftime show; it's a massive cultural event where brands splash out millions to capture our attention. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 lineup was no exception, serving up a mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and downright bizarre ads that had everyone buzzing. We're going to break down some of the standout commercials from that year, looking at what made them so memorable and if they actually paid off for the brands. So grab your snacks, settle in, and let's relive some of the most talked-about ads that defined Super Bowl LI.

The Big Game's Most Memorable Ads

When it comes to Super Bowl commercials 2017, there's always a bit of a gamble involved for advertisers. They invest fortunes, hoping their ad cuts through the noise and resonates with over 100 million viewers. Some nail it, creating instant classics that become part of pop culture. Others… well, they just become punchlines. In 2017, we saw a range of approaches. We had the funny ones that made us chuckle, the emotional ones that tugged at our heartstrings, and the ones that were just plain weird. One of the most discussed commercials was Mr. Clean's ad. Who would have thought a bald, buffed-up janitor could be so steamy? The ad cleverly played on the character's strength and cleaning power, showing him magically cleaning a dirty car with just a wipe of his hand, all while a woman admiringly washes the car with him. It was unexpected, slightly risqué, and incredibly memorable, generating tons of social media chatter. Then there was Audi's ad, "Daughter," which tackled a more serious theme. It featured a father and daughter driving, with the daughter questioning if she's as good as her brother. The ad subtly weaves in themes of gender equality and the car's features, ending with the father acknowledging his daughter's potential. It was a bold move to bring such a message to the Super Bowl stage, and it certainly sparked conversation, though some found it a bit heavy-handed for the typical Super Bowl ad. We also saw big players like Budweiser, who consistently deliver ads that aim for patriotism and emotion. Their 2017 ad, "Born the Hard Way," told the story of their immigrant founder, Budweiser's commitment to diversity, and the American dream. It was a powerful, cinematic ad that resonated with many, especially given the socio-political climate of the time. These commercials weren't just about selling a product; they were about telling stories, making statements, and connecting with viewers on a deeper level. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 truly offered something for everyone, proving once again that the ad breaks are just as much a part of the game as the football itself.

Humor and Heart: Standout Commercials from 2017

Let's get real, guys. When you're watching the Super Bowl, you're often with a crowd, maybe a few drinks in, and you want to be entertained. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 definitely delivered on the entertainment front, especially with their comedic offerings. One of the absolute highlights that had everyone talking was the Intel "Super Bowl x Athlete" ad. This one featured Tom Brady recreating some of his iconic moments, but with a futuristic, high-tech twist thanks to Intel's technology. It was slick, impressive, and made you feel the power of innovation. But if we're talking pure, laugh-out-loud humor, Honda's "Honda CR-V: The]::Song" commercial was a winner. It featured Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage singing Golden Earring's "Radar Love" in a surprisingly, hilariously good way, while driving the new CR-V. The contrast between his intense character and the joyful singing was pure comedic genius. Another brand that always brings the funny is Bud Light. In 2017, they had an ad featuring a bar full of people who were all mysteriously drinking Bud Light, even a dog. The humor was simple but effective, playing on the idea of universal appeal. And who can forget T-Mobile's ad featuring Justin Bieber? They poked fun at other carriers' data charges and contracts with Bieber "apologizing" for all the expensive data plans he's been on. It was a clever, self-aware ad that tapped into pop culture and celebrity power. Beyond the laughs, there were ads that aimed straight for the feels. Airbnb's ad, "We All Belong," was a powerful statement of inclusion during a time of increased division. It featured diverse people saying "I accept" in different languages, promoting their message of belonging anywhere. It was a stark contrast to the usual high-energy ads and really made an impact. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 showed that brands could be both funny and meaningful. They used humor to grab attention, but many also used their platform to convey important messages, whether it was about equality, inclusion, or simply the joy of sharing a product. It was a masterclass in how to capture the attention of a massive audience by appealing to both our sense of humor and our sense of heart.

Brands That Took Risks and Reaped Rewards

Super Bowl advertising is all about taking risks, right? You've got one shot to make an impression on a huge audience, and sometimes, the unconventional approach is the one that sticks. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 were a prime example of brands daring to be different and, for the most part, succeeding. One of the biggest risk-takers, and arguably one of the biggest winners, was Mr. Clean. As mentioned earlier, their ad featuring the buffed-up Mr. Clean getting flirty while cleaning was a bold move. It was unexpected, a little bit cheeky, and definitely talked about. The risk paid off because it was so different from anything else on air, making the brand instantly relevant and memorable for a new generation, while also reminding older viewers of the iconic character. Another brand that often plays it safe is Coca-Cola, but in 2017, they took a slightly different angle with their "America the Beautiful" ad. Instead of showcasing their product, they featured the iconic song sung in various languages by people from diverse backgrounds. It was a subtle nod to inclusivity and the melting pot of America, a quiet but powerful statement that stood out. While not strictly a Super Bowl commercial in the traditional sense, Google's "Parisian Love" ad from a few years prior often gets brought up in discussions about impactful Super Bowl ads because of its emotional storytelling. In 2017, Google continued to showcase how its products help people connect. Their ad about a man using Google to plan a trip to Paris for his girlfriend was incredibly sweet and romantic, highlighting the search engine's role in making dreams come true. It was less about a hard sell and more about evoking emotion and demonstrating utility. Then there were the tech giants. Companies like Intel and NVIDIA often showcase their powerful processors and graphics cards, which can be a tough sell for the average viewer. However, in 2017, they found ways to make it exciting. Intel, for instance, partnered with athletes and used their technology to create visually stunning ads that demonstrated the future of sports and entertainment. The Super Bowl commercials 2017 proved that taking a creative risk, whether it's through humor, emotion, or a strong social message, could lead to significant brand recognition and positive buzz. It wasn't just about having the biggest budget; it was about having the smartest, most engaging idea that could capture the attention of millions.

The Legacy of Super Bowl LI's Advertising

The Super Bowl commercials 2017 left a lasting impression, solidifying the game as a premier advertising platform. The ads from Super Bowl LI weren't just fleeting moments; they influenced subsequent advertising strategies and continue to be remembered for their creativity and impact. Brands learned valuable lessons from the successes and, let's be honest, the occasional flops. The emphasis on storytelling, emotional connection, and timely social commentary became even more pronounced in the years that followed. The Mr. Clean ad, for example, showed that brands could be daring and even a bit provocative to gain attention, a lesson many others took to heart. Audi's "Daughter" commercial highlighted the power of using the Super Bowl stage to address social issues, paving the way for more brands to take a stand. Budweiser's consistently emotional and patriotic ads continued to resonate, proving that tapping into national pride can be a winning formula. The sheer variety of Super Bowl commercials 2017 also demonstrated the evolving landscape of advertising. From celebrity endorsements to animated characters, from heartwarming narratives to outright slapstick comedy, there was a format for every brand's message. The success of these ads wasn't just measured in views during the game but in the extended conversations they sparked online and in the media for weeks afterward. This