First, let me start by saying that this list is the world according to Jen. I know there will be disagreement here, but will offer my explanations with my choices. The most important thing to remember is that I will not put a commercial in my top 5 unless it motivated me to want to buy it or at least made me think about buying the product. After all, isn’t that what good marketing is about?
#1 – Audi Release the Hounds
I have never in my life thought about purchasing an Audi, that is, until now. This commercial makes this car seem sexy in that James Bond kind of way with a big dose of humor thrown in to make me giggle. It was also nice to see that Kenny G can poke a little fun at himself too.
#2 – Fast Five Movie Trailer
Ok, there are personal issues at work here for this one. My love of cool cars and my super huge crush on The Rock are the reason this commercial ranked so high. I enjoy the Fast and Furious movies and this sealed the deal that I would be there on opening day.
#3 – Homeaway.com
I am a parent with two small children and had a very bad experience at a hotel a week ago. This one spoke to me. I was on there today exploring options for my next vacation.
#4 – Chrysler – Imported From Detroit
There is just something about good storytelling. The idea of a city that has “been to hell and back” and ready to climb back to greatness is inspiring. They got my attention. If I were in the market for a car, I would go test drive one of these.
#5 – Verizon iPhone
I own an iPhone and am under contract with AT&T. Enough said.
Honorable Mentions
- McDonald’s Bears – super cute!
- Volkswagon Darth Vader – super cute, but the long version is better. I was talking about this one last week pre-Super Bowl, so I think of this one as more of a viral success.
- Rio trailer – Will definitely look into this when it comes out. Looks like it might be a good option for the kids.
- Norton Heart Attack Recovery – local Louisville commercial, great commercial. Very emotional.
- Bridgestone – Very entertaining on both commercials.
Dishonorable Mentions
- Groupon – You were the worst of the worst! Shame on you!
- Budweiser – What happened? I know you can do better than this!!! Your past stuff has been legendary. This year is forgettable.
- Coke – Not quite as bad as Bud, but you could do better too.
- Daytona 500 – Your Ferris Wheel commercial was terrible.
- GoDaddy – Seriously?!?! You are a great company with GREAT customer service. I love working with your staff there. Stop this madness!
- Sam Swope (local Louisville commercial) – You guys should focus more on the cars. I have always thought that, but last night made me think that even more.
Worst Images Associated with a Product
- Living Social – Guy changes into a lady from using your product. Is that really the message you want to leave with your football fan viewers?
- Doritos – That guy sucking on that other guy’s finger is still burned onto my brain. I may never eat Doritos again.
- Mini cooper “Cram it in the boot” – I don’t know what to say here. I’m speechless.
Don’t agree with my list? What were your favorites? Comments welcome.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I definitely agree with your “Worst” list–esp. the Doritos one. That was just nasty! I can’t believe it’s actually been picked as one of the favorites by many (immature?) people. My favorites were the Bud Light dog sitter house party (and I agree their other ads were nowhere near as good as previous years), the “House” spoof of the old Mean Joe Greene Coca-Cola ad, and the Darth Vader kid (agree the longer version is much better). The Detroit ad was very well done, and inspiring. All in all, this was one of, if not THE, worst crop of Super Bowl ads I can remember.
Oh, most of the movie trailers looked really good (yeah, Vin Diesel AND The Rock? Count me in!)–and were actually more entertaining than the commercials!
Hi Jamie – Thanks for the comments. I agree that the movie trailers were very good this year, even better than many of the other commercials. When I went through my notes, I found that I had 4 movie trailers in my top picks. I felt like I should only include one in the top five and Vin and The Rock sealed that deal, it wasn’t even fair. (sorry other movie trailers)
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