When the game clock stops, the real show begins – the Super Bowl commercials. In 2024, the battle for attention was fiercer than ever, with iconic stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito teaming up for State Farm’s hilarious “Like a Good Neighbaaa,” crowned the fan favorite. From the royal lineup in Dunkin’s “The DunKings” to BMW’s quirky “Talkin’ Like Walken,” these ads didn’t just sell products; they sparked conversations and stole the spotlight. Dive into the best Super Bowl commercials of 2024, where creativity, humor, and star power collided on the biggest stage in entertainment.
The Super Bowl may be the annual culmination of the NFL season, but it has also long since swelled into being a stage for all sorts of matters of cultural importance. There’s the adorable Puppy Bowl, and a kid-friendly Nickelodeon presence complete with a SpongeBob concert inspired by “Band Geeks.” But one of the most important ancillary Super Bowl draws is all of the high-budget commercials and trailers that launch alongside the event. These ads range from actively cringe to genuinely clever, so we’ve collected this year’s highlights.
Leave Christopher Walken alone
The BMW Super Bowl commercial “Talkin’ Like Walken” humorously captures the frustration of Christopher Walken as everyone around him imitates his distinctive voice and speech pattern throughout his day. From the valet to the barista, and even Usher, the Super Bowl halftime performer, all mimic Walken, leading to his annoyed plea, “Don’t you got somewhere to be?” The ad cleverly showcases the new BMW 5 Series and the all-electric i5, emphasizing that just like Walken’s unique persona, the car stands out as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” amid imitators. This spot blends star power, humor, and a nod to electric vehicles, making it a memorable highlight of the 2024 Super Bowl commercials.
This ad from BMW stars Christopher Walken, and the car itself plays a supporting role to the legendary actor as he goes about a day in his life. The ad depicts a kind of hell where everywhere Walken goes, he is bombarded by people doing poor impressions of his iconic cadence to his face. It’s a cute premise, bolstered by a cameo by R&B star and Super Bowl halftime headliner Usher that suggests the two have some kind of low-level, long-running animosity.
Aliens among us
One of the standout themes in the 2024 Super Bowl commercials was the playful and imaginative portrayal of aliens among us. A memorable ad directed by Martin Scorsese for Squarespace humorously depicted extraterrestrials landing on Earth, only to be largely ignored as people remained glued to their phones watching cat videos. This clever take highlighted how digital distraction can overshadow even the most extraordinary events, with the only way to capture attention being through a surprising website launch. This ad captured the tongue-in-cheek spirit of the game day commercials, blending sci-fi elements with modern digital culture in a way that entertained and engaged viewers.
Squarespace is a continual presence in my daily internet life; nearly every YouTuber I like has gone out of their way to accept a sponsorship from the website host. But what if Squarespace could sell itself through a big, cinematic story? Hello Down There is a short film directed by Martin Scorsese, showing a world where aliens have fully revealed themselves to humanity. but no one notices, because they’re on their smartphones! Luckily, the aliens can use Squarespace to get everyone to look up and pay attention.
Scrubs stars reunited (plus Jason Momoa)
Former Scrubs stars Donald Faison and Zach Braff reunited in a lively 2024 Super Bowl commercial alongside Jason Momoa. In the ad for T-Mobile’s 5G home internet, the duo serenades Momoa with an ’80s-style musical number inspired by Flashdance, convincing him to switch providers. Momoa surprises with his own singing and a backflip, adding to the fun energy. This reunion highlights the enduring camaraderie between Faison and Braff, who are real-life friends, while showcasing a playful side of Momoa not often seen in his dramatic roles.
Scrubs stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison show up to welcome new neighbor Jason Momoa to the neighborhood with a song and dance about how great T-Mobile is. This commercial mostly serves as a reminder of just how gosh darn charming Momoa is – although, if I were more of a Scrubs fan, maybe I’d be jazzed to see the sitcom star reunion.
Baja Blast truly makes everything tolerable
Mountain Dew’s Baja Blast truly makes everything tolerable by injecting a burst of tropical lime flavor into even the most mundane or challenging moments. In the 2024 Super Bowl commercial, Aubrey Plaza’s deadpan charm shines as she enjoys Baja Blast while stuck in an elevator, at a kids’ party, or even after getting body slammed at a wrestling event. The ad humorously suggests that no matter the situation-whether it’s a minor annoyance or an unexpected adventure-Baja Blast turns it into a “blast,” making every experience more enjoyable and bearable. This playful, feel-good vibe is amplified by the surprise dragon ride with Nick Offerman, symbolizing how Baja Blast elevates ordinary moments to something extraordinary.
You could argue the whole “sitcom stars reunite in a wacky setting celebrating a corporate product” was done better by Mountain Dew, which showcases Aubrey Plaza sipping on the ultimate gamer elixir known as Baja Blast in a variety of settings. Parks and Recreation co-star Nick Offerman arrives, riding a dragon. It’s the sort of silly, cotton-candy premise that mostly works due to how enjoyable it is to see Plaza and Offerman on screen in any context.
Chris Pratt? More like Chris Pringles
Chris Pratt steals the snack spotlight in Pringles’ 2024 Super Bowl commercial by stepping into the iconic role of Mr. P, the mustached mascot known for his signature look. Sporting a carefully groomed mustache that curls just like Mr. P’s, Pratt humorously embraces his uncanny resemblance to the Pringles can character, turning the ad into a playful blend of Hollywood charm and snack-time fun. The commercial cleverly plays with the idea of Pratt’s transformation going viral, culminating in a larger-than-life billboard featuring his mustachioed face, making “Chris Pringles” a memorable and entertaining highlight of this year’s Big Game ads.
If I had a nickel for every 2024 Super Bowl ad starring a former Parks and Recreation star enjoying some kind of snack food, well, I’d have two nickels. Chris Pratt, fresh off starring as Mario, grows a mustache. This makes everyone around him realize he looks like the Pringles mascot, and he is peer-pressured into accepting the role. My immersion was only briefly broken by the idea that there is a role Chris Pratt might actually want to decline.
A multitude of Tinas Fey
Booking.com’s 2024 Super Bowl commercial, starring Tina Fey, brilliantly showcases a “multitude of Tinas” as the comedian imagines herself in various vacation scenarios with the help of body doubles. This humorous and star-studded ad features cameos from her “30 Rock” co-stars Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer, as well as Glenn Close, who humorously portrays a version of Tina Fey riding a horse. The commercial’s clever concept revolves around Booking.com’s mantra, “book whoever you want to be,” highlighting the platform’s vast accommodation options and inspiring viewers to explore different facets of themselves through travel. This ad was the most-watched commercial of Super Bowl LVIII, captivating audiences with its wit and celebrity charm.
You’ve heard of the multiverse, but what about the Tina Fey-verse? Tina Fey hires a variety of body doubles so she can hit all of the amazing places she wants to go via Booking.com. Glenn Close also shows up, because why have one unexpected star for your Super Bowl spot when you can have two?
Paramount’s expedition continues
Paramount’s expedition continues
Paramount+ delivered another memorable Super Bowl commercial in 2024, continuing its whimsical “Paramount Mountain” campaign by assembling a star-studded and eclectic cast of characters. This year’s spot featured Sir Patrick Stewart, Drew Barrymore, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and beloved animated icons like Hey Arnold and Peppa Pig, all facing an icy impasse on their ascent up the mountain. In a humorous twist, Stewart suggests launching Arnold-whose football-shaped head makes him the perfect projectile-up the cliff to reach new heights, while Creed’s “Higher” blares in the background. The commercial’s blend of nostalgia, celebrity cameos, and absurd teamwork not only showcased the diverse content on Paramount+ but also cemented the brand’s reputation for playful, cinematic Super Bowl ads.
Paramount Plus isn’t the most coveted streaming service around, but this Super Bowl ad actually warmed my heart. The stars of various Paramount properties have gathered around a mountain, and they are trying to toss a grappling hook up a steep incline. Arnold (from Hey Arnold!) is roped into wacky shenanigans by Patrick Stewart, Drew Barrymore, and Knuckles – yes, the Knuckles from Sonic the Hedgehog. Creed shows up to preside over the antics, and the whole thing is so silly and surreal it actually kind of works. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for seeing Master Chief hanging out with Knuckles and the guy who hosts Survivor.
Michael Cera sells us on Cerave
Michael Cera steals the spotlight in CeraVe’s memorable Super Bowl LVIII commercial by humorously blending his persona with the skincare brand. In the ad, dubbed “Michael CeraVe,” he whimsically claims to have developed the moisturizing cream, taking viewers on a surreal and playful journey filled with dramatic scenes and quirky moments, including a dolphin-unicorn hybrid. The commercial cleverly plays on the similarity between his name and the brand, ending with Cera pitching his wild ad idea to a skeptical team of dermatologists. This satirical and creative approach not only entertained audiences but also sparked widespread acclaim, with many calling it one of the best Super Bowl ads in years. The campaign effectively combined humor, mystery, and engagement, reinforcing CeraVe’s image as a therapeutic skincare brand for all, while leveraging Michael Cera’s unique charm to capture attention on the biggest advertising stage.
Michael Cera has been acting up for weeks on TikTok. Out of nowhere, popular influencers started mentioning him in videos and people shared videos where he distributed Cerave products across New York. Now we know that these shenanigans have all been a part of a larger promotional campaign for the skin care company, Cerave. The running joke is that this celebrity endorsement has made sense because the actor’s last name, Cera, sounds just like Cerave. It’s not the funniest commercial in the world, but I have a soft spot for pretty much any project I see the actor tied to. –Ana Diaz
Pluto TV’s couch potatoes
Pluto TV’s “Couch Potato Farms” Super Bowl commercial delivered a memorably quirky take on TV fandom, literally growing human couch potatoes in a field as they binge on Pluto TV’s vast, free content. The spot, created by Haymaker and directed by Stacy Wall, features people in oversized potato costumes lounging in the dirt, glued to their screens and reveling in everything from reality TV drama to romantic thrillers, all while farmers plant TVs to “feed” them the latest shows. With lines like “I love romance, but I also love murder. I like romantic murders,” the ad pokes fun at the endless variety of tastes Pluto TV caters to, positioning itself as the streaming service for anyone who just wants to kick back and enjoy TV the way it’s supposed to be: simple, free, and fun.
Here’s a cute idea executed well, as Pluto TV’s ad is a parody of farmer-focused commercials, but about couch potatoes. What really sells this one is the committed performance of the gruff farmers, but the happy people potatoes don’t hurt.
Ben Affleck tries to help J-Lo at work
Ben Affleck’s comedic attempt to “help” Jennifer Lopez at work was a highlight of Dunkin’s 2024 Super Bowl commercial. In the spot, Affleck bursts into Lopez’s recording studio with his star-studded boy band, The DunKings-featuring Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and Jack Harlow-hoping to impress her with their over-the-top performance and win a spot on her album. Lopez, however, is less than thrilled by the spectacle, offering a mix of amusement and embarrassment as Affleck earnestly sings and dances alongside his friends. The ad, orchestrated by Affleck himself, playfully flips the script on their celebrity dynamic, with Affleck crashing Lopez’s professional world after she visited his Dunkin’ workplace in a previous commercial.
Ben Affleck and Dunkin’ have done some fun Super Bowl commercials over the years. This time, he teams up with good friend Matt Damon and Boston sports legend Tom Brady for The Dunkings, his attempt at a music group to “help out” his wife Jennifer Lopez as she records some new tracks. Damon’s particularly funny here as he plays the beleaguered friend who may have been asked for one favor too many. –Pete Volk
Discover the top Super Bowl commercials of 2024 that had everyone talking
The 2024 Super Bowl commercials had everyone buzzing, with State Farm’s “Like a Good Neighbaaa” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito taking the top spot in the USA TODAY Ad Meter. Fans also loved Dunkin’s star-studded “The DunKings” featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, while BMW’s quirky “Talkin’ Like Walken” and Coors Light’s nostalgic “Chill Train” kept the laughs and tunes coming. From iconic TV reunions to musical cameos by Ice Spice and Beyoncé, this year’s ads combined humor, star power, and creativity to make the commercial breaks just as thrilling as the game itself.
Which Super Bowl 2024 commercial featured the most iconic TV show reunions
The Super Bowl 2024 commercial that featured the most iconic TV show reunions was the Uber Eats ad starring Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer as Ross and Rachel from Friends, delivering a hilarious memory-loss twist. Alongside this, the commercial lineup included reunions from Parks and Recreation with Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman, 30 Rock with Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer, and multiple Suits cast members in e.l.f. cosmetics and T-Mobile ads. These mini reunions brought together beloved casts, making the commercial breaks a nostalgic celebration of TV history.
