The game delivered the action, but the real competition happened during the commercial breaks. From celebrity-filled moments and bold humor to powerful storytelling and unforgettable creative, this year’s Super Bowl ads gave us plenty to talk about. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and a few instantly became fan favorites. Now it’s time for the ultimate face-off: the Siarza team goes head-to-head to debate, break down, and crown this year’s best commercial. Who takes the win? Let the debate begin.

Ed Kirson, Finance Manager

The Lay’s commercial may not have been framed as a direct political statement, but the casting choices felt meaningful and intentional. Seeing a father who appeared traditionally Caucasian pass his business on not only to a woman but to a Hispanic woman spoke volumes to me. It highlighted themes of legacy, evolving leadership, and the changing face of entrepreneurship in a subtle yet powerful way. Whether intentional or open to interpretation, the storytelling sparked conversation and added another layer of depth beyond the surface of a typical Super Bowl ad.

Gillian Felix, Web Development Coordinator

I liked the Backstreet Boys commercial simply because anything with BSB is automatically a good time. It tapped into that classic boy band charm while still feeling fresh and fun for a Super Bowl audience, proving that sometimes the best ads are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously and just let viewers enjoy the moment.

Justine Collister, Junior Account Executive

Kendall Jenner’s Fanatics Sportsbook commercial really stood out by leaning into self-aware humor and poking fun at the internet’s long-running “Kardashian curse” joke. Her nods to her dating history and big-game bets made it one of the most memorable commercials for me this year. What worked especially well was how the humor helped it stand out among all the other celebrity cameos. Instead of taking itself too seriously, it invited viewers in on the joke, which made it feel more fun and relatable.

Kristelle Siarza Moon, CEO

My favorite Super Bowl commercial this year wasn’t loud, sentimental, or trying to sell me nostalgia in a can. It was the Squarespace ad featuring Emma Stone—a beautifully surreal, cinematic flex that felt less like advertising and more like a short film that just happened to have a brand attached to it.

That said, I am deeply concerned about the number of laptops harmed in the making of this epic commercial. Somewhere, there must be a warehouse of cracked screens and bent aluminum quietly mourning their sacrifice in the name of creative excellence.

Renata Bonney, Photo & Video Coordinator

I loved the Pringles Super Bowl commercial with Sabrina Carpenter the most this year. The build-your-own boyfriend theme was very fitting for her and as a long time fan, it matched her energy and personality. Because she is so charming and self aware, it was one of the most interesting ads this year.

Marisa Graham, Client Services Manager

This year’s Super Bowl commercials left me a little underwhelmed. Overall, they felt short on creativity, which I think is largely due to the overwhelming number of ads for AI companies and betting platforms. With so many companies playing in the same space, it was hard to find originality or memorable storytelling in many of the ads this year. 

That said, one campaign that did break through the noise for me was Duolingo’s. By kicking off their campaign ahead of the Super Bowl across platforms, they built a clever, culturally relevant narrative that culminated during the game. Their push to get people to download the app so fans could better understand and participate in Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was smart, timely, and genuinely engaging. It’s a good example of how a simple idea can shine on a large advertising stage. 

Julia Starkey, Senior Account Executive

This year, I noticed two clear themes running through the commercials: nostalgia and AI. The nostalgic spots were far more effective, mainly because they created an emotional connection with the audience. My favorite was the Dunkin’ Donuts commercial, which featured a lineup of iconic throwback characters from the past two decades, with nods to Friends, Good Will Hunting, Seinfeld, Cheers, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and A Different World. The VHS-style intro immediately grabbed my attention, and seeing all these familiar stars come together made the ad feel exciting and memorable.

Now it’s your turn to decide which commercial was the best! The most impactful commercials go beyond big budgets and celebrity appearances by creating a genuine connection with their audience. The ads that truly stick with us combine creativity, emotion, and authenticity, whether through humor that makes us laugh, stories that make us feel something, or ideas that offer a fresh perspective. Strong campaigns also build momentum before the big game, turning commercials into cultural moments rather than just ad breaks. In today’s evolving advertising landscape, success is not just about promoting a product, it’s about creating an experience that sparks conversation and stays with viewers long after the final whistle.