High Five: Animated Super Bowls Ads with a Great Game Plan

Two American icons, Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan, join forces to put some basketball bullies in their place in this mixed-media masterpiece. While the goons and MJ are live-action, Bugs and most gags are animated, allowing for perfectly timed, over-the-top, cartoon-like physical comedy. This commercial was so well done it launched not only a movie ('Space Jam') but also a sneaker line (Nike Air Jordan 'Hare' series).

Budweiser has had many successful Super Bowl ads, but none as famous as its three rhythmically croaking frogs. Named 'one of the most iconic alcohol campaigns in advertising history' by Ad Week, this memorable spot quickly became a pop culture phenomenon sparking a series of commercials and even resulted in merchandise. The first Budweiser 'Frogs' commercial was created by David Swaine and directed by Gore Verbinski, who went on to direct the first 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film. The animatronic frogs were created by Stan Winston’s company, the same team that worked on the 'Terminator' and 'Jurassic Park' films, which I love. While technically not animated in the traditional sense, I felt this fit the bill.

This well-received ad is, well, priceless. Based on the award-winning 'Priceless' campaign, this version follows Homer Simpson running typical errands around Springfield, calculating costs using his trusted Mastercard while the more responsible narrator contradicts his selfish purchases. The commercial ends with Homer ordering a beer at his favourite watering hole, Moe’s Tavern, when the narrator interjects: "Getting your errands done quicker and spending more time with your family - priceless." causing an annoyed Homer to head home. You can’t lose with the beloved Simpsons.

This one plucked on the nostalgic heartstrings. MetLife was known for using the Peanuts gang to represent its brand, which is how this ad began. However, many classic Saturday morning cartoon characters from decades ago join Charlie Brown and co to represent all people - or 'everyone'. I’m a sucker for a television cross-over, so I was all in. Seeing He-Man, the Fat Albert crew and Grape Ape on the same screen made me smile.

Disclaimer: this ad did not air during the Super Bowl, but there was a sweeping month-long campaign that coincided with pro football’s biggest game. In this 3D animated spot, two teams of delicious pretzel nuggets square off in the tastiest match in all of sports snacking. The big dawg defence of the Mini Dawgs versus the sweet, swift speed of Cinn & Sugar. It’s an all-out flavourful free-for-all! Animated by Primal Screen’s seasoned team of artists, this commercial has it all - action, suspense, pretzel cheerleaders and a melted 'cheese bath' for the winning team!