The 2026 Super Bowl wasn’t just about the game—it was a cultural phenomenon, a night where advertising genius collided with star power to create moments that left us laughing, crying, and reaching for our wallets. But let’s be real: most of us were there for the Bad Bunny halftime show and the commercials. And this year, the ads did not disappoint. With cameos from Emma Stone, Charli XCX, Andy Samberg, Taika Waititi, and more, the 2026 Super Bowl commercials were a masterclass in creativity, nostalgia, and sheer entertainment. Here’s a deep dive into the 10 best ads that had us talking long after the final whistle.
1. Emma Stone for Squarespace
Ever wondered what Emma Stone would look like in a Super Bowl ad instead of a Yorgos Lanthimos film? Wonder no more. Directed by Lanthimos himself, this spot is a hilarious fake PSA that feels both jarring and utterly delightful. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a brilliant use of Stone’s talent, or does it feel like a mismatch? You decide.
2. Charli XCX and Rachel Sennott for Poppi
I’ll admit it: I’ve never tried Poppi prebiotic soda. But after seeing Charli XCX and Rachel Sennott in their Super Bowl ad, I’m tempted. And this is the part most people miss: The ad isn’t just funny—it’s a smart play on the influencer-driven market. Are we being sold a product, or a lifestyle? Let’s discuss.
3. Backstreet Boys for T-Mobile
Millennial nostalgia is a powerful drug, and T-Mobile knows it. Featuring the Backstreet Boys, this ad is a blatant—yet effective—trip down memory lane. But here’s the question: Is this a genuine celebration of the 2000s, or just a cynical ploy to tug at our heartstrings? Sound off in the comments.
4. Elijah Wood for Skittles
Fresh from his hilarious cameo on I Love LA, Elijah Wood is now shilling for Skittles—complete with a curly wig and unicorn horn. It’s absurd, it’s fun, and it’s exactly what a candy ad should be. But wait—is this ad too weird, or just weird enough?
5. Sabrina Carpenter for Pringles
Sabrina Carpenter’s Super Bowl spot starts with a relatable complaint: “I’m so tired of boys. I need a man.” What follows is a bizarre yet charming romance with a man-shaped pile of Pringles. Here’s the kicker: Is this ad genius, or just plain odd? You be the judge.
6. Lay’s
This ad is a tearjerker disguised as a chips commercial. With a heartfelt father-daughter message, it’s the kind of storytelling that makes you forget you’re being sold a snack. But let’s ask the tough question: Are we being manipulated, or is this just great advertising?
7. Taika Waititi for Pepsi
A polar bear in therapy? Yes, you read that right. Taika Waititi’s Pepsi ad is so absurdly creative that it deserves every award imaginable. But here’s the debate: Is this ad too out there, or is it the perfect blend of humor and heart?
8. Ben Stiller and Benson Boone for Instacart
Directed by Spike Jonze, this Instacart ad features Ben Stiller doing a silly voice and dance. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s technically enriching (if you consider Spike Jonze a cultural icon). But the real question is: Does this ad make you want to use Instacart, or just watch it on repeat?
9. Andy Samberg and Elle Fanning for Hellmann’s
Filmed at L.A.’s iconic Canter’s Deli, this mayo ad is a love letter to sandwiches—and Andy Samberg’s rewrite of “Sweet Caroline” is inexplicably catchy. But here’s the controversy: Is this ad too niche, or is it a perfect blend of local charm and star power?
10. Adrien Brody for TurboTax
Adrien Brody in a black-and-white suit, extolling the virtues of TurboTax? It’s as over-the-top as it sounds, but somehow, it works. The real question, though: Is this ad trying too hard, or is it a brilliant use of Brody’s dramatic flair?
Final Thoughts: The 2026 Super Bowl commercials were a testament to the power of storytelling, star power, and sheer creativity. But what did you think? Were these ads genius, or just expensive noise? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—I want to hear your take!
