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Super Bowl 2025- Battle of the Beer Commercials

Here’s a comparative ranking of Michelob ULTRA, Budweiser and Stella Artois Super Bowl ads- based on key creative aspects:

🏆 Overall Ranking

 

1️⃣ Michelob ULTRA – ‘The ULTRA Hustle’ 🥇 (4.9/5)

2️⃣ Budweiser – ‘First Delivery’ 🥈 (4.8/5)

3️⃣ Stella Artois – ‘David & Dave: The Other David’ 🥉 (4/5)

 

🔍 Category Breakdown

 

Category Michelob ULTRA (4.9) Budweiser (4.8) Stella Artois (4.0)
Visual Design 🎥 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Messaging & Story 📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Target Audience Fit 🎯 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Likelihood to Be Shared 🔁 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
Brand Perception 🏆 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Super Bowl Effectiveness 🏈 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

 

🏅 Analysis & Takeaways

 

🥇 Michelob ULTRA – ‘The ULTRA Hustle’

✅ Best for younger audiences, social media, and modern branding
✅ High-energy hustle culture + aspirational appeal
✅ Most shareable ad—perfect for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Twitter
❌ Could have added a stronger emotional story for longevity

 

🥈 Budweiser – ‘First Delivery’

 

✅ Classic Americana nostalgia—hits Super Bowl tradition perfectly
✅ Clydesdales + iconic Budweiser delivery = instantly recognizable
✅ Emotional connection with longtime fans
❌ Not as viral or “fresh” as Michelob ULTRA

 

🥉 Stella Artois – ‘David & Dave: The Other David’

 

✅ Elegant, premium brand image reinforced
✅ Celebrity (David Beckham) adds appeal
✅ Subtle humor, great for luxury branding
❌ Lacks the punch or broad appeal of the other two
❌ Not as high-energy or engaging for the Super Bowl crowd

 

🏁 Final Thoughts

 

  • Michelob ULTRA wins in energy, social sharing, and aspirational branding.
  • Budweiser wins in nostalgia and emotional storytelling.
  • Stella Artois is strong but lacks mass Super Bowl appeal.

 

Here are the individual ads along with their analysis.

 

Budweiser – Super Bowl LIX ‘First Delivery’

 

1. Design & Visuals

  • Cinematography: Classic Budweiser aesthetic—rich, warm lighting and rugged Americana visuals.
  • Set & Props: Features the iconic Clydesdale horses, a Budweiser truck, and a small-town setting, reinforcing a timeless American brand image.
  • Wardrobe & Casting: Blue-collar workers and rural settings emphasize a hardworking, everyday hero theme.
  • Overall Look & Feel: Nostalgic, strong, and deeply rooted in Budweiser’s heritage branding.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

2. Messaging & Storyline

  • Concept: The first beer delivery of the season with Budweiser’s Clydesdales leading the charge.
  • Brand Positioning: Reinforces Budweiser as America’s beer, deeply connected to tradition and community.
  • Emotional Hook: Nostalgia and pride—viewers feel a sense of belonging and legacy.
  • Call-to-Action: More implied than direct—the ad leans on heritage and trust rather than an explicit message.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

3. Target Audience & Age Appeal

  • Primary Target: Ages 25-55, especially blue-collar workers, rural audiences, and long-time Budweiser drinkers.
  • Secondary Audience: People who appreciate American nostalgia and tradition.
  • Super Bowl Fit: Perfect match—Super Bowl audiences tend to appreciate classic Americana themes, and Budweiser delivers exactly that.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

4. Likelihood to be Shared

  • Viral Potential: Moderate. While not humorous, it’s emotional and nostalgic, which can drive strong engagement.
  • Social Media Fit: More Facebook and Twitter-friendly than TikTok/Instagram since it appeals to an older demographic.
  • Word-of-Mouth: Strong among longtime Budweiser fans.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

5. Brand Perception Impact

  • Strengthens Budweiser’s Core Identity: Deeply rooted in American tradition.
  • Memorability: Very strong, thanks to the Clydesdales and the classic delivery theme.
  • Distinctiveness: Recognizable, though Budweiser has done similar ads before.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

6. Overall Effectiveness for the Super Bowl Audience

  • Pros:
    • Deeply emotional & nostalgic—resonates with core Budweiser fans.
    • Clydesdales = instant brand recognition.
    • Perfectly aligned with Super Bowl’s Americana-loving audience.
  • Cons:
    • Not as shareable as humor-driven Super Bowl ads.
    • Feels familiar (Budweiser has done many similar ads over the years).

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Final Score: 4.8/5

  • A near-perfect execution of Budweiser’s legacy branding.
  • Highly effective for the Super Bowl audience—nostalgia, pride, and Clydesdales all reinforce Budweiser’s role as “America’s beer.”
  • Could be slightly more innovative, but sticking to a winning formula isn’t a bad thing.

 

Michelob ULTRA – ‘The ULTRA Hustle’ Super Bowl LIX

 

1. Design & Visuals

  • Cinematography: The ad has a modern, high-energy aesthetic with fast cuts, smooth transitions, and vibrant cityscapes.
  • Set & Props: Showcases a dynamic sports and nightlife culture, blending fitness with fun.
  • Wardrobe & Casting: Features stylish, athletic figures—a clear nod to Michelob ULTRA’s low-calorie, fitness-conscious branding.
  • Overall Look & Feel: Sleek, fast-paced, and aspirational.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

2. Messaging & Storyline

  • Concept: A high-energy hustle-and-grind montage featuring athletes, nightlife, and urban settings—showing Michelob ULTRA as the go-to beer for active, social drinkers.
  • Brand Positioning: Reinforces Michelob ULTRA as a lifestyle brand for fitness-conscious, socially active consumers.
  • Emotional Hook: The hustle culture theme connects with ambitious, work-hard-play-hard consumers.
  • Call-to-Action: Encourages viewers to enjoy a beer without sacrificing their active lifestyle.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

3. Target Audience & Age Appeal

  • Primary Target: Ages 21-40, fitness enthusiasts, urban professionals, and active socializers.
  • Secondary Audience: Millennials and Gen Z who prioritize health and social experiences.
  • Super Bowl Fit: Perfect for younger audiences, especially those interested in fitness, nightlife, and modern lifestyles.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

4. Likelihood to be Shared

  • Viral Potential: High. The fast-paced editing, stylish visuals, and aspirational message make it Instagram and TikTok-friendly.
  • Social Media Fit: Excellent—this type of ad works well in short clips, GIFs, and story formats.
  • Word-of-Mouth: Strong among fitness and social lifestyle communities.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

5. Brand Perception Impact

  • Elevates Michelob ULTRA’s modern, active image: The ad reinforces the brand as cool, contemporary, and health-conscious.
  • Memorability: Very strong due to its high energy and stylish execution.
  • Distinctiveness: Stands out from traditional beer ads by positioning Michelob ULTRA as an active lifestyle choice rather than just another drink.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

6. Overall Effectiveness for the Super Bowl Audience

  • Pros:
    • Fast-paced and engaging—perfect for modern Super Bowl viewers.
    • Taps into key trends: fitness, nightlife, hustle culture.
    • Great for younger audiences and social sharing.
  • Cons:
    • Might not resonate as strongly with older audiences who prefer classic beer branding (e.g., Budweiser’s nostalgia).
    • Lacks a strong emotional hook compared to storytelling-driven Super Bowl ads.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Final Score: 4.9/5

  • Arguably one of the best-executed Super Bowl ads for a younger audience.
  • Stylish, aspirational, and shareable, reinforcing Michelob ULTRA’s modern lifestyle branding.
  • Could have used a stronger emotional arc, but overall a near-perfect execution.

Stella Artois – David & Dave: The Other David

 

1. Design & Visuals

  • Cinematography: The ad has a high-end cinematic feel, using soft lighting and warm colors to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication.
  • Set & Props: It features a stylish, possibly European-inspired bar or social setting, reinforcing the brand’s premium lifestyle image.
  • Wardrobe & Casting: David Beckham and another David are well-dressed, aligning with Stella Artois’ sophisticated branding.
  • Overall Look & Feel: Polished, premium, and social.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

2. Messaging & Storyline

  • Concept: The ad humorously plays on the idea of “The Other David”, setting up a lighthearted exchange between David Beckham and the other character.
  • Brand Positioning: Reinforces Stella Artois as a premium yet approachable beer.
  • Emotional Hook: Uses celebrity appeal and humor, making it memorable.
  • Call-to-Action: The message is subtle but effective—Stella Artois is a choice for those who appreciate refined taste.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

3. Target Audience & Age Appeal

  • Primary Target: Ages 30-50, professionals who enjoy premium beers and social gatherings.
  • Secondary Audience: Millennials and Gen Z (influenced by Beckham’s universal appeal).
  • Super Bowl Fit: The ad skews slightly more upscale than the typical Super Bowl beer ad, which often focuses on humor, action, or mass appeal.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

4. Likelihood to be Shared

  • Viral Potential: Moderate. The humor is sophisticated rather than slapstick, so it may not spread as widely as over-the-top Super Bowl ads.
  • Social Media Fit: Strong, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, where stylish branding and Beckham’s presence matter.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

5. Brand Perception Impact

  • Elevates Stella Artois’ Premium Image: The ad reinforces the European sophistication and classiness of the brand.
  • Memorability: It’s charming and refined, though not the most unforgettable Super Bowl ad.
  • Distinctiveness: The humor is subtle, setting it apart from more chaotic beer commercials.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

6. Overall Effectiveness for the Super Bowl Audience

  • Pros:
    • Celebrities (David Beckham) drive engagement.
    • Premium beer positioning works well for Stella Artois’ existing market.
    • Stylish & sophisticated execution differentiates it.
  • Cons:
    • Not as high-energy as typical Super Bowl beer ads.
    • Might not have the broad appeal of humor-driven ads from brands like Budweiser or Doritos.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Final Score: 4/5

  • A well-executed, stylish ad that aligns with Stella Artois’ brand.
  • Strong in design, celebrity appeal, and premium messaging.
  • Slightly less “fun” than typical Super Bowl beer ads, which could limit its shareability.

 

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