Did you watch the big game last night? We certainly did – well, the commercials, anyway. We’ve got the lowdown on the must-see ads, including the good, the bad and the…chunky?

The NFL, “The 100-Year Game”

One of the most talked-about commercials of the night was an ad for the NFL itself. The two-minute spot is set at a nice banquet dinner where a pickup football game breaks out among many of the game’s greatest players. All-time legends such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Joe Montana joined newcomers, including Utah Girls Tackle Football player Sam Gordon.

The commercial plays on the nostalgia and history of the game to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the NFL. Can ads like this help the NFL overcome its political and health-related controversies? Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJjiIuH1VnY

Microsoft, “We All Win”

This ad wins the award for most tear-jerking of the night. In the commercial, we hear from kids with developmental disabilities and their families who have used Xbox’s Adaptable Controller to connect and play with friends despite their limited mobility. The controller allows them to join in the gaming fun and feel just like everyone else, because “when everybody plays, we all win.” Grab some tissues and see the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM2QJO2IDFo

Bud Light & HBO, “Joust”

It was a winning mash-up for everyone – except the Bud Knight. In this spot, Bud Light’s medieval universe collided with the world of “Game of Thrones,” as the brand’s Bud Knight character met his end courtesy of a jousting match with The Mountain. The commercial literally goes up in flames when a dragon flies in and breathes fire all over the stadium and audience.

Bud Light sacrificed one of their main marketing characters for the sake of creating a memorable advertisement. HBO joined in to promote the new and final season of their award-winning drama. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoLiRI5swVk

Mint Mobile, “Chunky Style Milk”

Yes, this ad was about as horrifying as it sounds. A classic case of gross-out humor, the new prepaid mobile service provider says that chunky, expired milk isn’t right, but their super-cheap wireless deal is. Mint Mobile tries to use a shock factor to make a statement, but actually watching someone pour “chunky” milk is pretty disturbing. So much so, in fact, that all the people at this writer’s party had to avert their eyes. Watch (if you can) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhkcQbhiOiM

The Washington Post, “Democracy Dies in Darkness”

In its first-ever Super Bowl ad, the Post sends a message about both the value and hazards of journalism in our country today. This Tom Hanks-narrated commercial features major news moments throughout history as well as reporters who have been killed for their work. The ad is especially timely, as news and media companies have continued to lay off workers amid their struggles to keep up with booming tech companies. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDjfg8YlKHc