Every Super Bowl is a spectacle, not just for the game itself but also for the multi-million dollar ad blitz that surrounds it. Companies spend up to $8 million for a single 30-second slot, and some of the most memorable ads lean heavily into science fiction and space themes. This isn’t just about cool visuals; it’s a reflection of how deeply embedded these ideas are in our culture, and how brands leverage that fascination to sell everything from cars to groceries.
Here’s a countdown of the 10 best space and sci-fi Super Bowl ads, ranked by impact and memorability.
10. AXE Apollo “Lifeguard” (2013)
A classic example of product placement gone wild. The ad depicts a beach rescue… with an astronaut stealing the show. The joke is simple: a woman chooses a man in a spacesuit over a heroic lifeguard, because apparently, space is sexier than saving lives. It’s absurd, but effective in grabbing attention and associating AXE with outlandish appeal.
9. Doritos “Abduction” (2025)
Doritos consistently delivers on Super Bowl advertising, and the “Abduction” spot is no exception. The premise: aliens attempt to steal a bag of Doritos, leading to a chaotic battle with an obsessed fan. The punchline? The chips are so addictive, they cause the alien ship to explode. It’s over-the-top, but perfectly captures the brand’s irreverent tone.
8. Apartments.com “Extraterrentrials” (2024)
Jeff Goldblum brings his signature charm to this alien invasion spoof. The ad plays on familiar sci-fi tropes – insect-like aliens, tense standoffs – to sell the idea that finding an apartment, even for intergalactic visitors, is easy with Apartments.com. It’s a smart way to stand out in a crowded commercial break.
7. Hexclad “Unidentified Frying Object” (2025)
Gordon Ramsay is recruited to cook for aliens at Area 51… using high-tech cookware. The ad highlights Hexclad’s durability and reverse-engineered alien technology with a touch of celebrity appeal from Ramsay and a cameo from Pete Davidson. It’s a bizarre but memorable way to showcase the product’s features.
6. Olay “Space Walk” (2020)
Olay’s ad taps into the empowerment of female astronauts by reimagining the first all-female spacewalk. Featuring Lilly Singh, Busy Philipps, and Taraji P. Henson, the spot promotes the idea that women can achieve anything, even in space. The ad also donated up to $500K to Girls Who Code, tying brand promotion to a meaningful cause.
5. Walmart “Famous Visitors” (2020)
Walmart’s ad is a pop culture explosion, cramming spaceships and characters from “Star Trek,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and more into a single spot. The message? Walmart has everything you need, even if you’re an alien. It’s a chaotic, expensive stunt that guarantees attention.
4. Squarespace “Hello Down There” (2024)
Martin Scorsese directs this ad, where aliens attempt to contact Earth but are ignored until they create a Squarespace website. The humor lies in the contrast between high-tech aliens and humanity’s obsession with cat videos. It’s a clever way to promote Squarespace as the solution for getting noticed in a noisy world.
3. Kia “Space Babies” (2013)
The Kia Sorrento ad is pure absurdity: babies are delivered by rocket ship from Babylandia. The CGI is wild, the premise is insane, and the ad somehow manages to sell family-friendly SUVs. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable ads are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.
2. Audi R8 “Commander” (2016)
This ad resonates with nostalgia and the spirit of exploration. A retired astronaut rediscovers his passion for space when his son gifts him an Audi R8. Paired with David Bowie’s “Starman,” the ad is emotional, aspirational, and effective in linking the brand to a sense of adventure.
1. Apple “1984” (1984)
The gold standard of Super Bowl ads. Inspired by George Orwell’s “1984,” the ad depicts a dystopian future shattered by a defiant woman throwing a hammer at a screen. It’s a bold, anti-establishment statement that positioned Apple as the challenger to IBM’s dominance. The ad was controversial, legally challenged, and never aired again, solidifying its legendary status.
These commercials don’t just sell products; they tap into our collective imagination, fears, and aspirations. The Super Bowl has become a cultural event where brands compete not just for sales but for a place in our memories.
