It was also a celebration of big companies spending way too much money in order to convince you to spend your own money to purchase their products. And this is what brings us here today. The Superbowl commercials are, according to some, just as big a deal as the Superbowl itself. There are many who watch solely for the commercials. I didn’t get to see the entire Superbowl yesterday. We arrived at a restaurant with a TV in the 3rd quarter, and so I’ve been watching the things I’ve missed online today on Hulu. On a side note… Hulu, why are we forced to watch short ads before we watch… more ads?…. anyway.

First, a commercial that is not really a commercial. I don’t include this in the “top 5″ since it’s not really selling a product, but more to promote a movie. Yeah, it’s the trailer for Transformers 2. I saw this one while watching the game last night, and I have to say it made my inner geek smile.

Ok, and now my top 5 favorite Superbowl XLIII commercials, in ranking order from 5 to 1:

5. Universal Studios Park – Inner Hero

I’m not sure what it is… I think it’s the part of the commercial when the kid is on the building “flexing his muscles” and the man in the office does the same. Maybe it’s the look on his face as he embraces his “inner hero.” Something about it just compels me.

4. Pepsi – Refresh Anthem

I love how it shows how different yet how so exactly the same things were back during Bob Dylan’s time and today. It’s amazing to think about how our story as a people have been progressing for so many thousands of years, yet everyone, no matter when or where they live, are looking for the same things… peace, love, happiness, fulfillment.

3. Hulu – Alec in Huluwood

I loves the Hulu. And this commercial just made me laugh. Also, I like how, when so many companies try to be serious and protect a professional image, that Hulu can make a commercial saying that they are aliens and want to eat your brains. And Alec Baldwin is great.

2. Budweiser – Clydesdales/Generations

Budweiser always brings it with their Superbowl commercials. They had many ads featuring their trademark clydesdale horses, all of which were good, but this is my favorite. The classic Braveheart music in the background, the humor of the horse trying out different jobs…. just really clever marketing.

1. Coke – Heist

My favorite for this year. Coca-Cola always does really creative, sometimes odd, ads. I loved the concept of the insects coming out and heisting the bottle of Coke from the unsuspecting picnicker. I love the way they captured the little mannerisms of the different insects and the happy overall feeling of the spot. Pure brilliance this year… made me want to go get a Coke right away.

So there we go, my top 5 commercials from Superbowl XLIII. What were your favorite ads? You can watch them all here. Leave a comment.