Budweiser has long been celebrated for producing some of the most unforgettable Super Bowl commercials in television history. Every year, audiences eagerly await what the iconic beer brand will unveil during America’s biggest sporting event. In 2026, Budweiser once again delivered with a commercial that combined nostalgia, patriotism, and emotional storytelling into a compelling one-minute spot.
Titled “American Icons,” this year’s ad paired Budweiser’s legendary Clydesdale horses with one of the nation’s most recognized symbols, the bald eagle. True to the brand’s style, the commercial avoided flashy celebrity appearances or gimmicks. Instead, it told a heartfelt story about growth, friendship, and shared heritage, delivering the emotional resonance Budweiser is known for.
With more than 125 million viewers watching the Super Bowl, the competition for attention during commercials was fierce. The evening featured Bad Bunny’s energetic halftime show and the Seahawks’ decisive win, but for many, the commercials were as memorable as the game itself. Budweiser’s spot quickly became a highlight.
The commercial opens on a sun-drenched field, where a young Clydesdale foal struggles to find its footing and a newly hatched bald eagle flutters awkwardly in its nest. The ad follows their parallel journeys, showing the Clydesdale training with the Budweiser hitch team while the eagle learns to soar across wide, open skies. Their subtle interactions symbolize resilience, freedom, and the enduring spirit that the brand embodies.
The ad also carries historical significance. It celebrates Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and nods to America’s approaching 250th year, merging themes of tradition and national pride. The Clydesdales represent the brand’s heritage, while the eagle reflects the nation’s ideals of strength and independence.
Budweiser’s Clydesdales have been cultural icons for decades, appearing in countless commercials to evoke nostalgia, warmth, and reliability. Pairing them with the bald eagle elevated this year’s commercial, creating a moment that felt both celebratory and reflective.
Once aired, the 60-second ad quickly went viral online, drawing millions of views on Budweiser’s official YouTube channel under the tagline: “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.” Viewers praised its cinematography, soundtrack, and the way it linked personal growth with national heritage. Many noted the ad’s refreshing emotional storytelling in an era dominated by humor and shock-value commercials.
Industry experts highlighted Budweiser’s strategic timing, aligning the brand’s milestone with a broader patriotic theme. The commercial focused on narrative rather than overt product placement, reinforcing brand loyalty more effectively than conventional ads.
The commercial concludes with the grown Clydesdale as part of the iconic Budweiser hitch and the bald eagle soaring above, accompanied by the message: “For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.” Its simplicity and sincerity stood out amid a Super Bowl full of flashy, high-budget productions.
For longtime fans, the commercial felt like a return to form. Budweiser’s use of the Clydesdales as an emotional anchor reminded viewers why these horses remain a central symbol of the brand and the Super Bowl itself. Conversations about the ad continued long after the game, with viewers sharing clips, tagging friends, and debating the night’s best commercial.
In just one minute, Budweiser celebrated its legacy, honored the nation’s history, and delivered a message about connection and perseverance. The spot is a reminder that a great commercial is more than marketing—it’s a small cinematic moment that resonates well beyond the final whistle of Super Bowl Sunday.