Budweiser’s Super Bowl Commercial With Clydesdale and Bald Eagle Captivates Viewers and Celebrates 150 Years of Legacy

Budweiser once again captured global attention during the Super Bowl with a powerful and emotional commercial that blends iconic American symbolism, cinematic storytelling, and brand heritage. Featuring the legendary Budweiser Clydesdale horse alongside a bald eagle, the commercial delivers a visually striking narrative that celebrates tradition, resilience, and the company’s 150-year legacy.

A Story Built Around American Icons

The commercial, titled “American Icons,” centers on the evolving bond between a young Clydesdale foal and a bald eagle. The two animals grow together throughout the story, symbolizing strength, freedom, and perseverance — themes closely associated with both American culture and the Budweiser brand.

Soundtracked by Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic song “Free Bird,” the ad builds toward a dramatic climax in which the eagle spreads its wings and takes flight, creating a visually unforgettable moment that resonated strongly with viewers. The storytelling approach reflects Budweiser’s long tradition of emotionally driven Super Bowl advertisements.

Celebrating a Historic Milestone

The 2026 commercial marks Budweiser’s 150th anniversary, making the campaign not only a Super Bowl highlight but also a tribute to the company’s enduring legacy. The ad combines historical symbolism with modern cinematic techniques, emphasizing continuity between past and present.

Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdales — a recognizable symbol of the brand for decades — appear once again, continuing a long history of memorable Super Bowl appearances. The addition of the bald eagle reinforces themes of national identity and heritage, aligning with the broader concept of American storytelling.

Emotional Storytelling as a Marketing Strategy

Unlike many modern Super Bowl commercials that rely heavily on humor or celebrity appearances, Budweiser returned to its signature emotional style. The narrative focuses on universal themes such as friendship, growth, and loyalty, allowing the commercial to connect with audiences across generations.

Marketing experts note that animal-centered storytelling often generates strong emotional engagement, and the pairing of two iconic animals further amplifies the ad’s impact. By blending nostalgia with visually cinematic imagery, the campaign reinforces Budweiser’s positioning as a brand rooted in tradition.

Why the Commercial Resonated With Audiences

Several factors contributed to the ad’s strong reception:

• Nostalgic imagery connected to classic Budweiser campaigns

• Symbolism representing freedom and heritage

• Cinematic slow-motion visuals designed for emotional impact

• A powerful music choice that enhances the storytelling experience

These elements helped the commercial stand out during one of the most competitive advertising events of the year.

The Legacy of Budweiser’s Super Bowl Storytelling

Budweiser’s Super Bowl campaigns have historically focused on emotional storytelling and iconic imagery rather than short-term trends. The return of the Clydesdales alongside a symbolic narrative reinforces the brand’s strategy of creating timeless advertisements that resonate beyond the game itself.

By combining tradition with modern storytelling techniques, the “American Icons” commercial highlights how legacy brands can maintain relevance while honoring their history. As audiences continue to share and discuss the ad online, it further strengthens Budweiser’s reputation for producing memorable Super Bowl moments.