“This doesn’t feel like a commercial — it feels like a memory.”
That’s how one viewer summed up Budweiser’s newly released 2026 Super Bowl ad, and judging by the reaction online, they weren’t alone. After years of controversy and identity questions, the iconic beer brand appears to have struck a powerful chord with fans — and in doing so, reignited a wave of patriotic emotion across the country.
Released ahead of Super Bowl LX, Budweiser’s new spot, titled “American Icons,” celebrates two major milestones: the brand’s 150th anniversary and America’s upcoming 250th birthday. But instead of flashy slogans or loud declarations, the ad takes a quieter, more deliberate approach — one that many viewers say feels deeply personal.
The story unfolds without dialogue. A young Budweiser Clydesdale encounters a bald eagle chick that has fallen from its nest. What follows is a wordless journey of companionship and perseverance as the two animals grow together through changing seasons, storms, and setbacks. The imagery builds toward a striking moment: the now-grown eagle spreads its wings while perched on the Clydesdale’s back, briefly forming the silhouette of a Pegasus against the sky.
The message lands simply and powerfully:
“Made of America. For 150 Years, This Bud’s For You.”
Almost immediately, fans flooded social media with praise.
“Well done, Budweiser. Welcome back to being American,” one viewer wrote.
“If this doesn’t give you chills, you can’t call yourself an American,” another added.
Some longtime fans called it the brand’s strongest Super Bowl ad in decades. Others went even further.
“The best Budweiser commercial since 2001.”
“I’ve watched this 30 times and cry every time.”
“Cancel the halftime show and just play this on the Jumbotron.”
The response feels especially significant given Budweiser’s turbulent recent history. In 2023, the brand faced widespread backlash after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a sponsored social media post — a move that sparked boycotts from conservatives and disappointment from LGBTQ+ supporters who felt the company failed to stand firmly behind her when criticism intensified.
Since then, Budweiser has largely avoided loud political messaging. Instead, “American Icons” feels like a reset — a return to imagery the brand has long been associated with: open land, shared struggle, resilience, heritage, and quiet pride.
According to Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing for Budweiser at Anheuser-Busch, that was intentional.
“As we celebrate Budweiser’s 150th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we knew we had to rise to the occasion in a way only Budweiser can,” Allen said. “‘American Icons’ brings our heritage to life through powerful storytelling… and leaves fans awestruck and proud to enjoy a Budweiser as they celebrate our shared milestone moments.”
Whether viewers see the ad as nostalgia, reconciliation, or simply beautiful storytelling, one thing is clear: Budweiser has tapped into something many people didn’t realize they were missing.
It doesn’t shout.
It doesn’t lecture.
It honors.
And for a brand once accused of losing its way, that quiet confidence may be exactly why fans are rallying behind it once again — calling it not just a great Super Bowl commercial, but a reminder of what still unites people when the noise fades.
