What makes a great Super Bowl? It is not just about the final score. It is about comebacks, clutch moments, jaw-dropping plays, and storylines that stick with us long after the confetti falls.
From dramatic finishes to legendary performances, here are the five greatest Super Bowls ever played, plus a couple that came awfully close. Spoiler alert: the Patriots make more than one appearance.
5. Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23 – 2009)
This one had just about everything you could want in a Super Bowl. The Steelers built an early lead thanks to a huge momentum swing just before halftime when linebacker James Harrison picked off Kurt Warner at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Larry Fitzgerald came alive and gave Arizona a late lead with a long touchdown catch that looked like it might be the game-winner. But with just over two minutes left, Ben Roethlisberger led one of the most clutch drives in Super Bowl history and capped it off with a perfect throw to Santonio Holmes, who tapped both feet inbounds while falling backward in the corner of the end zone.
It was a highlight-reel finish to a wild game and gave the Steelers their sixth Super Bowl title.
4. Super Bowl LII (Eagles 41, Patriots 33 – 2018)
Super Bowl LII was an instant classic and one of the most exciting games in recent memory. The Philadelphia Eagles shocked everyone by beating the heavily favored New England Patriots in a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle.
One of the most memorable moments was the “Philly Special,” a trick play where quarterback Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass, showing creativity and confidence. Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and even caught a score himself.
Tom Brady set records for completions and passing yards, but the Eagles matched him every step of the way. Their win ended a 57-year championship drought and delivered one of the most satisfying underdog stories in NFL history.
3. Super Bowl XLII (Giants 17, Patriots 14 – 2008)
Super Bowl XLII is remembered as one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, as the underdog New York Giants ended the Patriots’ perfect season. New England entered the game 18 and 0 and looked unstoppable, but the Giants’ defense pressured Tom Brady all night and kept the game tight.
The most iconic moment came late in the fourth quarter when Eli Manning escaped a near sack and launched a pass that David Tyree caught by pinning the ball against his helmet while falling to the ground. That catch kept the drive alive and led to Plaxico Burress scoring the game-winning touchdown shortly after.
The Giants handed the Patriots their only loss of the season in dramatic fashion, and the finish still ranks among the most unforgettable in Super Bowl history.
2. Super Bowl XLIX (Patriots 28, Seahawks 24 – 2015)
This game featured two great teams and came down to one of the most talked-about decisions in NFL history. The Seattle Seahawks, just one yard away from winning back-to-back titles, chose to throw a slant pass instead of handing it to Marshawn Lynch.
Patriots rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler made a perfect read, jumped the route, and intercepted the pass to seal the win for New England. The play is still debated today and remains one of the most shocking endings ever.
The rest of the game had plenty of back-and-forth moments, but it was that final stand that earned this Super Bowl its place near the top of the list.
1. Super Bowl LI (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 OT – 2017)
This is the comeback that defines comebacks. The Falcons had a 28 to 3 lead late in the third quarter and looked ready to cruise to a championship. Then Tom Brady and the Patriots flipped the script.
Brady threw for 466 yards and led multiple scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including a two-point conversion to tie the game at 28 with under a minute to go. It was the first Super Bowl to ever go to overtime. New England won the coin toss, drove down the field, and ended the game with a James White touchdown run.
It was historic, dramatic, and full of unbelievable moments. Brady earned his fifth ring and NFL fans witnessed the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Honorable Mentions
Super Bowl XXV (Giants 20, Bills 19 – 1991)
This game came down to the final seconds. The Bills had a chance to win it with a 47-yard field goal, but Scott Norwood’s kick sailed wide right. The Giants’ ball-control strategy and clutch execution helped them hold on in one of the most tense finishes ever.
Super Bowl XXXIV (Rams 23, Titans 16 – 2000)
The Rams looked like they had it wrapped up, but the Titans came within one yard of tying the game. Kevin Dyson was stopped just short of the goal line by linebacker Mike Jones as time expired. It remains one of the most iconic endings in Super Bowl history.
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