Super Bowls define eras in American sports through clutch plays, record comebacks, and cultural moments that fans debate for decades. The best ones blend high stakes, unforgettable drama, and lasting legacy rather than just lopsided wins. Vote on your favorites to crowd-rank the ultimate list.
What counts: Best means most exciting games with competitive balance, signature plays, and cultural impact. Figures are approximate.
Super Bowl XLII▲ Rising
The 2007 Giants stunned the undefeated Patriots with a late drive capped by the Helmet Catch. David Tyree's improbable grab set up the winning score and ended New England's perfect season. It ranks first for pure upset drama and historical weight.
Year: 2008Matchup: Giants vs PatriotsFinal Score: 17-14Viewers: 97 MLegacy: 9.8/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLII
Patriots trailed 28-3 before James White's overtime touchdown completed the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Tom Brady's MVP performance against the Falcons rewrote records. Its resilience arc earns the high ranking.
Year: 2017Matchup: Patriots vs FalconsFinal Score: 34-28Viewers: 111 MLegacy: 9.7/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LI
Super Bowl XXXIV▲ Rising
Kurt Warner's Rams edged the Titans 23-16 when Mike Jones tackled Eddie George at the one-yard line. The final play became legendary for how close Tennessee came. Its razor-thin finish secures top-tier status.
Year: 2000Matchup: Rams vs TitansFinal Score: 23-16Viewers: 88 MLegacy: 9.4/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXIV
Patriots intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line to seal a 28-24 win over Seattle after the Seahawks' goal-line gamble. Malcolm Butler's pick capped a back-and-forth contest. The moment solidified its place among classics.
Year: 2015Matchup: Patriots vs SeahawksFinal Score: 28-24Viewers: 114 MLegacy: 9.5/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLIX
Cowboys beat Bills 52-17 with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith starring. The blowout featured multiple turnovers and highlighted Dallas's dominance. Its lopsided nature limits higher ranking.
Year: 1993Matchup: Cowboys vs BillsFinal Score: 52-17Viewers: 90 MLegacy: 7.5/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXVII
Eagles defeated Patriots 41-33 in a high-scoring shootout featuring Nick Foles' trick-play touchdown. The offensive fireworks and Philly's first win place it among elite contests.
Year: 2018Matchup: Eagles vs PatriotsFinal Score: 41-33Viewers: 103 MLegacy: 8.9/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LII
Super Bowl XLIII▲ Rising
Cardinals fell to Steelers 27-23 on Santonio Holmes' toe-tap touchdown with 35 seconds left. The play capped a wild final drive. Its clutch finish keeps it in the upper tier.
Year: 2009Matchup: Steelers vs CardinalsFinal Score: 27-23Viewers: 98 MLegacy: 8.7/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLIII
Saints recovered an onside kick and held on for 31-17 over Colts behind Drew Brees. The opening kickoff return sparked New Orleans' first title. Its bold strategy and city pride rank it high.
Year: 2010Matchup: Saints vs ColtsFinal Score: 31-17Viewers: 106 MLegacy: 9/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLIV
Giants held off Bills 20-19 when Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field goal as time expired. The wide-right miss defined the game. Its defensive stand and narrow margin rank it strongly.
Year: 1991Matchup: Giants vs BillsFinal Score: 20-19Viewers: 79 MLegacy: 8.6/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXV
Giants again beat Patriots 21-17 on a late Eli Manning drive and Ahmad Bradshaw's intentional touchdown. The repeat matchup and defensive stands place it solidly.
Year: 2012Matchup: Giants vs PatriotsFinal Score: 21-17Viewers: 111 MLegacy: 8.1/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLVI
Super Bowl XXXVIII▼ Falling
Patriots beat Panthers 32-29 after Vinatieri's fourth field goal in the final seconds. The contest featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. Its back-and-forth nature earns the ranking.
Year: 2004Matchup: Patriots vs PanthersFinal Score: 32-29Viewers: 89 MLegacy: 8.8/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXVIII
Super Bowl XXIX▲ Rising
49ers beat Chargers 49-26 with Steve Young's MVP performance. The game featured strong passing but lacked close competition. Its offensive display earns a low-mid spot.
Year: 1995Matchup: 49ers vs ChargersFinal Score: 49-26Viewers: 84 MLegacy: 6.9/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXIX
Rams topped Bengals 23-20 on Cooper Kupp's late catches and a game-winning field goal. Matthew Stafford's first title after many years ranks it respectably.
Year: 2022Matchup: Rams vs BengalsFinal Score: 23-20Viewers: 99 MLegacy: 7.6/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LVI
Patriots beat Rams 13-3 in a defensive struggle with Sony Michel's late touchdown. The low-scoring affair highlighted New England's dynasty close.
Year: 2019Matchup: Patriots vs RamsFinal Score: 13-3Viewers: 98 MLegacy: 6.8/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LIII
Packers defeated Patriots 35-21 with Desmond Howard's 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Brett Favre's MVP performance launched Green Bay's return to glory. The return stands out.
Year: 1997Matchup: Packers vs PatriotsFinal Score: 35-21Viewers: 84 MLegacy: 8.2/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXI
Cowboys defeated Bills 30-13 behind Emmitt Smith's MVP run game. The rematch confirmed Dallas's superiority. Its straightforward win places it lower.
Year: 1994Matchup: Cowboys vs BillsFinal Score: 30-13Viewers: 90 MLegacy: 7.2/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXVIII
Ravens shut out Giants 34-7 with Ray Lewis's MVP defense. The dominant defensive performance defines the game. Its lopsided defensive focus ranks it low.
Year: 2001Matchup: Ravens vs GiantsFinal Score: 34-7Viewers: 84 MLegacy: 6.6/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXV
Patriots beat Eagles 24-21 on a late Deion Branch catch and solid defense. The close finish and Brady's second straight title secure its place.
Year: 2005Matchup: Patriots vs EaglesFinal Score: 24-21Viewers: 86 MLegacy: 7.7/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXIX
Brady led the Patriots to their first title with a last-second Adam Vinatieri field goal against the Rams. The 20-17 win launched the dynasty. Its underdog story and dramatic close earn the spot.
Year: 2002Matchup: Patriots vs RamsFinal Score: 20-17Viewers: 87 MLegacy: 9.2/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXVI
Cowboys routed Steelers 27-17 behind three Emmitt Smith touchdowns. The back-to-back champs cemented their dynasty. Straightforward dominance keeps it in the middle.
Year: 1996Matchup: Cowboys vs SteelersFinal Score: 27-17Viewers: 84 MLegacy: 7.9/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXX
Broncos upset Packers 31-24 with Terrell Davis's MVP rushing. The win ended Denver's Super Bowl drought. Its underdog story places it above pure blowouts.
Year: 1998Matchup: Broncos vs PackersFinal Score: 31-24Viewers: 90 MLegacy: 7.4/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXII
Broncos beat Falcons 34-19 behind John Elway's MVP game. The repeat champs closed out their era. Its steady performance earns a mid-low rank.
Year: 1999Matchup: Broncos vs FalconsFinal Score: 34-19Viewers: 83 MLegacy: 7/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXIII
Chiefs topped Buccaneers 31-9 behind Patrick Mahomes' dual-threat play. Tampa's defense forced turnovers but Kansas City's speed prevailed. The matchup of recent champions earns mid-tier status.
Year: 2021Matchup: Chiefs vs BuccaneersFinal Score: 31-9Viewers: 92 MLegacy: 8.3/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LV
Chiefs edged Eagles 38-35 on a late field goal after Jalen Hurts' near-comeback. The high-scoring affair showcased modern offenses. It earns a solid mid-pack spot.
Year: 2023Matchup: Chiefs vs EaglesFinal Score: 38-35Viewers: 113 MLegacy: 8/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl LVII
Buccaneers beat Raiders 48-21 with a dominant defense and Rich Gannon turnovers. The blowout highlighted Tampa's Legion of Doom. Its one-sided result places it near the bottom.
Year: 2003Matchup: Buccaneers vs RaidersFinal Score: 48-21Viewers: 89 MLegacy: 6.4/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXXVII
Seahawks crushed Broncos 43-8 with a dominant defense and early safety. The lopsided result highlighted Seattle's Legion of Boom. Its one-sided nature ranks it low.
Year: 2014Matchup: Seahawks vs BroncosFinal Score: 43-8Viewers: 112 MLegacy: 6.3/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLVIII
Packers defeated Steelers 31-25 with Aaron Rodgers' efficient passing. The game featured strong defense and Green Bay's return to the top. Its balanced play earns inclusion.
Year: 2011Matchup: Packers vs SteelersFinal Score: 31-25Viewers: 111 MLegacy: 7.8/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XLV
49ers routed Broncos 55-10 behind Joe Montana's MVP passing. The blowout capped San Francisco's dynasty. Its lopsided result keeps it near the bottom.
Year: 1990Matchup: 49ers vs BroncosFinal Score: 55-10Viewers: 74 MLegacy: 6.5/10
added by IJRSuper Bowl XXIV
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Missing a few names that belong in the top ten, but the top three is basically right.
Somebody explain the Super Bowl XLII votes to me. Genuinely. I want to understand.
Voted, but this order is going to look very different in a month once more people find it.
The criteria line matters here. Read it before you vote or you're arguing about a different list.
Super Bowl XLII at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.