No other event captures professional football like the Super Bowl. As the sport’s biggest showcase, it has shaped careers and delivered some of the most unforgettable games, plays and individual performances in sports history. While some Super Bowls were one-sided or forgettable in parts, even those contests produced memorable moments and left a mark on the NFL. As we mark the 60th anniversary, every Super Bowl has contributed to the league’s story.
This list ranks the first 59 Super Bowls based on three factors:
– How competitive the game was throughout.
– The most memorable play, moment, or individual effort.
– The game’s historical significance.
59. Super Bowl XXXV (2001): Ravens 35, Giants 7
A dull affair unless you rooted for Baltimore. The only bursts of excitement were a trio of kickoff-return touchdowns spanning 36 seconds—Ron Dixon’s 97-yarder and Jermaine Lewis’ 84-yarder among them—and a flurry of punts. Ray Lewis took MVP honors as the centerpiece of a dominant Ravens defense.
58. Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Seahawks 43, Broncos 8
Seattle effectively ended the contest by halftime, and Percy Harvin’s 87-yard kickoff return early in the second half made it a rout. The Seahawks’ defense stifling Peyton Manning’s prolific offense made this a lopsided, and therefore dull, Super Bowl.
57. Super Bowl XXIV (1990): 49ers 55, Broncos 10
Despite the massive margin, this game is notable for Joe Montana’s five touchdown passes and the 49ers’ record 55 points. It capped another chapter of San Francisco’s dynasty and showcased the prolific Montana–Jerry Rice pairing.
56. Super Bowl XX (1986): Bears 46, Patriots 10
A blowout that still resonates because it was Chicago’s lone Super Bowl win and because of the personality-rich, Hall of Fame-laden Bears squad and Buddy Ryan’s famed 46 defense. The game is often remembered for the novelty of defensive tackle William “The Fridge” Perry’s short-lived touchdown run instead of Walter Payton scoring.
55. Super Bowl LIX (2025): Eagles 40, Chiefs 22
Philadelphia stopped Kansas City from making history as the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. Jalen Hurts was MVP with scores by pass and run, Saquon Barkley was held in check, and turnovers by Patrick Mahomes late in the first half doomed the Chiefs.
54. Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Cowboys 52, Bills 17
The Cowboys dominated with Troy Aikman’s best Super Bowl showing and a Dallas defense that forced a record nine turnovers. The game featured the last Rose Bowl Super Bowl and a famous post-game play where Leon Lett was chased down by Don Beebe after scooping a fumble.
53. Super Bowl VIII (1974): Dolphins 24, Vikings 7
Miami ran away with the game to become the second team to win back-to-back Super Bowls, with Larry Csonka earning MVP after a then-record rushing day. The game also came at a time when goal posts stood in front of the end zone—Csonka nearly collided with them on a scoring attempt.
52. Super Bowl XII (1978): Cowboys 27, Broncos 10
A sluggish game but notable as the first indoor Super Bowl and the only one with co-MVPs, Cowboys defenders Randy White and Harvey Martin. It also featured Craig Morton facing the franchise he had once led to a Super Bowl.
51. Super Bowl XXXIII (1999): Broncos 34, Falcons 19
The Broncos repeated as champions with John Elway delivering his farewell MVP performance—335 yards and two touchdowns—while Terrell Davis still ran for over 100 yards. Elway retired on top.
50. Super Bowl LV (2021): Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9
Tom Brady dominated in Tampa Bay’s dismantling of Kansas City, throwing three TDs and winning Super Bowl MVP. The Buccaneers became the first team to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium while Patrick Mahomes struggled under pressure.
49. Super Bowl II (1968): Packers 33, Raiders 14
Vince Lombardi’s final game as Packers coach and another definitive Green Bay victory in that era. Bart Starr repeated as Super Bowl MVP in a game that cemented the Packers’ early Super Bowl legacy.
48. Super Bowl XV (1981): Raiders 27, Eagles 10
Jim Plunkett resurrected his career and led the wild-card Raiders to the franchise’s first Super Bowl triumph, taking MVP honors. Linebacker Rod Martin intercepted Ron Jaworski three times, a Super Bowl record.
47. Super Bowl XXXVII (2003): Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21
Jon Gruden’s Tampa Bay squad—armed with inside knowledge of Oakland’s offense—overwhelmed the Raiders. Tampa Bay’s defense intercepted Rich Gannon five times, returning two for touchdowns, and the Buccaneers’ ground game controlled the day.
46. Super Bowl XXII (1988): Washington 42, Broncos 10
After a close first quarter, Washington exploded for 35 points in the second quarter—still a Super Bowl record for points in a quarter. Doug Williams starred as the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, throwing four TDs, while Timmy Smith and Ricky Sanders also made big contributions.
45. Super Bowl VI (1972): Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3
Dallas’ first championship was convincing, holding Miami without an offensive touchdown. Roger Staubach won MVP while Duane Thomas provided a powerful ground attack, and the game included the biggest-yardage sack in Super Bowl history.
44. Super Bowl XXVI (1992): Washington 37, Bills 24
Buffalo stumbled early—famously, Thurman Thomas misplaced his helmet—and trailed badly before mounting a late effort. Mark Rypien’s strong passing earned him MVP and Joe Gibbs became the first coach to win three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks.
43. Super Bowl XXIX (1995): 49ers 49, Chargers 26
Steve Young torched San Diego with a record six touchdown passes and also rushed for yards, while Jerry Rice piled up a huge receiving day. The 49ers claimed a fifth title with a dominant offensive performance.
42. Super Bowl XVIII (1984): Raiders 38, Washington 9
In a major upset, the Raiders dismantled the defending champions, with Marcus Allen rushing for a then-Super Bowl record and scoring on a memorable 74-yard run. Jack Squirek’s pick-six before halftime turned the momentum.
41. Super Bowl I (1967): Packers 35, Chiefs 10
Green Bay pulled away after a tight first half; Bart Starr was MVP and backup wideout Max McGee—unexpectedly pressed into service—caught the first touchdown in Super Bowl history and starred in the game.
40. Super Bowl XIX (1985): 49ers 38, Dolphins 16
Although the final wasn’t close, this game featured a legendary QB duel between Joe Montana and Dan Marino. Montana’s all-around performance—three passing TDs and a rushing TD—helped San Francisco finish 18-1, while Marino’s superstar season remains a high-water mark.
39. Super Bowl IV (1969): Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
The AFL’s Kansas City victory in the last pre-merger matchup proved the rival league could compete; Len Dawson was MVP and Hank Stram’s colorful coaching helped lead a Chiefs team with multiple future Hall of Famers.
38. Super Bowl XXVIII (1994): Cowboys 30, Bills 13
In the only rematch of back-to-back Super Bowls, Dallas rallied to score 24 straight points and Emmitt Smith won MVP. The Bills became the first team to lose four consecutive Super Bowls.
37. Super Bowl XXI (1987): Giants 39, Broncos 20
Phil Simms delivered an extraordinary efficiency performance (completing 88% of his passes), and the Giants’ defensive stands and a bold trick play at the start of the second half swung the game and secured New York’s first Super Bowl title under Bill Parcells.
36. Super Bowl XI (1977): Raiders 32, Vikings 14
John Madden’s Raiders got their first championship with a strong rushing effort, an MVP nod for Fred Biletnikoff and a memorable Willie Brown pick-six to seal the win. Minnesota became the first franchise to reach four Super Bowls and lose them all.
35. Super Bowl IX (1975): Steelers 16, Vikings 6
Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” defense dominated, Franco Harris ran for a then-record 158 yards, and the game included the first-ever Super Bowl safety. The win was Pittsburgh’s first Super Bowl title in decades.
34. Super Bowl LIII (2019): Patriots 13, Rams 3
A defensive slugfest and the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever, this game highlighted Bill Belichick’s scheming and featured Julian Edelman as MVP for his clutch receiving day. Both defenses controlled much of the action.
33. Super Bowl XL (2006): Steelers 21, Seahawks 10
Pittsburgh became the first No. 6 seed to win the Super Bowl; Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run was the longest in Super Bowl history, and Hines Ward took MVP honors. Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest QB to win a Super Bowl.
32. Super Bowl VII (1973): Dolphins 14, Washington 7
Miami completed a near-perfect season, but Garo Yepremian’s bizarre fumble-and-throw in the end zone nearly spoiled it. Jake Scott’s two interceptions earned him MVP as the Dolphins’ defense preserved the unbeaten campaign.
31. Super Bowl 50 (2016): Broncos 24, Panthers 10
This Roman-numeral-less Super Bowl was driven by Denver’s defense, led by MVP Von Miller, who pressured Cam Newton and forced game-changing turnovers. Peyton Manning capped his career with a final championship.
30. Super Bowl XXXI (1997): Packers 35, Patriots 21
Desmond Howard’s electrifying 99-yard kickoff return and MVP performance on special teams, along with Brett Favre’s deep passing and Reggie White’s sacks, defined this game. Despite all the scoring, neither team put points on the board in the fourth quarter.
29. Super Bowl XLI (2007): Colts 29, Bears 17
A rainy night that suppressed offense, but Peyton Manning won MVP while running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes carried much of the attack. Devin Hester opened the game with a 92-yard kickoff return, the quickest TD in Super Bowl history.
28. Super Bowl XXX (1996): Cowboys 27, Steelers 17
A strange, back-and-forth game where the Cowboys built an early lead, but Pittsburgh battled back. Neil O’Donnell’s two late interceptions to Larry Brown—who became MVP—sealed the game for Dallas.
27. Super Bowl XVI (1982): 49ers 26, Bengals 21
San Francisco built a big halftime lead and survived a Cincinnati comeback to win its first Super Bowl. Bill Walsh beat his old mentor Paul Brown’s team to cap an important milestone for the 49ers.
26. Super Bowl XVII (1983): Washington 27, Dolphins 17
The game included a long touchdown pass, the first Super Bowl kickoff return for a score, and a legendary John Riggins 43-yard TD on a fourth-and-one power run that became the defining play of Washington’s win.
25. Super Bowl XLIV (2010): Saints 31, Colts 17
New Orleans overcame a slow start to capture its first title; Drew Brees was efficient and a surprise onside kick (“Ambush”) to start the second half shifted momentum, and Tracy Porter’s late interception return sealed the win.
24. Super Bowl XXXIX (2005): Patriots 24, Eagles 21
New England won another championship as Donovan McNabb threw three interceptions and Deion Branch, the MVP, caught an impressive share of passes. Terrell Owens played heroically despite a severe leg injury weeks earlier, but the Patriots’ defense made key plays.
23. Super Bowl V (1971): Colts 16, Cowboys 13
A sloppy, turnover-filled affair that still produced a dramatic finish with a late Jim O’Brien field goal. The game set a Super Bowl record with 11 combined turnovers and featured Chuck Howley becoming the only MVP from a losing team.
22. Super Bowl LIV (2020): Chiefs 31, 49ers 20
Kansas City mounted a late, rapid comeback—three TDs in five minutes—capped by Patrick Mahomes’ big plays and a show of offensive firepower. The win signaled Mahomes’ arrival as the league’s next superstar.
21. Super Bowl XLV (2011): Packers 31, Steelers 25
A game often overlooked because of sloppy play, but Green Bay led from early and held off Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers was MVP as the Packers rode a balanced attack despite injuries and missed opportunities.
20. Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Ravens 34, 49ers 31
The “Harbaugh Bowl” was disrupted by a lengthy power outage that altered the momentum, but Baltimore held off a furious San Francisco comeback. Joe Flacco’s performance and Jacoby Jones’ long kickoff return were signature moments.
19. Super Bowl III (1969): Jets 16, Colts 7
Joe Namath’s famous guarantee preceded the AFL’s biggest upset and helped legitimize the rival league. Namath was MVP as the Jets’ defense contained Baltimore, reshaping pro football’s landscape.
18. Super Bowl XLII (2012): Giants 21, Patriots 17
Eli Manning’s clutch drive, including a miraculous sideline catch by Mario Manningham, helped New York spoil New England’s perfect-season bid again. Manning’s hot postseason and the Giants’ opportunistic defense defined the upset.
17. Super Bowl XIV (1980): Steelers 31, Rams 19
A tight contest through three quarters that the Steelers broke open with big fourth-quarter plays, including a long Bradshaw-to-Stallworth TD. Pittsburgh clinched its fourth Super Bowl of the decade.
16. Super Bowl LVI (2022): Rams 23, Bengals 20
Los Angeles struck late when Cooper Kupp caught the go-ahead TD from Matthew Stafford with just over a minute left. Cincinnati’s breakthrough season fell short as pass protection issues and seven sacks on Joe Burrow proved decisive.
15. Super Bowl X (1976): Steelers 21, Cowboys 17
A classic that lived up to expectations, highlighted by Swann’s acrobatic catches and a clutch Steelers defensive stand late. Pittsburgh’s decision-making and last-minute defensive plays defined the victory.
14. Super Bowl LII (2018): Eagles 41, Patriots 33
An offensive shootout that featured Nick Foles’ MVP run and the now-iconic “Philly Special” trick play. Tom Brady piled up huge passing numbers in a losing effort, and coaching decisions—like benching Malcolm Butler—sparked debate afterward.
13. Super Bowl LVII (2023): Chiefs 38, Eagles 35
A thrilling, high-scoring duel overshadowed by a controversial offensive holding call on James Bradberry in the final minutes that allowed the Chiefs to run out the clock. Jalen Hurts delivered a near-Great performance despite a costly fumble; Patrick Mahomes played well through injury.
12. Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003): Patriots 32, Panthers 29
A quiet third quarter gave way to one of the most chaotic fourth quarters in Super Bowl history, including Carolina’s 85-yard TD and a dramatic late sequence that ended with Adam Vinatieri’s clutch field goal. The game’s finish remains one of Brady’s defining late-game moments.
11. Super Bowl XIII (1979): Steelers 35, Cowboys 31
A marquee 1970s matchup between two dominant franchises, defined by Terry Bradshaw’s four touchdown passes and late-game drama. A costly drop by Jackie Smith and Pittsburgh’s resilience made this an instant classic.
10. Super Bowl XXIII (1989): 49ers 20, Bengals 16
Joe Montana’s legendary 92-yard game-winning drive—culminating in a touchdown to John Taylor—and Jerry Rice’s dominant receiving day made this a quintessential clutch performance on football’s biggest stage.
9. Super Bowl XXXII (1998): Broncos 31, Packers 24
Denver overcame early deficits and an injury to Terrell Davis to upset the defending champions. Davis returned to rush for 157 yards in three quarters and won MVP as John Elway finally captured his long-awaited title.
8. Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Chiefs 25, 49ers 22 (OT)
Only the second Super Bowl to need overtime and the longest in duration, this game ended when Patrick Mahomes connected with Mecole Hardman for the first OT touchdown pass in Super Bowl history. Both Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey had standout performances, but the overall output was steady rather than spectacular.
7. Super Bowl XXXIV (2000): Rams 23, Titans 16
A last-play thriller where Kevin Dyson was tackled just one yard short of a game-tying score, giving the Rams a narrow championship. Kurt Warner’s MVP season and big passing numbers capped a Cinderella run.
6. Super Bowl XXXVI (2002): Patriots 20, Rams 17
What was expected to be St. Louis’ dynasty-launcher instead marked the start of New England’s dynasty. Tom Brady’s late-game drive and Adam Vinatieri’s last-second field goal propelled the young Patriots to an upset over the high-powered Rams.
5. Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
A game of spectacular plays—James Harrison’s 100-yard pick-six, Larry Fitzgerald’s long TD and Santonio Holmes’ toe-tapping game-winner—provided an unforgettable finish. The late sequence of offense and defense made this one of the most exciting Super Bowls.
4. Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Patriots 28, Seahawks 24
Tom Brady’s fourth-quarter mastery and Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception—after Seattle opted to pass rather than run—created one of the most debated and dramatic endings in Super Bowl lore.
3. Super Bowl LI (2017): Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)
New England completed the largest comeback in Super Bowl history and the game went to overtime for the first time. James White’s record reception day and Tom Brady’s rally cemented the Patriots’ legacy, though the early blowout nature tempers its placement.
2. Super Bowl XLII (2008): Giants 17, Patriots 14
New York’s upset of an undefeated New England team stands among the sport’s most epic finishes. Eli Manning’s escape and miraculous helmet-assisted catch to David Tyree set up the winning touchdown and denied a perfect Patriots season.
1. Super Bowl XXV (1991): Giants 20, Bills 19
Played amid the emotional backdrop of the Gulf War and introduced by Whitney Houston’s iconic anthem, this game delivered sustained tension and strategic chess matches on both sides. Bill Parcells’ ball-control game plan, Ottis Anderson’s MVP rushing, and Scott Norwood’s missed 47-yard field goal as time expired combined to produce the most tightly contested and dramatically satisfying Super Bowl in this ranking.
Fan Take: These Super Bowl recollections remind NFL fans that the game’s legacy is shaped as much by strategy, drama and iconic moments as by final scores. Understanding these classics helps explain how coaching decisions, individual heroics and controversial calls can alter the course of the sport and its future storylines.
