TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Drawing over a hundred million viewers worldwide, the NFL Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event in the United States. Regardless of who’s playing or performing, the event itself never fails to deliver an unmatched level of excitement and energy.
While every game is an iconic celebration of American football, some are remembered as the best Super Bowl of all time, thanks to unforgettable plays and historic moments.
List of the Best Super Bowls of All Time
Fox Sports and Men’s Journal have ranked Super Bowl XLII: Giants 17, Patriots 14 as the best Super Bowl of all time. Other legendary matchups include:
Super Bowl XLII: Giants 17, Patriots 14
Super Bowl XLII is considered the best Super Bowl of all time, driven by the New York Giants’ stunning upset over the undefeated New England Patriots. With Tom Brady and Randy Moss dominating the season, the Patriots were favored to make history with a perfect 19-0 record. However, Eli Manning and the Giants turned the game into an unforgettable battle, culminating in a dramatic final drive.
With just over two minutes left, Manning broke free from a heavy Patriots rush and launched a deep pass to David Tyree, who made a miraculous one-handed catch. The Giants' 17-14 victory shattered New England's perfect season.
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
Super Bowl XLIII turned on two unforgettable plays by Pittsburgh players. The first came when linebacker James Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner's pass at the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 17-7 lead. Then, with less than a minute left, Ben Roethlisberger led a drive that culminated in Santonio Holmes’ iconic, toe-tapping touchdown catch to seal the win.
Despite Harrison’s game-changing interception and Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown to give Arizona a late lead, Pittsburgh’s offense was relentless. Holmes' catch with just 35 seconds remaining handed the Steelers their sixth Super Bowl title, making this game known as the best Super Bowl of all time.
Super Bowl LI: Patriots 34, Falcons 28
Marked by the Patriots’ stunning comeback from a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl LI became an unforgettable showdown. After Matt Ryan threw his second touchdown pass early in the third quarter, it seemed the Falcons had victory within their grasp. But the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points, tying the game and forcing overtime, where James White secured the win with a two-yard touchdown run.
The game was defined by Tom Brady’s masterful performance, throwing for over 400 yards and leading an incredible rally. The Falcons faltered with key mistakes, including a critical third-and-1 call that led to a fumble. Brady and Bill Belichick earned their fifth Super Bowl ring, cementing their place in NFL history with a remarkable comeback.
Super Bowl XIII: Steelers 35, Cowboys 31
Super Bowl XIII was a star-studded clash, featuring 26 future Hall of Famers, including 18 players from the Steelers and Cowboys. Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers with 318 yards and four touchdowns, while the Cowboys, led by Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett, fought hard, with Staubach throwing three touchdowns and Dorsett totaling 140 yards.
The game took a wild turn in the fourth quarter. The Steelers seemed to have sealed the win with a 35-17 lead, but the Cowboys mounted a fierce comeback, scoring two quick touchdowns. However, their final onside kick attempt failed, allowing the Steelers to hold on for a 35-31 victory.
Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs 38, Eagles 35
Super Bowl LVII saw Jalen Hurts shine with 304 passing yards and three rushing touchdowns, but it was Patrick Mahomes who led the Chiefs to a 38-35 victory. Playing through a sprained ankle, Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and guided the Chiefs to a game-winning field goal with eight seconds left.
Despite Hurts’ heroics, including a game-tying touchdown, a defensive holding penalty on the Eagles allowed the Chiefs to run down the clock and secure their third championship. This high-scoring game was filled with dramatic moments and remarkable performances from both quarterbacks.
From last-minute game-winning plays to historic comebacks, these five Super Bowls exemplify the drama and excitement that make the NFL’s biggest game so special.
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