Jeep’s ‘Groundhog Day’ Named Top American Ad of the Century

In a massive win for Jeep and classic movie lovers alike, the Jeep® brand’s unforgettable 2020 Super Bowl commercial “Groundhog Day” has just been named the “Best American Ad of the 21st Century” by Campaign US.

Starring the one and only Bill Murray, the ad wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it was a brilliant blend of humor, timing, and smart marketing. The 60-second spot, created by Jeep and their creative agency Highdive, aired during Super Bowl LIV, which happened to land on Groundhog Day—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Jeep didn’t miss.

In the commercial, Murray reprises his role as Phil Connors, the grumpy weatherman from the 1993 classic “Groundhog Day.” But this time, instead of being stuck in a boring loop, he’s got a game-changer: the Jeep Gladiator, which becomes his fun-loving escape vehicle along with his furry sidekick. The open-air truck transforms the story, turning repetition into adventure.

And the fans loved it.

Voted on through a bracket-style tournament that spanned from March to May 2025, Campaign US asked the public to pit 32 iconic American ads head-to-head. The Jeep spot beat out a lineup of tough competitors, including Betty White’s legendary Snickers commercial, which it faced off against in the final round.

“This ad was pure magic,” said Olivier François, FIAT CEO and Stellantis’ Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). “We tracked down Bill Murray, wrangled the original cast, and shot it all in Woodstock, Illinois—the same town where the movie was filmed. Everything came together perfectly. If I had to live one production over and over again, it would be this one.”

Francois has good reason to be proud. Not only did the commercial win USA Today’s Super Bowl AdMeter, but it was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy and was the most viewed Super Bowl ad on social media that year. Even Bill Murray himself—making his first and last ever commercial appearance—called it a perfect experience.

Jeep didn’t just sell a truck. They sold a feeling—freedom, fun, and breaking out of the same old routine. It’s the kind of message that still resonates with people today.

And now, it officially holds the title of Best American Ad of the Century. Not bad for a groundhog and a Gladiator.