The 20 Best Commercials Of All Time You Have Never Seen Before
Commercials and video ads are often viewed as little more than a necessary evil. They interrupt almost everything we watch, and on most platforms, we have to get paid subscriptions to eliminate them from our lives!
But sometimes, a hidden gem pops up in the middle of all this capitalistic noise. A short video so carefully crafted that it's even more entertaining, thought-provoking, or heart-warming than the content it interrupts.
In this article, I wanted to share 20 of those ad projects with you. This is not your typical list of award-winning Coca-Cola, Old Spice, John Lewis, McDonald’s, and super bowl ads for the halftime show.
It’s a list of what I consider the best TV ads and online commercials of all time and a masterclass in emotional storytelling.
Enjoy!
Table of contents:
Commercial 1: Johnny Walker - Keep Walking
This emotional commercial is, in my opinion, one of the best ads and best student works ever created!
It was directed by Daniel Titz and Dorian Lebherz. At the time, they attended the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg, and for one of their school assignments, they traveled to the countryside of Scotland to bring this powerful piece to life.
As you might expect, the video ad went viral online with millions of views on social media in less than no time and eventually gave the two directors a massive boost on their career paths.
Commercial 2: Giorgio Armani - Acqua di Gioia
I have always admired fragrance video ads because of their eye-catching aesthetics and how they succeed in a very difficult challenge: selling a scent through visuals.
Now, in the world of fragrance commercials, one particular project has always captured my attention for some reason: the Acqua di Gioia commercial for Giorgio Armani. This visual fairy tale transcends a soft sensual emotion that I absolutely adore.
I loved the vibe and day-for-night-inspired cinematography of this ad so much that I used it as an inspiration for Hardwell’s Echo music video and the Buddha To Buddha Jewelry ad Embrace Life.
And because I like making-of videos so much, I’ve included this beauty as well! The behind-the-scenes for this ad production starts around 0:55 in the video.
Commercial 3: Mini Cooper - The Faith of a Few
The first car I ever bought was a Mini Cooper, and since then, the brand has had a special place in my heart.
I think a Mini Cooper, especially the John Cooper Works Edition, is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and this ad beautifully embodies that concept.
I love how the film crew brought this ad to life with the resonating audio quotes of disbelief to the perfect Monte Carlo rally-inspired art direction.
An almost two-minute short film that shows you sometimes only need a big dream, have lots of confidence, and a different-than-normal approach to achieve monumental results!
commercial 4: Volvo - Moments
In my opinion, there is only one car company on this planet where it seems like every person in the marketing department understands the power of storytelling and how to use that to create videos, and that’s Volvo.
Again and again, this Swedish car brand has dazzled me with its phenomenal ad campaigns, and this beauty is no exception!
Please, every car brand on earth, watch this breathtaking commercial and note how to sell your product’s new features! This is how to do it correctly!!
I believe this ad is an outstanding work of art about life, told via two intertwining storylines, and how sometimes the things that never happen matter the most.
I deeply bow to every creative mastermind that contributed to this ad project! What an effective ad told via an emotional roller coaster ride!
Commercial 5: Berlitz - German Coastguard
I had tears of laughter the first time I saw the next funny ad of this list!
This perfect example shows that you don’t need many resources to sell a powerful message. So simple, yet so good!
One room, two characters, and some additional sound design.
I LOVE IT!
Commercial 6: Rimowa - Nobu's Tale
Sometimes, in the rarest moments, you encounter something in life that grabs your heart, captures your imagination, and transcends you to a different world. For me, this commercial is one of those encounters.
This Rimowa ad about a Japanese folktale told by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa touches me on so many levels.
A simple story about never-ending journeys to unknown destinations told with stunning visuals and a soul-touching soundtrack.
Wonderful, just wonderful.
Commercial 7: Porsche - Compete
I love working out in the gym and know that my reflection in the mirror is the only competitor I have to compete with. (Maybe that's why there are so many mirrors in the dumbbell section??)
Nonetheless, the following ad on this list encapsulates the concept of you against you.
It sells the idea that the new Porsche 911 is the only car that can match the model's successful legacy. The best versus the best!
The ad features three world-renowned athletes: boxing legend Muhammad Ali, former world No. 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova, and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, all battling against themselves.
An impressive piece of advertising!
Besides a great final result, the time, money, and effort that went into this 90-second commercial are also very impressive, as you can see in the behind-the-scenes video below!
Commercial 8: Guerlain - Shalimar
In commercial land, there is one guy whose work I adore—French director Bruno Aveillan with his distinctive visual style and unique use of split dioptres and prism glass.
For the next commercial on this list, Bruno really went all out! I'm not sure whether we can call an almost six-minute short film a commercial, but as it essentially still promotes a product, I believe it deserves to be on this list.
I don't even want to know how much money Guerlain put on the table to bring this EPIC perfume commercial to life under the musical guidance of Hans Zimmer's Chevaliers De Sangreal soundtrack. Still, in my opinion, they got a real bang for their buck!
What a stunning cinematic masterpiece! The story probably could have been told in less than 30 seconds, but that's a topic for another discussion.
Grab some bites, decline your desk chair, and submerge in this middle-eastern fairytale.
The behind-the-scenes video below gives you a good understanding of how insane this production really is!!
Commercial 9: Delta Lloyd - Life Insurance
The next TV commercial on this list is, without a doubt, the best life insurance commercial ever created! It’s a short story about a man who tries to be a faithful member of his totalitarian state but falls short of expectations.
The film crew filmed this funny ad in Shanghai, and the language you hear is Chinese in reverse.
Even though the commercial included no flags, the North Korean embassy in Berlin summoned the Dutch insurance company to remove the spot from TV because it would damage the relationship between North Korea and the Netherlands.
As you might expect from a life insurance company, they didn’t do it because, according to them, everything in the commercial was fantasized entirely, and there were no direct implications to the Asian country.
They must have thought: ‘We all have one hell of a life insurance, so why bother?!.’
Commercial 10: Pepsi - Vending Machine
A few brands on this planet like to advertise by mocking their competitors.
One of those rivalry battles is Burger King versus McDonald’s, and Pepsi versus Coca-Cola joins the list!
And I must give credit to Pepsi for this 30-second commercial. What a masterpiece! Such a simple, innocent event with such a powerful message.
I love it! Brilliant in its simplicity!
Commercial 11: Louis Vuitton - A Journey
I think the best commercials don't try to sell a product or service but instead portray a problem for which a product or service is a solution or sell the emotion resulting from using that product or service.
The next aesthetically pleasing Louis Vuitton commercial, "A Journey," does precisely that of selling the emotion!
In this spot, director Bruno Aveillan takes you on a beautiful and dreamlike voyage through different chapters of everyday life. A few years ago, I attended the Berlin Fashion Film Festival, where Bruno was a guest speaker and explained the process of creating this project.
Bruno told the audience of the festival that he essentially was given complete creative freedom over the project's content by the marketing directors responsible at Louis Vuitton and was given a budget that allowed him to travel through Asia for a month to capture the images you see in the video.
Insane!!
Commercial 12: Lacoste - Crocodile Inside
Mamamia, what an ad! I love how Lacoste chose to portray a less idealized and romanticized love story in this commercial.
Instead, they used the visual interpretation of emotions during a dramatic fight and how it can feel like the world tears apart as an argument escalates.
Spectacular stunts, décor, and visual effects make up for a beautiful illustration of life.
Just wow!
As you can see in the making-of video below, it was an epic film production to create this epic TV spot! Unfortunately, this behind-the-video has no sound.
Commercial 13: MTV - Think Different
MTV is known for its cutting-edge music videos, but the network also has a long history of producing innovative commercials. Talking about those commercials, this "Think Different" commercial is one of TV station’s gems.
Such a simple and sweet story about the course of life and love, with its own unique little twist.
Heart warming<3
Commercial 14: Heineken - Walk-In Fridge
I believe this popular 32-second TV commercial is a real phenomenon in the Dutch advertising and commercial world and one of the most memorable ads ever created!
I’m 100% sure that if you namedrop this particular Heineken TV commercial at a party in Holland, there will always be a few adults who know what you’re talking about.
Without a doubt, one of the best beer commercials ever created!
Commercial 15: adidas Originals - Original Is Never Finished
I remember when this visually stunning ad campaign was released, it shocked the creative world and became an instant phenomenon as it was the first to mix all types of live-action footage, different formats, and animation in one.
Guided by one of my favorite catchy songs by Frank Sinatra, "I did it my way," the adidas Originals commercial "Original Is Never Finished" is a powerful statement about the ever-evolving nature of creativity.
The ad features a diverse group of creators—from musicians to athletes to artists—who are constantly pushing the boundaries of their respective fields while being portrayed in modern versions of creative icons.
Commercial 16: Philips - Carousel
The next great commercial on this list of best ads of all time is a perfect example of storytelling at its finest!
This 139-second commercial is one continuous tracking shot of a frozen moment in time during a heist gone wrong.
This commercial was part of an ad campaign to promote Philip’s first real cinema proportion TV, and man, did they do a great job!
Although the project was filmed in Prague over the course of three shoot days, with 90% of the effects filmed in camera, the entire production took a total of 7.5 weeks to complete!
I’ve included a crazy making-of video below to show how the film crew brought it to life on the film set.
Commercial 17: Dove - Evolution
Although this Dove commercial is already 15+ years old, its message is still as relevant today as it was at the time of its release.
In the "Evolution" commercial, Dove demonstrates how easy it is for anyone to fall into the trap of thinking they need to look a certain way.
It's a very successful depiction of the pressure put on women to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty that are often seen in the media.
In 2021, a new version based on this campaign was launched called 'Reversed Selfie,' which touches on the same topic but in a more updated version.
commercial 18: Under Armour - Rule Yourself
I like motivational commercials that convey the message that hard work and dedication eventually lead to success. And this Under Armour commercial has done a perfect job of portraying that top sport means sacrificing.
We, as an audience, might only see the gold medals, but what these extraordinary athletes do in the dark puts them into the light.
Phenomenal advertisement!
Commercial 19: Zazoo - Condoms
I saw this commercial for the first time many years ago, and it still makes me laugh today!
Although Zazoo is not a real brand, I believe this is the best and most effective condom commercial ever created!
Built on the premises of 'don't be a fool, wrap your tool,' it would have made total sense if it had a Durex logo at the end of this hilarious commercial.
Commercial 20: Nike - Dream Crazy
Whenever I feel depressed, I watch motivational speeches and Nike commercials. The inspiring and motivational words in these videos of those who have encountered and overcome difficulties in life have helped make my spirit run again in the right direction.
Thank you, Nike, for lighting my inner fire.
Again, and again!
Final Thoughts
While opinions on the best commercials of all time may vary, these twenty masterpieces are some of my most memorable and favorite ones. They each utilize different tactics to hook viewers, create an emotional connection, and hold the audience’s attention, which is why they continue to resonate with me long after they aired.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Commercials Of All Time (FAQs)
What makes a commercial "the best"?
Several factors can contribute to a commercial being considered one of the best of all time. It could be that the commercial was incredibly influential in promoting the product it was advertising, or it could be that it was particularly memorable or entertaining. Sometimes a commercial is considered the best because it is groundbreaking or innovative in some way.
What are some examples of the best commercials of all time?
Many commercials have been widely regarded as some of the best ever made. Some examples include:
Apple's "1984" commercial, which introduced the Macintosh computer, is often cited as a turning point in the history of advertising.
Coca-Cola's "Hilltop" commercial featured the famous song "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" and is widely regarded as one of the best ads ever made.
Nike's "Just Do It" campaign has included several memorable and inspiring commercials.
Old Spice's "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" commercial became an internet sensation and helped reinvigorate the brand.
Budweiser's "Whassup?" commercial was a massive hit in the early 2000s, spawning countless parodies and imitations.
Why do some commercials become so popular and memorable?
There are many reasons why some commercials stick in people's minds. Sometimes it's because the commercial was funny or entertaining or featured a memorable catchphrase or jingle.
Other times, a commercial might resonate with people emotionally, tapping into a universal feeling or experience. Whatever the reason, a great commercial can capture people's attention and leave a lasting impression.
How do companies measure the success of a commercial?
There are many ways that companies can measure the success of a commercial. The most common metrics include sales figures, brand awareness and recall, customer engagement and feedback, and social media buzz.
Companies will often conduct surveys or focus groups to gauge how well a commercial was received, and they may use data analytics to track metrics like website traffic, click-through rates, and conversions.
Are there any recent commercials considered among the best of all time?
It's difficult to say which recent commercials might go down in history as some of the best-made, as it takes time for a commercial to cement its place in the collective memory.
However, there have been many recent commercials that have been highly successful and widely praised, including Apple's "Welcome Home" ad, Amazon's "Alexa Loses Her Voice" ad, and Nike's "Dream Crazy" ad featuring Colin Kaepernick.
What role does creativity play in making a great commercial?
Creativity is a crucial element of making a great commercial. A genuinely unique commercial must stand out from the countless other ads that viewers are bombarded with daily.
This requires innovative thinking, clever writing, and a unique visual or audio style. A great commercial should be engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking, ultimately leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
What can we expect from the future of advertising?
It's difficult to predict precisely what the future of advertising will look like, as technology and consumer trends are constantly changing.
However, we will likely see a shift away from traditional forms of advertising, like TV commercials and print ads, as more and more consumers rely on digital media for entertainment and information.
We can also expect to see more personalized and interactive ads tailored to individual consumers based on their interests, preferences, and online behavior.
Finally, there will likely be a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable advertising practices as consumers become more conscious of brands' impact on the world around them.
What is widely regarded as the best Super Bowl commercial of all time?
Apple's "1984" directed by Ridley Scott is often cited as the best. Airing during Super Bowl XVIII, this ad for the Apple Macintosh computer dramatically showcased rebellion against conformity, inspired by George Orwell's dystopian novel.
Which commercial is famous for its humorous twist on language barriers?
The German Coastguard "Learn English" ad is hilariously memorable. When a distress call misunderstands the plea, "We are sinking" for "We are thinking," it cleverly highlights the importance of understanding English in global communications.
Can you name a commercial that went viral for its absurd character mix?
Mountain Dew’s "Puppy Monkey Baby" commercial combined a puppy, monkey, and baby into one bizarre, unforgettable creature, promoting their Kickstart drink in a Super Bowl spot that quickly became a viral sensation.
What ad campaign is iconic for featuring a celebrity and creating a lasting brand image?
Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, especially the commercials featuring Michael Jordan, stands out. These ads cemented Nike's image as a brand synonymous with perseverance, hard work, and athletic excellence.
Which ad is celebrated for its emotional connection through simple storytelling?
Budweiser's "Puppy Love" commercial. This heartwarming ad tells the story of a puppy’s persistent friendship with a horse, beautifully illustrating the theme of loyalty and companionship, often aired during the Super Bowl to maximize impact.
What commercial used innovative animation to captivate its audience?
Sony Bravia's "Balls" commercial, where thousands of colorful rubber balls bounce through the streets of San Francisco, set to the calming tune of José González's "Heartbeats." This visually stunning piece used practical effects to showcase the brand's color-enhancing TV technology.
Which commercial turned a basic public service announcement into a powerful message?
The "Crying Indian" ad by Keep America Beautiful, which featured Iron Eyes Cody, an actor portraying a Native American man shedding a single tear in response to environmental destruction, significantly raised public awareness about pollution.
What is the funniest beer commercial ever made?
Budweiser's "Wassup" ad series is one of the funniest. It features a group of friends greeting each other with an elongated "Wassup!" while "watching the game, having a Bud." This campaign became a cultural phenomenon.
Which commercial is known for its creative use of celebrities and humor?
Snickers' "Betty White" commercial is a standout. Portraying the idea that you're not yourself when you're hungry, and featuring Betty White as a rough-and-tumble football player, this ad was both humorous and effective in conveying its message.
What ad used stop-motion animation to tell a unique story?
Chipotle’s "Back to the Start" utilizes stop-motion animation to tell a compelling tale of sustainable farming. This ad, set to Willie Nelson’s cover of Coldplay’s "The Scientist," powerfully advocates for organic farming methods.
