Every brand has its way of grabbing attention, and the best ads combine humor, emotion, and originality. Some use exciting storytelling, while others take a bold, unorthodox approach.
Looking at these ads, there’s a lot you can take away for your own marketing. What makes them so effective? How do they manage to cut through the noise?
If you’re working on a campaign or just love great advertising, breaking down what makes these commercials work can help you think differently about engaging an audience. Let us take a look at some of the most popular ads and what we can learn from them.
Pringles – The Call of The Mustaches (2025)
Pringles’ “The Call of the Mustaches” Super Bowl 2025 game commercial is pure ridiculous fun.
Nick Offerman, Andy Reid, James Harden, and even Mr Potato Head lead in an over-the-top action spoof where their mustaches act as if they’ve got minds of their own. With slow-motion flying mustaches and Pringles, it leans into the notion that once you start eating Pringles, you can’t stop, and your mustache knows it.
The campaign works because Brody and Offerman bring the perfect mix of deadpan and goofy energy. The humor is silly without trying too hard, making it a perfect Super Bowl spot.
In addition, strong timing, smart casting, and absurdity make this ad stand out. It doesn’t try to be deep or emotional. It’s weird, fun, and exactly what people want during the Super Bowl.
By tying it to their iconic mustache mascot and using fan-favorite actors, Pringles turned a simple joke into a pop culture moment. Although it’s still new, I’m almost certain that this commercial will become a future classic that many will remember throughout the years.
Apple – “1984” (1984)
Apple’s “1984” commercial wasn’t your typical ad. It felt more like a sci-fi movie than something trying to sell you a computer.
The scene opens in a dull, gray world where rows of lifeless people stare at a giant screen. Then, out of nowhere, a woman in bright clothes charges in and smashes the screen with a hammer. The message? Apple’s new Macintosh would shake things up and free people from the boring, one-size-fits-all tech of the time.
What made it such a big deal?
First, the timing. This aired during the Super Bowl when millions were watching, and it stood out from the usual flashy, upbeat commercials. It had no product shots or flashy sales pitches—just a gripping story that got people talking.
The commercial was successful because it hit on something deeper than specs and features. It played on emotion, gave people something to rally behind, and made them believe that owning a Mac meant being part of something bigger. That feeling hasn’t faded. Today, owning an Apple product still carries a sense of identity, exclusivity, and belonging.
By focusing on story and timing rather than a straight-up sales approach, Apple set the bar for marketing that sticks with people.
Coca-Cola – “Share a Coke” (2011)
Coke’s “Share a Coke” campaign revolutionized the way you interact with a classic beverage.
Replacing the iconic logo with names and friendly nicknames invited you to find a bottle that felt personal. I remember feeling excited at the idea of seeing my own name on a Coke bottle, sparking curiosity and conversation among friends and strangers alike. It turned a simple drink into a moment of connection and celebration.
Success came from tapping into genuine emotions and social engagement. Personalized bottles encourage you to share photos online, creating buzz and a sense of global community.
I noticed people feeling proud and excited as they showed off their unique Coke bottles, turning everyday moments into social celebrations. Clever integration of digital media and a catchy tune ensured that you remembered the campaign long after the ad played.
Vibrant visuals, a memorable jingle, and a focus on personalization made the campaign resonate deeply. Strategic timing aligned perfectly with social media’s rise, boosting your ability to share and connect. I felt that combining a simple idea with emotional storytelling created an experience you could relate to personally.
When you plan your next campaign, remember that understanding your audience makes all the difference. Take a cue from Coke’s approach by focusing on emotion and personalization to spark genuine connection.
Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Remember that Old Spice ad where a shirtless dude starts in a bathroom, then suddenly is on a boat and ends up on a horse? It is a funny parody of those once-common, cheesy “manly man” ads. In the commercial, Isaiah Mustafa looks into your soul and tells women, “Look at your man. Now, back to me.”
This ad whimsically conveys that if you used Old Spice, you could smell just like this confident, impossibly smooth dude. It’s pretty ridiculous, but that is the point. The ad doesn’t just sell body wash. It sells a vibe, a lifestyle, and a whole lot of confidence wrapped in whimsical absurdity.
The humor, creativity, and timing made it a massive success. Back in 2010, social media was exploding, and Old Spice took full advantage. They didn’t drop the ad and disappear. Instead, they replied to comments in real-time with personalized videos featuring Isaiah. This turned a funny commercial into a viral phenomenon, making it feel like Old Spice was talking directly to you.
Direct engagement played a huge role in its impact. Isaiah spoke to you, not at you. Breaking the fourth wall made it feel personal, like he was in on the joke with you.
Absurd humor also helped significantly. The randomness of the visuals made it unforgettable. Furthermore, social media strategy stretched the life of the ad, turning a 30-second spot into a months-long conversation.
Dove – “Real Beauty Sketches” (2013)
Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” is a powerful commercial that addresses our insecurities about how we see ourselves.
In the advert, an artist creates two sketches for each woman—one based on her own description and another based on a stranger’s view. The difference reveals that you often see yourself as less attractive than others do. I found this concept eye-opening and quite relatable.
The ad’s popularity came from its raw emotional appeal and authentic storytelling. It struck a chord because it focused on self-esteem and the beauty standards we all struggle with.
Instead of pitching a product in a hard sell, the commercial offered a moment of reflection and hope. Its timing was perfect, riding the wave of a growing conversation about real beauty in media, and it sparked social media buzz that kept the discussion alive long after airing.
The ad’s effectiveness was due to its direct, honest storytelling and emphasis on personal connection. It invited viewers to rethink their self-image and celebrate their uniqueness.
Budweiser – “Whassup?” (1999)
Budweiser’s Whassup? (1999) commercial is one of those ads that truly took over pop culture.
A group of friends answer their phones and shout, “Whassup?” in an exaggerated, hilarious way. There’s no profound message or striking production—just a simple moment that feels like a real inside joke
The campaign became a hit because it was insanely funny and incredibly relatable. Budweiser didn’t pack in a complicated storyline.
It captured how people naturally interact, and that genuine feel made it stand out. After it aired, the phrase spread everywhere from early social media to conversations, and even in other brands’ marketing. It tapped into the kind of cultural momentum we now see with viral trends, where a single moment can take on a life of its own and become part of everyday language.
The timing was perfect. It launched at the turn of the millennium when brands were still figuring out how to hook a younger audience. Budweiser kept it simple, funny, and easy to repeat.
I’d even go as far as to say that the ad did not merely sell beer. Beyond that, it made you feel like you were part of the joke. That level of cultural impact is rare, and it’s the reason why “Whassup?” is still remembered fondly by many almost three whole decades later.
Nike – “Just Do It” Campaign (1988)
Nike’s Just Do It campaign from 1988 didn’t sell shoes. It sold an attitude. The ad wasn’t packed with product features or technical jargon. It was a straightforward yet powerful message that told you to stop overthinking and just go for it. Whether you were an athlete or someone trying to get off the couch, it hit home.
The original ad featured 80-year-old marathon runner Walt Stack, casually running across the Golden Gate Bridge, talking about his morning routine like it was no big deal. It was not flashy, but it was real, and that’s what made it work.
Nike’s campaign blew up because it spoke to everyone. The brand was able to tap into something bigger than sports: human motivation.
Their slogan was easy to remember and apply to everyday life. You didn’t need to be an athlete to relate. It made you want to do anything to push yourself further. Essentially, Nike made buying their shoes feel like buying into a mindset, which was a huge game-changer.
It should also be mentioned that the late 1980s saw a fitness boom.
Nike capitalized by positioning itself as a brand that understood athletes and regular people who wanted to challenge themselves. In doing this, it presented itself as the brand for anyone who wanted to take action, which is how many still perceive it to this day, more than 30 years later.
Sony Bravia – “Balls” (2005)
Sony Bravia’s “Balls” commercial is a visual feast that immediately grabs your attention. In it, thousands of vibrantly colored, bouncing balls roll down San Francisco in mesmerizing slow motion.
The ad isn’t loaded with a complex narrative. It’s a celebration of color and movement, designed to showcase the picture quality of Sony Bravia televisions. The result is a viewing experience that showcases the beauty of Sony television visuals and the thrill of unexpected artistry.
Originality and sheer creative audacity made this ad shine. Watching it feels almost hypnotic, with the stunning display of colors and fluid motion drawing you in.
There’s no heavy voiceover or lengthy script, only an energizing soundtrack that sets the mood. The image of those colorful balls cascading through the city creates a sense of wonder, making the whole thing feel like a dream captured on film.
Sony’s strategy behind this ad is to let the visuals speak for themselves. Their production team transformed a simple concept (a mass of bouncing balls) into a work of art that resonated with audiences.
Rather than relying on traditional sales tactics, Balls dared to be different, delivering a fresh, fun, and unforgettable visual punch. As a result, it still sparks conversation and admiration today.
Guinness – “Surfer” (1999)
Guinness’s “Surfer” commercial from 1999 is a standout piece that blends art and advertising seamlessly.
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, the ad features a group of surfers waiting for the perfect wave. As the wave approaches, it transforms into powerful white horses, symbolizing the force of nature. The imagery draws inspiration from Walter Crane’s 1893 painting “Neptune’s Horses,” adding a layer of artistic depth.
Meanwhile, the voiceover, with lines mirroring themes from Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick,” enhances the feel of the commercial.
This commercial’s ability to express anticipation and reward makes it exceptional, mirroring the experience of savoring a pint of Guinness. The tagline “Good things come to those who wait” resonates throughout the ad, aligning the patience of surfers with the time it takes to pour the perfect pint.
Basically, the strategy behind “Surfer” was to elevate Guinness’s brand image by associating it with artistry and profound themes.
The commercial appeals to viewers on an emotional level by focusing on patience and the thrill of achievement. The choice of black-and-white cinematography adds a timeless quality, setting it apart from typical beer commercials. This artistic approach grabs attention and encourages viewers to associate Guinness with depth and quality.
Upon its release, “Surfer” garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards, including accolades at the Clio Awards, D&AD Awards, and Cannes Lions. As an icing on the cake, in 2000, it was voted the “Best ad of all time” in a poll conducted by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times.
L’Oréal- ‘Walk Your Worth’ Campaign (2024)
L’Oréal’s “Walk Your Worth” campaign from 2024 is a celebration of personal strength and individuality. The commercial challenges you to embrace your worth and step into your power through striking visuals and a resonant narrative. The focus lies on empowering everyone to own their unique journey without compromise.
This commercial hooks you from the first frame. It strikes a chord by mixing vibrant imagery with real stories of women owning their path. You see powerful symbols and heartfelt moments that make the ad feel personal and relatable. The message pushes you to rethink what beauty truly means.
The campaign’s impact came from its impeccable timing and emotional pull.
Dropping during a surge in conversations about self-worth, it resonated with people craving authenticity. I felt the emotion behind each shot, and you could tell the creative team knew exactly how to connect with their audience through sincere storytelling and bold visuals.
L’Oréal proved that merging empowerment with smart timing creates a lasting impression.
The ad masters cultural relevance and fresh beauty standards. I believe you can apply these ideas to your projects by focusing on genuine connection and storytelling. This campaign reminds me that authenticity wins in every creative space.
Metro Trains Melbourne – “Dumb Ways to Die” (2012)
Metro Trains Melbourne’s “Dumb Ways to Die” commercial from 2012 was a safety PSA disguised as a catchy, darkly funny cartoon.
It showed cute characters meeting ridiculous and over-the-top deaths, leading to the message that getting hit by a train is one of the dumbest ways to go. The absurd humor and very catchy song made it impossible to ignore. Instead of throwing out typical warnings, it made you laugh, nod, and, most importantly, remember the message.
The ad blew up because it didn’t feel like a typical safety campaign. Instead of scaring you with graphic accidents or statistics, it used humor and music to get the point across.
Its song got stuck in your head, and the visuals made you want to share it. People weren’t rolling their eyes at another dull PSA—they were watching, singing along, and sending it to friends. It became a viral hit, turning a heavy topic into something people wanted to engage with.
This ad holds up because people remember the song, the characters, and the ridiculous ways they died. That kind of impact doesn’t happen by accident. It occurs when you take a different approach and trust your audience will get it.
Craft a commercial that captures attention and delivers a strong message
Great commercials don’t happen randomly. The most popular ones share common strategies that make them effective, no matter the product or industry.
Humor, emotion, simplicity, and strong storytelling are recurring themes that help brands cut through the noise. Some ads make you laugh, some hit an emotional chord, and others use amazing visuals to make their message impossible to ignore. The greatest ones don’t feel like ads. Rather, they feel like experiences.
Ads like Dumb Ways to Die turned safety messaging into viral content by using humor and music, while Sony Bravia’s Balls relied on pure visual appeal. Both took completely different approaches, but each one worked because it echoed with the audience they were meant for.
The best campaigns don’t copy what’s worked before—they take proven strategies and apply them in fresh, creative ways.
Therefore, if you want your ads to be memorable, start by figuring out what emotions, visuals, or storytelling techniques will make the biggest impact on your audience.
