15+ Best Commercial Ads of All Time

Commercials have a unique way of capturing our attention and leaving a lasting impression. Some ads become so iconic that they’re remembered for years, thanks to their creativity, humor, or emotional appeal. In this list, we’ve compiled 15+ of the best commercial ads of all time, showcasing the power of effective advertising. Whether it’s a funny moment or a heartfelt message, these ads have made a huge impact on audiences worldwide.

1. “Magical Place” - (Toys R Us)

The beloved Toys R Us ad first hit screens in 1989, and decades later, the brand decided to bring it back with a fresh twist to celebrate 25 years in the UK. This nostalgic remake resonated with viewers, pulling in over 281,123 views on YouTube. The catchy soundtrack was a big reason for its popularity—it helped the ad stand out and stick with people. Scientists say music lights up the parts of our brain tied to emotions and memories, which might explain why catchy jingles from ads stay with us for so long.

2. "Web of Fries" - Taco Bell

In the 90-second Web of Fries trailer, Josh Duhamel stars as a regular guy who uncovers a conspiracy by French fry giants trying to stop Taco Bell from selling their new nacho fries. As he digs deeper, he finds himself hilariously up against "Big Burger." The ad became a hit with audiences who loved the humor and thriller tropes, and Taco Bell’s nacho fries saw massive success, with 53 million sold in the first five weeks.

3. Perspective - (Apple)

Apple's Perspective ad opens with a quote saluting those who “see things differently,” echoing the iconic “Think different” motto. The meaning only becomes clear as the camera shifts to reveal the words from the perfect angle. With each pan around the white loft, viewers experience a stunning play on perspective. Since its 2014 debut, the ad has captivated over 4.4 million viewers on YouTube alone.

4. Red Bull Barber Shop

In the Red Bull Barber Shop ad, Red Bull’s signature animated style is immediately recognizable, and their creative commercials stand out. This funny spot features three barber shops, one of which has a sign reading, “entrance,” with Red Bull’s famous line, “Red Bull gives you wings.” The humorous twist leaves viewers smiling, making it one of their most memorable ads. This light-hearted ad has gathered over 19,000 views on YouTube, showing the brand’s continued appeal.

5. “The Last Game”- (Nike)

Nike’s “The Last Game” ad, which has garnered over 872,000 views on YouTube, is so engaging that its 5-minute runtime feels like no time at all. The ad plays out more like an exciting short film, featuring stunning animation, iconic characters, and a thrilling storyline that keeps viewers hooked. With a team of more than 300 experts working for over three months, it’s no surprise this piece is considered one of the best commercials ever made. Its captivating visuals and immersive narrative make it unforgettable.

6. Dumb Ways to Die (Metro Trains)

Metro Trains' Dumb Ways to Die is an unforgettable PSA that uses humor to highlight the dangers of unsafe behavior. The ad shows cute animated characters meeting their demise in ridiculous ways—until we’re reminded of the real risks near trains. The catchy, award-winning video has received over 312 million views and earned five grand prizes at the Cannes Lions festival. Most significantly, it’s credited with reducing Metro Train accidents by 20%.

7. Write the Future - (Nike)

Nike’s Write the Future takes viewers on a thrilling journey with iconic footballers, like Cristiano Ronaldo, during the 2010 World Cup. In this 3-minute ad, each scene shows a pivotal moment where players shape their legacy. The climax reveals a massive statue of Ronaldo, grand enough to rival the Statue of Liberty. This ad also made history, breaking records with over 7.8 million views in its first week, setting a new standard for viral video ads.

8. Unmasking a Killer (New York Presbyterian)

The 2-minute ad Unmasking a Killer by New York-Presbyterian may sound like a true crime episode, but its focus is actually on innovative immunotherapy treatments to combat cancer. Using striking black and red animation, the video illustrates how T-cells, usually our protectors, sometimes fail to stop cancer. Immunotherapy reactivates these cells to help the body fight back. Debuting during Super Bowl 50, the ad went on to win two Clio Health Awards.

9. Cadbury Aliens

Cadbury’s Aliens ad, released in 2016, shows how even the wildest ideas can grab attention. In just 40 seconds, this fun video highlights the product’s texture and flavor in a playful way, featuring aliens dancing to express how delicious it is. The quirky charm and eye-catching visuals make it both memorable and effective, with 129 million views on YouTube.

10. Our Blades are F***ing Great

Dollar Shave Club's Our Blades Are F**ing Great* ad, released in 2012, helped turn a small startup into a household name, making waves in the advertising world. The ad went viral, with 28 million views on YouTube, and played a key role in the company’s $1 billion acquisition. It shows how powerful a well-executed commercial can be in driving amazing success.

11. Check This - (Google)

Google's Check This ad features an upbeat rap beat, showcasing how fun and easy it is to use a Google spreadsheet. The video quickly demonstrates all the cool features of the program. It’s part of a series of ads promoting Google’s G Suite, where their products are shown being used to lively music. Another ad in the series features someone creating a presentation while enjoying the A-Team theme song. Who knew work could be this fun?

12. “Back to the Start” (Chipotle)

Chipotle’s Back to the Start ad is an animated commercial that highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable farming. Its heartwarming message and uplifting tone made it very popular. The ad stood out by offering something different from typical commercials, and the emotional impact was enhanced by a country version of Coldplay’s "The Scientist" sung by Willie Nelson.

13. Google Home Alone

Google’s Home Alone ad taps into ’90s nostalgia, which resonates with many viewers who fondly remember the classic film. The ad imagines a fun twist: what if Kevin had access to Google Assistant to help him set up his traps and defense strategies? This creative idea takes us on a nostalgic journey while showcasing how Google’s innovative technology could have made the classic movie even more fun. It’s a clever blend of humor and technology that appeals to both longtime fans of the film and those looking to see how Google’s tools can fit into everyday life.

14. The Force - Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s The Force ad became a hit with its adorable kid, funny storyline, and a clever Star Wars reference—making it one of the best Super Bowl commercials. The company took a bold step by releasing the ad online before the big game, especially since they hadn’t aired a Super Bowl ad in over ten years. Despite facing tough competition from other automakers with bigger ads, their strategy paid off. The ad gained 17 million views before the game even started, making it a huge success that paid for itself early on.

15. The Unique Connection (Pandora)

Pandora’s ad highlights the brand’s focus on creating unique, personalized jewelry. In this emotional video, six women stand in a lineup while their blindfolded children try to identify them. The children's reactions as they find their mothers based solely on touch reveal the deep bond between a mother and child. The powerful moment, shown through the mothers’ expressions, captivated viewers when the ad debuted in 2015. Since then, it has received over 19.5 million views, showcasing the strength of the connection it celebrates.

Wrapping Up

These 15+ best commercial ads of all time showcase the creativity, emotion, and impact that great advertising can have. Whether they make us laugh, cry, or think, these campaigns have left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. If you're looking to create an unforgettable ad for your brand, Get Camera Crew is here to help. Our team specializes in high-quality advertising video production that captures attention and drives results. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!