30 Best Commercial Ads to Inspire Your Next Marketing Campaign

Looking for inspiration to take your marketing campaign to the next level? The right commercial ad can captivate audiences, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. 

At Yum Yum Videos, we’ve had the privilege of crafting impactful commercials for leading brands like Amazon and Walmart, gaining valuable insights into what makes an ad truly memorable. That’s why we’ve put together this curated list of the 30 best commercial ads—from short commercials that pack a punch in 30 seconds to famous commercials that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re after creativity, innovation, or simply want to study the masters of advertising, these ads are bound to inspire and spark fresh ideas for your next project.

30 Best Commercial Ads of All Time to Inspire You: Let’s Dive In!

Here’s our handpicked selection of the best commercial ads that inspire, entertain, and showcase the true power of advertising. Each one is a masterpiece in its own right, setting new benchmarks for creativity and impact.

• 30 Best Commercial Ads of All Time to Inspire You

  1. Volkswagen: The Force

• 2. Dumb Ways to Die

• 3. Red Bull: Traffic Jam

• 4. Nespresso – The Quest with George Clooney

• 5. Coca-Cola: Hulk vs. Ant-Man

• 6. Pepsi: Vending Machine (Fighting Coca-Cola)

• 7. McDonald’s – Anime Japan Family Ad

• 8. Dollar Shave Club: Our Blades Are F*ing Great**

• 9. Alexa Loses Her Voice

• 10. The Last Game

• 11. Girls Don’t Poop

• 12. Google Home Alone – Popular ad

• 13. Wassup – TV Commercial

• 14. Clash Royale: The Last Second

• 15. Toys R Us: Christmas

• 16. Android: Rock, Paper, Scissors

• 17. General Motors: Evil Is Back for Good

• 18. Snickers: You’re Not Yourself When You’re Hungry

• 19. M&M’s: They Do Exist! – TV Commercial

• 20. Old Spice: The Terry Crews Commercial Series

• 21. Nike: Hare Jordan

• 22. Skittles: Treadmill

• 23. Geico: Unskippable Elevator

• 24. Volvo Trucks – The Epic Split feat. Van Damme

• 25. This Is a Special Time

• 26. Amazon Appstore by Yum Yum Videos

• 27. Tortilla Land

• 28. Catan

• 29. Recognize

• 30. Costa Azul

1. Volkswagen: The Force – Best Commercial of All Time

This is easily one of our favorites.

Here, we have an adorable commercial advertisement with a touch of humor and a clever Star Wars reference that makes it truly stand out. But what cemented its status as one of the best commercials of all time wasn’t just its charm. This was VW’s iconic Super Bowl spot, competing against other popular ads from major automakers with significantly larger budgets.

To stand out, they took a bold approach: releasing the ad online before the big game, banking on it going viral. And guess what? It worked! The commercial racked up a staggering 17 million views before the Super Bowl even aired. Now, that’s how you make a famous commercial!

2. Dumb Ways to Die – Best Animated Commercial Ad of All Time

At Yum Yum Videos, we specialize in creating animated commercials, so we can quickly recognize a standout piece when we see one. This is undoubtedly one of the best commercial ads of all time. It’s funny, memorable, and features animation that’s simple and affordable to produce. This is a perfect example of how a brilliant concept can outshine even the most expensive productions.

With over 320 million views on YouTube, it’s not just one of the most successful animated ads but also one of the most famous commercials in the world.

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3. Red Bull: Traffic Jam – Doodle Commercial Ads

“Red Bull gives you wings!” Who doesn’t know this iconic tagline?

Here, we’ve included just one example, but the truth is this is part of a larger series of commercial ads. Each one features that unforgettable doodle-style animation, clever humor, and the same core message: Red Bull gives you the wings to solve any problem.

It’s a masterclass in consistency and brand identity, making these ads truly iconic.

4. Nespresso – The Quest with George Clooney

If there’s one thing this commercial ad isn’t, it’s cheap! Featuring Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Danny DeVito, Natalie Dormer, and more, this ad is as entertaining as it is memorable. With its sharp humor and top-tier production, it’s no surprise that this is part of a series of commercial ads that have captivated audiences worldwide.

It’s the kind of video that sticks with you and leaves you craving a delicious cup of coffee.

5. Coca-Cola: Hulk vs. Ant-Man

And speaking of high-budget commercial advertisements, what could be better than featuring some of the Avengers wreaking havoc on the city… all for a can of Coca-Cola?

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This popular commercial brings together two unforgettable characters, Hulk and Ant-Man, in a fun and action-packed ad that perfectly captures Coca-Cola’s playful spirit. It’s an entertaining piece that’s hard to forget.

6. Pepsi: Vending Machine (Fighting Coca-Cola)

You don’t always need a massive budget to create an excellent commercial ad. A sales study once revealed that for every two Coca-Colas sold, only one Pepsi was purchased. In response, Pepsi created this brilliant concept: “2 Cokes for 1 Pepsi.”

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This clever and humorous ad was part of a series of commercials, each showcasing Pepsi’s wit and creativity in tackling its biggest competitor. A perfect example of how a sharp idea can outshine even the largest marketing budgets.

7. McDonald’s – Anime Japan Family Ad

This recent commercial ad took social media by storm. It’s a beautifully crafted video featuring warm, inviting colors and a simple yet powerful concept: a family enjoying a meal together. What makes this ad truly unique is its anime style, a fresh and original take for a global brand like McDonald’s.

It’s hard to deny how heartwarming this ad is—it evokes a sense of nostalgia, family bonds, and cherished memories. It’s the kind of video that makes you want to call your loved ones and head out for a delicious McDonald’s combo. A viral commercial that truly tugs at the heartstrings.

8. Dollar Shave Club: Our Blades Are F*ing Great**

As an explainer video company, we can’t help but admire this outstanding example of a commercial ad that doubles as an explainer video. It’s clever, hilarious, and one of the most iconic pieces in the world of explainer videos.

This ad doesn’t just deliver its message—it exceeds expectations. With its humor and simplicity, it not only achieves its goal but has also secured a place in the history of this advertising style. Truly, a standout commercial advertisement that proves creativity is king.

9. Alexa Loses Her Voice

Alexa loses her voice, and is replaced by a star-studded cast made of Gordon Ramsay, Rebel Wilson, Cardi B, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. However, they all fail in the most spectacular and hilarious ways!

In this popular commercial ad, the product’s functionality becomes secondary, but you still find yourself watching until the end with a smile. After all, we all love a classic Gordon Ramsay roast.

10. The Last Game

I wouldn’t be surprised if you think that this stunning 3D animated commercial looks more like a short film. A crew of more than 300 professionals worked hard for over three months to produce one of the best commercial ads of all time.

This piece has it all: beautiful animations, famous characters, and action-packed storytelling that makes us completely forget about the ad’s length. 

11. Girls Don’t Poop

From the moment you read the product’s name, Poo Pourri, you know you’re going to come across something weird. This company owned up to its weirdness and used it to make this viral product advertisement.

The popularity of the bizarre contrast between the elegant and well-spoken lady and the topic she’s discussing made such an impact that the brand has created a series of videos following the same style. Talk about the best commercials of all time, huh?

12. Google Home Alone – Popular ad

Who doesn’t love a trip down memory lane? I know I do, and so do most people. Google leveraged ’90s nostalgia to make a good commercial that people would enjoy.

Not only does it feature actor Macaulay Culkin reprising his role from the film Home Alone, but it also shows us just how wonderful the movie could’ve been if Kevin [2] could’ve used Google Assistant to deploy his traps and defense strategies!

13. Wassup – TV Commercial

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The premise of this iconic commercial ad is quite simple: there’s just a group of friends watching a match over chilled beers while yelling “Whassup?” back and forth. However, it became so popular that Budweiser’s sales grew exponentially the year after the ad was first broadcasted on TV. So, what was the secret to such success? Universal appeal and excellent targeting.

14. Clash Royale: The Last Second

At Yum Yum Videos, we have a special love for animated commercial ads, and this one is a record-breaker! With nearly 400 million views on YouTube, it’s one of the most famous commercials of all time.

This ad perfectly captures the essence of the popular game, giving viewers a quick yet exciting glimpse into its gameplay. It’s an engaging and visually striking piece that not only entertains but also leaves you eager to jump in and start playing.

15. Toys R Us: Christmas

This cartoon-style ad was first shared with the audience in 1989, and it was so well received that the company decided to remaster it for its 25th anniversary in the UK. I believe that this is another good commercial that owes much of its success to the catchy soundtrack. In fact, scientists suggest that music can ignite our brains like fireworks, particularly in areas linked to emotions and memories. This might explain why catchy jingles from commercials tend to stay with us for years.

16. Android: Rock, Paper, Scissors

The best commercial ads are those that showcase thinking outside the box, and this piece is no exception. Android opted out of making a smartphone-related ad and decided to go for animated characters that unite against bullying.

This is an excellent example of a commercial that doesn’t seek to try and sell a product but rather make a connection with the audience and share the company’s values.

17. General Motors: Evil Is Back for Good

Everyone’s favorite movie villain came back with this TV commercial ad. The ingenuity of this piece lies in how the narrative spotlights the company’s line of electric cars and eco-conscious focus without being overtly promotional. The best part is that it’s just delightful and truly entertaining to watch for all kinds of audiences.

18. Snickers: You’re Not Yourself When You’re Hungry

Anything that features the great Mr. Bean is bound to be hilarious, so his presence and his facial expression are more than enough to turn any video into something funny. Here, he plays the role of a Kung Fu master who can’t remember his training until he’s had a Snickers. Having such an iconic and internationally recognizable character gave the ad great global potential.

19. M&M’s: They Do Exist! – TV Commercial

I’m sure you’ve seen this ad before. After all, it’s an iconic piece that’s been aired annually for more than 25 years! Crazy, right? Not many commercials have that kind of staying power, and that’s exactly why this is one of the best commercial ads of all time. 

What’s even more impressive is that this piece is only 15 seconds long. You might think there’s not much time to say anything; however, the M&M’s red and yellow mascots accidentally stumbling on Santa, and all of them being shocked to see that the other exists is more than enough to delight all kinds of audiences.

20. Old Spice: The Terry Crews Commercial Series

Why watch just one Old Spice commercial featuring Terry Crews when you can enjoy them all? Someone created this incredible compilation of the entire series of commercial ads, and it’s a must-watch.

These ads are unforgettable, outrageously funny, and totally over the top. With Terry Crews literally shouting his way into your memory, they’ve become some of the most iconic and memorable commercials of all time, perfectly reinforcing the Old Spice brand.

21. Nike: Hare Jordan – Commercial Ad

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While this might look like a Space Jam ad, it’s actually even older than the movie! (How it hurts to say that!) 

When it was released, it was something fun and different that both parents and children would find appealing. The parents would be hooked with the famous Michael Jordan, and the kids would love seeing the Looney Tunes interacting with real-life props and scenarios.

22. Skittles: Treadmill

With a character sweating Skittles and another one collecting and eating them, this has to be Skittles’ weirdest venture. But it doesn’t matter what we think about it because it certainly meets the goal of catching attention and getting people to talk about Skittles.

23. Geico: Unskippable Elevator

The first and only truly unskippable commercial! How did they pull it off? By ending it before you even have a chance to skip.

In less than 15 seconds, this short commercial cleverly conveys the message that you could be losing a lot of money by not taking 15 minutes to talk to Geico. It’s a brilliant and efficient concept that captures attention instantly and delivers its point with perfect clarity.

24. Volvo Trucks – The Epic Split feat. Van Damme

When Volvo set out to highlight the precision and stability of their trucks’ dynamic steering, they needed a bold idea to stand out.

Enter Jean-Claude Van Damme, delivering a flawless performance of his iconic splits between two moving trucks. Combined with an inspiring monologue and Enya’s calming soundtrack in the background, this commercial ad became a masterpiece of daring creativity.

With over 120 million views on YouTube, this ad is a testament to how audacious concepts can captivate audiences and make a lasting impression—even turning a technical feature into an unforgettable marketing moment.

25. This Is a Special Time

To finish off this list, we have a commercial ad that borders the line between weird and disturbing. The premise of the ad is simple: we have an ice cream… creature that’s eating its own head with a spoon. I’m sorry to have shared this haunting piece with you, but I felt it deserved a spot among the best commercials exactly for how weird it is.

The 5 Best Commercial Ads by Yum Yum Videos!

We’ve explored some of the most famous commercial ads in history, but before you go, we’d love to share some of the amazing commercials and explainer videos we’ve created here at Yum Yum Videos. We hope these inspire you as well—and who knows? If you ever need a video, maybe you’ll give us a call! Here’s our selection:

26. Amazon Appstore

This is one of a series of videos we produced for Amazon, and we’re incredibly proud that one of the most important companies in the world trusted us to create their content. What we love most about this commercial ad is the use of vibrant colors and the dynamism we achieved. Take a look and let us know what you think!

27. Tortilla Land

One of our very first commercials! Created over a decade ago, this ad fills us with nostalgia and pride. It features taco ingredients singing and dancing—how could we not love it? This was a challenging project in terms of animation and illustration, but the end result was worth every effort, resulting in this fantastic commercial ad.

28. Catan
Ever wondered how to play Catan? This commercial-slash-explainer video got amazing feedback and is even featured on Catan’s official channel. A mix of creativity and functionality, it immerses viewers into the incredible world of Catan.

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As huge board game fans here at Yum Yum Videos, working on this project was not just an honor but also a personal delight!

29. Recognize

This live-action commercial ad is a great example of what we can do beyond animation. While we’re known as one of the best animated explainer video companies, this proves we can also deliver outstanding live-action content. Of course, we added our signature touch with motion graphics to make it even more dynamic. We hope you enjoy it!

30. Costa Azul

A fun and charming commercial ad we created for Costa Azul in Brazil. Featuring adorable and colorful characters, this video was a joy to work on. And though we didn’t create the music, we absolutely love it—it complements the visuals beautifully. Portuguese truly is a lovely language!

These projects showcase just a taste of what we can achieve at Yum Yum Videos. We’d love to hear which one is your favorite!

Top Recommendations to Make a Commercial Ad for Your Business

If you want to create a piece for your business that makes it to the list of popular commercials, then you must follow these tips:

• Hook Your Audience in the First 5 Seconds: Tell your viewers something unexpected or show them a visually striking scene. A bold question, a stunning visual, or a surprising statement can all work. For example, you could say something like “Did you know you’re wasting $500 a year on this common mistake?”
• Create a Unique Brand Character: Having a memorable spokesperson or brand mascot can help people associate it with your product and recall your brand more easily. For instance, think of Geico’s Gecko or Kellog’s Tony The Tiger.
• Create a Visual Metaphor for Your Product: Explain your product in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to watch with a metaphor. For example, if you’re advertising a cleaning product, you can have a “battle” between dirt monsters and your product hero.
• Use Humor in Unexpected Ways: If your brand identity allows it, you can use unexpected humor to leave a lasting impression. For instance, a boring office worker becomes an action hero after drinking an energy drink.
• Break the Fourth Wall: You can have your character directly address the audience, making them feel involved or part of the conversation. For example, something like “Hey, you there! Yes, you! Stop scrolling and check this out — trust me, you won’t regret it.”

Looking for Outstanding Animated Commercial Ads? Yum Yum Videos Is Here to Help!

If you’re looking to create your own impactful commercial advertisement, we’re here to help! At Yum Yum Videos, we’ve spent over a decade producing high-quality videos for startups and renowned brands alike, including Amazon, Walmart, Red Bull, McKesson, and many more. Whether you need an animated explainer or a standout commercial, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Let’s create something amazing together!

Here are a few key points we think might help you decide which company to contact for your next project:

• Best Value for Quality: We deliver top-tier videos at competitive prices, offering the best price-to-quality ratio in the industry.
• Decade of Experience: With over 10 years in the business, we’ve mastered the art of commercial video production.
• Global Clients: Trusted by industry leaders like Amazon, Walmart, Red Bull, and more.
• Tailored to You: Every video we create is customized to fit your brand, audience, and goals.
• Award-Winning Team: Our team of experts is recognized for its creativity and innovation.
• End-to-End Service: We take care of everything—from concept to final delivery.
• Proven Results: Our videos are designed to engage, convert, and leave a lasting impression.

Let us help you bring your ideas to life with a video that truly stands out!

So, let us bring your message to life and help you leverage the many benefits of animated videos! 😊. Drop us a message and share your ideas with us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Advertisements

Before you go, I’d like to share with you some common doubts, useful information, and interesting facts about these videos:

1. What is considered a commercial ad?

A commercial advertisement is a promotional message delivered through film or video, aimed at capturing consumers’ attention or shaping their opinions about a specific product, service, event, or cause.

2. What was the best Super Bowl commercial?

In our opinion, the best Super Bowl commercial so far has been The Force, produced by Deutsch Inc. in 2011. [4]

In this memorable ad, a young boy dressed as Darth Vader attempts to use the Force to move various objects around his house, only to find that he has little success. His efforts are humorously undercut until his father, inside a Volkswagen Passat, uses the car’s remote start feature to make it appear as if the boy has finally succeeded in using the Force.

The ad was widely praised as one of the greatest commercials ever for its clever concept, charming execution, and nostalgic nod to Star Wars, appealing to both children and adults. It effectively showcased the Volkswagen Passat while capturing viewers’ hearts and evoking laughter. “The Force” won several awards and even went viral, further solidifying its place in Super Bowl advertising history.

3. How much does it cost to make a commercial ad?

The cost of producing a commercial ad can vary widely depending on several factors, including the production quality, talent involved, location, and the medium on which it will be aired.

But for you to get a rough idea, an animated commercial ad like the one we made for Amazon Coins would cost between $8,000 and $20,000. However, a Super Bowl commercial cost with famous actors would be between $1 and $10 millions. (Yuup, they’re that pricy!)

Also read: Animation Cost Per Minute

4. What is the most famous commercial of all time?

One of the most famous commercials of all time is Apple’s “1984” ad, which debuted during Super Bowl XVIII in 1984. This piece introduced the first Macintosh computer and was inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984.

The ad is often credited with not only making the Macintosh launch iconic but also setting the standard for Super Bowl ads and changing the way companies approach high-profile advertising events. It remains a touchstone in advertising history and is frequently cited in discussions of the most influential commercials ever made.

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5. What is an example of a commercial advertisement?

Every single piece we’ve shared in this post is a great commercial ad example! We’ve mainly focused on showing the best internet and TV commercials, but other examples also include radio advertisements, PSAs, newsbreaks, podcasts, infomercials, and more.

6. What is the oldest commercial ad?

The oldest generally recognized ad is a piece by Bulova Watches, which aired on July 1, 1941 [5]. This was the first official TV commercial in the United States, broadcasted on the NBC station WNBT (now WNBC) in New York before a baseball game [3].

Wrapping Up

We’ve taken you on a journey through some of the most iconic commercial ads ever created, and we hope you found plenty of inspiration for your next marketing campaign. From global giants to creative underdogs, these ads prove that great ideas, whether animated or live-action, have the power to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

At Yum Yum Videos, we take pride in crafting commercials and explainer videos that not only tell a story but also make an impact. If you’re looking for a partner to bring your ideas to life, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to help you create your next unforgettable ad.

Now it’s your turn: which ad inspired you the most? Let us know! And if you’re ready to start your own project, let’s talk. Creativity is just a call away!

References:

• [1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3009646/
• [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Home-Alone
• [3] https://fortune.com/2016/07/01/bulova-tv-commercial/
• [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Force_(advertisement)
• [5] https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-tv-advert