Best Ads of All Time: Most Iconic Commercials Ever Made

Remember that ad you couldn’t get out of your head? The one you quoted with friends or maybe even cried to? Great ads don’t just sell—they stick. They make us laugh in the middle of a boring day, give us chills during the Super Bowl, or even change how we see the world.

Think about it: a 30-second spot made Apple feel like a rebel. A simple jingle turned Coke into a symbol of happiness. And let’s not forget the digital marketing agencies that turned bizarre ideas (like a gorilla drumming to Phil Collins) into viral gold.

Ads have gone from basic product shouts to mini-masterpieces—some so good, we want to watch them. So, which ones earned their place in history? From tearjerkers to game-changers, here are the best ads of all time… and why they still matter.

19 Best Ads of All Time

Some ads don’t just sell—they become part of culture. Whether it’s the goosebump moments, the laughs, or the “why didn’t I think of that?” genius, the best ads stick with us for years. So, are you ready to revisit the classics? Let’s jump in.

The Most Iconic TV Commercials of All Time

Remember those ads that made you stop channel-surfing? The ones that stuck in your brain like a catchy song? These TV spots didn’t just sell products—they became part of our culture. From heartwarming stories to jaw-dropping spectacles, these commercials proved that 30 seconds could change everything.

1. Apple – “1984” (1984)

Ad Name: “1984”

Brand: Apple

Why It’s Legendary: The Super Bowl ad that didn’t just sell computers—it declared a revolution.

The Story:

Picture this: It’s 1984. People are used to boring beige computers from IBM. Then, during the Super Bowl, this dystopian ad airs, showing mindless drones watching a Big Brother figure… until a rebel woman smashes the screen with a sledgehammer. Boom—Apple announces the Macintosh is coming to break the monopoly.

What made it stand out:

• Looked more like a sci-fi movie than an ad
• Made tiny Apple the cool underdog
• Aired when people were sick of corporate tech

Fun Fact:

• Board members hated it and tried to cancel it
• Only aired once, but everyone talked about it for months
• The Mac sold out for months after launch

Still Hold Up Today?

Hell yes. Tech companies still copy its “us vs. them” style. And that creepy Big Brother vibe? Somehow it feels more relevant now than in 1984.

2. Coca-Cola – “Hilltop” (1971)

Ad Name: “Hilltop”

Brand: Coca-Cola

Why It’s Legendary: It gave the world its first feel-good anthem and made a soda feel like world peace.

The Story:

1971 was a rough year – Vietnam War protests, civil rights marches, and a divided America. Then Coca-Cola drops this sunny ad of young people from every corner of the world standing on an Italian hillside, singing “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”. No hard sell, just hippie idealism in a bottle.

What made it stand out:

• Perfect timing – tapped into that Woodstock-era longing for unity
• Simple message – happiness beats politics
• That damn song – so catchy it became a hit single (without the Coke reference)

Fun Fact:

• The hill wasn’t green enough in America – had to film in Italy
• The first version was bombed in tests (“Where’s the product?”)
• Inspired the famous “Mean Joe Greene” ad years later

Still Hold Up Today?

Kind of yes. It’s cheesy as hell now, but you still feel that warm, fuzzy feeling when you hear those opening notes. Every “inspirational” diversity ad since owes it royalties.

3. Nike – “Just Do It” Campaign (1988–Present)

Ad Name: “Just Do It”

Brand: Nike

Why It’s Legendary: Three words turned sneakers into a mindset—and made Nike the king of motivational marketing.

The Story:

Back in 1988, Nike was getting crushed by Reebok. Then a random copywriter named Dan Wieden pitched “Just Do It”—inspired by the last words of a convicted killer (!). Weird origin story, but magic happened.

The genius? It wasn’t about shoes. It was about the struggle before the triumph—every day, athletes pushing limits. The first ad featured an 80-year-old runner logging miles, proving it wasn’t just for superstars. Over the years, they doubled down:

• 1990s: Bo Jackson playing football and baseball (“Bo Knows”)
• 2010s: Colin Kaepernick’s “Believe in Something” risk
• Today: Still using real athletes’ sweat-and-tear stories

Fun Fact:

• Nike’s sales jumped $9 billion in the campaign’s first decade.
• The slogan was almost “Just Do It… Or Don’t” (yikes).

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. Every brand tries to copy it, but no one nails the grit + inspiration combo like Nike. Proof that a tagline isn’t just words—it’s a war cry.

4. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)

Ad Name: “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”

Brand: Old Spice

Why It’s Legendary: It made body wash hilarious and viral and accidentally created the modern “brand voice” every company tries (and fails) to copy.

The Story:

Old Spice was your grandpa’s aftershave—until this ad dropped. Enter Isaiah Mustafa: shirtless, absurdly confident, and delivering rapid-fire one-liners while riding a horse, then suddenly on a boat, then suddenly on a beach. The joke? Old Spice wasn’t selling soap; it was selling a ridiculous fantasy version of masculinity.

What made it work?

• It didn’t take itself seriously (unlike every other “sexy” men’s ad).
• The single-take magic and weird transitions kept you watching.
• They replied to fans in real-time with custom videos—basically inventing viral marketing 2.0.

Fun Fact:

• The actor (Isaiah Mustafa) was a former NFL player who nailed the role in one audition.
• Sales skyrocketed 107% in months, proving weirdness sells.

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. You’ve seen a million brands try to be “random/funny” online since then, but this is still the king. Also, that “look at your man, now back to me” bit? Iconic.

5. Volkswagen – “Think Small” (1959)

Ad Name: “Think Small”

Brand: Volkswagen

Why It’s Legendary: It flipped car advertising upside down by bragging about being tiny and changed marketing forever.

The Story:

In the 1950s, American cars were all about size: bigger fins, longer hoods, and more chrome. Then Volkswagen shows up with this ad—a tiny Beetle on a blank page, with the headline “Think Small”. No flashy claims, just smart self-awareness.

The brilliance?

• It made a weakness (size) into a strength (easy parking, great gas mileage).
• The clean, minimalist style stood out in a sea of over-the-top car ads.
• It spoke to younger, smarter buyers tired of Detroit’s excess.

Fun Fact:

• The ad agency (Doyle Dane Bernbach) had to fight VW execs to run it—they thought it was too simple.
• It’s often called the first modern ad, kicking off the “creative revolution” in advertising.

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. Most startups are “disrupting” an industry with honest, clever marketing. They owe this ad a thank-you note. Proof that less really is more.

6. Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)

Ad Name: “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry”

Brand: Snickers (Mars, Inc.)

Why It’s Legendary: Turned a candy bar into the world’s most relatable mood fixer.

The Story:

We’ve all been there – hungry, cranky, and not ourselves. Snickers nailed this universal truth by showing celebrities and regular folks transforming into grumpy alter egos. Remember Betty White playing football? That was the kickoff.

The magic was in the:

• Brilliant casting (Who knew a 90-year-old comedienne could sell candy bars?)
• Perfect comic timing that made hunger pains hilarious
• The simple truth we all recognize: hunger makes people act crazy

Fun Fact:

• The Betty White spot became so iconic it got her a hosting gig on SNL
• The campaign boosted sales by 15.9% in its first year

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. The premise is timeless because hunger never goes out of style. Still gets quoted whenever someone gets hangry.

Whether it was Apple’s dystopian “1984” or Coca-Cola’s feel-good “Hilltop,” these ads didn’t just air—they mattered. They remind us that great TV spots aren’t about flashy graphics or hard sells. They’re about making us feel something. And decades later, they still do.

The Best Super Bowl Ads Ever Aired

Let’s be honest—some people watch the Super Bowl just for the ads. These spots cost millions, but the best ones? Priceless. They made us laugh, cry, and sometimes just scratch our heads. Here are the ones that scored a touchdown in our memories.

1. Budweiser – “Whassup?!” (2000)

Ad Name: “Whassup?!”

Brand: Budweiser

Why It’s Legendary: Turned a simple greeting into a global catchphrase and made beer commercials cool again.

The Story:

Picture this: It’s 2000. You call your buddy, he picks up, and suddenly you’re both screaming “WHASSSUUUP?!” at each other. That’s exactly what made this ad explode.

The genius was in its:

• Perfect simplicity (just friends being ridiculous on the phone)
• Instant relatability (we all have that dumb inside joke with friends)
• Authentic vibe (no fancy sets, just real-looking guys being goofy)

This ad wasn’t trying to sell beer – it was selling friendship. The humor was so contagious that within weeks, everyone from office workers to celebrities was doing their own “Whassup” impressions.

Fun Fact:

• The original concept came from a student film called “True”
• Increased Budweiser sales by $1 billion in its first year
• Got parodied everywhere from SNL to The Simpsons

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes and no. The catchphrase is dated, but the idea of friends bonding over dumb inside jokes? That’s forever. It still makes you smile when you see it.

2. Amazon – “Alexa Loses Her Voice” (2018)

Ad Name: “Alexa Loses Her Voice”

Brand: Amazon

Why It’s Legendary: Showed us our tech obsession through hilarious celebrity cameos and became the most talked-about Super Bowl ad of 2018.

The Story:

Amazon took a simple “what if” scenario—Alexa getting laryngitis—and turned it into comedy gold. When the voice assistant goes mute, Amazon brings in celebrity substitutes like Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, and Rebel Wilson, each putting their own ridiculous spin on Alexa’s responses.

What made it work:

• Perfect celebrity casting (Cardi B’s “I don’t know her” is still quoted.)
• Spot-on humor about our weird relationships with smart devices
• Showcased Alexa’s skills without feeling like a sales pitch

Fun Fact:

• Costs $5 million for the Super Bowl airtime alone
• Increased Alexa searches by 3,000% after airing
• Won Ad Meter’s top spot for best Super Bowl commercial that year

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. With AI assistants now everywhere, the joke feels even more relevant. Plus, who doesn’t want Gordon Ramsay yelling at their smart speaker?

3. Google – “Loretta” (2020)

Ad Name: “Loretta”

Brand: Google

Why It’s Legendary: Made millions cry during the Super Bowl by showing how tech can preserve our most precious memories.

The Story:

This ad hits you right in the feels. An elderly man uses Google Assistant to remember details about his late wife, Loretta – her laugh, her favorite songs, and little moments they shared. It’s not selling tech specs; it’s showing how technology can help us hold onto love.

What made it stand out:

• Real emotion in an era of flashy Super Bowl ads
• Brilliant simplicity – just a man and his voice assistant
• The universal truth about grief and memory we all understand

Fun Fact:

• Based on real ways people use Google Assistant
• The director used his own grandfather as inspiration
• Aired right before COVID lockdowns, making its message about connection even more powerful

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. In our digital world, it’s still the best reminder that technology’s real value isn’t in features – it’s in keeping what matters alive.

From Budweiser’s Clydesdales to Volkswagen’s pint-sized Darth Vader, the best Super Bowl ads don’t just interrupt the game—they become the game. They prove that even in a sea of noise, creativity wins. (And yes, we’re still quoting “Whassup?” 20 years later.)

The Most Viral Digital Ads of All Time

Before “viral” meant TikTok dances, these ads blew up the internet the old-fashioned way: by being that good. No algorithms, no influencers—just pure, shareable genius. You probably emailed these to your friends. Admit it.

1. Dove – “Real Beauty Sketches” (2013)

Ad Name: “Real Beauty Sketches”

Brand: Dove

Why It’s Legendary: Exposed how harshly women judge themselves and started a global conversation about self-image.

The Story:

Dove pulled off a simple but powerful experiment. They brought in women who described themselves to a forensic sketch artist, then had strangers describe those same women. The side-by-side results were shocking – the strangers’ descriptions led to happier, more accurate portraits.

What made it stand out:

• Brutal honesty about how we see ourselves vs how others see us
• No products pushed – just a raw message about self-perception
• Brilliant execution with the sketch artist gimmick

Fun Fact:

• Became the most viral ad ever at the time with 165 million views
• Won a Cannes Lions Grand Prix award
• Started Dove’s entire “Real Beauty” campaign movement

Still Hold Up Today?

More than ever. In our filtered Instagram age, its message about self-criticism hits even harder. It still gets shared whenever body image discussions trend.

2. Always – “Like a Girl” (2014)

Ad Name: “#LikeAGirl”

Brand: Always

Why It’s Legendary: Turned an insult into a movement and redefined what it means to do things “like a girl”.

The Story:

Always took a common playground put-down and flipped it on its head. When asked to run, fight, or throw “like a girl,” teens and adults flailed dramatically. But when young girls did the same? They gave it their all – strong, fast, and unapologetic.

What made it stand out:

• A brilliant social experiment format that revealed unconscious biases
• Powerful emotional shift from cringe to empowerment
• Perfect timing during the growing feminist wave

Fun Fact:

• Won the Cannes Lions Grand Prix and an Emmy
• Has over 90 million YouTube views and counting
• Changed the phrase “like a girl” in dictionaries and everyday language

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. In 2024, with women’s rights still being debated, its message feels even more urgent. Still used in schools to discuss gender stereotypes.

3. Blendtec – “Will It Blend?” Series (2006–Present)

Ad Name: “Will It Blend?”

Brand: Blendtec

Why It’s Legendary: Turned a boring blender demo into must-see destruction porn that went ridiculously viral.

The Story:

Some marketing genius at Blendtec had a crazy idea: what if we blended stuff we absolutely shouldn’t? Enter CEO Tom Dickson in a lab coat, casually dropping iPhones, glow sticks, and even a rake handle into their blenders. That “oh crap” moment when the iPhone turns to dust? Pure gold.

What made it work:

• Destruction = Entertainment (who doesn’t love watching things get obliterated?)
• Perfect deadpan delivery from Tom the Blendtec guy
• Genius product demo – if it can blend an iPad, your smoothie is no problem

Fun Fact:

• The first video (blending marbles) cost just $50 to make
• Sales increased 700% after the series launched
• Apple actually asked them to stop blending iPhones (they didn’t)

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. The formula is timeless – new videos still get millions of views. Proof that you don’t need fancy ads, just a blender and a willingness to destroy stuff.

Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches,” Old Spice’s shirtless horseman, Blendtec’s iPhone-blending madness—they didn’t just go viral. They rewrote the rules. Today’s brands chase “organic reach,” but these remind us: make something worth sharing, and the internet will do the rest.

The Greatest Print & Billboard Ads

No sound. No movement. Just a single image and a killer idea. These print ads didn’t need special effects—they stopped you in your tracks with nothing but brains and boldness. The kind you tear out of magazines and stick on your fridge.

1. Netflix – “Netflix is a Joke” (2017)

Ad Name: “Netflix is a Joke”

Brand: Netflix

Why It’s Legendary: Proved Netflix understood comedy better than anyone by roasting their own content in the most meta way possible.

The Story:

Netflix gathered all their A-list comedians – from Chris Rock to Ellen – and let them brutally mock Netflix’s own shows and interface. That awkward moment when you can’t decide what to watch? They turned it into comedy gold by having comedians trash their own titles.

What made it stand out:

• Brilliant self-deprecation (only confident brands make fun of themselves)
• Perfect casting of comedians who actually worked with Netflix
• Spot-on relatability for anyone who’s ever scrolled Netflix for 30 minutes

Fun Fact:

• Featured 35+ comedians across different specials
• Helped cement Netflix as the home of stand-up comedy
• Inspired by their actual “Netflix is a Joke” comedy festival

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. With streaming decision fatigue worse than ever, the joke still lands perfectly. Plus, it aged better than most of the shows they mocked.

2. McDonald’s – “I’m Lovin’ It” (2003)

Ad Name: “I’m Lovin’ It”

Brand: McDonald’s

Why It’s Legendary: Gave the world an earworm so catchy it became the longest-running jingle in fast food history.

The Story:

Back in 2003, McDonald’s was losing its cool factor. They needed something fresh to connect with younger audiences. Enter “I’m Lovin’ It”, a five-note jingle so simple you couldn’t get it out of your head if you tried. The campaign launched with Justin Timberlake singing those four words over Pharrell’s beats, and suddenly everyone from businessmen to kids was humming it.

The magic was in its flexibility:

• That impossible-to-forget melody (ba-da-ba-ba-baaa)
• Perfectly captured the quick joy of fast food
• Showed McDonald’s could be contemporary without trying too hard

Fun Fact:

• The jingle was originally created in just one day
• Has generated over $2 billion in ad value
• Still McDonald’s slogan after 20+ years – unheard of in fast food

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. It’s the advertising equivalent of McDonald’s fries – simple, satisfying, and impossible to improve. The fact that they’ve never needed to replace it says everything.

3. Taj Mahal Tea House—”Raag” Megh Malhar” (2016)

Ad Name: “Raag Megh Malhar”

Brand: Taj Mahal Tea House (by Tata Consumer Products)

Why It’s Legendary: Made tea-drinking feel like a spiritual experience by blending classical music with monsoon magic.

The Story:

This wasn’t just an ad – it was a 3-minute musical meditation. Picture this: legendary santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma performing Raag Megh Malhar (a raga believed to summon rains) as the first monsoon drops fall. The camera follows the tea’s journey from leaf to cup, syncing perfectly with the music’s crescendo.

What was the magic of this ad:

• No dialogue needed – the santoor did all the talking
• Cinematic beauty that felt more like art than advertising
• Cultural authenticity that resonated deeply with Indian audiences

Fun Fact:

• Shot over 21 days across Darjeeling and Mumbai
• Used real monsoon clouds captured during actual rains
• Became a case study for “slow advertising” in a fast-clip world

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. In our noisy, quick-cut ad world, its quiet power stands out even more. It still gives chills when those first santoor notes play.

4. British Airways – “The Magic of Flying” (2013)

Ad Name: “The Magic of Flying”

Brand: British Airways

Why It’s Legendary: Made people look up at the sky again and remember why flying still feels magical.

The Story:

In 2013, when air travel had become just another commute, British Airways pulled off something special. They set up a giant digital billboard in London that reacted in real-time to actual BA flights passing overhead. As a plane flew by, a child in the ad would point up, followed by the flight number and where it was coming from, “Flight BA287 from Barcelona”, appearing like magic across the night sky.

What made it stand out:

• Real-time technology that made advertising feel alive
• Nostalgic wonder – that childhood excitement about planes
• Perfect London touch with the iconic Piccadilly Circus location

Fun Fact:

• Used radar data to sync with actual flight paths
• Increased positive brand sentiment by 25%
• Won multiple Cannes Lions awards

Still Hold Up Today?

Yes. In our jaded, overscheduled world, it still makes you pause and watch a plane cross the sky. That’s real magic.

“I’m Lovin’ It” and “Raag Megh Malhar” proved that less is more, and smart beats flashy every time. In a world of endless scrolling, they’re a masterclass in making every pixel (or inch of paper) count.

Honorable Mentions

They didn’t fit the categories, but we couldn’t leave them out. The weird, the wonderful, the “how did this even work?” ads that deserve a standing ovation. Consider this the “Advertising Hall of Fame’s” wild-card round.

1. Cadbury – “Gorilla” (2007)

Ad Name: “Gorilla”

Brand: Cadbury

Why It’s Legendary: Proved chocolate could sell without showing chocolate, just a drumming gorilla and pure joy.

The Story:

After a salmonella scare hurt sales, Cadbury needed to make people love them again. Instead of showing melted chocolate or happy families, they gave us… a life-sized gorilla passionately drumming to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”. No explanation. No product close-ups. Just 90 seconds of weird, wonderful magic.

What made it stand out:

• Complete absurdity that somehow worked
• Emotional nostalgia (everyone knows that drum solo)
• Brave simplicity – let the moment speak for itself

Fun Fact:

• The gorilla was played by an actor in a suit, not CGI
• Sales jumped 9% in a struggling market
• Inspired countless parodies (remember the John Lewis Christmas ad version?)

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. It’s the godfather of “vibes over product” advertising. Still makes you smile when that drum fill hits.

2. Pepsi – “Pepsi Generation” (1984)

Ad Name: “Pepsi Generation”

Brand: Pepsi

Why It’s Legendary: Turned soda into a youth movement and gave Coca-Cola its first real scare.

The Story:

In the early 80s, Pepsi was tired of playing second fiddle. Their solution? Declare war on Coke’s nostalgia with a bold new message: Pepsi wasn’t just a drink – it was the official beverage of the “new generation”. Cue Michael Jackson moonwalking, Lionel Richie grooving, and a whole lot of neon.

What made it stand out:

• Celebrity firepower (MJ’s first endorsement deal)
• Youth rebellion vibe (Coke was your dad’s drink)
• That pulsing synth soundtrack – pure 80s energy

Fun Fact:

• Michael Jackson’s hair caught fire while filming this Pepsi commercial
• Forced Coke to panic-create “New Coke” (biggest marketing fail ever)
• First campaign to use “The Choice of a New Generation” tagline

Still Hold Up Today?

Sort of. The aesthetic is totally 80s, but the strategy of owning “cool” still works. Every energy drink ad today owes Pepsi Generation royalties.

3. Guinness – “Surfer” (1999)

Ad Name: “Surfer”

Brand: Guinness

Why It’s Legendary: Made waiting for a beer feel as epic as catching the perfect wave.

The Story:

Guinness had a problem – their beer took 119.5 seconds to pour properly. Instead of hiding it, they turned patience into poetry. This ad shows grizzled surfers prepping for the mythical “perfect wave,” all set to a haunting soundtrack. The payoff? “Good things come to those who wait”, as our hero finally rides his wave… and the bartender finally serves that perfect pint.

What made it stand out:

• Cinematic beauty (looked more like a movie than an ad)
• Smart product truth: made the wait part of the experience
• That iconic soundtrack still gives chills

Fun Fact:

• Shot in Hawaii with real big-wave surfers
• Won every advertising award that year
• Increased sales by 20% despite being “slow” advertising

Still Hold Up Today?

Absolutely. In our instant-gratification world, the message about patience feels even more powerful. Still copied by brands trying to be “deep”.

From Cadbury’s drumming gorilla to Guinness’s zen surfers, these misfits remind us that rules are overrated. The best ads don’t follow formulas—they break them. And that’s why we’re still talking about them.

Great ads aren’t about selling. They’re about connecting. Whether it’s a tear, a laugh, or a “wait, what?”, the ones that stick make us feel like we’re in on the joke—or the revolution.

FAQs on Best Ads of All Time

Wrapping Up

Think about the ads that stayed with you—the ones you still remember years later. They weren’t just selling something; they made you feel something. A laugh, a tear, that “wait, did they really just do that?” moment.

From Apple’s “1984”, making tech feel revolutionary, to Dove’s “Real Beauty”, changing how we see ourselves, the best ads don’t just catch our attention—they earn it. And in a world where we skip ads the second we can, that’s saying something.

So next time you see a commercial that stops your scroll or sticks in your head, take a second to ask why. Chances are, it’s doing exactly what these classics did: turning a message into a memory.

Want ads this good for your brand? Check out these top digital marketing agencies that can make magic happen.