Top 5 Ads of All Time
Before you build your next AD, take a look at the top 5 ads of all time and analyse what people like.
Date
Reading time
5 min
1. Apple – “1984” (1984)
"1984" is an American television commercial that introduced the Apple Macintosh personal computer. It was conceived by Steve Hayden, Brent Thomas, and Lee Clow at Chiat/Day, produced by New York production company Fairbanks Films, and directed by Ridley Scott.
On January 22, 1984, during the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII, 96 million viewers witnessed the unveiling of a new kind of advertising. What they saw was not a standard product pitch or a humorous skit but a bold, cinematic statement that seemed to challenge the norms of society itself. Apple’s “1984” commercial, directed by the visionary Ridley Scott, introduced the Macintosh computer while delivering a chilling dystopian narrative inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984. It wasn’t just a commercial, and it was a cultural moment.
Takeaways for marketers:
Be bold: Revolutionary campaigns often defy the status quo to make a statement.
Tell a story: A compelling narrative resonates far deeper than a list of features.
Align with values: Position your brand as a champion of ideals your audience cares about.
1984 Apple’s Macintosh Commercial (HD)
2. Nike- “Just do it” (1988)
Nike’s Just Do It campaign revolutionized the brand and athletic marketing. It was the first commercial to feature 80-year-old marathoner Walt “Iron Man” Stack jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge, paired with the now-iconic slogan: “Just Do It.”
The ad’s brilliance lay in its simplicity. Instead of focusing on elite athletes, it connected with everyone, from casual joggers to professionals. By highlighting the universal desire to push limits and overcome challenges, Nike positioned itself as more than a shoe company; it became a motivational brand.
What’s for marketers in this ad:
Find universality: A message that resonates broadly can expand your audience.
Use simplicity: Simple, powerful slogans like Just Do It stick and endure.
Show real stories: Authenticity in storytelling builds trust and emotional connections.
Nike – Just Do It (1988) – Very first commercial
3. Pepsi – “Gladiator Commercial” (2003)
Pepsi’s Gladiator commercial was a cinematic spectacle that brought pop culture to the Super Bowl stage. The ad was set in a Roman coliseum, and it featured Beyoncé, Pink, and Britney Spears as gladiators who defied the oppressive emperor, played by Enrique Iglesias. The women overthrew the ruler and reclaimed their power, distributing Pepsi to a roaring crowd, all to the beat of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
This ad stood out for its star-studded cast, larger-than-life production, and bold storytelling. It flipped traditional gladiator tropes on their head by showcasing women as empowered heroes in a typically masculine setting. The blend of music, rebellion, and pop culture aligned perfectly with Pepsi’s bold, fun, and youthful brand identity.
Takeaways for marketers:
Think big: High-energy, cinematic campaigns grab attention and stay memorable.
Subvert expectations: Challenge stereotypes or conventions to create impactful narratives.
Leverage star power: Using cultural icons and music amplifies a campaign’s relevance and appeal.
Pepsi Commercial HD – We Will Rock You
4. Old Spice: “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Old Spice revitalized its image with this humorous, fast-paced ad starring Isaiah Mustafa. In just 30 seconds, Mustafa effortlessly transitioned from a shower to a boat to a horse, delivering witty one-liners about masculinity and confidence, all while promoting Old Spice body wash.
The ad’s absurd humor, sharp writing, and charismatic delivery made it a viral sensation, bringing a legacy brand back into cultural relevance. It also sparked a campaign of follow-up videos directly responding to fans’ social media comments, setting a new standard for audience engagement.
Takeaways for marketers:
Use humor: Bold, unexpected humor grabs attention and sticks in people’s minds.
Be memorable: A distinct tone and voice help your brand stand out.
Engage directly: Interacting with your audience extends the life of a campaign.
Old Spice | The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
5. Snickers: “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
Snickers hit a home run with its Super Bowl ad starring Betty White. In the ad, a group of revitalized friends plays a rough game of football, with one player, portrayed by White, performing poorly and getting tackled into the mud. A teammate hands her a Snickers bar, and after taking a bite, she transforms into a young man, highlighting the message that hunger can make you act out of character.
The campaign’s mix of humor, nostalgia, and relatability made it an instant hit. The concept was so versatile that it continued for years with new scenarios and celebrities, making “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” one of the most successful taglines in modern advertising.
Takeaways for marketers:
Be relatable: Universal truths like hunger resonate across demographics.
Leverage nostalgia: Familiar faces evoke strong emotional responses.
Create longevity: A flexible concept can evolve into a long-term campaign.
Snickers – Betty White (Super Bowl 2010 Commercial) – [HD]
Conclusion
The best ads were never about being viral; it was just about being creative and understanding. You can’t fumble these two things.
Great ads don't just sell products. They make people feel something, and that feeling is what gets remembered long after the campaign ends.
For any brand or marketer, the lesson is the same. Know your audience deeply. Find the truth at the heart of your product. Then express it in a way that feels human, not corporate.
The best ads in history weren't created by algorithms or optimised by committees. They were created by people who understood what their audience actually cared about and dared to lead with that, nothing else.
But you don’t have to worry about making the best ads for your brand. Let us do this for you Motion.labs visit now.
FAQ
What makes an ad truly great?
A great ad does one thing exceptionally well: it makes the audience feel something real. Whether that's inspiration, humor, nostalgia, or a sense of belonging, the emotional connection is what separates a forgettable ad from one people talk about for decades. Strong creativity, a clear message, and a deep understanding of the audience are what make it work.
Which is the most iconic ad of all time?
Most industry experts and creative professionals point to Apple's "1984" Super Bowl commercial as the single most iconic ad ever made. It aired once, cost millions, and completely changed how the world thought about advertising. It wasn't just selling a computer; it was selling a revolution.
Do big budgets make better ads?
Not necessarily. Some of the most effective ads in history were built on a single powerful idea, not a massive production budget. What matters most is the insight behind the creative, understanding your audience well enough to say exactly what they needed to hear, at exactly the right moment.
Can small brands create great ads too?
Absolutely. Great advertising is about a strong idea and emotional truth, not company size. Many small brands have created campaigns that went viral and drove massive growth simply because they were authentic, relatable, and said something that resonated. Budget helps with reach, but it can't replace a genuinely good idea.