8 Best TV Commercial Ads of All Time (2025)

Television commercial ads have been making people laugh, cry, and sing since the mid-20th century. Most importantly for the companies selling the products and services being advertised, for decades TV commercials as a form of persuasive advertising guided by video marketing techniques have been an effective way to reach a wide group of consumers at one time. The best ones through time have not only helped to increase exposure, sales, and revenue, they have also been implanted into the social memory of the country and remembered for generations.

At their best, TV commercial ads both entertain the viewer and provide them with valuable information regarding a particular product and service. They are designed to introduce a target audience or the public at large to a new concept or brand that will drive them to action. Since it began, television has always been an effective means of reaching large groups of potential customers and now with the addition of streaming services and social media, the landscape is ripe with opportunities to make an impact.

How to Make an Effective TV Commercial Ad

In today’s digital age, the format options for creating television commercials offer everything from green screen technology to various forms of animation. Whether using computer digitized animation or a business owner standing in front of the camera with their product, delivering the right message for your product or service has more to do with making the content compelling enough for viewers to make a connection to your brand.

Memorable commercials that have stood the test of time have been funny, emotional, motivational, or otherwise exciting or interesting enough to make a lasting impression through time. Every industry and business is different, and it takes varying approaches to specific target audiences to connect in the way needed to for brand awareness and loyalty.

When setting out to make an effective television commercial for today’s market, in addition to being compelling and memorable, it must also be likable and sharable for the crucial social media environment. Commercial ads are designed to capture the viewers’ attention long enough to communicate your message clearly and drive consumers to act.

Examples of Some of the Best TV Commercial Ads of All-Time

While a list of the best TV commercial ads of all time may seem a bit of a subjective task, there is no arguing that the following classic ads made an impact on the advertising world and the social culture unlike any others in the history of television. Each made a unique mark in the industry for using creative approaches introduce products, increase brand awareness and loyalty, and most importantly, compel the viewer to buy.

1. Apple: "1984"

In 1984, Apple opened the door to a new world of computing and communication by introducing the Macintosh home computer during Super Bowl XVIII. Using the styling, imagery, and music from the dystopian George Orwell novel and film “1984,” it was arguably the most important, prophetic, and famous commercials of all time.

This ad put a historical perspective on the moment in a creative way that not only wanted consumers to purchase the product but stood the test of time in message and branding. Since then, Apple has continued to drive and control a great deal of the marketplace, leading the tech industry in home and business digital applications.

• Why it worked: By tapping a cultural touchstone (“1984”) and premiering during the Super Bowl, Apple generated enormous buzz and positioned itself as iconoclastic.
• Takeaways: Leverage cultural references to create emotional resonance—and choose the right launch moment to maximize word-of-mouth.

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2. Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Old Spice pulled out all the stops in the production of this 2010 ad featuring actor and former football player Isaiah Amir Mustafa. The commercial was quick-paced, funny, and stayed on-brand as it showed Mustafa seamlessly going from the shower to a boat to the beach and ending up on a horse (spoiler alert) without breaking facial movement or stride.

Video of the ad went viral in the initial 30-second video that has not been viewed over 57 million times (including a few times in the writing of this blog). The initial ad propelled a series of ads that resulted in one of the most successful campaigns ever.

• Why it worked: Charming, tongue-in-cheek humor + stellar performance made viewers laugh and share, while instantly reestablishing Old Spice’s playful brand voice.
• Takeaways: A confident spokesperson and seamless execution can give a legacy brand newfound energy.

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3. Sony Bravia: Bouncing Balls

We are visual people and more commercial ads and videos are being presented without sound as more users view content on their phones or other mobile devices. Using the perfect mix of mesmerizing music and the compelling images of colored balls bouncing down the hilly streets of San Francisco, Sony presented a stunning long-form commercial for its new LCD television in 2009.

From a production cost standpoint, it was a logistical nightmare to control and film the bouncing of the 250,000 balls used in the filming of the ad. The balls used in the commercial were donated to local children and children’s groups as a way to connect to the community.

• Why it worked: Stunning visuals paired with emotive music created an immersive experience that showcased product benefit without a word of voice-over.
• Takeaways: Use artful spectacle to let your product’s core virtue shine—sometimes visuals alone can tell the whole story.

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4. Nike: Just Do It                                                

Most people associate basketball great Michael “Air” Jordan with Nike’s famous swish logo and the iconic “Just Do It” campaign, but it was 80-year-old marathon runner Walt “Iron Man” Stack running the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in 1988 that started it all. Soon the Chicago Bulls young superstar and other world-famous athletes were telling the world to “Just Do It” while Nike’s sale kept rising.

The catchphrase and the shoe company’s popularity continued into the 21st century and even their youngest fans today associate it with the brand. The concept was simple. Forget any excuses and put aside any challenges or obstacles. Just do it and get on with your life. It was as relatable a concept that would appeal to just the right audience group as there ever was in the history of advertising.

• Why it worked: A universal, no-excuses slogan coupled with real athletes made the message both relatable and aspirational.
• Takeaways: Distill your brand promise into a single memorable phrase—and back it up with authentic faces.

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5. Coke: Share A Coke

The Coca-Cola company is arguably the most recognizable video ads in the history of advertising and has been responsible for some of the most iconic television commercials and campaigns of all time. From Mean Joe Green to teaching the world to smile, Coke has been a part of American society and culture for many years, expanding to a global entity that all others aspire to.

In 2011, they took a personal touch with the “Share a Coke” campaign that began with putting generic titles like “Mom” and “Bestie” on their individual-sized bottles before adding specific names. This led to people searching for their names and spawned a creative, personalized product enhancement. Customers can now order customized bottles with their names on them.

• Why it worked: Personalization tapped into social-sharing culture; consumers became brand ambassadors simply by posting a bottle with their name.
• Takeaways: Make your product interactive—encourage user participation to amplify organic reach.

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6. Budweiser: Whassup

Advertising executives and marketers spend their careers searching for the perfect catchphrase that will take off. It has to be short, easy to remember, and identifiable with the brand. Budweiser found such a catchphrase at the turn of the century with the video marketing campaign ad “Whassup”. At one point late in 1999 and well into 2000 you could not go far without hearing someone let out a long, loud “Whassup” either in person or on the phone.

The ad debuted during Monday Night Football and exploded into the social consciousness when it aired during Super Bowl XXXIV in early 2000. It featured cuts from friends on a group call with each participant greeting the group by yelling “Whassup?” louder and more obnoxious than the previous one. It is a prime example of a catchphrase perfectly capturing the brand and customer base.

• Why it worked: A funny, repeatable phrase plus authentic camaraderie created cultural stickiness—everyone wanted in on the joke.
• Takeaways: Simple, relatable humor and a signature line can propel your campaign well beyond its airtime.

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7. Dos Equis: The Most Interesting Man In The World

“I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, it’s Dos Equis.” Another beer commercial that turned into an incredibly successful campaign was the 2006 ad for Dos Equis featuring Jonathon Goldsmith as “the most interesting man in the world.” The ad campaign took viewers on various adventures with the most interesting man, who encouraged them to “stay thirsty, my friends.”

Its popularity came at a time when memes were beginning to be used as a primary source of communication on social media. Goldsmith and his commercials became a huge meme source, expanding the brand’s outreach and acceptance. Even over a decade later, current events and the latest celebrities are subjected to the most interesting man in the world via memes and other images with his face on it.

• Why it worked: A strong character + clever copywriting turned a beer spot into a cultural phenomenon—memes extended its lifespan indefinitely.
• Takeaways: Build a campaign around a distinctive persona and a tagline that begs to be repeated (and remixed).

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8. Motaur: Do you Mind | Progressive Insurance Commercial

Sometimes the simplest images are the most powerful. High tech in movies, television, and commercials is often used to create big imagery that overtakes the screen and your mind. The “motaur” commercial by Progressive Insurance Commercial is an excellent example of using the technology in a softer way that is just as impactful.

The simple image of the half man-half motorcycle filling up at the gas station is as powerful as any large screen explosion for true motor-heads and bikers, and relatable to everyone else. It evokes just the right amount of universal humor and awkwardness that makes it an ideal share for social media.

• Why it worked: The playful absurdity turned a mundane insurance message into a shareable gag, while still subtly reinforcing brand identity.
• Takeaways: Even in niche or “boring” industries, a single strong visual idea can break through the clutter.

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9. Toys “R” Us: Magical Place

This 1989 nostalgia-driven spot transforms a simple retail pitch into an immersive carnival of childhood delight. Vivid rainbow-hued backdrops evoke a fairytale castle, while aisles brimming with every toy imaginable invite viewers to rediscover playtime wonder. An earworm jingle—composed with a sing-along chorus and playful instrumentation—cements the ad in memory, prompting parents and kids alike to hum its melody long after watching. Decades later, when it was remastered for the UK market, its timeless visuals and melody bridged generational gaps, proving that emotional resonance outlives trends. By marrying straightforward storytelling with sensory-rich design, Magical Place not only boosted holiday foot traffic but also defined Toys “R” Us’s brand essence.

• Why it worked: A memorable original song + vivid imagery created a “sticky” emotional bond.
• Takeaways: Invest in a unique soundtrack; nostalgia is a powerful motivator.

10. Lyft: June: Life Is Better When You Share the Ride

Lyft’s animated short centers on June, a rideshare driver whose daily journeys knit together a small community. Through lush CGI environments and expressive character animation, the film builds emotional arcs—reuniting neighbors, rescuing a stranded pet, and igniting serendipitous conversations. Composer John Kahrs’s original score swells at moments of human connection, underscoring Lyft’s message that ridesharing is more than transportation—it’s an act of togetherness. The deliberate pacing gives viewers room to empathize with June’s motivations, reinforcing brand values over product specs. By focusing on authentic slice-of-life vignettes rather than app features, Lyft positioned itself as a facilitator of real-world bonds, driving both usage and positive brand sentiment.

• Why it worked: Storytelling > specs—viewers empathize with June’s world, building brand trust.
• Takeaways: Use character-driven narratives to highlight your service’s human impact.

11. Iceland Foods: No Palm Oil

Iceland Foods dared to confront environmental destruction head-on with this stark 2018 PSA. Ominous, high-contrast imagery of razed rainforests and fallen wildlife, paired with a brooding orchestral score, casts a dramatic spotlight on palm-oil–driven deforestation. The narrative unfolds without dialogue, relying on visceral visuals that crescendo into a clear call to action: choose products free from palm oil. Though banned from UK television for its perceived political stance, the controversy only magnified its reach online, generating millions of views and igniting global conversation. By staking a moral claim and embracing earned media, Iceland aligned its brand with sustainable ethics and inspired consumers to reconsider everyday grocery choices.

• Why it worked: Controversy drove earned media; a clear moral stance resonated with eco-conscious consumers.
• Takeaways: Don’t shy from bold positions—controversy can fuel shareability and conversation.

12. Viven Health: Betrayed by Your Best Friend

This Emmy-winning PSA uses the metaphor of a faithful dog turned adversary to dramatize sepsis’s hidden peril. Luxurious 2D and cel animation establish a warm rapport with the canine companion, only to twist the mood with color shifts and jarring sound design as sepsis takes hold. The tension builds through precise pacing, guiding viewers to an unsettling revelation: your body’s “best friend” can betray you if sepsis goes untreated. By humanizing a complex medical condition through relatable visuals and narrative surprise, Viven Health educates without lecturing, making the danger visceral and memorable. The spot’s emotional punch fosters urgency, driving awareness and early-treatment action long after the credits roll.

• Why it worked: Strong metaphor + top-tier animation made a complex medical topic instantly relatable.
• Takeaways: Metaphors can simplify and humanize technical subjects.

13. Chipotle: Back to the Start

Set to Willie Nelson’s haunting cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist,” this 90-second CG film critiques factory farming and celebrates regenerative agriculture. The story arcs from shadowy barns filled with cramped livestock to sunlit fields where animals roam freely, mirroring Chipotle’s commitment to ethical sourcing. Each frame is meticulously crafted, using lighting and color transitions to evoke empathy and hope. The juxtaposition of Nelson’s familiar, soulful vocals with unsettling opening imagery creates an emotional crescendo that underscores the brand’s sustainability message. By framing food choices as moral decisions, Back to the Start inspired social sharing, boosted YouTube engagement, and drove digital coupon redemptions, proving the power of purpose-driven storytelling.

• Why it worked: Marrying a beloved artist with a clear moral arc gave the ad cinematic weight.
• Takeaways: Align brand values with compelling storytelling for deeper impact.

14. Cadbury: Gorilla

Defying chocolate-centric conventions, Cadbury’s Gorilla spot features a man in a gorilla suit entranced by Phil Collins’s “In the Air Tonight.” The ad unfolds in slow motion, capturing every drum-stick hit with visceral detail and building anticipation before delivering cathartic release. No chocolate is shown; instead, the focus is pure emotional resonance—joy, surprise, and catharsis. UK audiences connected deeply with the whimsical absurdity, and sales jumped 9% post-launch. By decoupling product imagery from emotional messaging, Cadbury demonstrated that mood and brand association can be more potent than direct selling, reminding marketers that strong emotional payoff can forge lasting consumer bonds.

• Why it worked: Emotional payoff + surprise: viewers didn’t see chocolate but felt good—and associated that feeling with Cadbury.
• Takeaways: Experiment with “product-free” storytelling if it underscores your brand mood.

15. Mountain Dew: Puppy Monkey Baby

Unveiled during Super Bowl 50, Puppy Monkey Baby fuses a puppy’s head, a monkey’s torso, and a baby’s legs into a single surreal creature, set to an addictive EDM-style beat. The spot’s jarring imagery and hypnotic repetition generate shock value and instant buzz, prompting viewers to question, share, and meme it. Its polarizing effect—some viewers loved it, others recoiled—was by design, ensuring organic conversations that extended well beyond the game. By embracing calculated absurdity, Mountain Dew cut through heavyweight Super Bowl ads and leveraged social media virality, proving that pushing visual boundaries can yield outsized returns in audience engagement.

• Why it worked: Unforgettable oddness cut through the Super Bowl noise.
• Takeaways: Calculated absurdity can amplify share-worthiness—just make sure it aligns with your brand’s playful side.

16. Skittles: Treadmill

Skittles reimagines its “Taste the Rainbow” tagline as “sweat the rainbow” in this tongue-in-cheek spot. A man on a treadmill produces a rainbow-shower of Skittles from sweat pores, each candy captured in vivid slow motion. Practical effects—bright gels, controlled lighting, and close-up lenses—make the gag feel tangible, while the deadpan delivery underscores the absurdity. By fusing brand color schemes with a humorous visual twist, Skittles reinforces its quirky identity without overt product placement. The ad’s shareable humor and technical flair drove social engagement, demonstrating that consistency in brand motifs allows for creative detours that still feel unmistakably on-brand.

• Why it worked: Visual gag + brand consistency—Skittles made you laugh and immediately know whose ad it was.
• Takeaways: Strong brand threads (tagline, color palette) let you stretch into weirdness without losing identity.

17. Poo~Pourri: Girls Don’t Poop

Suzy Batiz, the founder of PooPourri, adopts an exaggerated Southern-belle persona to discuss a taboo bathroom topic with prim decorum. Against a backdrop of ornate wallpaper and delicate props, she delivers frank dialogue about bathroom odors in a hushed, polite tone, creating a delightful juxtaposition. The spot’s confident direct address shatters social norms, encouraging viewers to laugh while absorbing the product’s purpose. Its candid humor and unexpected presenter became instantly meme-worthy, racking up tens of millions of views. By pairing taboo subject matter with genteel presentation, PooPourri carved a unique niche in viral marketing and demystified an everyday need.

• Why it worked: Bold taboo humor + unexpected presenter shattered social norms, sparking shares.
• Takeaways: Find where your product lives in cultural tension—and own it with confidence.

18. Jammie Dodgers: A Certain Gooey Thing

This whimsical spot features a primate band grooving to a custom-written song about Jammie Dodgers’ jammy centers. Colorful sets and choreographed monkey moves create a surreal carnival atmosphere that reflects the product’s playful spirit. The catchy tune’s simplistic lyrics—repeated like a nursery rhyme—make it instantly earworm-worthy, encouraging repeat listens and shares. By translating biscuit enjoyment into a full sensory experience, the ad taps into childlike joy while reinforcing the brand’s whimsical personality. Social chatter and replays soared as viewers embraced the blend of absurdity and nostalgia, proving that bespoke music combined with surreal visuals can amplify brand memorability.

• Why it worked: Custom music + playful absurdity stuck in viewers’ minds—and playlists.
• Takeaways: Don’t underestimate the power of a bespoke song and surreal visuals.

19. John Lewis: She’s Always a Woman

This emotionally charged Christmas commercial tells the life story of a woman through tender vignettes—learning to ride a bike, graduating, starting a family—set to a haunting cover of Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman” performed by Fyfe Dangerfield. Soft snowflakes drift as each scene unfolds, culminating in a child surprising her mother with a meaningful gift from John Lewis. The minimalist narration and evocative piano arrangement amplify the brand’s reputation for heartfelt storytelling. By weaving universal themes of love, family, and memory into a three-minute film, John Lewis elevated seasonal advertising into a cultural event, driving both social conversation and in-store anticipation.

• Why it worked: Poignant narrative + evocative music fostered deep emotional resonance.
• ‍Takeaways: Align seasonal campaigns with universal human experiences to create appointment-viewing moments.

20. Red Bull: Red Bull Barber Shop

Set across three identical barbershops, only the center chair bears a “Red Bull gives you wings” sign. As customers relax under buzzing clippers, the middle patron suddenly rockets upright, energized by an unseen force. This punchy visual gag—executed with seamless practical effects—reinforces Red Bull’s core promise in under twenty seconds. The rapid turnaround from calm to hyperactive activity delivers both humor and brand recall with zero wasted time. By distilling the slogan into a literal, everyday scenario, Red Bull amplified its signature message and cemented its identity as the go-to energy drink for instant uplift.

• Why it worked: Ultra-concise humor + strong brand hook—no frills, zero wasted time.
• Takeaways: Brevity with a single strong gimmick can out-perform epic spectacles.

21. Nike: The Last Game

This five-minute 3D-animated “short film” enlists football legends Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo in a high-stakes match against soulless clones. Dramatic camera sweeps, heroic orchestral scoring, and stylized character models elevate the spot into epic storytelling. Each superstar’s unique playstyle is highlighted through dynamic slow-motion sequences, underscoring soccer’s artistry. The narrative concludes with a rousing message about creativity triumphing over conformity, mirroring Nike’s ethos. By investing in cinematic production values and leveraging star power, Nike turned a product promo into must-watch entertainment, driving record engagement and reinforcing its position as a cultural leader in athletic inspiration.

• Why it worked: Superstar athletes + filmic scale made it appointment viewing.
• Takeaways: If you can, treat a commercial like a short film—quality pays off in engagement.

22. Honda Accord: Cog

Cog is a two-minute, single-take marvel of kinetic art, featuring an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine constructed entirely from Honda Accord parts. From precisely balanced tires to cascading gears, each component triggers the next in a flawless mechanical ballet. The absence of voice-over or text forces viewers to focus solely on the vehicle’s engineering precision and seamless design. The tension builds with each click and clack until the final shot reveals the Accord itself, linking artistry to functionality. This hypnotic spectacle captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing Honda’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation without a single spoken word.

• Why it worked: Hypnotic single-take spectacle showcased product precision.
• Takeaways: Showing, not telling, can convey product virtues more powerfully than any slogan.

23. Cadbury: Aliens

In this playful spot, a trio of disco-loving aliens crashes a retro-styled dance floor to extol Cadbury’s creamy center. Flashy CG effects create otherworldly hues that blend seamlessly with the confection’s signature purple palette. A punchy, synthesized soundtrack drives the choreography as the extraterrestrial trio grooves under shimmering lights. The humorous narrative positions Cadbury as a treat so irresistible it transcends planetary boundaries. Social media buzzed with fan edits and dance challenges, proving that even a long-established brand can feel fresh by reinventing its setting and casting. This spot reinforced Cadbury’s reputation for joyful absurdity while staying true to its visual identity.

• Why it worked: Unexpected sci-fi humor + brand consistency—Cadbury still felt like Cadbury.
• Takeaways: Reinvent your category’s tropes with fresh settings to keep even old brands feeling new.

24. Amazon: Amazon Appstore

This high-energy montage cuts between everyday “uh-oh” scenarios—misplaced tickets, lost directions, forgotten photos—and zooms in on how Amazon Appstore apps solve each mishap instantly. Quick pacing and bright, saturated visuals mirror the convenience the service promises. Text overlays highlight app icons as they pop onto the screen, reinforcing the variety available. A driving pop track keeps momentum, while seamless transitions underscore the frictionless digital experience. By dramatizing minor daily frustrations and slotting in instant fixes, the ad translates abstract app storefronts into tangible life hacks, boosting both awareness and downloads.

• Why it worked: Rapid montage of relatable pain points + immediate solutions.
• Takeaways: Frame your feature as the solution to small but ubiquitous frustrations.

25. Google: Google Home Alone

Mashing nostalgia with modern tech, this spot reimagines Kevin McCallister’s infamous booby traps powered by Google Assistant. As Kevin attempts to thwart intruders, voice commands trigger lights, music, and security cameras in playful callbacks to the original film. The clever integration of contextual queries—“Turn on the holiday lights,” “Play ‘Carol of the Bells’”—demonstrates real-world use cases in a familiar narrative. By leveraging iconic ’90s IP, Google taps millennial fondness for Home Alone while showcasing its Assistant’s versatility. The result is a feel-good spot that bridges generations, drives brand recall, and positions Google Assistant as a household ally.

• Why it worked: Nostalgia + new tech demo shrewdly bridged generations.
• Takeaways: Tap iconic IP (with rights!) to give your message instant cultural currency.

26. Snickers: Get Some Nuts

In a tongue-in-cheek riff on its “You’re not you when you’re hungry” platform, Snickers enlists Mr. T storming a football stadium in a tank. His over-the-top persona and commanding tone comically “smack sense” into a diva performer mid-game. The contrast between Mr. T’s gritty toughness and the diva’s high-falutin antics amplifies the humor, all while reinforcing the strapline. Quick cuts and bold graphics keep the energy high. By casting an instantly recognizable celebrity and leaning into absurdity, Snickers created a spot that resonated with sports fans and beyond, driving both social shares and product relevance during peak viewing events.

• Why it worked: Celebrity casting + absurdity = high share-ability.
• Takeaways: A strong, repeatable strapline lets you get away with bigger visual punches.

27. Volkswagen: The Force

A toddler dressed as Darth Vader attempts to summon objects around the house using “the Force,” only to fail adorably—until his father, hidden off-screen, uses a Volkswagen remote start. The child’s awe-struck expression and triumphant clap punctuate the reveal, eliciting universal smiles. Gentle background music evokes the Star Wars theme without infringing rights, while natural home lighting and close framing enhance the spot’s authenticity. Released ahead of the Super Bowl, it amassed millions of views online, generating buzz that outpaced paid placements. By fusing pop-culture nostalgia with family warmth, Volkswagen demonstrated how simple storytelling can maximize pre-game digital impact.

• Why it worked: Universal cuteness + licensed IP stunt = pre-game buzz.
• Takeaways: Pre-release digital premieres can multiply your paid-media impact.

28. M&M’s: They Do Exist!

This annual festive spot revitalizes M&M’s long-running Christmas campaign by anthropomorphizing its signature characters in a snowy winter village. Amid twinkling lights and falling snow, animated M&M’s deliver playful banter about holiday traditions and gift-giving. The fifteen-second vignette balances humor with sentimentality, wrapping up with the tagline They Do Exist! in bold text over a warm red backdrop. Its consistent seasonal timing builds audience anticipation year after year, turning a simple candy spot into a cultural moment. By combining character charm, seasonal spectacle, and brand familiarity, M&M’s sustains its status as a holiday advertising staple.

• Why it worked: Consistency + seasonal timing—viewers know what to expect and anticipate it.
• ‍Takeaways: Well-oiled annual campaigns build cultural appointment viewing.

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The Secret to Success for TV Commercial

The problem is there are no secrets to the creation of a viral video, an animated commercial, or a television commercial that is going to generate interest, sales, and revenue. The common thread among the most popular and successful ads and campaigns throughout the short history of the industry has been honesty, creativity, and delivering a clear message in a compelling, interesting way. Contact our commercial video production team, and let’s talk about your video strategy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous commercial of all time?
While many contenders exist, Apple’s “1984” (directed by Ridley Scott, aired during Super Bowl XVIII, January 22, 1984) is widely regarded as the most famous ever—it reframed the entire personal-computer category and remains a touchstone for cinematic advertising.

What is the oldest commercial ad?
The first paid television commercial aired July 1, 1941, in the U.S. on NBC’s WNBT, for Bulova watches. It ran for 10 seconds before a baseball game, simply displaying a Bulova clock face over a map of the U.S.

What is an example of a commercial advertisement?
An example is Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” (2011), where bottles were personalized with names—encouraging social-sharing behavior and driving both in-store engagement and social media buzz.

Which ads are most effective?
The most effective ads combine emotional storytelling, a clear single message, and brand consistency. Whether funny (“Puppy Monkey Baby”), emotional (“The Scientist” for Chipotle), or surprising (“Cog”), they all share a strong, memorable hook and a compelling call to action that aligns perfectly with their brand’s core values.