Buzz
It’s not that people dislike ads—what they dislike are intrusive and irrelevant ones. Yet, there’s a group of brilliant creatives who excel at producing advertisements that resonate deeply. Well-crafted ads tap into the emotions and experiences of humanity, leaving viewers feeling uplifted, enlightened, or more conscious than before.
This compilation highlights 10 of the most impactful and enduring commercials ever made. These ads were so effective that they remain beloved by audiences, even years or decades after their release. Take Coca-Cola’s iconic 1971 ad, 'I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,' which has garnered over 5.4 million views on YouTube. Have you ever encountered an ad so compelling that you can vividly recall the moment you first saw it? Chances are, it’s featured here.
Dive into the world of the most unforgettable commercials ever created.
10. How Many Licks… to the Center of a Tootsie Pop (1969)
The iconic 1969 advertisement asking, 'How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?' remains one of the most cherished and effective TV ad campaigns in history. Produced by the Doner agency, this commercial continues to air even after more than five decades, showcasing its enduring popularity.
This commercial ingeniously posed a question that captivated audiences: 'How many licks does it take?' It exemplified a masterful advertising tactic, leaving viewers pondering the product long after the ad ended. With its delightful animated characters, the ad particularly resonated with children, who often persuaded their parents to purchase Tootsie Pops.
The ad achieved global success almost immediately. By weaving a compelling message into a straightforward and relatable story, Doner crafted a timeless advertisement. This is one of the rare ads that achieved 'escape velocity,' meaning it could theoretically remain relevant and aired indefinitely.
9. Wendy’s 'Where’s the Beef?' (1984)
Wendy’s 1984 'Where’s the Beef?' commercial is widely regarded as one of the most brilliantly executed ads of all time. It featured a perfect mix of elements: a charming elderly woman with a distinctive voice, a hilariously small beef patty on an oversized bun, and a catchphrase that became a global sensation. The line 'Where’s the beef?' permeated popular culture, even being used by U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale during the 1984 Democratic Party presidential debate.
The mention during the presidential debate forever secured the commercial’s place in history. 1984 was a landmark year culturally, and the 'Where’s the Beef?' ad stood out as one of the most amusing and lighthearted highlights. This advertisement perfectly demonstrated the power of a cleverly crafted commercial.
The ad not only boosted Wendy’s sales instantly but also achieved something equally significant: it positioned Wendy’s at the forefront of consumers’ minds. Before this campaign, McDonald’s and Burger King dominated the hamburger scene. However, thanks to the catchy catchphrase, Wendy’s quickly became synonymous with both substance and humor. For those who lived through the 1980s, 'Where’s the Beef?' is instantly recognizable and unforgettable.
Clara Peller (1902–1987), the American manicurist with a distinctive raspy voice who delivered the iconic line, became an overnight sensation, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. Although a follow-up ad was created, the 'Where’s the Beef?' craze was short-lived, and Wendy’s later faced a sales decline. Despite this, the original commercial remains a unique cultural phenomenon that continues to be remembered.
8. Budweiser’s 'Whassup?' (1999)
Budweiser is among the most globally recognized alcoholic beverage brands. Its origins trace back to 1860 when Eberhard Anheuser, a German-American soap and candle maker, acquired the Bavarian Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1864, his son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined him, and together they reshaped the brewery into the Anheuser-Busch company. In 1876, they launched 'Budweiser,' a lager that would grow to become one of the world’s most beloved alcoholic drinks.
Lager is a type of beer brewed and matured at low temperatures, typically using bottom-fermenting yeast strains like Saccharomyces pastorianus. The word 'lager' originates from the German term 'lagern,' meaning 'to store,' reflecting the traditional practice of storing these beers in cool cellars or caves during fermentation.
In 1999, Budweiser’s lager gained even more popularity through the iconic 'Whassup?' ad campaign. What started as a playful greeting among friends evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. The concept was simple yet effective: friends calling each other and humorously asking, 'Whassup?' in exaggerated and often absurd ways. Much like 'Where’s the beef?,' this catchphrase became universally recognized.
The campaign’s inspiration came from a 1998 short film, True: The Original Wassup?, directed by Charles Stone III. The film, showcasing friends using the now-famous greeting, caught the eye of DDB Chicago, Budweiser’s ad agency, and was transformed into the unforgettable commercial. This grassroots origin added a layer of authenticity, making the campaign even more relatable and impactful.
The ad’s success lay in its simplicity and genuine appeal, effectively forging a connection between audiences and the Budweiser brand. For those who experienced it during its release, 'Whassup?' remains a cherished and unforgettable memory.
7. Always’ 'Like a Girl' (2014)
Social consciousness is a growing and intricate area of study that encourages us to examine societal issues and their underlying causes. In 2024, Procter & Gamble launched a groundbreaking ad campaign that diverged from conventional advertising. The 'Like a Girl' commercial aimed to highlight the harmful effects of stereotypes on the self-esteem and self-image of young girls during their crucial developmental years. Always, a division of Procter & Gamble, was behind this impactful campaign.
Upon its release in 2014, the commercial became an instant success. Lauren Greenfield, an award-winning filmmaker renowned for her documentary Queen of Versailles, partnered with Always to transform the phrase 'like a girl' from a term often linked to weakness into a symbol of strength and confidence. Rather than promoting a product, the ad conveyed a profound message about self-assurance and the damaging impact of societal expectations. It began with a thought-provoking question: 'What does it mean to do something ‘like a girl’?' and highlighted the differing interpretations between children and adults.
The ad ingeniously redefined the narrative, turning a commonly used insult into a source of pride. It featured individuals of various ages initially portraying stereotypical, awkward interpretations of running or throwing 'like a girl,' which were then contrasted with young girls confidently performing the same actions, showcasing their intelligence and capability.
While female empowerment campaigns were not new, Always’ #LikeAGirl campaign stood out for its authenticity and relatability. Other initiatives, like Dove’s 'Real Beauty' and Pantene’s efforts to challenge workplace gender biases, had also gained traction. However, 'Like a Girl' resonated deeply due to its raw and genuine approach. Though societal perspectives evolve over time, this campaign sparked a conversation that is likely to endure for generations.
6. Old Spice’s 'The Man Your Man Could Smell Like' (2010)
Smell is one of the most primal human senses, second only to taste. A foul odor can make someone feel physically ill, while a delightful scent can instantly lift one’s spirits. For over 80 years, Old Spice has dedicated itself to perfecting the art of smelling great.
In 2010, Old Spice created one of the most iconic ads of the 21st century: 'The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.' The commercial tapped into the universal desire to look and smell appealing, featuring a shirtless, muscular actor standing outside a shower. The underlying message was clear: this is the ideal man women desire and men aspire to be. How could the average man achieve this? By using Old Spice products.
The ad was a masterclass in persuasion, convincing viewers that Old Spice was essential for smelling good and being attractive. It combined humor, charisma, and a deep understanding of human cultural tendencies, making it a standout success. This campaign not only revitalized Old Spice’s brand but also showcased the hallmarks of an effective advertisement.
5. Maxell’s Hi-Fidelity (1983)
Founded in 1960 in Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan, Maxell initially focused on manufacturing dry-cell batteries before venturing into magnetic tape technology. By the 1970s, it had become the global leader in audio and video cassette tape production. Catering to audiophiles who sought high-quality sound, Maxell’s high-fidelity cassette tapes became a household name.
The 1983 Maxell Hi-Fidelity cassette commercial remains one of the most iconic advertisements ever created. Mention 'the man in the chair blown away by his sound system' to anyone who grew up in the 1960s or 1970s, and they’ll instantly recall the vivid imagery. This ad has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
What made this advertisement truly exceptional was its sheer simplicity. Without uttering a single word, the commercial masterfully showcased the unparalleled quality of Maxell cassette tapes. The man in the chair epitomized 'cool,' completely absorbed in his high-fidelity music, oblivious to the world around him.
Much like the other legendary ads on this list, the Maxell commercial was unforgettable. It not only captured attention but also firmly established the Maxell brand in the collective memory of its audience.
4. Nike’s “Just Do It” (1988)
Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” campaign, launched in 1988, drew inspiration from the final words of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer, who said, 'Let’s do it' before his execution. These words resonated with Dan Wieden, founder of the ad agency, who then pitched the idea of the “Just Do It” slogan to Nike, creating a cultural phenomenon.
The slogan possessed all the essential traits of a winning advertisement: brevity, memorability, catchiness, and clarity. These attributes propelled the campaign to global fame, as its uncomplicated message resonated across diverse cultures and languages.
The campaign’s debut ad showcased 80-year-old marathon runner Walt Stack jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge, narrating his unique morning ritual. The underlying message was clear: neither age nor ability should hold you back. If you’re determined to achieve something, all it takes is commitment and action—just do it!
The campaign’s impact was immediate, significantly elevating Nike’s sales and solidifying the brand’s dominance. This advertisement became a cultural touchstone, and even decades later, those who witnessed its 1988 debut still recall it with admiration.
3. Apple’s “1984” (1984)
The Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American football, is one of the most-watched events globally, offering advertisers a golden chance to reach millions. In 1984, Apple, then a rising computer company, capitalized on this opportunity with an ad that became legendary. Few commercials are so iconic that they can be identified by a single word—this one is simply known as '1984.'
Apple’s “1984” commercial was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Directed by the acclaimed Ridley Scott, renowned for his work on the film Alien (1979) and the TV series The Good Wife (2009–2016), the ad was a masterpiece of storytelling and visual artistry.
Debuting during Super Bowl XVIII in January 1984, the “1984” commercial unveiled the Macintosh computer, a revolutionary product that Apple claimed would disrupt the norm. The ad’s dark, dystopian visuals featured a bold heroine smashing conformity with a sledgehammer, symbolizing a break from the ordinary.
The production quality of “1984” was groundbreaking, boasting a massive budget and a cinematic feel rarely seen in advertisements at the time. The ad took a bold stance against IBM, portrayed as the industry’s “Big Brother,” and positioned Apple as the innovative underdog encouraging people to “think differently.”
Although the commercial aired only once nationally, its impact was immense. I’ve deliberately placed “1984” at the end of this list because it is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and unforgettable ads ever created.
2. Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” (1971)
The advertisement debuted during a time of significant turmoil, arriving precisely when its message was most needed. It promoted unity and peace amidst a backdrop of civil unrest in the United States, the ongoing Vietnam War, and widespread societal divisions.
The commercial begins with a solitary girl standing on a hill, holding a bottle of Coke and singing. Gradually, she is joined by a diverse group of young people from across the globe, all singing together in harmony. The lyrics, originally crafted for the ad, were later expanded into the hit song “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (in Perfect Harmony).”
The “Hilltop” ad has earned its place as one of the most cherished and iconic commercials in history. It rightfully claims the second spot on this list and, from a humanistic standpoint, is arguably the greatest advertisement ever created.
1. Guinness’s “Surfer” (1999)
Stout, a dark, warm-fermented beer, is a beloved beverage in the United Kingdom. In 1999, Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverage company based in London, launched a highly popular ad campaign for its Guinness stout, further cementing the brand’s legacy.
The Guinness “Surfer” commercial is a visual masterpiece, capturing the essence of poetic motion. It begins with a solemn man gazing intently upward, followed by a group of surfers rushing into the ocean in search of the ideal wave. As colossal waves rise, their frothy crests transform into the shapes of galloping horses, symbolizing the untamed force of nature.
This advertisement is a cinematic delight, packing a wealth of detail into its brief runtime. The familiar imagery of surfers conquering waves is elevated by the unexpected and seamless inclusion of the horse motif, creating a unique and captivating visual narrative that demands the viewer’s full attention.
“Surfer” garnered countless accolades and remains celebrated as one of the most iconic ads in history. Even 26 years after its debut, it continues to be discussed and has firmly etched the Guinness brand into public consciousness.
