June 5, 2020
Why Some Commercials Become Legendary
Great commercials aren’t just about selling a product—they’re about forging an emotional connection. Whether through laugh-out-loud humor, heart-tugging storytelling, or jaw-dropping visuals, a standout ad makes viewers feel something memorable. A clever twist or unexpected punchline can turn a 30-second spot into a cultural moment, while cinematic production values lend ads the look and feel of mini-movies that audiences want to rewatch.
Longevity comes from tapping into universal themes—hope, nostalgia, empowerment—and packaging them in a way that resonates across generations. Iconic campaigns like Apple’s “1984” or Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” continue to feel fresh because they speak to timeless desires: freedom, self-expression, and togetherness. Even decades later, their core messages remain just as relevant.
To make sense of what truly sets these ads apart, we’ve grouped our 56 all-time favorites into categories based on their creative impact, cultural reach, and marketing success. From game-changers that rewrote the playbook to tear-jerkers that pulled at our heartstrings, each section celebrates a different pillar of advertising excellence.
Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Below, you’ll find our Hall of Fame divided into distinct categories—Revolutionary Game-Changers, Super Bowl Classics, Pre-viral Phenomena, Emotional Powerhouses, Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces, Funniest Commercials, and Super Bowl 2025—each showcasing ads that shifted the industry or captured our collective imagination.
Revolutionary Game-Changers That Redefined TV Commercial Advertising
These are the trailblazers—spots that didn’t just sell products, they reinvented what a TV ad could be. From ground-breaking production values to storytelling techniques that felt more like cinema than advertising, these commercials set new industry benchmarks and inspired every campaign that followed.
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.
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Why This TV Commercial is So Iconic?
Apple set the bar for high-production Super Bowl ads. It demonstrated how advertising could feel cinematic and revolutionary, changing how brands approach storytelling.
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.
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Old Spice rebranded itself with unexpected, engaging storytelling that captivated audiences worldwide.
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.
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Sony’s Bravia ad visually showcased their product with zero words!
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.
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Why This TV Commercial is So Iconic?
Nike created one of the most iconic brand slogans ever, turning a simple phrase into a global movement that transcends sports and motivates millions.
Coca-Cola – 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.
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Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Coca-Cola’s personalization strategy turned into a massive customer engagement success.
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.
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What Made this a Super Bowl Classic?
Some of these ads were so successful, they sparked catchphrases (Whassup!) that became part of everyday language, showing how pop culture and advertising can intersect.
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.
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Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
This campaign created a cultural phenomenon, making its protagonist a legend with highly quotable lines.
Honda – Cog
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Why This TV Commercial is So Iconic?
Honda’s Cog was a technical and creative masterpiece, demonstrating precision, patience, and the beauty of engineering in a mesmerizing way.
Chipotle – Back to the Start
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial is So Iconic?
Chipotle’s ad stood out by using beautiful animation to tell a compelling sustainability story, aligning its brand with ethical farming and responsible food production.
Cadbury – Gorilla
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial is So Iconic?
Cadbury’s Gorilla commercial was an unexpected delight, using humor and surprise to create one of the most talked-about ads in modern advertising.
Honorable Mentions
Levi’s – America (Iconic brand storytelling through powerful visuals)
Always – Like a Girl (A social impact ad that reshaped gender narratives)
Google – Parisian Love (A beautiful, narrative-driven ad showcasing product integration)
Red Bull – Space Jump (One of the boldest stunts ever turned into a commercial)
Super Bowl Classics That Defined Eras
When the biggest game of the year meets the world’s largest audience, magic happens. This category highlights ads that leveraged the Super Bowl stage to embed themselves into popular culture—memorable both for the moments they created on-screen and the conversations they sparked off it.
Apple – 1984 (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Snickers – Betty White
Link to Video:
What Made this a Super Bowl Classic?
Humor + celebrities have been a formula for success. Snickers mastered it with this ad, blending nostalgia and humor to create a widely relatable and entertaining spot.
Pepsi – New Can
Link to Video:
What Made this a Super Bowl Classic?
Pepsi has a history of leveraging celebrity power and bold visuals, making this campaign particularly memorable for its fresh take on an iconic brand.
Doritos – Ultrasound Baby
Link to Video:
What Made this a Super Bowl Classic?
A perfect example of user-generated content, this ad blended humor and surprise to make audiences laugh while staying true to the Doritos brand.
Budweiser – Whassup (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Google – Loretta
Link to Video:
What Made this a Super Bowl Classic?
Google’s Loretta showcased emotional branding in the digital era, proving that even tech companies can create heartfelt, deeply human storytelling in advertising.
Honorable Mentions
Coca-Cola – “Hey Kid, Catch!” (A Super Bowl classic featuring Mean Joe Greene)
Volkswagen – The Force (A Star Wars-themed ad that captivated audiences worldwide)
M&M’s – They Do Exist! (Blending humor and holiday nostalgia in an unforgettable way)
McDonald's – The Showdown (Jordan vs. Bird) (Iconic sports rivalry meets brand promotion)
Tide – It’s a Tide Ad (Brilliantly meta and self-aware marketing strategy)
Ads That Went Viral Before "Going Viral" Was a Thing
Long before social algorithms could boost a clip overnight, these commercials spread through sheer word-of-mouth appeal. By combining clever concepts, sharable humor, and unexpected twists, they reached audiences far beyond their initial broadcast windows, pioneering the viral marketing playbook.
Dollar Shave Club – Our Blades Are F*ing Great
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
One of the first major viral marketing successes, proving that direct, edgy humor could disrupt an industry.
Progressive – Motaur
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.
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Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Blended absurdist humor and visual storytelling to create an ad that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Dos Equis – The Most Interesting Man in the World (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Budweiser – Whassup (3rd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Honorable Mentions
Clash of Clans – Revenge (Hilarious animation-driven ad featuring Liam Neeson)
John Lewis – The Bear and the Hare (Emotional storytelling with beautiful animation)
Amazon – Alexa Loses Her Voice (A star-studded humorous take on AI fails)
E-Trade – Baby Commercials (One of the earliest ads to leverage meme-style humor)
Reebok – Terry Tate Office Linebacker (Physical comedy meets office humor)
Commercials That Pulled the Heartstrings
These spots prove that a well-told story can forge an emotional bond stronger than any direct sales pitch. Whether through moving narratives, nostalgic callbacks, or uplifting themes, they tap into universal feelings—leaving viewers teary-eyed, inspired, and forever linked to the brand.
P&G – Thank You, Mom
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Emotional storytelling
Google – Home Alone Ad
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Google’s Home Alone remake played on nostalgia perfectly.
Nike – Dream Crazy (Colin Kaepernick)
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Nike’s Dream Crazy ad was bold, emotional, and controversial—sparking conversation.
General Motors – Evil is Back for Good
Link to Video:
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral?
Humor + nostalgia with Dr. Evil character
Coca-Cola – Share A Coke (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Honorable Mentions
P&G – Thank You, Mama (An emotional tribute to Olympic athletes and their mothers)
Google – Dear Sophie (A heartfelt look at how Google products connect families)
Thai Life Insurance – Unsung Hero (A deeply moving story about kindness and humanity)
Nike – Find Your Greatness (A motivational masterpiece that inspired countless athletes)
Budweiser – Clydesdale Puppy Love (A heartwarming story of friendship and loyalty)
Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces
When animation and film-level craftsmanship take center stage, ads become art. Featuring stunning visuals, seamless special effects, or exquisitely executed stop-motion, these commercials transcend the 30-second format—inviting audiences into worlds as immersive as any feature film.
Chipotle – Back to the Start
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What Made this Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces?
This ad used stunning animation and storytelling to drive home a message about sustainable farming.
Metro Trains – Dumb Ways to Die
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What Made this Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces?
An animated campaign that went viral while promoting an important public safety message.
Volvo – The Epic Split (Jean-Claude Van Damme)
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What Made this Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces?
A jaw-dropping visual spectacle that showcased Volvo's precision and stability.
Android – Rock, Paper, Scissors
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What Made this Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces?
Anti-bullying message using animated storytelling
Sony Bravia – Color Like No Other
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What Made this Animated & Cinematic Masterpieces
A mesmerizing use of slow-motion visuals
Honorable Mentions
Honda – Paper (A visually stunning paper stop-motion ad)
Sony – Color Like No Other (A mesmerizing use of slow-motion visuals)
Metro Trains – Dumb Ways to Die (A viral sensation promoting public safety)
Android – Rock, Paper, Scissors (A simple yet powerful anti-bullying message)
Heinz – The One for Two (A beautifully animated ad with an emotional punch)
Funniest Commercials of All Time
Laughter is the clearest path to brand recall. This collection spotlights ads whose humor was so on-point they became part of everyday vernacular—turning quirky characters, absurd premises, or razor-sharp punchlines into lasting cultural touchstones.
Geico – Hump Day
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What Made This TV Commercial Funny?
A lighthearted, relatable ad that quickly became a meme in office culture.
John West Salmon – Bear Fight
Link to Video:
What Made This TV Commercial Funny?
A perfect example of unexpected humor capturing audience attention.
Snickers – You're Not You When You’re Hungry
Link to Video:
What Made This TV Commercial Funny?
Snickers mastered humor and celebrity endorsement in a way that remains instantly recognizable.
Energizer – Energizer Bunny
Link to Video:
What Made This TV Commercial Funny?
The longest-running ad campaign ever
Bud Light – Real Men of Genius
Link to Video:
What Made This TV Commercial Funny?
Funny and exaggerated radio-ad style
Budweiser – Whassup (4th Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (3rd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Hall of Fame: The Best TV Commercials of All Time
Dollar Shave Club – Our Blades Are F*ing Great (2nd Award)
This was so good that we are adding this one twice. Was also on the Ads That Went Viral Before "Going Viral" Was a Thing
Honorable Mentions
Geico – Cavemen (A campaign so funny it spawned a TV show)
Skittles – Pox (Weird, surreal, and unforgettable humor)
John West Salmon – Bear Fight (A hilarious twist on wildlife documentaries)
Got Milk? – Aaron Burr (Historical humor meets product marketing brilliance)
Progressive – Flo’s Debut (Introduced one of the most memorable ad characters ever)
Superbowl 2025
Showing during Super Bowl LIX, these spots represent the very latest in celebrity power, technological spectacle, and emotional resonance. From established icons to rising creative stars, they reflect current trends in humor, social purpose, and brand storytelling on the game’s grandest stage.
Duracell – Tom Brady Reboost
Why This TV Commercial Stood Out: Legendary quarterback Tom Brady literally runs out of juice mid-broadcast—until a quick battery swap brings him back to peak performance. By casting Brady as a human “battery,” Duracell delivers its product promise with playful drama and instant clarity. Wikipedia
Bud Light – Big Men on Cul-de-sac Party
Why This TV Commercial Went Viral: Post Malone, Shane Gillis, and Peyton Manning unite for an over-the-top block party in the suburbs—complete with dancers, fireworks, and surprise cameos. The star power plus irreverent humor made it one of the most buzzed-about ads of the night. Wikipedia
Budweiser – First Delivery
What Made This a Super Bowl Classic: A young Clydesdale foal—initially too small to join the team—heroically rolls a full keg into a bar. The combination of adorable animals, brand heritage, and cinematic pacing earned it top honors in the USA Today Ad Meter.
Michelob Ultra – The Ultra Hustle
Why This TV Commercial Shone: Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara execute an elaborate pickleball hustle—negotiating beer for game points in a deadpan style that perfectly marries humor with product placement.
Stella Artois – David and Dave: The Other David
Why This TV Commercial Captured Hearts: Football superstar David Beckham meets his American doppelgänger, Matt Damon’s “Dave,” for a cross-continental toast. The warm camaraderie underscores the brand’s emphasis on shared experiences and refined taste.
Jeep – Owner’s Manual
What Made This a Super Bowl Classic: Harrison Ford reminds us that life gives no instructions—so why not write your own story? Jeep’s message of freedom and adventure remains perfectly aligned with its rugged, go-anywhere brand ethos.
Ram Trucks – Goldilocks and the Three Trucks
Why This TV Commercial Resonated: Glen Powell’s modern-fairy-tale take on Goldilocks proves that truck ads can be as inventive as any Hollywood production—blending humor, action, and a clear showcase of product features.
HexClad – Unidentified Frying Object
Why This TV Commercial Stuck: Gordon Ramsay in an Area 51 kitchen? This ad’s sci-fi humor and chef-driven credibility gave HexClad an extraterrestrial aura—literally.
Google Pixel 9 – Dream Job
Why This TV Commercial Impressed: A father relies on Google’s Gemini AI to nail a job interview. By dramatizing real-world utility in a relatable scenario, Google balances innovation with everyday usefulness.
T-Mobile & Starlink – A New Era in Connectivity
What Made This a Super Bowl Classic: Teaming up with Starlink, T-Mobile envisions fail-safe connectivity—even when nothing else works. Its futuristic promise and sleek execution solidified it as the night’s most forward-looking spot.
Honorable Mentions
Coors Light (“Slow Monday”)
Mountain Dew Baja Blast (“Kiss from a Lime”)
Doritos (“Abduction”)
Dunkin’ Donuts (“DunKings 2: The Movie”)
Coffee-Mate (“Foam Diva”)
Lay’s (“The Little Farmer”)
Pringles (“The Call of the Mustaches”)
Reese’s (“Don’t Eat Lava”)
Ritz (“Ritz’s Salty Club”)
Taco Bell (“The Fans”)
Totino’s (“Chazmo Finally Goes Home”)
Nike (“So Win”)
Rocket Mortgage (“Own the Dream”)
NFL Foundation (“Somebody”)
Instacart (“We’re Here”)
Uber Eats (“A Century of Cravings”)
DoorDash (“DashPass Math”)
Pfizer (“Knock Out”)
Starlink/T-Mobile (“A New Era in Connectivity”)
Novartis (“Your Attention, Please”)
Stand Up to All Hate (“No Reason to Hate”)
He Gets Us (“What Is Greatness?”)
Dove (“These Legs”)
Little Caesars (“Whoa!”)
Booking.com (“Get Your Stay Ridiculously Right”)
OpenAI (“The Intelligence Age”)
The 4 Pillars of a Successful TV Commercial Advertising
Storytelling & Emotion
Emotional storytelling turns passive viewers into invested participants. By weaving narratives that tap into universal experiences—celebration, loss, triumph—ads become more than product pitches; they become shared memories. When brands show, rather than tell, they invite audiences to step inside the story, forging bonds that outlast fleeting trends.
Memorable Characters & Catchphrases
A distinct character or slogan gives an ad an instant hook. Whether it’s Dos Equis’ suave “Most Interesting Man” or the unforgettable “Where’s the Beef?”, these icons serve as brand ambassadors in our minds—ready to pop up whenever we need a quick laugh or a reminder. Consistent use of a unique face or phrase cements recall, ensuring that even years later, a single line can transport us right back to the TV spot.
Visual & Cinematic Appeal
High-impact visuals are the shop window of modern advertising. Striking cinematography, seamless special effects, and bold color palettes demand attention in an ever-noisy media landscape. From the kaleidoscopic bouncing balls of Sony Bravia to Van Damme’s epic truck split for Volvo, these ads prove that when you lean into spectacle, viewers can’t help but pause, watch, and share.
Strong Branding & Call to Action
The best commercials marry creativity with clarity: the brand and its message shine through without feeling force-fed. Whether through a subtle logo placement or a punchy tagline, every element—from music bed to voiceover—reinforces the product promise. A well-crafted CTA closes the loop, turning emotional or visual engagement into measurable action, whether that’s a website visit, a hashtag, or a purchase.
The Future of TV Commercials
Where is TV Commercial Advertising Headed Next?
As streaming platforms and on-demand viewing continue to fragment audiences, TV ads will need to evolve beyond one-size-fits-all spots. We’re on the cusp of hyper-targeted, interactive campaigns that treat every viewer as a unique demographic slice—blurring the lines between content and commerce while maintaining the storytelling heart of great advertising.
How Digital & Streaming Have Changed the Game –
YouTube, Netflix, and social platforms have shifted commercials from appointment-viewing to personalized, bite-sized experiences. Brands can now A/B test creative in real time, optimize for engagement, and retarget based on individual behavior. This data-driven approach means ads will feel more like helpful recommendations than interruptions, seamlessly integrating into our digital lives.
Will AI & Personalization Make TV Ads Even More Effective?
Machine learning is unlocking dynamic ad units that adapt messaging, visuals, and even music on the fly. Imagine an AI that tailors a car commercial to your driving habits or swaps in product shots based on your past purchases. This level of personalization promises to boost relevance—and recall—while preserving creative flair.
Predictions for the Next Decade of Commercials
Expect to see shoppable TV spots, real-time interactive polls, and AI-generated storylines that evolve based on viewer feedback. Virtual and augmented reality will let audiences step inside ads, exploring products in 3D. And as data privacy norms tighten, brands will balance personalization with transparency, crafting engaging narratives that respect user choice.
Final Thoughts
From the revolutionary brilliance of Apple’s “1984” to the tear-jerking warmth of P&G’s “Thank You, Mom,” these commercials remind us that great advertising is both art and science. By combining emotion, creativity, and strategic targeting, they transcend their product goals to become cultural touchstones—proof that even in a crowded media landscape, a powerful story can still break through.
Ready to craft your brand’s next unforgettable campaign? Sparkhouse specializes in creating cinematic, emotionally resonant commercials that drive real results. Let’s bring your story to life—Get in touch with Sparkhouse today.
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