The 30 Best Ads of All Time: Viewer Count, Engagement, and Revenue

Advertising is an art that has the power to captivate, inspire, and drive massive success.

In this article, we'll review the 50 best ads of all time, evaluated based on viewer count, engagement, and revenue generated.

From heartwarming storytelling to clever marketing strategies, these ads have left an indelible mark on the advertising world.

1. Apple - "1984"

Directed by Ridley Scott, this iconic Super Bowl commercial introduced the Macintosh computer, forever changing the tech landscape. Unique for its cinematic quality and groundbreaking concept, the ad positioned Apple as a revolutionary force in the industry. Watch the ad

2. Volkswagen - "The Force"

Created by ad agency Deutsch, this Super Bowl ad featured a young Darth Vader and showcased the 2012 Passat. Unique for its heartwarming storytelling and universal appeal, the ad seamlessly combined humor with relatability. Watch the ad

3. Old Spice - "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like"

Wieden+Kennedy crafted this hilarious and memorable ad, turning Old Spice into a pop culture sensation and propelling the brand to new heights. Unique for its rapid-fire humor and Isaiah Mustafa's charismatic performance, the ad revolutionized the image of an age-old brand. Watch the ad

4. Coca-Cola - "Share a Coke"

The creative team at Coca-Cola swapped its logo with popular names, personalizing the brand and encouraging people to share a Coke with loved ones. Unique for its level of personalization and its ability to create a strong emotional connection, the campaign turned Coke into a personal and shareable experience. Watch the ad

5. Nike - "Just Do It"

Revolutionary in its simplicity, Nike's iconic slogan was the brainchild of advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy. Unique for its motivational impact and its ability to empower individuals, the ad transformed Nike into a symbol of determination and ambition. Watch the ad

6. Dove - "Real Beauty Sketches"

Dove's powerful ad confronting beauty standards was developed by Ogilvy & Mather Brazil. Unique for its emotional depth and social impact, the ad challenged conventional notions of beauty and encouraged self-acceptance. Watch the ad

7. Budweiser - "Whassup?"

Created by DDB Chicago, this ad became a cultural phenomenon, making "Whassup?" a universal greeting and securing a spot in advertising history. Unique for its simplicity and relatability, the ad showcased how a single phrase could transcend cultural barriers. Watch the ad

8. Doritos - "Crash the Super Bowl"

Doritos invited fans to create their Super Bowl commercials, leading to crowd-pleasers like "Time Machine" and "Pug Attack." Unique for its crowd-sourced content and democratization of ad creation, the campaign empowered consumers to contribute to the brand's success. Watch the ad

9. Guinness - "Surfer"

Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO was the creative force behind this visually stunning masterpiece. Unique for its breathtaking visuals and artistic composition, the ad captured the essence of patience and determination through the metaphor of a surfer's journey. Watch the ad

10. Pepsi - "Pepsi vs. Coke" (Pepsi Challenge)

The Pepsi Challenge was a brainchild of the in-house Pepsi creative team. Unique for its head-to-head comparison and interactive nature, the campaign engaged consumers in a taste test, sparking conversations and debates. Watch the ad

11. Guinness - "The Surfer"

Created by AMV BBDO, "The Surfer" is a mesmerizing ad that showcases a group of surfers waiting for the perfect wave. Unique for its breathtaking visuals and poignant metaphor, the ad captures the essence of patience and the pursuit of greatness. The creative team's attention to detail and artistic composition make this ad a timeless masterpiece. Watch the ad

12. Evian - "Baby & Me"

The creative minds at BETC Paris brought to life an imaginative concept where adults encounter their baby versions in a mirror. Unique for its whimsical and lighthearted approach, the ad exudes joy and embraces the theme of staying young at heart. Watch the ad

13. John Lewis - "The Long Wait"

Developed by adam&eveDDB, "The Long Wait" captured hearts with a touching Christmas tale. Unique for its emotional storytelling and heartfelt message, the ad follows a young boy eager for Christmas morning, underlining the anticipation and magic of the holiday season. Watch the ad

14. Always - "Like a Girl"

Leo Burnett Chicago crafted an empowering ad that challenged stereotypes surrounding the phrase "like a girl." Unique for its social impact and thought-provoking message, the ad encourages viewers to reconsider the meaning of the phrase and champion girls' confidence. Watch the ad

15. Coca-Cola - "Hilltop"

The creative team at McCann Erickson gave us the timeless "Hilltop" ad, celebrating unity and harmony through song. Unique for its catchy jingle and portrayal of diverse individuals coming together, the ad stands as a testament to the power of positivity. Watch the ad

16. Nike - "Find Your Greatness"

Wieden+Kennedy delivered another iconic ad with "Find Your Greatness." Unique for its inspirational message and emphasis on personal achievement, the ad encourages viewers to embrace greatness in their own unique ways. Watch the ad

17. Pepsi - "The Joy of Pepsi"

TBWA\Chiat\Day created a vibrant ad featuring Britney Spears, evoking the joy of enjoying a Pepsi. Unique for its celebrity endorsement and catchy musical performance, the ad taps into the essence of youthful energy and enjoyment. Watch the ad

18. Skittles - "Skittles Touch"

Developed by TBWA\Chiat\Day, "Skittles Touch" takes a quirky approach by exploring what happens when a man touches a Skittles beard. Unique for its unexpected and offbeat humor, the ad leaves a lasting impression with its imaginative concept. Watch the ad

19. Volvo - "Epic Split"

Forsman & Bodenfors created a breathtaking ad featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme performing an epic split between two moving Volvo trucks. Unique for its awe-inspiring visuals and jaw-dropping stunt, the ad showcases precision and engineering excellence. Watch the ad

20. Coca-Cola - "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke"

McCann Erickson brought us the iconic "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" ad, featuring a multicultural group singing in harmony. Unique for its universal message of unity and love, the ad remains a symbol of shared happiness and connection. Watch the ad

21. Nike - "Dream Crazy"

Wieden+Kennedy's "Dream Crazy" ad, featuring Colin Kaepernick, takes a bold stand on social issues. Unique for its powerful message and advocacy for change, the ad ignited conversations and reflected Nike's commitment to empowering athletes. Watch the ad

22. McDonald's - "Nothing Comes Before Coffee"

TBWA\Paris brought humor to coffee cravings with "Nothing Comes Before Coffee." Unique for its relatable scenario and catchy jingle, the ad captures the daily struggle of prioritizing coffee above all else. Watch the ad

23. IKEA - "Lamp"

Created by Crispin Porter + Bogusky, "Lamp" tells a heartfelt story of a discarded lamp. Unique for its emotional storytelling and relatable theme of finding value in the unremarkable, the ad resonates with viewers on a personal level. Watch the ad

24. Chipotle - "Back to the Start"

The creative team at CAA Marketing took a unique approach with "Back to the Start," showcasing a farmer's journey towards sustainability. Unique for its use of stop-motion animation and advocacy for ethical practices, the ad aligns with Chipotle's commitment to quality ingredients. Watch the ad

25. Budweiser - "Puppy Love"

Anheuser-Busch's heartwarming "Puppy Love" was brought to life by ad agency Anomaly. Unique for its emotional connection between a puppy and a Clydesdale, the ad tugs at heartstrings and celebrates friendship across species. Watch the ad

26. Google - "Parisian Love"

"Parisian Love," created by Google's internal team, showcases a love story using search queries. Unique for its innovative concept and portrayal of how technology connects people, the ad resonated with viewers on a personal level. Watch the ad

27. Amazon - "Alexa Loses Her Voice"

Lucky Generals brought humor to the forefront in "Alexa Loses Her Voice." Unique for its celebrity cameos and comedic execution, the ad demonstrates the versatility of Amazon's virtual assistant. Watch the ad

28. Airbnb - "We Accept"

Airbnb's "We Accept" was crafted by the in-house creative team. Unique for its advocacy for diversity and acceptance, the ad aligns with Airbnb's commitment to creating inclusive experiences for travelers. Watch the ad

29. Guinness - "Empty Chair"

AMV BBDO's "Empty Chair" pays tribute to friends who are missed but not forgotten. Unique for its emotional resonance and storytelling, the ad celebrates camaraderie and the memories we cherish. Watch the ad

30. Honda - "Cog"

Wieden+Kennedy's "Cog" showcases a Rube Goldberg-inspired chain reaction with Honda car parts. Unique for its intricate and precise execution, the ad highlights engineering excellence and creativity. Watch the ad

Best Ads Ever

What do the best ads all have in common? They're human, accessible, and really really well written.

Bingo. 

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