100 Best Commercials of All Time :
Explore our curated list of the 100 best commercials ever made, highlighting their impact, creativity, and effectiveness in advertising.
Introduction
Advertising has long been a powerful medium for brands to connect with audiences, evoke emotions, and drive consumer behavior. Throughout history, certain commercials have transcended traditional advertising, becoming cultural phenomena and setting new standards for creativity and effectiveness. In this article, we delve into the 100 best commercials of all time, examining their impact, storytelling techniques, and the reasons behind their enduring success.
1. Guinness – “Surfer” (1999)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, this iconic ad features a group of surfers battling against powerful waves, symbolizing the strength and resilience of Guinness beer. Its striking visuals and compelling narrative earned it the top spot in Channel 4’s “The 100 Greatest TV Ads.”
2. Smash – “Martians” (1973)
This humorous commercial depicts Martians discovering mashed potatoes, leading to the creation of Smash instant mashed potatoes. Its quirky humor and memorable tagline, “For Mash Get Smash,” made it a classic.
3. Tango – “Orange Man” (1991)
Known for its bold and eccentric character, the “Orange Man” became synonymous with the Tango brand, showcasing its vibrant and tangy flavor.
4. Heat Electric – “Creature Comforts” (1991)
A stop-motion animation featuring animals discussing their ideal homes, this ad cleverly promoted Heat Electric’s heating solutions.
5. Boddingtons – “Melanie Sykes” (1997)
Featuring model Melanie Sykes, this ad highlighted the smoothness of Boddingtons beer, blending elegance with product appeal.
6. Levi’s – “Laundrette” (1985)
A young man enters a laundrette, strips down to his underwear, and washes his Levi’s jeans, set to the tune of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” This ad revitalized the Levi’s brand and became a fashion statement.
7. R. White’s Lemonade – “Secret Lemonade Drinker” (1973)
This ad features a man sneaking sips of R. White’s Lemonade, with the catchy jingle “I’m a Secret Lemonade Drinker,” making it a memorable classic.
8. Hamlet – “Happiness Is…” (1966-1991)
A series of ads featuring the tagline “Happiness is a cigar called Hamlet,” these commercials became a staple in British advertising.
9. Walkers Crisps – “Gary Lineker” (1993 onwards)
Footballer Gary Lineker’s association with Walkers Crisps, often featuring humorous scenarios, solidified the brand’s popularity.
10. Impulse – “Chance Encounter” (1998)
This romantic ad depicts a woman using Impulse body spray, leading to a serendipitous meeting with a man, highlighting the allure of the fragrance.
11. Cinzano – “Collins & Rossiter” (1978)
Featuring Leonard Rossiter and Joan Collins, this comedic ad showcases the elegance and sophistication of Cinzano vermouth.
12. Renault Clio – “Papa and Nicole” (1991-1998)
A series of ads featuring a father and daughter, with the father humorously misinterpreting Nicole’s French accent, promoting the Renault Clio’s appeal.
13. Yellow Pages – “J. R. Hartley” (1983)
An elderly man searches for his own book in the Yellow Pages, highlighting the directory’s comprehensive listings.
14. British Telecom – “Ology” (1988)
This ad features a man listing various “ologies” to impress a woman, emphasizing the vast knowledge accessible through British Telecom.
15. Nike – “Park Life” (1997)
Set to Blur’s “Parklife,” this ad features a day in the life of a man and his dog, promoting Nike’s sportswear in a humorous light.
16. Coca-Cola – “Teach The World To Sing” (1971)
A heartwarming ad featuring people from around the world singing in harmony, promoting unity and peace through Coca-Cola.
17. Carling Black Label – “Dambusters” (1989)
A parody of the classic war film, this ad features a dog performing the Dambusters’ theme, promoting Carling Black Label beer.
18. Glade Shake n’ Vac – “Dancing Woman” (1979)
A woman dances around her living room, using Glade Shake n’ Vac to freshen the carpet, set to the tune of “I Will Survive.”
19. Andrex – “Puppy” (1972 onwards)
A series of ads featuring a playful puppy, symbolizing the softness and quality of Andrex toilet paper.
20. Real Fires – “Furry Friends” (1988)
This ad features a family of animals enjoying the warmth of a Real Fires stove, highlighting the product’s efficiency and comfort.
21. Ferrero Rocher – “Ambassador’s Party” (1995)
A lavish party scene where guests are served Ferrero Rocher chocolates, emphasizing the brand’s luxury appeal.
22. Oxo – “The Oxo Family” (1958-1999)
A series of ads featuring the Oxo family, showcasing the versatility and quality of Oxo cubes in cooking.
23. Wall’s Cornetto – “Just One Cornetto” (1980)
Set to the tune of “Just One Cornetto,” this ad features a man serenading a woman to offer her a Cornetto ice cream, highlighting its irresistible taste.
**24. PG Tips – “Chimps”