Advertisements don’t have to be annoying. The best ads connect with people, tapping into the highs and lows of life. They leave you feeling better, more informed, or simply more aware. This list celebrates the most effective and memorable ads ever made, commercials so good that people still enjoy watching them years later. Remember Coca-Cola’s 1971 “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing”? It has over 5.4 million views on YouTube! Prepare for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
10. How Many Licks… to the Center of a Tootsie Pop (1969)
This classic ad from 1969 asked a question nobody knew they wanted answered: “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” Created by the Doner advertising agency, its enduring popularity means it’s still shown today, over 50 years later.
The commercial was genius. It posed a question that captivated audiences, making them think about Tootsie Pops long after the ad ended. The charming cartoon characters made it especially appealing to children, who then begged their parents to buy them the candy.
The ad’s simplicity, combined with its clever narrative, made it an instant hit worldwide. It’s one of the few ads that has reached “escape velocity,” meaning it could theoretically be shown forever. [1]
9. Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)
The Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” commercial from 1984 is arguably a masterpiece. It had all the right ingredients: a sweet old lady with an unforgettable voice, a ridiculously small beef patty on a huge bun, and a catchphrase that took the world by storm. Soon, you heard “Where’s the beef?” everywhere.
Even Walter Mondale, a presidential candidate, used the line during a debate in 1984, cementing the commercial’s place in history. The ad gave Wendy’s sales a boost and, more importantly, brought the brand to the forefront of people’s minds. Before the ad, McDonald’s and Burger King were the top choices. The catchphrase made Wendy’s the fast-food chain with substance and humor.
Clara Peller (1902–1987), the manicurist who spoke the catchphrase, became a household name. Although the campaign’s popularity was short-lived and Wendy’s experienced a sales slump afterward, the original “Where’s the Beef?” commercial remains unforgettable. [2]
8. Budweiser’s “Whassup?” (1999)
Budweiser, a globally recognized beer, began in 1860 when Eberhard Anheuser bought the Bavarian Brewery in St. Louis. His son-in-law, Adolphus Busch, joined him, and they transformed the brewery into Anheuser-Busch. In 1876, they introduced Budweiser, which became a worldwide favorite.
In 1999, a hit ad campaign further popularized Budweiser: the famous “Whassup?” ad. What started as friends playfully greeting each other turned into a global sensation. The premise was simple: buddies on the phone asking, “Whassup?” in exaggerated, humorous tones. Like “Where’s the beef?” before it, “Whassup?” became a catchphrase everyone used.
The idea came from a 1998 short film, True: The Original Wassup?, by Charles Stone III. The film caught the attention of DDB Chicago, Budweiser’s ad agency, which adapted it into the memorable commercial. This grassroots origin added authenticity, helping it resonate with audiences.
The successful ad was simple, authentic, and connected people to the Budweiser brand. Those who remember the ad fondly hold it dear. [3]
7. Always’ “Like a Girl” (2014)
In 2014, Procter & Gamble created a powerful ad campaign that was very different from traditional advertising. The “Like a Girl” commercial aimed to show how damaging stereotypes can be to girls’ self-image during their formative years. Always, a division of Procter & Gamble, produced the commercial.
The commercial was an immediate hit. Lauren Greenfield, known for her documentary Queen of Versailles, collaborated with Always to redefine “like a girl,” often associated with weakness, as something confident and strong. Instead of selling a product, the ad delivered a powerful message about self-confidence and how society’s expectations can destroy it.
The ad cleverly turned what was often used as an insult into a badge of honor. The video contrasted how children and adults perceive the phrase. The commercial opened with a provocative question: “What does it mean to do something ‘like a girl’?”
The Always’ #LikeAGirl campaign stood out because it was raw, natural, and genuine. Though societal reflections shift from generation to generation, “Like a Girl” started a conversation that will likely continue for decades. [4]
6. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Smell is a visceral human sense. A horrible smell can make you sick, while a good smell can improve your mood. Old Spice has spent over 80 years mastering the art of smelling good.
In 2010, Old Spice created “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like,” one of the most successful ads of the 21st century. It played on the desire to look and smell good, using a muscular actor standing outside a shower with no shirt on. The message was simple: This is the man women want, and men envy. How can the average man achieve this? By using Old Spice products.
The ad was a masterpiece of persuasion, making people think they needed the product to be attractive. It had humor, charm, and an understanding of cultural tendencies, helping Old Spice gain relevance and reinforcing successful advertising techniques. [5]
5. Maxell’s Hi-Fidelity (1983)
The Maxell Corporation, founded in 1960, initially specialized in batteries before expanding into magnetic tape technology. By the 1970s, Maxell was the world’s leading producer of audio and video cassette tapes. Audiophiles wanted high-quality audio, and Maxell delivered.
The Maxell Hi-Fidelity cassette commercial from 1983 is unforgettable. Ask anyone born in the 60s or 70s about “the man in the chair being blown away by his sound system,” and they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.
The ad was brilliant in its simplicity. No words were spoken; instead, it visually demonstrated the superior quality of Maxell cassette tapes. The man in the video was the ideal personification of “cool,” listening to his high-fidelity music, oblivious to the world. The Maxell commercial cemented the brand in people’s minds. [6]
4. Nike’s “Just Do It” (1988)
Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign from 1988 was inspired by the last words of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore: “Let’s do it.” Dan Wieden, an ad agency founder, presented the idea to Nike.
The slogan was short, catchy, easy to remember, and simple to understand, making the campaign popular worldwide. Its straightforward message transcended cultural differences.
The first ad featured 80-year-old marathoner Walt Stack jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge, sharing his morning routine. The message was clear: age or ability is no barrier. Whatever you want to achieve, just make up your mind and do it!
The powerful campaign boosted Nike’s sales and gave the brand a boost. The ad struck gold, and people who saw it in 1988 still remember it fondly. [7]
3. Guinness’s “Surfer” (1999)
In 1999, Diageo, a British multinational alcoholic beverage company, produced a popular ad promoting its Guinness-brand stout.
The Guinness “Surfer” ad is beautifully shot, like poetry in motion. The commercial opens with a man looking upward. Then, surfers run into the sea, waiting for the perfect wave. Monstrous waves crash down, white foam churning into the shape of galloping horses, a metaphor for nature’s raw power.
The ad presents a lot of information in a short time, making viewers pay attention to every detail. The familiar scenes of surfers riding waves are unique because of the integration of horses into the action.
“Surfer” won numerous awards and is hailed as one of the greatest ads ever made. It seared the Guinness brand into people’s minds. [8]
2. Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” (1971)
If there was ever a perfect ad, 1971’s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” was it. It had solidarity, community, a powerful message, and beautiful music. It was a cultural turning point that resonated everywhere it was shown. The most effective ads make you want to buy the product to recreate the good feelings you experienced while watching the commercial.
The ad premiered during a turbulent time, delivering a message of unity and peace during civil unrest in the United States, the Vietnam War, and societal division.
The commercial opens with a girl on a hilltop, holding a Coke and singing. She is joined by a diverse group of young people from around the world, all singing in harmony. The lyrics were adapted into a full-length song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (in Perfect Harmony),” which became a hit.
The “Hilltop” ad became one of the most beloved and memorable commercials of all time. From a human perspective, it is probably the best advertisement ever. [9]
1. Apple’s “1984” (1984)
The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most-watched events. In 1984, Apple seized the opportunity with “1984,” one of the most widely recognized ads of all time.
Apple’s “1984” was directed by Ridley Scott, known for directing Alien and producing The Good Wife.
Premiering during January 1984’s Super Bowl XVIII, “1984” introduced the Macintosh computer, promising to challenge the status quo. The ad depicts a dystopian world where a heroic woman shatters conformity with a sledgehammer.
The production quality of “1984” was stunning, with a cinematic level of quality. It was a direct jab at tech giant IBM, positioning Apple as the underdog, empowering individuals to “think differently.”
The ad aired only once nationally, but that was enough. “1984” is arguably the most memorable advertisement of all time. [10]
These commercials transcended their purpose, becoming cultural touchstones. They made us laugh, think, and feel, leaving a lasting impact on advertising and our memories.
Which of these commercials do you remember most vividly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
