12 of the Best Video Ads Ever Produced

What makes a video ad truly unforgettable? It's not just about a big budget or a celebrity face; it's about strategy, emotion, and a deep understanding of human connection. The right video can launch a brand, redefine an industry, or start a global conversation.

This article unpacks the genius behind some of the most successful campaigns ever made. We will dissect 12 examples of best video ads, moving beyond surface-level praise to reveal the specific strategic frameworks, creative choices, and psychological triggers that made them so powerful.

For marketers and brands, these aren't just ads to admire; they are blueprints for creating video content that captures attention, drives engagement, and delivers measurable results. Get ready to learn the replicable tactics that can transform your next video campaign from a simple promotion into a cultural moment. We will explore the actionable insights behind each iconic ad, providing a clear roadmap for what works and why. By analyzing these top-tier campaigns, you will gain a strategic toolkit to elevate your own marketing efforts, ensuring your message not only reaches but resonates with your target audience.

1. Nike Dream Crazy - Colin Kaepernick

Nike's "Dream Crazy" campaign is a masterclass in purpose-driven marketing, proving that aligning with core brand values, even controversial ones, can yield incredible results. The video ad, featuring narrator Colin Kaepernick, showcases inspiring athletes who overcame significant obstacles. It cemented its place as one of the best video ads by transcending product promotion to deliver a powerful cultural statement: "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Strategic Analysis

The campaign's genius lies in its bold value alignment. Nike didn't just tell a story; it took a stance on a divisive social issue, knowing its target audience would resonate with the message of perseverance and social justice. This calculated risk transformed a marketing campaign into a cultural movement, strengthening brand loyalty among its core demographic.

Performance & Impact

The campaign's success was immediate and profound, demonstrating the power of authentic, value-driven content. The following infographic highlights the key performance metrics that underscore its impact.

These figures show that the campaign's controversial nature directly translated into massive engagement, sales, and a significant boost in brand value.

Actionable Takeaways

• Embrace Authentic Brand Values: Don't be afraid to take a stand if it aligns with your brand's core identity. Authenticity resonates deeply with consumers.
• Prepare for Backlash: When tackling sensitive topics, have a robust crisis management plan. Nike anticipated the controversy and stood firmly by its message.
• Leverage Spokespeople with Credibility: Kaepernick wasn't just a celebrity endorser; he was the living embodiment of the campaign's message, lending it unmatched authenticity. You can learn more about how to apply these best practices for video marketing to your own campaigns.

2. Apple 1984 Super Bowl Commercial

Apple's "1984" Super Bowl ad is a landmark piece of advertising that launched the Macintosh computer and redefined what a commercial could be. Directed by Ridley Scott, the ad presented a dystopian, Orwellian future where a lone, colorful heroine shatters the screen of a "Big Brother" figure, symbolizing Apple’s revolutionary challenge to the conformity of the tech industry, namely IBM. It positioned Apple not just as a computer company, but as a force for liberation and creative empowerment.

Strategic Analysis

The ad’s brilliance was its cinematic brand storytelling. Instead of listing product features, it sold an ideology. By aligning the Macintosh with individuality and freedom, Apple created an emotional connection and a powerful narrative that elevated the brand above its competitors. This ad is a prime example of how to build a mythos around a product, making it a cultural icon before it even hit the shelves.

Performance & Impact

The "1984" commercial aired only once nationally but generated immense media buzz, essentially becoming a news event in itself. The ad is credited with helping the Macintosh achieve $155 million in sales in its first 100 days. Its legendary status has been cemented over decades, as it is consistently ranked as one of the greatest commercials ever made and is a touchstone in popular culture.

Actionable Takeaways

• Sell an Idea, Not Just a Product: Focus on the "why" behind your brand. Connect your product to a larger mission or value system to build a more profound customer relationship.
• Invest in High-Quality Production: The cinematic quality, directed by Ridley Scott, made the ad feel like a feature film, capturing audience attention and elevating its message.
• Embrace Creative Risk: The ad nearly didn't air due to its unconventional approach. Taking a bold creative risk can lead to breakthrough results that define a brand for generations. You can discover more about building a compelling narrative from these brand story examples.

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

The "Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign completely revitalized Old Spice, transforming it from a brand associated with grandfathers into a viral sensation. This ad stands as one of the best video ads because it brilliantly blended surreal humor, impressive practical effects, and a direct-to-camera monologue by Isaiah Mustafa. It successfully repositioned the brand by directly addressing women, who were the primary purchasers of men's body wash.

Strategic Analysis

The campaign's core strategy was audience redirection. Instead of marketing to men, Old Spice and Wieden+Kennedy identified that women were the key decision-makers. The ad speaks directly to "ladies," creating a humorous and aspirational narrative that resonated with its true target demographic. This, combined with its unique single-take style and meme-worthy lines, made it highly shareable.

Performance & Impact

The ad’s impact was immediate and phenomenal, turning a legacy brand into a digital marketing powerhouse. It achieved a 107% increase in body wash sales year-over-year and generated over 1.8 billion media impressions in its first three months. The initial ad's success led to a highly engaging follow-up campaign where Mustafa responded to fan comments in real-time with personalized videos, extending its viral reach.

Actionable Takeaways

• Identify the True Buyer: Market directly to the person making the purchase decision, even if they aren't the end-user.
• Embrace Shareable Humor: Create content that is inherently entertaining and easy to share. Absurdity and wit can make a video ad unforgettable.
• Extend Engagement with Social Media: Use social platforms to continue the conversation. The real-time video response campaign kept the momentum going long after the initial ad aired.

4. Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches" is a landmark example of emotional marketing, using a social experiment to challenge women's perceptions of their own beauty. The video features a forensic artist drawing women based first on their self-descriptions and then on descriptions from strangers. The powerful reveal highlights the stark, often negative, difference between the two, cementing its place as one of the best video ads by asking a simple, profound question: "You are more beautiful than you think."

Strategic Analysis

The ad’s brilliance is its emotional revelation narrative. Instead of selling soap, Dove sold an idea that deeply resonated with its audience. By using real people and an unscripted, experimental format, the campaign created an authentic connection that felt more like a compelling documentary than a commercial. This approach allowed the core brand purpose, celebrating real beauty, to shine through in a universally relatable way.

Performance & Impact

The campaign became a viral phenomenon, fundamentally shifting conversations around beauty standards. It garnered over 114 million views within its first month and was shared virally across 25 countries. Its ultimate validation came with the prestigious Titanium Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, solidifying its legacy in advertising history. The ad’s success proved that purpose-driven content could achieve unprecedented global reach.

Actionable Takeaways

• Build a Narrative Around an Emotional Core: Structure your story to lead to a powerful, emotional reveal. This creates a memorable impact that viewers are more likely to share.
• Use Real People for Authenticity: Featuring genuine individuals and their unscripted reactions can create a far more authentic and trustworthy connection with your audience than using actors.
• Align Content with Brand Purpose: Ensure your video’s message is a natural extension of your brand's core mission. Dove’s long-standing commitment to "Real Beauty" made this campaign feel genuine, not opportunistic.

5. Volkswagen The Force (Darth Vader Kid)

Volkswagen's "The Force" is a masterclass in storytelling and emotional connection, becoming one of the most iconic Super Bowl ads ever. The video features a small child in a Darth Vader costume hilariously failing to use "the Force" on household items. The ad culminates in a heartwarming moment where the child seemingly starts the family’s new Volkswagen Passat, thanks to a little remote-start help from their father.

Strategic Analysis

The ad’s brilliance is its universal emotional appeal. By tapping into the beloved Star Wars franchise, it created an instant connection with multiple generations. The strategy focused on a charming, family-centric narrative where the car is a facilitator of a magical family moment, not the hero. This subtle product placement allowed the story to shine, making the brand feel more authentic and relatable.

Performance & Impact

"The Force" was a viral sensation long before the Super Bowl even aired, fundamentally changing how brands approached big game advertising. It racked up over 69 million YouTube views and is consistently ranked among the best Super Bowl commercials of all time. Critically, it led to a 20% increase in Passat sales consideration, proving that a heartwarming story can drive tangible business results.

Actionable Takeaways

• Weave in Pop Culture: Leverage universally loved cultural references to create an immediate and powerful connection with your audience.
• Prioritize Story Over Product: Let a compelling narrative drive your ad. The product should play a supporting role in an emotional story.
• Focus on a Single, Simple Idea: The ad's charm lies in its simple concept: a child's imagination. A clear, focused message is more memorable and impactful. You can explore how to bring creative ideas to life through our guide on creating an animated commercial.

6. Always #LikeAGirl

Always' #LikeAGirl campaign is a landmark example of cause-driven marketing that profoundly shifted cultural perceptions. The video ad brilliantly exposes the ingrained bias in the phrase "like a girl" by contrasting the interpretations of young girls with those of adults. It secured its place as one of the best video ads by transforming a common insult into a powerful statement of empowerment and confidence.

Strategic Analysis

The campaign's success stems from its emotional and cultural resonance. Always tapped into a universal experience for women and girls, turning a simple phrase into a catalyst for a global conversation about self-esteem. By focusing on a genuine social issue directly related to its target demographic, the brand created an authentic connection that went far beyond product features, building immense brand loyalty and positive sentiment.

Performance & Impact

The #LikeAGirl campaign became a viral phenomenon, demonstrating how a powerful, purpose-driven message can drive business results. It garnered over 85 million global views and led to a 19% increase in brand equity for Always. The ad also earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial, cementing its legacy as a cultural and advertising triumph.

Actionable Takeaways

• Address Authentic Issues: Connect your brand to a real-world issue that genuinely matters to your audience. This fosters a deeper, more meaningful relationship.
• Show, Don't Tell: The ad’s power came from demonstrating the problem through real reactions, not just talking about it. Visual proof is far more compelling.
• Spark Participation: The hashtag #LikeAGirl was a brilliant call-to-action that invited the audience to join the movement, extending the campaign's reach organically. You can discover more about creating such compelling narratives with these tips on storytelling in ads.

7. Dollar Shave Club Launch Video

Dollar Shave Club's 2012 launch video is a legendary example of disruptive marketing, demonstrating how a simple, humor-filled concept can launch a billion-dollar brand. The ad features CEO Michael Dubin walking through a warehouse, delivering a deadpan, irreverent pitch that directly mocks the overpriced and over-engineered razors sold by industry giants. Its raw, low-budget feel was a refreshing contrast to slick, high-production commercials, making the brand instantly relatable and memorable.

Strategic Analysis

The strategy's brilliance was its disruptive simplicity and authentic personality. Instead of creating a polished ad, Dollar Shave Club focused on a painfully relatable problem: expensive razors. By having the CEO speak directly to the camera with unfiltered humor, the brand established an immediate connection built on transparency and shared frustration. This approach transformed a simple product pitch into a viral cultural moment, proving that a strong concept is more powerful than a large budget.

Performance & Impact

The video went viral almost overnight, validating its disruptive approach and laying the foundation for a direct-to-consumer empire. Within the first 48 hours, the company received 12,000 orders, and the video has since amassed over 28 million views on YouTube. This explosive start culminated in Unilever acquiring the company for a reported $1 billion in 2016, cementing the video’s status as a viral marketing triumph.

Actionable Takeaways

• Lead with Personality: Let your authentic brand voice shine. An irreverent or humorous tone can cut through the noise and build a loyal following.
• Address Pain Points Directly: Clearly identify the problem your product solves. Dollar Shave Club’s message, "Our Blades Are F***ing Great," was a direct and effective value proposition.
• Embrace Lo-Fi Production: A clever concept and sharp script can be far more effective than a massive production budget. Authenticity often resonates more than polish.

8. Google Year in Search

Google's annual "Year in Search" campaign is a masterclass in data-driven emotional storytelling, cementing its status among the best video ads. Each year, it masterfully weaves the most-searched global queries into a poignant narrative that reflects humanity's collective hopes, struggles, and triumphs. The campaign transforms a search engine from a simple utility into a chronicler of the human experience, showing how people turn to Google to make sense of the world.

Strategic Analysis

The strategy's brilliance lies in its use of data as an emotional mirror. Instead of promoting product features, Google uses its own search data to hold up a mirror to society, reflecting what mattered most to us in a given year. This transforms the ad from a commercial into a cultural artifact, creating a powerful emotional connection that transcends traditional marketing and builds immense brand affinity.

Performance & Impact

The "Year in Search" videos consistently achieve viral status, earning billions of views and sparking global conversations annually. They have won numerous industry accolades, including multiple Webby Awards, for their creative excellence and cultural impact. More importantly, they have become a highly anticipated cultural tradition, reinforcing Google's indispensable role in people's daily lives during moments big and small.

Actionable Takeaways

• Humanize Your Data: Look for the human stories hidden within your analytics. Data can reveal powerful insights into customer needs, fears, and aspirations.
• Build an Annual Tradition: Create recurring content that your audience can look forward to. This builds anticipation and strengthens community around your brand.
• Focus on Emotion, Not Features: Let genuine human emotion drive your narrative. A powerful story that resonates on a personal level is far more memorable than a list of product benefits.

9. Budweiser Lost Dog Super Bowl Commercial

Budweiser's "Lost Dog" Super Bowl ad is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, proving that a simple, universal narrative can create a powerful connection with a massive audience. The ad follows a lost puppy's perilous journey back to his best friend, a majestic Clydesdale horse. It secured its place as one of the best video ads by tapping into profound themes of friendship, loyalty, and homecoming, all without directly mentioning the product.

Strategic Analysis

The ad’s power comes from its universal emotional appeal. By focusing on the bond between two animals, Budweiser created a story that transcends demographics and cultural barriers. The narrative arc is simple yet effective: it establishes an adorable protagonist, creates tension through his ordeal, and delivers a deeply satisfying, heartwarming reunion. This classic storytelling structure is designed to maximize emotional impact.

Performance & Impact

"Lost Dog" was an undeniable viral sensation and a commercial triumph for the brand. It became the most-shared Super Bowl commercial of 2015, amassing over 42 million views in its first week alone. This staggering engagement demonstrates the power of an emotionally resonant story to drive brand conversation and affinity far beyond a 60-second TV spot, solidifying the Clydesdales as an invaluable brand asset.

Actionable Takeaways

• Build on Brand Heritage: The ad successfully leveraged the public’s existing affection for the Budweiser Clydesdales, adding a new, emotional layer to a well-established brand icon.
• Prioritize Story Over Product: The beer is barely visible. The focus is entirely on the narrative, allowing the brand to associate itself with powerful emotions like loyalty and friendship.
• Invest in High-Quality Production: The cinematic quality, music, and animal training elevated the simple story into a memorable and impactful piece of film that resonated with millions.

10. Chipotle The Scarecrow

Chipotle's "The Scarecrow" is a landmark example of content marketing, using a beautifully animated short film to communicate a complex brand ethos. The ad tells a poignant, dystopian story of a scarecrow who breaks free from an industrial food processing plant to start his own farm. This narrative-driven piece cemented its place among the best video ads by masterfully criticizing industrial agriculture while positioning Chipotle as the ethical, sustainable alternative.

Strategic Analysis

The campaign's brilliance is its subversive storytelling. Instead of a direct sales pitch, Chipotle created a compelling piece of entertainment that delivered its "Food with Integrity" message emotionally. By wrapping its critique of factory farming in an accessible, artistic narrative, Chipotle made a complex issue understandable and memorable, forging a deep connection with viewers who shared its values.

Performance & Impact

"The Scarecrow" was a viral sensation that translated directly into brand affinity and engagement. It garnered over 15 million views within two months and won two Daytime Emmy Awards. The campaign was amplified by a companion mobile game, which further immersed users in the brand’s narrative and was downloaded over 650,000 times, proving the power of a multi-platform, story-driven approach.

Actionable Takeaways

• Tell a Bigger Story: Use your video ad to communicate your brand's purpose, not just its products. A powerful narrative can make your message resonate far more deeply.
• Create Complementary Experiences: Extend the ad's narrative with interactive elements like a mobile app or game to deepen engagement and keep your brand top-of-mind.
• Commit to Your Message: If your campaign takes a strong stance, ensure your brand's real-world actions authentically support it. Chipotle’s message was credible because it reflected its long-standing sourcing policies. You can discover more about building these kinds of creative video ads to strengthen your own campaigns.

11. Airbnb We Accept

Airbnb's "We Accept" campaign is a prime example of timely, values-driven marketing that responds directly to a live cultural moment. Launched during the 2017 Super Bowl, the ad countered a divisive political climate surrounding immigration with a simple, powerful message of inclusion. By featuring a montage of diverse faces, the ad reinforced Airbnb's core mission of "belonging anywhere" and solidified its brand identity around acceptance.

Strategic Analysis

The strategy's brilliance was its reactive brand alignment. Airbnb and its agency, TBWA\Chiat\Day, capitalized on a significant socio-political event to take a clear, humane stance. This wasn't just advertising; it was a corporate declaration of values, perfectly timed to resonate with a global audience feeling the tension of the moment. The ad powerfully connected the company's service, offering homes to strangers, with the higher-level concept of universal acceptance.

Performance & Impact

The "We Accept" campaign generated significant positive brand sentiment and widespread media discussion, cutting through the noise of typical Super Bowl commercials. Its immediate relevance sparked conversations across social media, showcasing how a well-timed, value-centric ad can achieve an impact far beyond paid media placements. The campaign became a defining moment for Airbnb, proving its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Actionable Takeaways

• Time Your Message Thoughtfully: Aligning your campaign with relevant social moments can amplify its message and emotional impact exponentially.
• Keep Your Message Simple: The ad's power came from its simple visuals and direct tagline. A clear, concise message is often more effective than a complex one.
• Ensure Values Are Authentic: Airbnb's stance was credible because it aligned with its long-standing mission. Any political or social message must be rooted in authentic brand values to avoid appearing opportunistic.

12. John Lewis Christmas Advertisements

John Lewis's annual Christmas campaigns have become a cultural institution, mastering the art of emotional storytelling that builds immense brand equity. Each year, the brand releases a highly anticipated video ad that focuses on themes of giving, family, and holiday magic, turning an advertisement into a celebrated event. This consistency and emotional depth firmly establish it as one of the best video ads, proving that long-term brand building can be more powerful than short-term sales pitches.

Strategic Analysis

The strategy's brilliance is its creation of an annual tradition. John Lewis doesn't just sell products; it owns a moment in the cultural calendar. By investing in high-quality production and heart-wrenching narratives, the brand positions itself as a premium, thoughtful retailer synonymous with the spirit of Christmas. This approach generates massive organic buzz and media coverage year after year.

Performance & Impact

The campaigns consistently deliver incredible results, becoming viral sensations that drive significant commercial success. Each year, the ads achieve tens of millions of views within days and are directly linked to a significant increase in store traffic and sales during the crucial holiday shopping season. This sustained impact demonstrates the commercial power of emotional connection.

Actionable Takeaways

• Create Anticipatory Traditions: Develop annual or recurring campaigns that your audience can look forward to. Consistency builds powerful brand rituals.
• Prioritize Emotional Connection: Focus on universal human emotions like love, generosity, and nostalgia to create a story that resonates deeply, transcending the product itself.
• Invest in Premium Production: High production values signal brand quality and commitment, making your message more impactful and memorable.

Top 12 Video Ads Comparison

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Turning Inspiration into Action: Your Next Steps in Video Advertising

As we've journeyed through these 12 examples of best video ads, a powerful, unifying theme emerges: the most impactful campaigns prioritize connection over conversion. From Nike's bold stand on social justice to Dove's challenge of beauty standards, these videos do more than just showcase a product. They tap into universal human emotions, spark cultural conversations, and forge an authentic bond with their audience by telling a story that matters.

While the production budgets for a Super Bowl spot or a global campaign may seem astronomical, the strategic DNA of their success is surprisingly accessible. The core principles of emotional resonance, purposeful narrative, and authentic brand alignment are not exclusive to billion-dollar companies. Every brand, regardless of its size or budget, can leverage these fundamental concepts to create video content that captivates and inspires.

Distilling the Core Principles

The true takeaway from these iconic ads isn’t just creative inspiration; it’s a strategic roadmap. They teach us that successful video advertising hinges on a few key pillars:

• Emotional Resonance: Ads like Volkswagen's "The Force" and Budweiser's "Lost Dog" prove that connecting with viewers on an emotional level creates a memorable and positive brand association that lasts far longer than a simple product feature list.
• Purpose-Driven Storytelling: Always' "#LikeAGirl" and Airbnb's "We Accept" campaigns show the immense power of aligning your brand with a meaningful cause. This approach builds a loyal community around shared values, not just transactions.
• Bold Authenticity: The launch videos for Dollar Shave Club and Old Spice succeeded because they broke conventional marketing molds. They embraced a unique, authentic voice that cut through the noise and resonated deeply with their target demographic.

Your Actionable Path Forward

Moving from inspiration to execution requires a deliberate and strategic approach. The next step is to translate these high-level insights into a tangible plan for your own brand. To effectively execute your video advertising strategy, it's crucial to understand how to approach your social media video production. Developing a strong foundation in this area will enable you to create content that is not only compelling but also optimized for the platforms where your audience spends their time. Mastering these skills is essential for turning your creative vision into high-performing assets. A deep dive into Mastering Social Media Video Production can provide the tactical knowledge needed to build and deploy your campaigns effectively.

Ultimately, the lesson from these 12 examples of best video ads is clear: great video advertising is about telling the right story, to the right people, in a way that feels genuine. It requires a blend of sharp strategic insight and powerful creative execution. By focusing on your brand’s unique story and committing to authentic audience connection, you can create video content that not only drives business results but also leaves a lasting, positive impact.

Ready to turn these insights into your next breakthrough campaign? Moonb provides an on-demand creative department, giving you access to the strategists, writers, and designers needed to bring your vision to life without the overhead. Start building your next iconic video ad today with Moonb.

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