The advertising landscape has heavily changed over the years, it’s become more targeted and less likely to have mainstream water cooler talk about it. However, there are some gems that I still think of and reference because of how memorable they were.
This is my list of the best ads – not ones that were created under my watch, but that I truly enjoyed. In some cases, there might be a story included or a reason of why it made it on the list, where as others are simply here to enjoy.
If you’ve got something that you think deserves to be on the list, let me know. This list will be updated as I see more deserving ads, or remember one that I’ve missed before.
… in no particular order…
Snickers – You’re not You when You’re Hungry
The best advertising makes us feel something. What if the ad made you remember a feeling and provided a solution. These series of Snickers ads (and I don’t even know if I’ve picked the best one to showcase) did just that. When you’re friends are not being themselves, it might be simply hunger. So, help them with a Snickers. It’s simple. Clever. Actionable. And works with their brand positioning that they are heartier than your typical candy bar.
Wassssup
Can’t really be classified or pulled the origin of how the creatives dreamed it up, however, in the era of Seinfeld being “about nothing” this really fit with the time. We were connected by watching the same shows, with people entering the scenes of most sitcoms at any moment. The spin-offs, from Wasabi and the Grandmas to being recreated for Scary Movie showed how quickly this commercial by Budweiser crossed cultures and related to everyone.
The Nissan 300zx: GI Joe & Barbie
Van Halen on the stereo, GI Joe stealing Barbie from Ken, this commercial nailed it.
Ali Landry & Doritos
Being the “Doritos Girl” isn’t a bad thing for Ali Landry, especially over two decades of changing advertising that saw few spokespeople stand the test of time outside of athletes brand deals and sponsorships. Numerous commercials, always introducing something new with Doritos, Ali Landry has become a part of our history with Superbowl ads, Doritos launching new products and for most people, forgetting that prior to this first commercial, she was Miss Louisiana and Miss USA.
The Kia Hamsters
The original Kia Hamsters to launch the KIA Soul came out of nowhere and piqued curiosity, brought more market share to KIA (not just with Soul sales), and launched a dance hit, In My Mind. The hamsters were so popular, they were the mascots of the Kia Soul for years to come in video, billboards, print ads, and dealership merchandising.