With this decade coming to an end, we thought it would be interesting to reminisce on some of the most unique advertisements in the past 20 years. After all, in this new millennium, it sometimes feels like every way to sell something has already been done.
However, some creative minds still find ways to surprise us every year with their ingenuity and originality. While some ads are downright funny, others actually show a stroke of genius. These are the ads that go down in our books as some of the best—so far in the past two decades.
'Boat' Of Them Clearly Love Seafood Pasta (Get It?)
As seen in this listing, sometimes the best way to create a unique and eye-catching advertisement is to incorporate things from outside the ad. Such is the case with this one, which took creativity to an entirely different level. Mondo Pasta manages to grab our attention and keeps it with such a distinct advertisement.
Furthermore, there’s a funny feel to the whole ensemble. From the face of each model on the boat to the absurdity of the entire thing. We even feel like having some pasta now! This is advertisement done well and in a way that undoubtedly stands out from the rest.
Playing Solitaire & Getting Rooted At The Wrong Place
Have you ever felt like you were growing mold at the office? We are almost sure this was the line used by the person who pitched this ad. And we’re not surprised it worked! After all, we have been taught all of our lives that our job should bring us earnings while following our passion.
However, sometimes we end up working in places where we don’t feel encouraged, or are simply not right for us. This ad for a job portal company grabs onto this idea and elevates it. Anyone feeling stuck or rooted in the wrong place will surely understand.
This Has Got To Be The Hairiest Of Ads!
The thing about ads that involve hair is that they’re so versatile. They allow advertisers to get as creative as they want. However, this one stands out both for how hilarious it is and how it's smartly executed. This was probably no easy feat.
No one really wants to talk about nose hair, and yet, trimmers are a necessity that needs to be advertised! Incorporating cables into this ad and in such an absurd way is just pure genius! It tackles the slight taboo associated with the subject, and it’s impossible to ignore.
The Biggest Con For A Bag Of Doritos
This tv ad is simply hilarious. A kid sets up an alleged time machine that’s fueled by Doritos to get himself some free snacks. The whole set up is quite the skit, with the victim of the con being too credulous of a guy. He surrenders his Doritos for the experience of a lifetime.
One of the highlights of this ad is the acting skills of the victim. He manages to convey so many emotions in so little time that we can’t help but admire him. Meanwhile, we hope that the kid doesn’t eat the whole bag of Doritos. Surely, that can’t be good for his health.
More Than One Way To Crash
Sometimes ads tackle very important things. To do so, the creators try to affect the viewers in smart and meaningful ways. We love how they managed to convey how violent car crashes can be due to people being irresponsible by drinking or texting while they drive.
This ad is interesting because the thought of a crash between vehicles resonates less with people than a fistfight. Therefore, this is a way to make things tangible for anyone that sees it. We do hope that the hit wasn’t real, though. It looks as if someone might have gotten their jaw fractured.
Come On. No One Wants Dry Pasta.
Whoever thought of the possibility of cooking pasta without water? No one! Because it’s just not how you do it. This ad takes this fact and turns it into an impactful message for people that often don’t see water shortage as a possibility—let alone an impending reality.
An image as ridiculous as uncooked pasta with sauce is a great way to bring the idea home. Charity: Water hired the right advertiser for sure! The message they're putting out there is not just some abstract idea taking place in a faraway country. It’s something that could affect our capability to cook even the simplest of dishes.
So Good, Even Your Phone Will Want Some...
This is simply brilliant! Taking a slogan that's been out there for a while and using it unpredictably is a great idea. KFC’s Finger-lickin' good motto is a gem in and of itself. However, bringing something like our phone into the mix makes it even more compelling.
There is something to be said when it comes to giving life to inanimate objects. Implying that even something like our most used gadget will come to life just for some KFC is a unique way to get our attention. It might've even made you look at your phone right now.
Betty White Getting Tackled? You Don't See That Everyday!
Betty White is one of the most beloved actresses. She can play the doting grandma or the incorrect elderly woman like no one can. However, this Snickers ad shows her being tackled into the mud! Should we be outraged at this attack on elderly people? Nothing can be further from the truth.
This very smart ad is only making a point on the fact that even an active young man will have the strength of an old lady when hungry. We can all calm down now. Snickers might not be the best when it comes to our nutrition, but their ad managers are excellent!
Pepsi Just Threw Some Major Shade Up Here
We have to admit that we love it when brands throw a little shade at each other. It makes for healthy competition, and we love seeing who ends up as the winner. Just take a look at this Halloween ad that Pepsi released. It clearly conveys that being Coca-Cola would be the most horrifying thing!
Is there any other interpretation that could be made out of this? Maybe the scary thing is grabbing a Coca-Cola can to find Pepsi inside! That's the only way this ad could backfire. Either way, we love the whole dress-up concept and the humor involved.
Nothing Like A Bit Of Drama To Stir The Pot
If photos of lungs ravaged by cancer on cigarette packages are not enough, then advertisers will use our vanity to make us see reason. To be honest, we think this can work. After all, no one can see our lungs! However, highlighting how our beauty would be affected does make an impact.
We're sure we’re not the only ones who paused after seeing this, which is exactly the intent of the brand. The whole thing might be a bit dramatic, but a combination of drama and beauty is sure to catch anyone’s eye. After this sobering ad, we’re certainly glad we don’t smoke!
'Fly With Delta If You Want More Matches' Is What They're Saying, Right?
Delta Airlines found a very smart way to incorporate the popularity of modern dating apps into this ad. As if someone would actually start traveling the world just to get a cooler picture to post on their Tinder profile!
On second thought, there might be something more to be said about this. After all, many people now meet online before meeting in person. Nonetheless, we think the ad is beautiful and interesting. Smart move on Delta's part for targeting a younger, more technologically-inclined audience—ones usually on the lookout for the next match.
Alexa Gone Wrong... Very, Very Wrong
There’s nothing like seeing big companies owning up to their mistakes. Amazon managed to do it hilariously by bringing together exaggerated mistakes with worldwide celebrities. Here we can see Forest Whitaker with Alexa on his toothbrush failing to listen to a podcast. Some things simply don’t work.
This is a clever way to own up to past mistakes and admit that newer gadgets—such as this one—are in constant evolution. Furthermore, it highlights the fact that the company releases only tried and tested products so that it can offer the best of what they’ve created.
McDonald’s Proudly Presents 'The Wi-Fry'
Who doesn’t love potatoes? We can bake them, mash them, boil them, grill them, and of course… fry them. One of the reasons why McDonald’s continues to be at the top of the fast-food chain companies is their ability to make brilliant advertisements. Even after many people became advocates of a healthy lifestyle.
One such example of McDonald’s very compelling work is this add. It’s simple, it’s direct, and it sends the message they want to send. They have Wi-Fi –which is a very important thing these days- but never forget, they have fries and everything else that can come with it.
Even The Hulk Gets Paper Cuts
One would think that there’s no way to make Band-Aids that interesting or special. However, this ad did that and more! How? By creating an ad that's perfectly timed to the revolution created by Marvel Studios—that's how!
Aside from the obvious, this specific product also promotes something else in a very curious way. It makes the point that even the toughest of people can get hurt and might need a Band-Aid at some point. Also, they specify that their brand fits even one of the Hulk’s huge fingers! Perfect timing, perfect example, and a unique vision.
Hangovers Are Dangerous (Especially To Cats)
Alcohol might be great for parties, but being hungover makes us do stupid, crazy things at times. For example, we might end up using our cat as a sponge for doing the dishes. We’re sure we’re going to end up with a bite or a scratch, and our cat won’t want to see us for a long time.
Offering a hangover cure after setting this context is very useful. The exaggeration and absurdity might seem a bit extra, but it works well in an attention-grabbing way. We hope they didn’t use a real cat for this, or they might have to face enraged animal rights activists.
'No' Is The Answer To The Question In This Photo
Anyone driving by that first sees this might feel the biggest and most unexpected shock! It looks as if this vehicle is bound to fall and crash. This reaction is what the people of AllState were probably looking for. The real cherry on top of this ad is the location.
The perfect placement at a multi-level parking lot gives it a very realistic feel. The whole myriad of emotions, the initial fear, the realization, and then the relief, engages immensely with anyone that happens to see this. We're sure we’re not the only ones who want to get insurance after seeing this!
Seems Nice To Have A Football Player As An Officemate
If we had a football player at the office that tackled us every time we even thought of something different than work, we would also be the most productive workers ever! This Reebok ad with none other than linebacker Terry Tate is as hilarious as it is improbable.
We get to see Tate tackling everyone at the office, which is just a knee-slapper. He even berates his co-workers with his outrageous football coach persona whenever they're not focused on their work. This ruthless Tate would make for one tough personal trainer, for sure!
A Tingling On Our Spine
Back pain can be a terrible thing, and this ad shows us our spinal column as if it's a wild snake that’s ready to strike. While we’re positive that our column is not the enemy, it’s also true that not taking care of it can land us at the hospital, getting ready for surgery. This is why this ad is so relatable.
Furthermore, it makes us think about our posture and the benefits of yoga, which is the ads' intent. This is another case of something inanimate being brought to life for a greater impact. It works like a charm every time!
We Love Us Some Flavor Bombs!
Tabasco sauce is perhaps one of the most popular brands in the United States and the rest of the world. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of extra spice to a delicious meal. And when we say a bit of extra spice, we mean a lot!
We believe them when they say that their sauce is going to pack an explosion! Furthermore, the emphasis on the fact that it comes in a small bottle is a great way to highlight the traditional tiny Tabasco packaging. We’re not sure if we want that grenade to literally explode in our mouths, though.
We Never Thought We'd Love Dumb Ways to Die This Much
Being involved in a train accident is, without a doubt, a tragic way to die. However, the usual warnings about train safety seemed to fall on deaf ears more often than not. Therefore, Metro Trains decided to create a campaign that would be engaging and fun without making the subject a trivial one.
This is where Dumb Ways to Die comes in. The video has a cute song with adorable characters dying in dumb and funny ways. In reality, some people died for reasons like the ones they've shown. Even games related to this were released afterward, and the campaign was a huge success.
A Smart Apology Can Save The Day
Some things simply don’t make sense. A pool without water, the world without chocolate, and KFC without any chicken. That’s right! After a chicken shortage, KFC had to temporarily close its doors on almost 1,000 restaurants in the UK.
Their way of issuing an apology showed the importance of having the right advertising company. The iconic KFC bucket is shown empty with just some crumbs. The simple 'We're Sorry' part of the ad allows us to focus on the empty bucket, making us want fried chicken. We forgive you, KFC!
Do It The McDonald’s Way
Almost like what the Friends song says, I’ll be there for you, this ad reminds us in a minimalist way that McDonald's is always there for us. Every day, at any time, we’ll be able to get those blessed French fries. We might even grab a Big Mac while we’re at it.
It’s funny because the ad is almost creepy. Is McDonald’s there for us, or is it haunting us at night? Either way, we now have them in our minds for those late-night cravings that everyone gets. One more example of less being more and advertisements done right.
Koleston, You Got It!
This is a whole new level of using the environment to create an outstanding advertisement. Hair dye is one of the most popular beauty supplies sold around the world. Women constantly use it to get a change of look or cover their graying hair. Koleston decided to show the versatility of its products in this awesome way.
By smartly using the different positions of the sun during the day, the beauty brand shows different tones available for any woman wanting to change the color of her tresses. It’s unique, it’s engaging, and it makes us consider going blonde. Effective, stunning, and smart!
That Cute, Little Porcupine Is Supposed To Be A Volkswagen
We would’ve never thought that a porcupine could be used to represent a Volkswagen. However, the spike structure of a porcupine’s back is a perfect example of the new precision parking technology of the brand. Visually, this is an amazing way to make a point without even showing their product!
We do have to say that the porcupine looks adorable, though. We’re certainly glad none of those bags popped. We also love that it shows great incorporation of unrelated things—animals and vehicles—to create a unique concept. It says everything that needs to be said without saying much!
Wait, Is That Us On The Post?!
Most people have dreams of being famous or being the face of advertisements. While we won’t be part of any celebrity news, thanks to this, it’s as close as it gets for many of us. This ad manages to make us a part of it in a way that doesn’t feel forced at all.
After all, the whole idea of the ad is that we personalize our post. What better way to do so than with our own faces, right? This is bound to get our immediate attention as it allows us to interact with the product. It even lets us see what the final result would be!