Fuel Your Creativity with the 15 Best Marketing Ads

Marketing is an art, and some brands have mastered it so well that their commercial advertisements have become iconic. From emotional storytelling to humor-driven narratives, these ads have not only grabbed attention but also shaped consumer behavior. Here’s a curated list of the best ads of all time, featuring both Indian and international campaigns, along with insights into their success strategies.

Iconic Indian Marketing Ads:

1. Amul Butter – “The Amul Girl”

The Amul ads are legendary for their witty takes on current events. Featuring the mischievous Amul Girl, these ads use humor and social commentary to stay relevant. The tagline “Utterly Butterly Delicious” has cemented Amul’s place in pop culture for decades.

Strategies Used:

• Topical Advertising: Addressing current events keeps the brand relevant.
• Humor & Relatability: Engaging storytelling makes the ads memorable.
• Consistency: Decades of similar branding reinforce recognition.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Aligning ads with trending topics boosts engagement.
• A strong brand mascot enhances recall.
• A consistent yet evolving campaign builds long-term brand value.

2. Pepsi’s “Yeh Dil Maange More” 

Pepsi's "Yeh Dil Maange More" campaign became one of the best advertisements by tapping into the aspirations of Indian youth. The phrase struck a chord with their desire for more excitement, ambition, and achievement. Its impact was further magnified when Captain Vikram Batra used it as a battle cry during the Kargil War, transforming it into a powerful symbol of bravery and relentless pursuit. This deep cultural connection turned the slogan into a household name, reinforcing Pepsi’s brand identity in India.

Strategies Behind the Success

• Emotional Connection: The campaign resonated with youthful enthusiasm and ambition, making it relatable.
• Cultural Relevance: The phrase gained deeper significance through its association with a national hero, strengthening its emotional appeal.
• Catchy Messaging: The slogan was easy to remember and aligned perfectly with Pepsi’s brand philosophy.

Takeaways for Marketers

• Connecting with consumers on an emotional level enhances recall and loyalty.
• Aligning campaigns with cultural moments or figures can create a lasting impact.
• A strong, catchy slogan can make an ad campaign timeless.

3. Taj Mahal Tea – “Raag Megh Malhar” music billboard

Taj Mahal Tea created a mesmerizing commercial advertisement with its rain-activated “Raag Megh Malhar” billboard. This innovative installation featured a giant santoor that played classical Indian music when raindrops touched its strings, blending tradition with technology in a truly immersive experience.

Strategies Used:

• Cultural Integration: The campaign celebrated India’s deep-rooted connection with monsoon and classical music.
• Technological Innovation: A unique mechanism transformed rain into a live musical performance.
• Sensory Engagement: The use of sound and environment made the ad deeply memorable.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Merging art, culture, and technology creates impactful ads for inspiration.
• Aligning advertisements with environmental or cultural moments boosts engagement.
• Multisensory experiences make brand messages more compelling.

4. Cadbury 5 Star: Nothing University – A Witty AI Satire

Cadbury 5 Star’s “Nothing University” campaign humorously addresses AI’s growing role in workplaces. The iconic advertisement features a young man realizing AI now handles coding and design, leading him to Nothing University, which offers playful courses like “Pretending to be Busy” and “Buying Time.” Reinforcing the brand’s “Eat 5 Star, Do Nothing” tagline, t

Strategies Used

• Humor & Relevance: Satirizes AI’s impact, making it engaging.
• Brand Consistency: Strengthens 5 Star’s signature “Do Nothing” positioning.
• Interactive Element: Drives audience engagement via a dedicated website.

Takeaways for Marketers

• Tap into trending topics for famous ads.
• Use humor to enhance relatability.
• Create interactive campaigns for lasting impact.

5. Surf Excel — Daag Ache Hain

Rather than focusing on stain removal, Surf Excel’s "Daag Ache Hain" campaign celebrated the experiences behind stains. By showcasing children getting dirty while doing good deeds, the ad transformed dirt into a symbol of kindness, making it one of the best ads of all time.

Strategies Used

• Emotional storytelling over product features.
• Positioning stains as signs of positive experiences.
• Strong family-centric messaging for deeper resonance.

Takeaways for Marketers

• Emotion-driven ads leave a lasting impact.
• Powerful narratives make ads for inspiration.
• Values beyond the product build stronger brand connections.

6. Vodafone – The Iconic Pug Dog Ad

One of the best ads of all time, Vodafone’s pug campaign featured pugs loyally following a boy, symbolizing the brand’s strong 4G network with the tagline "Getting stronger every hour by adding a tower every hour." Originally introduced in Hutchinson Essar’s "You & I" campaign (2003), the pug became synonymous with Vodafone’s reliability, driving both brand recall and pug sales in India.

Strategies Used:

• Emotional storytelling to create a lasting impact.
• Strong visual identity with a memorable brand mascot.
• Simple yet powerful messaging reinforcing network strength.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Emotional ads boost recall.
• Simplicity makes ads for inspiration.
• Consistency strengthens brand identity.

7. Fevicol’s 60th Anniversary Ad: A Timeless Tale of Durability

Fevicol’s 60th anniversary ad is taking the internet by storm, earning its place among the best ads of all time with its brilliantly relatable storytelling. The ad showcases a sofa that withstands generations, symbolizing Fevicol’s legendary strength. A lively folk song with nostalgic desi beats adds to its charm, making it an instant viral sensation.

Strategies Used:

• Emotional & Humorous Storytelling – Blends nostalgia with fun.
• Subtle Branding – No hard sell, just an engaging narrative.
• Cultural Relevance – Connects through traditions and weddings.
• Catchy Music – Enhances recall and virality.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Great stories create the best advertisements.
• Subtle branding works better than overt selling.
• Cultural nostalgia boosts audience connection.

8. Happydent White: A Bright Spark in Iconic Ads

Who could forget the Happydent White commercial advertisement where dazzling smiles lit up the night? This witty and visually engaging ad became one of the most famous ads, instantly capturing consumer attention. By blending humor with an exaggerated yet compelling depiction of teeth-whitening gum, Happydent White successfully created an iconic advertisement that kept the brand top of mind.

Strategies Used:

• Beyond Fresh Breath – Positioned as more than a mouth freshener by integrating Ayurveda and functional aesthetics.
• Humor & Creativity – Used an engaging, lighthearted concept to enhance brand recall.
• Multi-Channel Marketing – Promoted heavily through print, radio, outdoor, and television ads for maximum reach.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Expanding product perception creates differentiation.
• A multi-platform approach strengthens visibility.

9. Ambuja Cement’s “The Great Khali”

Ambuja Cement has created some of the best advertisements over the years, with campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. Among them, “The Great Khali” remains one of the best ads of all time, gaining immense popularity for its humor and strong messaging.

Strategies Used:

This TV commercial cleverly uses humor to highlight the brand’s core message—strength and durability. Featuring the famous wrestler, the ad showcases Khali struggling with fragile walls in his daily life. The exaggerated yet entertaining portrayal emphasizes the need for stronger cement for long-lasting structures. The relatability and humor made the ad a viral success, reinforcing Ambuja Cement’s market positioning.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Humor and relatability enhance audience engagement.
• Strong brand messaging ensures product recall.
• Celebrity endorsements can boost reach and credibility.

10. Mentos – ‘Dimag ki Batti Jala De’

The Mentos “Dimag Ki Batti Jala De” (meaning ‘Light up your brain’)  campaign successfully positioned Mentos as a trigger for quick thinking and creativity. By associating the mint with sudden inspiration, it boosted brand recognition and sales.

The iconic advertisement “Evolution of Man” humorously depicted a monkey eating Mentos and evolving into a thinking human, reinforcing the brand’s message of mental stimulation. Its engaging storytelling made it one of the top ads for inspiration in India.

Strategies Used:

• Humor & Relatability for mass appeal.
• Strong Brand Message linked to intelligence.
• Cultural Relevance to connect with audiences.
• Memorable Visuals for lasting impact.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Humor enhances engagement.
• A clear message strengthens branding.

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Some foreign brands’ successful ad campaigns:

11. Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” 

Snickers struck gold with its Super Bowl commercial featuring Betty White. The ad shows a group of friends playing football, where one player, humorously portrayed by White, struggles on the field and gets tackled. A teammate hands her a Snickers bar, and after a bite, she instantly transforms into a younger man, reinforcing the idea that hunger can change a person’s behavior.

Strategies Used:

• Humor & Relatability: The ad used a universally relatable insight—how hunger affects behavior—making it instantly engaging.
• Nostalgia Factor: Featuring Betty White, a beloved icon, created a strong emotional connection with audiences.
• Scalability: The concept was easily adaptable, leading to multiple versions with different celebrities over the years.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Tap into universal emotions to connect with a broad audience.
• Use nostalgia wisely to evoke emotional responses.
• Ensure campaign adaptability for long-term success.

12. Pepsi – “Gladiator” Super Bowl Commercial

Pepsi’s 2003 Super Bowl commercial, "Gladiator," was a visually stunning, star-studded spectacle set in a Roman coliseum. Featuring Beyoncé, Pink, and Britney Spears as rebellious gladiators, the ad reimagined the classic arena showdown. Instead of fighting, the trio united against the tyrannical emperor, played by Enrique Iglesias, ultimately triumphing and distributing Pepsi to an ecstatic crowd—all set to Queen’s iconic anthem, We Will Rock You.

Strategies Used:

• Cinematic Appeal: A high-production, movie-like approach for maximum impact.
• Star Power & Music: Pop icons and a legendary rock anthem amplified its reach.
• Breaking Stereotypes: Empowered female leads in a traditionally male-dominated setting.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• High-energy visuals leave a lasting impression.
• Unique storytelling captures attention.
• Celebrities and music boost engagement.

13. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”

One of the best advertisements, Old Spice’s famous ad featured Isaiah Mustafa in a fast-paced, humorous monologue, seamlessly transitioning from a shower to a boat to a horse. Its witty script and bold style made it a viral hit, reviving the brand.

Strategies Used:

• Bold Humor: Over-the-top comedy made it unforgettable.
• Strong Branding: Reinforced masculinity and confidence.
• Audience Engagement: Personalized response videos extended its reach.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• A unique voice stands out.
• Engaging audiences boosts impact.

14. KFC – “FCK” (2018): A Masterclass in Crisis Management

Amid a UK chicken shortage, KFC’s print ad featured an empty bucket with “FCK” instead of their logo—an amusing, self-aware apology. This clever move softened backlash, making it one of the most famous ads in crisis management.

Strategies Used:

• Owning the mistake with transparency.
• Using humor to ease frustration.
• Authentic communication to rebuild trust.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Transparency earns trust.
• Humor turns crises into opportunities.
• Authenticity strengthens loyalty.

15. McDonald's – “Signs”

McDonald's launched the "Signs" campaign in the U.S., showcasing real roadside marquees displaying messages of support, gratitude, and remembrance from various locations. This emotional storytelling ad connected the brand with communities, making it one of the most famous ads for brand sentiment.

Strategies Used:

• Emotional storytelling to build a deeper brand connection.
• Community engagement to highlight real customer experiences.
• Minimal branding to focus on authenticity over promotion.

Takeaways for Marketers:

• Emotion-driven ads create strong connections.
• Community involvement enhances brand perception.
• Subtle branding makes messages more impactful.

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Know more: What Is The Brand Management Process? An In-Depth Guide (Step-by-Step Process)

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Wrapping Up

From emotional storytelling to humor and innovation, the best marketing ads of all time have left a mark not just on advertising but on pop culture itself. Brands that understand their audience, stay relevant, and create a strong emotional connection can craft campaigns that stand the test of time. Whether it’s Fevicol’s unbreakable bond or Snickers’ hilarious take on hunger, these ads prove that creativity, authenticity, and relatability are the keys to unforgettable marketing.