Advertising isn’t just about selling products or services — it’s an art form that can evoke emotions, create lasting impressions, and even change our mood. Some commercials are so brilliant that you can’t help but watch them over and over again.
AdmiGram.com has curated ten advertising masterpieces that showcase how creativity and humor can turn an ordinary promo into an unforgettable spectacle. We’re sure some of these will have you laughing until you cry. Let’s dive in!
The 10 funniest and most entertaining commercials
John West Salmon – “Bear” (2000)
Agency: Leo Burnett
This legendary ad kicks off our list. Picture this: a fisherman catches a salmon, only to be confronted by a bear that wants the fish for itself. What follows is a hilarious kung-fu-style brawl, complete with over-the-top action and a clever trick at the end. The humor and unexpected twist made this ad go viral, and John West’s smoked salmon sales skyrocketed after its release. Some even say it was one of the first internet memes!
Cadbury – “Gorilla” (2007)
Agency: Fallon London
Who knew a gorilla playing the drums to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” could become a symbol of chocolate? With no dialogue, just an absurd scenario and the gorilla’s intense performance, this ad left audiences both amused and mesmerized. The unique concept won numerous awards, including a Cannes Lion. Interestingly, the idea was born from a brainstorming session where creatives discussed how to make an ad as unpredictable as possible.
Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” (2010)
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
“Look at your man. Now back to me. Now back at your man.” — these words launched the era of Old Spice’s absurd humor. Featuring Isaiah Mustafa seamlessly transitioning through a shower, a yacht, and even appearing on a horse, this ad became a cultural phenomenon. Its fast-paced, charismatic, and surreal nature made it an instant classic. After its release, Old Spice sales surged by 107%, and the phrase “I’m on a horse” became a meme.
Doritos – “Blow Granny Blow” (2012)
Creators: The Billy & Brandon Show
Doritos has a long history of hilarious ads, but this one stands out. It was created not by a professional agency but by a participant in Doritos’ fan contest. The ad gained over 500 million views on YouTube alone, proving that humor and relatability can make an ad legendary. Fun fact: the idea was inspired by a real-life family gathering incident!
Snickers – “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” (2010)
Agency: BBDO
Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign gave us many memorable ads, but the first one featuring Betty White is a true classic. The 88-year-old comedy legend takes a brutal hit while playing football, only to transform back into a young man after eating a Snickers. The mix of humor, surprise, and Betty White’s comedic timing made this ad unforgettable. Premiering during the Super Bowl, it boosted Snickers sales by 15% and became one of the most iconic Super Bowl ads of all time.
Volkswagen – “The Force” (2011)
Agency: Deutsch LA
A little boy dressed as Darth Vader tries to use “The Force” on everything: the family dog, a doll, the washing machine — nothing works. That is, until his dad secretly starts the Volkswagen Passat with the remote key. The kid’s reaction is pure comedy gold. Thanks to its simple yet heartfelt storytelling, this ad instantly became an internet sensation. It won numerous prestigious awards, including Gold at the Cannes Lions, Best Super Bowl Ad of 2011, and an Effie Award for campaign effectiveness. On YouTube, it was the most-watched commercial of the year.
Geico – “Hump Day” (2013)
Agency: The Martin Agency
Geico made a talking camel a viral star in this hilarious ad. It’s Wednesday, the office is dull, and suddenly, a cheerful camel bursts in shouting, “Guess what day it is? HUMP DAAAY!” (playing on the double meaning of “hump” — a camel’s hump and Wednesday). His excitement, paired with his coworkers’ annoyance, creates the perfect comedic contrast. The ad quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and the phrase “Hump Day” stuck in American pop culture. Fun fact: the camel almost ate some of the set props during filming!
IKEA – “Lamp” (2002)
Agency: Crispin Porter + Bogusky
This ad is a prime example of dark humor. An old lamp is thrown out on the street, and the camera captures its “heartbreaking” loneliness to a sad, emotional soundtrack. Suddenly, a man appears and bluntly says, “Many of you feel bad for this lamp. That is because you crazy. It has no feelings, and the new one is much better.” The contrast between the melodrama and the abrupt, unexpected punchline makes this ad hilarious. It won a Cannes Lion, and IKEA still uses this style in its advertising today. Director Spike Jonze insisted on the shocking twist to subvert audience expectations.
Pepsi – “Gladiator” (2004)
Agency: BBDO
Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Pink as gladiators take the arena by storm, set to “We Will Rock You”. The emperor (played by Enrique Iglesias) expects them to fight, but instead, they throw Pepsi into the crowd and start a revolution. With epic production, A-list stars, and a fun twist, this commercial became an instant hit. Its budget was around $10 million, but it paid off thanks to the massive buzz. The shoot took three days, and rumor has it that Britney accidentally dropped her sword into the orchestra pit!
Hyundai – “Ryanville” (2016)
Agency: Innocean
Ryan Reynolds plays every single person in town — from pedestrians to a baby in a stroller. Two friends driving a Hyundai get distracted by all the “Ryans” around them and nearly crash. The absurdity of one actor appearing everywhere and the playful humor made this commercial unforgettable. It was a standout Super Bowl ad in 2016, and fans still revisit it for the laughs. Reynolds himself pitched the idea, inspired by his love for surreal humor.
These commercials aren’t just ads — they’re mini-stories that make you smile and stick with you for years. They prove that humor is a powerful tool that can sell anything, from salmon to cars. Which one is your favorite?
