20 Great Animated Ads You’ll Actually Enjoy Watching

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Picture of Stephen Conley
Stephen Conley
Stephen is Gisteo's Founder & Creative Director. After a long career in advertising, Stephen launched Gisteo in 2011 and the rest is history. He has an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he did indeed inhale (in moderation).

Introduction

Let’s face it, not all commercials are created equal. While many can be easily forgotten or skipped, there’s a special category that captures our attention and keeps us entertained when they’re well-done. This article is all about those great animated ads that you’ll actually enjoy watching. From clever storytelling to eye-catching visuals, these ads prove that marketing can be both effective and fun. So, whether you’re a fan of animation, interested in marketing strategies, or just in need of a good entertainment break, you’re in for a treat with our selection of 2o great animated ads. Let’s dive in.

1. Dumb Ways to Die (Metro)

This isn’t just an advertisement; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Using humor, catchy music, and vibrant animations, this animated ad l highlights the importance of train safety. Its success lies in its ability to convey a serious message in a light-hearted manner, making it resonate with audiences of all ages.

2. The Last Game (Nike)

Wow.  This ad produced by Nike is nothing short of an animated epic. Set against the backdrop of the world of soccer, it weaves a narrative where famous soccer players come together to reclaim the sport from clones who have taken over. Even though it’s a few years old, it is still an awesomely impressive animated ad.

3. The Bear and the Hare (John Lewis)

John Lewis’s heartwarming animated short, “The Bear and the Hare,” was released during the 2013 holiday season. The video tells a touching, beautiful story about gift-giving, promoting the brand’s values during the festive period.

4. Wimbledon: In Pursuit Of Greatness:

Released in 2018, this animated commercial captured the history of the prestigious tennis tournament.

5. Say Hello (Headspace)

Headspace’s animated commercial explains the workings and benefits of their meditation app. The video combines cartoon animation with sound design to create an engaging viewer experience. Animation is part of the Headspace brand and their quickly explanations, used throughout the app experience, are simply superb.

6. Wonderfilled (Oreo)

Oreo’s “Wonderfilled” commercial features a custom track by Owl City. The playful animation and uplifting song create a delightful atmosphere, celebrating the joy associated with the cookie.

7. Way Better (Clover)

Clover’s “Way Better” animated commercial transports viewers to an imaginative world, reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The video promotes their creamy spread, showcasing its unique qualities in a creative manner.

8. Mindfulness (Apple)

Apple’s animated commercial promotes the mindfulness features of their Health app. The video emphasizes the importance of taking moments of stillness in daily life.

9. Stories of Better (Toyota)

Toyota’s “Stories for Better” video, prepared for the Paris Motor Show, tells the brand’s story using intricate paper models and brand messaging.

10. Nespresso On Ice

Set against a backdrop of summer, this animated commercial introduces viewers to the refreshing world of Nespresso’s ice blends, capturing the essence of relaxation and luxury.

11. Stay Together For Less (AirBnb)

This new-ish campaign for AirBnb features a series of short (15 second) animated ads, highlighting different features of the service. The 3D animation work is outstanding in the entire campaign.

12. Heinz

Heinz’s latest animated ad for Baked Beans unfolds like a short cartoon, telling the tale of how this iconic snack came to be. This heartwarming video ad beautifully ties the product to Heinz’s identity as a family-oriented company, known for crafting the ideal addition to family breakfasts or lunches.

13. Aliens (Cadbury)

Featuring cartoon aliens delighted by a new milk chocolate bar, the ad also resonates with us! Employing 3D cartoon animation in commercials is an excellent strategy to attract children. It’s an ideal match for a sweet product, enhanced further by a catchy soundtrack that sticks with you long after watching the ad.

14. The Place You Want To Be (Volkswagen)

This is a standout example of leveraging a short animated cartoon to tell a story. It features a green Volkswagen Beetle embarking on a mini adventure to a car service, offering a fresh take on car commercials. Opting for humorous cartoon cars over the typical dramatic drone shots of shiny vehicles in stunning landscapes is a unique choice. This approach not only appeals to a wide audience but also ensures these adorable cars linger in our memories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVD25r7rYqY

15. Project Sunroof (Google)

Google’s animated ad for their solar power consumption map is both engaging and visually appealing. In just 90 seconds, they effectively simplify a complex concept using straightforward 2D animation and avoiding technical jargon. This approach makes the information accessible to a wide audience, showcasing the ad as an exemplary model for IT and Tech company commercials.

16. LoadUp

Come on, you didn’t think we would make it through our list without a Gisteo production, did you!?  This is a nice 3D-style animated ad we did for this junk removal company that aired on regional broadcast TV. It’s straight to the point and easy on the eyes.

17. Made To Last (Havaianas)

This animated ad uses a dynamic beat paired with bright colors and engaging visuals. This strategy grabs and keeps your audience’s attention, enabling you to showcase your product effectively. The combination of upbeat music, quick voiceover, lively animation, and a bold color scheme ensures viewers stay engaged.

18.Imagine What You Could Do (American Express)

American Express showcases animated videos that ignite commercial creativity. True to the essence of advertising, these videos spotlight the product’s benefits through inventive storytelling. Additionally, they combine engaging illustrations with a retro color scheme, all set to an uplifting soundtrack.

19. Rock, Paper, Scissors (Google Android)

This video starts off looking like a social cause effort but smartly reveals its marketing purpose towards the end. The video emphasizes the importance of valuing individuality, with each scene skillfully conveying the company’s message in an uplifting way that can engage even the most doubtful audience.

20. 1-800-JUNKPRO

Another Gisteo animated ad here to round out our little. Anytime we can create a character like JP talking making wise cracks about his “junk,” we’re in. This is a fun, effective animated explainer that doubles as a Youtube ad.

Conclusion

The power of great animated ads to convey complex messages in an engaging and memorable way cannot be overstated. From simplifying intricate concepts to telling stories that resonate on a personal level, animation offers a unique blend of creativity and communication effectiveness. As we’ve seen through these examples, whether it’s for social causes, product highlights, or brand storytelling, great animated ads have the ability to connect with audiences across various demographics. Nowadays, AI has opened up a world of opportunities for individuals and companies to generate artwork for a wide variety of projects and needs.

If you’re inspired by these examples and looking to bring your own ideas to life through animation, reaching out to a professional to put all of the pieces together can make all the difference. Gisteo stands ready to transform your concepts into animated commercials that not only capture attention but also encapsulate the essence of your message in every frame. With expertise in crafting compelling narratives and a knack for visual storytelling, Gisteo is your partner in navigating the creative process from concept to completion. Feel free to contact us to discuss an upcoming project you may have!

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