Our top 10 animated commercials of all time
Animation has a unique way of capturing attention, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impression. It’s why businesses and brands have kept us busy for more than 20 years. Over the years, some of the most successful brands have turned to animation to tell their stories in a way that live-action simply can’t. Here are 5 of the most effective and popular animated commercials in history.
1.) Coca-Cola – “Happiness Factory” (2006)
This whimsical ad takes viewers inside a vending machine, showing an imaginative world where magical creatures work together to deliver a bottle of Coke. The ad’s charm and creativity made it a global hit.
2.) Chipotle – “Back to the Start” (2011)
With hauntingly beautiful animation and Willie Nelson’s cover of “The Scientist,” this ad told a powerful story about sustainable farming. It struck an emotional chord with audiences, making it one of the most impactful animated ads ever.
3.) Honda – “Grrr” (2004)
Featuring a catchy song and vibrant animation, this ad took a bold approach by showcasing Honda’s cleaner diesel engines while playfully expressing hatred for pollution. It won multiple advertising awards for its originality.
4.) Metro Trains – "Dumb Ways to Die" (2012)
With over 151 million views on YouTube, Dumb Ways to Die is a testament to the power of a great idea. Despite its simple animation, this Australian public service campaign by Metro Trains made a lasting impact—and the catchy song is impossible to forget.
5.) John Lewis – “The Bear and the Hare” (2013)
This heart-warming Christmas ad featured hand-drawn animation combined with CGI, telling the touching story of a bear experiencing Christmas for the first time. It became a holiday tradition in the UK.
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Lee Hall
“I’m the one who does most of the production work, designing, animating and rendering. I’m a husband to an awesome wife and father to two amazingly mad boys. I work from my home office in a house full of books, musical instruments and Lego with a noisy black cat named Jake.”
Animator & Project manager
