The 2010’s were a decade of remarkable creativity and innovation in the advertising landscape. As digital channels gained prominence, brands embraced new storytelling techniques to capture audiences’ attention. From heart-wrenching to side-splitting, the best commercials of the 2010s left an enduring mark on popular culture, showcasing the power of advertising to entertain, inform, and inspire.
Among the standout campaigns of the decade was Apple’s “Think Different” which celebrated the company’s rebellious spirit and paid homage to iconic innovators. Another memorable commercial was Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, which invited consumers to connect with friends and family through personalized bottles. Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” campaign, featuring inspiring stories of athletes overcoming adversity, struck a chord with countless viewers, demonstrating the brand’s ability to motivate and empower.
Beyond these notable examples, the 2010s witnessed the emergence of new advertising formats, such as branded content and influencer marketing. Brands increasingly turned to social media platforms to engage with audiences and create buzz around their products. Humorous commercials became increasingly popular, with brands using witty and relatable humor to cut through the clutter. The decade also saw a growing emphasis on social responsibility, with commercials addressing issues such as diversity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
The Nostalgia-Inducing Magic of “Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
The Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” commercial campaign, launched in 2010, became an instant pop culture phenomenon. Its blend of nostalgia, humor, and clever storytelling captivated audiences and remains one of the most iconic campaigns of the decade.
The commercials evoked a sense of nostalgia by paying homage to classic adventure and action movies. The protagonist, Isaiah Mustafa, played a rugged and suave adventurer who transported viewers to a bygone era of chivalry and masculinity. The ad’s setting, a lush tropical island, further amplified the escapist fantasy.
Beyond the nostalgic elements, the commercials were also known for their witty dialogue and self-aware humor. Mustafa’s delivery of lines like “You’re on a horse” and “Nature’s deodorant: the ocean” became instantly recognizable catchphrases. The campaign’s tongue-in-cheek tone resonated with viewers, making it both entertaining and memorable.
| Year | Commercial Title | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” | Nostalgia, Adventure, Masculinity |
| 2011 | Interactivity, User-Generated Content | |
| 2012 | Humor, Motherhood, Mother’s Day |
The Tear-Jerking Power of “Budweiser: Clydesdales”
Budweiser’s Clydesdale commercials have become synonymous with heartwarming and memorable storytelling. One standout ad from the 2010s was “Puppy Love,” which premiered in 2014.
The commercial revolves around the unlikely friendship between a Clydesdale horse named Riley and a golden retriever puppy named Happy. Their playful antics and expressions of affection tug at the heartstrings and create an unforgettable emotional connection with viewers.
The Creative Genius Behind “Puppy Love”
The success of “Puppy Love” can be attributed to several factors:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compelling Storyline: | The heartwarming story of an interspecies friendship resonates with viewers on a universal level. |
| Exceptional Acting: | The Clydesdale and the puppy deliver remarkable performances, conveying a range of emotions through their actions and expressions. |
| Nostalgic Imagery: | The picturesque scenery and the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. |
| Uplifting Message: | The commercial celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of compassion, leaving viewers with a positive and heartwarming feeling. |
The Epic Adventure of “Apple: iPhone ‘Shot on iPhone'”
### A Highlighting of the Revolutionary Camera
The Apple “Shot on iPhone” campaign redefined the possibilities of smartphone photography. With its stunning visuals and captivating narratives, it showcased the iPhone’s exceptional camera capabilities. The commercials featured breathtaking shots, from sweeping landscapes to intimate moments, demonstrating the iPhone’s ability to capture life in all its beauty.
#### Capturing the Unseen
One particularly memorable commercial, released in 2016, took viewers on a breathtaking journey through the hidden world of night photography. Through the lens of the iPhone, viewers witnessed the vibrant colors of nocturnal creatures, the shimmering reflections of city lights on water, and the intricate textures of urban environments. The commercial highlighted the iPhone’s ability to capture details that would otherwise be lost in the darkness.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | “Night Mode” | Showcases the iPhone’s enhanced night photography capabilities. |
| 2017 | “Portait Mode” | Demonstrates the iPhone’s advanced portrait photography features. |
| 2018 | “4K Video” | Highlights the iPhone’s ability to capture stunning 4K video. |
The Unforgettable Storytelling of "Nike: Find Your Greatness"
Concept:
Nike’s “Find Your Greatness” campaign celebrated individuals who dared to push their limits and achieve greatness in sports and life.
Execution:
The commercials employed powerful storytelling, showcasing inspiring athletes and non-athletes alike who overcame challenges and pursued their dreams.
Memorable Examples:
| Commercial | Message |
|---|---|
| Serena Williams (2012) | “I’m not the best because I win. I’m the best because of what I went through to win.” |
| Colin Kaepernick (2018) | “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” |
| Mamba Mentality (2020) | “Greatness isn’t born. It’s earned.” |
Emotional Impact:
The commercials resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring them to embrace the pursuit of greatness and to overcome any obstacles in their way. By weaving together compelling narratives and featuring real-life heroes, Nike created a lasting emotional connection that transcended the realm of advertising.
5. The Humorous Charm of “Skittles: Taste the Rainbow”
The “Skittles: Taste the Rainbow” commercials of the 2010s captivated audiences with their witty and irreverent humor. These commercials featured a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and obsessions, who would engage in bizarre and unexpected scenarios involving Skittles.
| Commercial | Description |
|---|---|
| “Buckle Up Baby” | A nervous passenger on a rollercoaster uses a Skittle as a seatbelt, sparking a chain reaction of absurdity among other riders. |
| “Rainbow Bomb” | A prankster sets off a “rainbow bomb” in a crowded restaurant, covering everyone in Skittles. |
| “Secret Agent Skittles” | A James Bond-esque spy uses Skittles to solve crimes and escape dangerous situations. |
| “Human Highway” | A traffic jam turns into a choreographed dance party as drivers share Skittles with each other. |
| “Skittles Mini Musical” | A group of Skittles-loving friends stage an elaborate musical number about the joys of Skittles. |
The commercials’ humor often extended to the tagline, “Taste the Rainbow,” which would be used in clever and unexpected ways. For example, one commercial featured a group of people singing a barbershop quartet version of the tagline, while another featured a unicorn dancing and chanting it.
Best Commercials of the 2010s
The 2010s witnessed a remarkable evolution in advertising, with commercials becoming increasingly sophisticated, emotionally resonant, and culturally impactful. Here are some of the most notable and effective commercials of the decade that captivated audiences and left a lasting impression:
- The “Puppy Love” commercial for Budweiser (2015): Featuring a heartwarming story of a puppy and a Clydesdale horse, this commercial tugged at heartstrings and became an instant classic.
- The “Always #LikeAGirl” campaign for Procter & Gamble (2014): This groundbreaking campaign challenged gender stereotypes and empowered young girls, sparking a global conversation about female empowerment.
- The “Touch of Gold” commercial for McDonald’s (2016): This visually stunning commercial featured a diverse group of people connecting over a shared experience, highlighting the power of togetherness.
- The “Dadvertising” campaign for General Electric (2017): This clever and engaging series of commercials celebrated the often-overlooked role of fathers in children’s lives.
- The “Will You Stay?” commercial for Nike (2018): Featuring Serena Williams, Colin Kaepernick, and other athletes, this powerful commercial addressed social issues and inspired viewers to persevere through adversity.
People Also Ask About Best Commercials of the 2010s
What were the most awarded commercials of the 2010s?
Among the most awarded commercials of the 2010s were “The Puppy Love” commercial for Budweiser, which won a Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the “Always #LikeAGirl” campaign for Procter & Gamble, which won multiple Effie Awards.
What factors contributed to the effectiveness of the best commercials of the 2010s?
The effectiveness of the best commercials of the 2010s was driven by a combination of factors, including compelling storytelling, emotional appeal, cultural relevance, and innovative use of technology.
Who were the creative forces behind the best commercials of the 2010s?
Some of the notable creative minds behind the best commercials of the 2010s include writer/directors Spike Jonze and Wes Anderson, and agencies such as Wieden+Kennedy and DDB.
