Some businesses are literally turning the world upside-down with their ads. These ads encourage people to reflect on the world around them, so it will stick with them long after they see it. Here are 40 of the most creative advertisements out there. Hopefully these will inspire you to launch your own perfect ad campaign.
1. Panasonic Nose Hair Trimmers
This ad literally thinks outside the box. It also uses natural city surroundings – telephone wires – and seamlessly incorporates them into the ad.
2. Colgate Floss
Many people don’t
3. Frontline
This is an example of an interactive ad where the people around it actually become a part of it. The ad was on the lower floor of a shopping mall. From upper floors the people looked like fleas.
4. Adidas
Bigger isn’t always better but the size of this ad allows it to be seen from pretty far down the road. The ad, which appeared near the Munich airport, also shows that you don’t have to be confined to a traditional billboard with highway advertisements.
5. IKEA Assembly Service
This ad is big, bold and makes perfect sense when you see the URL. It shows just what can happen if you don’t use the company’s assembly services.
6. Heineken
Heineken uses a 3D Bilboard to make it look like there is a hand grabing for the bottle.
7. NHS Smokefree
NHS Smokefree is a U.K.-based organization dedicated to helping people quit smoking. It can be hard to design a creative anti-drug ad but the guy on a fishing hook in this ad definitely grabs your attention.
8. Garnier
The caption on this Swiss ad translates to “for any hair type.” You have to admit the optical illusion is pretty cool.
9. National Agency for the Fight Against Illiteracy in France
This ad cleverly draws readers in with bright red text and a bikini-clad model, but then it takes a serious turn.
10. Whiskas
Whiskas’ ad agency, Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, took photo of George Logan and inserted an adorable picture of a running cat. It’s sure to appeal to animal lovers.
11. Nivea Night
This ad for Nivea’s night cream is clean, catches your attention, and uses nothing but the actual product.
12. Guinness
This ad from Guinness is another creative and effective anti-drug ad. It shows how your reaction time slows significantly when you drink and drive.
13. British Airways
This electronic ad from British Airways will tell you which plane is flying overhead.
14. Denver Water
This ad for conservation practices what it preaches.
15. The Economist
This billboard from The Economist is another great interactive one. The bulb lights up when a person walks under it.
16. Jobsintown.de
This ad for a German job search company cleverly blends into its surroundings.
17. Tampax
This ad for feminine hygiene products says a lot without even saying anything.
18. Nescafe
This ad for a coffee company shows just how fast some caffeine can get you up and running.
19. Coffee Inn
Speaking of coffee ads, this one is pretty memorable.
20. Careerbuilder.com
Career Builder’s ad is less optimistic than the German company’s. However, it makes sense for a country still on the mend from a recession.
21. Johnny Walker
This ad plays on a popular whiskey brand name.
22. Unicef
This ad from Unicef shows just how marginalized impoverished children can be. The caption says “Don’t Ignore Me.”
23. Viagra
You’ll never look at light switches the same way after seeing this ad.
24. Eskom
This is another conservation ad that speaks volumes.
25. Kill Bill
This ad in New Zealand actually incorporates nearby cars.
26. Hard Rock Cafe
This ad might not make sense if you don’t know the song.
27. Australian Post
This one takes personalization to a whole new level.
28. WWF
Even small donations can help save wildlife.
29. Mr. Pepper Hot
This really shows how hot the candy is.
30. Naval Museum of Alberta
Notice how this one blends in with the billboard.
31. Saveourclimate.ca
This multi-part ad is simple but speaks volumes.
32. 12 Keys
This ad shows the dangerous effects of substance abuse on children.
33. Kolstone
The color for this hair dye ad changes throughout the day.
34. Martor
You have to look down to understand this ad.
35. Hot Wheels
Who remembers having one of these as a kid?
36. All State
Location is everything in this ad.
37. BBC World
This ad really gives you a different perspective.
38. Oreo
Oreo cookies meet Neil Armstrong in this historical ad.
39. Slimfast
This ad is a twist on the traditional wedding cake topper.
40. Evian
This ad shows staying hydrated will help you feel young. Which ads above are your favorite? Have we left any out?
