Animated videos have a unique ability to grab attention and draw in viewers like no other format. From playful characters with human-like traits to breathtaking, dreamlike worlds, animation can instantly whisk viewers away and spark their imagination in ways that live-action can’t. This is exactly why so many brands turn to animated commercials — they offer a creative, flexible, and highly engaging way to connect with a broader audience.
But what exactly makes an animated commercial stand out? In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the most captivating animated ads that blend creativity, storytelling, and stunning visuals to leave a lasting impression.
What Makes Animated Videos So Effective in Advertising?
Animated videos offer an incredible opportunity to transform your ideas into vivid, memorable visuals. They allow for full creative freedom—whether you’re crafting whimsical characters, building imaginary worlds, or orchestrating every on-screen detail exactly how you envision it.
Even abstract concepts or future products that haven’t yet been developed can be brought to life through animation, making the impossible not only visible but impactful.
With animation, the creative potential is limitless. You can deliver standout content that grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and keeps your audience engaged long after the video ends.
Top 20 Animated Commercials You Need to See
When it comes to animated advertising, the creative opportunities are virtually limitless. By blending music, distinct illustration styles, voiceovers, and more, brands can craft powerful messages that resonate with their audience and inspire action.
Whether you’re planning your very first animated ad or brainstorming your next big idea, the following standout examples are here to spark your creativity and help you see what’s possible with animation.
- The Bear and the Hare – John Lewis
Few holiday ads are as emotionally touching as this 2013 animated short from John Lewis. The Bear and the Hare tells a gentle, heartwarming tale about friendship and the joy of giving—subtly tying in the brand without being overtly promotional.
The video became an instant classic, combining beautiful hand-drawn animation with a stunning original cover song by Lily Allen. It racked up over 16 million views on YouTube, and the custom track itself gathered more than 33 million listens on the platform.
This campaign shows how powerful storytelling, when paired with music and animation, can elevate a brand’s emotional connection with its audience—especially during the holidays.
- A.I. Ketchup – Heinz
Heinz cleverly taps into the A.I. trend with this innovative campaign, blending tech buzz with brand heritage. Using an AI image generator, they asked the tool to visualize “ketchup”—and surprise, most of the results resembled Heinz’s iconic bottle.
This campaign proves a powerful point: when people think “ketchup,” they instinctively picture Heinz. It’s a brilliant way to reaffirm brand recognition while engaging with cutting-edge tech in a playful, culturally relevant way.
By leaning into an unexpected trend, Heinz positions itself as both modern and timeless—showing that even legacy brands can stay fresh by thinking smart.
- Say Hello – Headspace
Headspace proves that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate power in animation. This clear and concise video walks viewers through how the app works, emphasizing the benefits it brings to users’ mental wellbeing—then finishes with a direct and compelling call to action.
The animation style is soft and whimsical, perfectly matched by a gentle and intentional sound design that adds warmth and charm to the experience. It’s a great example of how even a basic concept, when executed with care, can have a huge impact.
With over 11 million views and a top ranking in the Health and Fitness category on the App Store, Headspace clearly knows how to connect with its audience.
- Keyword Magic Tool – Semrush
With a name like Keyword Magic Tool, what better mascot to represent it than a quirky, animated wizard? This short but powerful 23-second commercial delivers both information and entertainment in a visually engaging way. Rather than a dry demo, Semrush presents its tool through a lively animated character who literally works magic on screen—guiding the audience through how the app functions with charm and clarity.
From the playful typography to the vibrant character design, this video proves that even technical tools can be showcased with creativity and humor. It’s a perfect reminder that user journeys and app demos don’t have to be dull—they can be spellbinding.
- Wonderfilled – Oreo
Oreo’s Wonderfilled ad campaign takes a fun and imaginative approach to branding, teaming up with electronic artist Owl City to create a custom, upbeat soundtrack. The charming animation, paired with the cheerful song, turns a simple concept into something truly magical.
With whimsical illustrations and a playful storyline, this animated spot highlights how sharing an Oreo can change the world—even in the most unexpected situations. The result is a commercial that feels just as sweet and joyful as the cookie itself.
Creative, catchy, and full of wonder—this ad lives up to its name in every way.
- Project Sunroof – Google
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BXf_h8tEes&ab_channel=Google
Google’s Project Sunroof is a great example of how animation can simplify complex concepts. This animated explainer introduces a smart initiative that combines Google Maps with solar energy projections, helping homeowners estimate their potential savings if they switch to solar power.
Although the subject is highly technical, the video breaks it down clearly and efficiently—packing everything into under two minutes without overwhelming the viewer. The soft visuals and smooth animations make the experience both informative and enjoyable.
With over 2 million views, this commercial proves how effective animated storytelling can be, especially when launching an innovative product that needs to reach everyday audiences.
- Whey Forward – MyProtein
With the slogan “Fermented, not farmed,” MyProtein’s animated spot takes a clever approach to promoting its innovative animal-free protein powder. While the tagline may not have Bond-level flair, the video itself does a fantastic job highlighting what sets the product apart: all the benefits of whey—without involving cows.
The animation is bright, fun, and full of personality, perfectly reflecting a brand that’s youthful, bold, and thinking ahead. And like many great animated ads, it’s not just about what’s said—it’s about what’s shown and how the visuals carry the story.
Distinctive, optimistic, and visually engaging, this ad stands out in a competitive wellness market.
- In Pursuit of Greatness – Wimbledon
This powerful animated commercial for Wimbledon is both a tribute to the sport’s rich history and a celebration of its most legendary players. What sets it apart isn’t just the stunning visuals or the storytelling—it’s the bold decision to go without a voiceover.
Relying solely on music to drive the emotion, the video creates a dramatic, almost cinematic experience that resonates deeply with viewers. It’s a risky approach—voiceovers are often used to hook attention—but here, the stirring soundtrack and striking animation are more than enough to keep us captivated.
The result? A goosebump-inducing masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of greatness Wimbledon stands for.
- Mindfulness – Apple
In response to growing concerns about excessive screen time, Apple took a proactive approach to reinforce its brand’s commitment to wellness. Alongside introducing new mindfulness features in their Health app, they released this beautifully minimalistic animated video.
- Freebies – Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols went the humorous route to introduce their customer rewards program—with a bold, low-budget, and unforgettable ad. Using real CCTV footage of shoplifters in their stores, they cleverly concealed faces with playful animated caricatures, giving the entire video a quirky and cheeky twist.
This unconventional approach proves that creativity beats high production value. The contrast between real-life surveillance footage and cartoon-style overlays creates a memorable message: if you love free stuff, earn it the right way.
Simple, funny, and undeniably effective, this campaign shows that smart advertising doesn’t need to be complicated—or expensive.
- Imagine What You Could Do – American Express
Who says credit card companies can’t be fun? This playful animated ad from American Express turns that assumption on its head. Rather than focusing on financial services, it highlights the company’s more creative and forward-thinking career opportunities—inviting viewers to imagine a different kind of future with Amex.
It’s a great example of how animated videos can go beyond product promotion. This one supports internal goals like recruitment, showcasing the company culture and tech-driven roles in an engaging way.
Part of a wider campaign covering careers in tech, social media, and data, the series has attracted over 37,000 views on YouTube—impressive reach for a talent-focused initiative.
- Anti Harassment PSA – Time’s Up
Addressing a serious issue like workplace harassment isn’t easy—but this animated PSA from Time’s Up manages to strike the perfect balance between clarity and accessibility. In just three minutes, the video offers straightforward answers to common questions about what constitutes inappropriate behavior in professional environments.
Voiced by Donald Glover and Rashida Jones, the black-and-white stick-figure animation keeps things simple yet effective, ensuring that the message resonates with a wide audience.
It’s a thoughtful, impactful use of animation for social change—and a great example of how video can be both educational and engaging when tackling tough topics.
- Join Skirmish – Skirmish.io
Skirmish.io connects game developers and industry professionals with potential employers—and their animated ad reflects that creative spirit. This video showcases just how effective a commercial can be when every element is aligned: the sci-fi-inspired visuals, dramatic soundtrack, and deep voiceover all come together to build a cohesive, futuristic mood.
It’s a perfect example of how tone, style, and sound design must complement one another to convey a clear message and evoke the right energy.
For brands creating their own videos, Skirmish’s approach offers a valuable lesson: know the vibe you want to create, then build every piece of your video around it.
- NoseFrida – Fridababy
Fridababy nails the art of the product launch video with their animated ad for NoseFrida. In under two minutes, the commercial takes viewers on a simple yet effective journey—from identifying a familiar parenting problem to introducing the solution in a clear and engaging way.
What makes this ad stand out is its smooth storytelling. It tackles possible hesitations head-on and transforms a slightly awkward product into something approachable and even charming. The light, friendly animation style helps make the message easy to absorb and relatable.
This is product marketing done right—efficient, informative, and delightfully animated.
- Everyone’s Journey – UK Department for Transport
It’s rare to see government marketing that feels this thoughtful and emotionally engaging, but the UK Department for Transport’s Everyone’s Journey campaign hits the mark. Aimed at promoting inclusivity in public transport, this animated ad illustrates everyday moments where a little kindness goes a long way.
Through clean, stylized animation, the video presents relatable travel scenarios that encourage small acts of consideration—like helping someone board a train. Animation plays a key role here, conveying these messages without coming across as preachy or overly sentimental, which live-action might risk.
A beautifully executed reminder that empathy should be part of everyone’s daily commute.
- Good Clothes, Fair Pay – Fashion Revolution
Animated videos aren’t just great for selling products—they can also be powerful tools for advocacy. Good Clothes, Fair Pay, created by Anna Ginsburg for Fashion Revolution, is a bold example of how animation can drive real change.
Rather than promoting a product, this short film aims to rally support for fair wages in the fashion industry. In just 33 seconds, it calls viewers to sign a petition demanding legislative action to ensure living wages throughout global supply chains.
The animation brings the issue to life in a way that’s emotional, accessible, and deeply visual. As Anna Ginsburg says, “We are all so detached from so many processes behind the things we consume.” This ad brings us one step closer to reconnecting.
- Sage Real Voices – Sage
Sage takes a fresh approach to testimonial videos by blending real user voices with playful animation. In this hybrid ad, we hear directly from Joanne Halsall, Head of Finance at a hotel, as she reflects on the real-world challenges of running a business—offering honesty over hype.
Rather than delivering a glowing endorsement, Joanne shares a relatable experience. The animation adds visual charm without overshadowing her words. In the second half, a voiceover gently introduces Sage’s supportive role, reinforcing the message: “We see you, we understand, and we’re here to help.”
It’s an engaging example of how to keep things authentic while making the storytelling visually dynamic.
- Bones Lager – Beavertown Brewery
In the ever-growing UK craft beer scene—now worth over £1 billion annually—standing out is no small feat. That’s exactly where Beavertown Brewery shines. Known for its offbeat branding and bold visual style, the brewery uses animated ads to bring its quirky personality to life.
Their Bones Lager commercial is loud, colorful, and unmistakably Beavertown. Rather than blending in with more traditional beer brands, they embrace a playful, rebellious identity that resonates with a younger, design-conscious audience.
It’s a masterclass in how creative branding—especially through animation—can carve out space in a crowded market.
- Calm the Chaos – IMODIUM
Yes, animation can even make ads about… diarrhea feel artful. In just 10 seconds, IMODIUM’s Calm the Chaos campaign turns a sensitive subject into a visually compelling metaphor.
Swirling scribbles represent the chaos of digestive distress, while a shift in color palette—from dark, moody tones to bright and airy visuals—mirrors the calming effect of their product. It’s all anchored by a voiceover that delivers the message clearly and concisely.
Short, smart, and incredibly effective, this ad is a lesson in how even the most taboo topics can be approached with style, empathy, and creativity.
- A Big Idea – Smart Fortwo
To introduce their compact two-seater car, Smart Fortwo launched A Big Idea—a creative campaign built on a clever mix of animation and live-action. Each video in the three-part series targets a different audience, from romantic couples to expressive individuals, while maintaining a consistent tone and message.
The ads use charming hand-drawn illustrations superimposed onto real-world settings, reinforcing each character’s story and showing how the car fits into their life. This approach highlights the car’s personality and practicality while proving that a single idea, when executed creatively, can speak to diverse audiences.
Ready to Create Your Own Animated Commercial?
If you’re feeling inspired by these brilliant animated ads, here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind before starting your own project:
• Establish a clear and consistent tone: Animation is an incredibly powerful medium for creating emotional resonance. Be intentional with your voiceover, illustration style, and background music to evoke the right feeling from your audience.
• Focus on storytelling: Great videos don’t just sell—they tell stories. Instead of simply promoting your product, share the journey behind your brand or solution. That narrative will stick with viewers far longer than a generic sales pitch.
• Explore the world of animation: Animation offers endless creative potential. Whether you’re new to video or planning your next campaign, take time to learn what makes animated content work—and don’t be afraid to ask for expert help along the way.
If you’re ready to bring your animated vision to life, our team at Moodive is here to help. We specialize in creating high-quality, engaging animated videos that not only look great but also drive results. Whether you need an explainer video, a branded campaign, or a full-scale animated commercial, we’ll work with you from concept to final delivery—ensuring your message is both memorable and effective. Let’s turn your story into something truly animated.
