Best Ad Campaigns to Inspire You in 2025

The holiday season may be over, but the magic of a great ad sticks with us long after the decorations are packed away. This past season, brands pulled out all the stops, delivering campaigns that made us laugh, cry, and even hit the replay button a few times.

In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the best ad campaigns that caught our attention and left a lasting impression.

Whether they tugged at our heartstrings, took us by surprise, or just made us smile, these ads remind us why storytelling is at the heart of every great campaign.

1. The Most Inspirational Ad Campaign

Ad: Assume That I Can | World Down Syndrome Day 2024

This moving campaign challenges the low expectations often placed on individuals with Down syndrome. Featuring Madison Tevlin, the ad delivers a powerful message about breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. It shows how assuming someone can do something can help them unlock their full potential.

Why it’s successful:

The ad stands out because it’s honest and deeply moving. It takes on societal biases in a way that feels real and meaningful, encouraging viewers to think differently. Madison’s confident performance also draws you in, making the message both powerful and unforgettable.

2. The Most Creative Ad Campaign

Ad: Bubbles | Deutsche Telekom | Christmas Ad 2024

Deutsche Telekom’s “Bubbles” feels like a magical Christmas movie. It tells the story of two young girls living in separate snow globes, finding ways to connect despite the obvious obstacle. With beautiful visuals, a touching rendition of Carol of the Bells, and a heartfelt message about breaking down barriers, it perfectly captures the warmth of the holiday season.

Why it’s successful:

The brand’s role in breaking barriers is seamlessly integrated, showcasing how their technology brings people closer, no matter the distance. The ad leaves a lasting impression about the power of human connection made possible through innovative communication services.

3. The Most Surprising Ad Campaign

Ad: “Michael CeraVe” I CeraVe Super Bowl (Long Form)

Who would’ve guessed Michael Cera and skincare would make such a perfect pair? This ad flips expectations on its head as the lovable, quirky actor brings his signature charm to CeraVe’s soothing world of skincare. The ad’s offbeat humor and clever script (“I am CeraVe!”) turn a mundane topic into a fun experience for the audience.

Why it’s successful:

The key here is the surprise factor. Pairing Michael Cera’s persona with a skincare brand is a creative twist nobody saw coming. The humor keeps it light and memorable, while the seamless integration of product benefits ensures it’s more than just a funny moment—it’s a clever brand win.

4. The Most Empowering Ad Campaign

Ad: The Code | A Dove Film | Dove Self-Esteem Project

Dove’s “The Code” addresses the impact of AI-generated beauty standards on self-esteem. Set to Pure Imagination, the ad shows a woman using AI to create images of beauty, only to receive unrealistic results. By adding “according to Dove Real Beauty Campaign” to her prompts, she discovers a diverse and authentic representation, highlighting Dove’s commitment to keeping it real.

Why it’s successful:

This marketing campaign addresses a current issue in a simple and easy-to-grasp way. Its focus on real beauty delivers a positive, uplifting message, especially for younger audiences.

5. The Most Thought-Provoking Ad Campaign

Ad: 2024 Election – Calm Silent Ad (Calm)

During the intense 2024 U.S. election coverage, sleep and meditation app Calm aired a 30-second silent commercial on major networks like CNN and ABC. The screen displayed a simple message: “We bought this ad space to give you 30 seconds of silence. Yep, just silence.” This unexpected pause offered viewers a moment of peace amid the nonstop election updates.

Why it’s successful:

Calm’s silent ad resonated with viewers seeking a break from the election chaos. The unconventional approach highlighted the app’s purpose, leading (according to user comments) to an increase in downloads and positive reactions on social media.

6. The Funniest Ad Campaign

Ad: That T-Mobile Home Internet Feeling | 2024 Big Game Day Commercial

Zach Braff and Donald Faison bring their hilarious “Scrubs” banter back in this ad, but they’re helping Jason Momoa escape his internet troubles this time. With a quirky musical number and many laughs, they show how T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet is the perfect fix for anyone tired of bad Wi-Fi.

Why it’s successful:

Braff and Faison’s humor, paired with Momoa’s acting skills and a fun, catchy song, makes this ad a joy to watch. It’s so relatable for anyone who’s dealt with bad internet, which is why it’s hard to forget and easy to share.

7. The Most Heartwarming Ad Campaign

Ad: Perfect 10: The Kia Big Game Commercial featuring the 2024 Kia EV9

KIA’s “Perfect 10” follows a young figure skater whose father surprises her with a special encore performance at her grandfather’s cabin after he misses her show. Using the EV9, they power lights and music for a touching ice-skating routine on a frozen pond, bringing joy to her ailing grandfather.

Why it’s successful:

This ad is a heartwarming combination of family, holiday magic, and clever technology. The EV9’s features fit perfectly into a story about love and togetherness, turning it into a heartwarming piece of storytelling that viewers won’t forget.

8. The Most Innovative Ad Campaign

Ad: Adoptable | Pedigree

Pedigree’s “Adoptable” campaign uses AI to help shelter dogs find homes. Turning simple photos into high-quality images makes these dogs appear in Pedigree’s ads, reaching more people. This approach promotes Pedigree and increases the chances of adoption for these dogs.

Why it’s successful:

This innovative campaign stood out for its creative use of technology to solve a real issue. By featuring adoptable dogs in their ads, the brand connects with audiences and shows their commitment to helping dogs in need.

9. The Ultimate Super Bowl Ad Campaign

Ad: DoorDash All The Ads

DoorDash’s Super Bowl campaign, “DoorDash All The Ads,” turned every commercial into a chance to win. They promised to deliver items from all the game’s ads to one lucky person. This playful idea showed that DoorDash can bring you anything, not just food.

Why it’s successful:

This campaign was so entertaining it had people glued to their screens, hunting for the code instead of watching the game. DoorDash turned the Super Bowl into a fun, interactive experience, making their brand impossible to ignore. The unique concept sparked conversations and showed that DoorDash is about more than just food—it’s about delivering anything.

Ad Campaign Inspiration Delivered

These are just a handful of the ads that inspired us this season, but there are plenty more worth exploring.

Each one brought something special to the table—whether it made us laugh, tugged at our heartstrings, or challenged us to see the world differently.

If you’re curious to see what else made our list, head over to our playlist on YouTube. It’s packed with creative, emotional, and downright fun campaigns that deserve acknowledgment. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and take a look—you might just find your new favorite ad.