Every so often, an ad comes along that really makes you take notice. More important, it increases sales. These ads can be considered some of the best ads ever. But what is it exactly that made them so special and distinctive? What did these ads seek to accomplish, and why were they so successful? Adweek delves deeper into some of the best ads ever and discovers the hidden formulas behind their success, and why they have been so difficult to replicate. A special focus is given to Super Bowl ads, where many of the best ads ever often originate.

Alt Image Text

How 3 of the Darkest, Most Unexpected Ads Challenged Creatives to Step Up Their Game

Droga5 London CCO David Kolbusz shares his all-time favorite spots in our video series, Best Ads Ever.

Alt Image Text

The Joy of ‘Dear Sophie,’ One of Google’s Early Humanizing Hits

The VIA Agency's Greg Smith picks his three favorite ads.

Alt Image Text

Have Super Bowl Commercials Lost Their Magic? Top Creatives Weigh In

Top industry execs on the downside of the Big Game.

Alt Image Text

The Genius of E*Trade ‘Monkey,’ the Most Subversive Super Bowl Ad Ever

A look back at GS&P's bit of brilliance from 2000.

Alt Image Text

7 Years Later, VW’s ‘The Force’ Is Still the Dark Lord of Super Bowl Ads

The Deutsch spot that changed the rules continues to cast a shadow.

Alt Image Text

3 Ambitious Creative Ideas From the Past Decade That Went Way Beyond Advertising

180LA's Eduardo Marques picks his favorite campaigns ever.

Alt Image Text

Is ‘Monty the Penguin’ by John Lewis the Perfect Christmas Ad?

Kevin Moehlenkamp picks his three favorite campaigns.

Alt Image Text

Everything About This 1987 Ad Is Wrong. So, How Come It’s So Great?

David Baldwin picks his three favorite ads ever.

Alt Image Text
Alt Image Text
Alt Image Text

Why Van Damme’s ‘Epic Split’ Was the Perfect Storm for One NYC Creative Director

Erik Norin dissects Volvo Trucks and his other favorite ads.

Alt Image Text
Alt Image Text
Alt Image Text

5 Years Later, the Guardian’s ‘Three Little Pigs’ Still Blows the House Down

Hill Holliday's Kevin Daley picks his favorite ads ever.

Alt Image Text