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.

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This Classic 1980s Cigar Commercial Is One of Britain’s Funniest Ever

Sketch comedy meets advertising in Hamlet campaign.

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The Comic Triumph of ‘This Is SportsCenter,’ a Campaign Years Ahead of Its Time

MullenLowe's Tim Vaccarino picks his three favorite ads ever.

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Coke ‘Hilltop’ and the Tension That Leads to Powerful Advertising

Deutsch's Pete Favat picks his three favorite ads.

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The Glory of ‘Surfer,’ One of the Greatest Guinness Ads Ever Made

Keith Cartwright picks his three favorite campaigns.

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Volkswagen, Apple and the Irresistible Force of Using Classic Characters in Ads

Myra Nussbaum talks Little Vader and her other favorite spots.

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This Great Old Nike Print Ad Said So Much, It Didn’t Have to Say a Word

McCann's John Mescall on a 1993 masterpiece and his other favorite ads.

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