Action Stars & Chocolate Bars: 5 Ads You Should Watch Right Now

Every week Unruly gathers up the latest and greatest ads from around the world, and pops them in this handy list so you can catch up on the things you missed.

This week’s roster features some unconventional ads, as well some pun-based comedy from Kit-Kat, plus the return of Cadbury’s very own super-spy – the Milk Tray Man.

We also have a musical extravaganza from Shell, who rounded up a whole bunch of musicians for its latest #makethefuture spot – highlighting its work in renewable and sustainable energies.

Rounding out the list is a spot from innovative shaving brand Dollar Shave Club, who’ve taken aim at the macho marketing that many of their competitors produce.

Enjoy!

5. Cadbury – Return of the Milk Tray man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiGHkmTcCPE

Cadbury’s Milk Tray man, who’s been missing from Adland for almost 13 years, returns this week in the form of a short teaser spot. The ad is full of the signature style and James Bond-pizzazz that we’d expect from Cadbury’s man of mystery – with a pinch more action added in, similar to Dos Equis’ 2016 reboot of their ‘Most Interesting Man in the World’.

4. Shell – Best Day Of My Life #makethefuture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCs8kqUng4s

This mash-up of music and animation from Shell is already proving to be a hit, attracting over 200,000 shares on social media in the past week. The ad features American Authors’ 2013 hit “Best Day of My Life”, this time performed by Jennifer Hudson, Luan Santana, Pixie Lott and Steve Aoki, while various animations run through Shell’s latest green initiatives.

3. Kit-Kat – Chance the Wrapper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lN8OZqFuHs

This charming and silly ad from Kit-Kat stars hip-hop golden boy Chance the Rapper, and seems to be have been entirely dreamed up on the basis that yes, Chance the Wrapper is a rather excellent pun. The spot marks the independent artist’s second big brand spot, after appearing in a moving ad for Nike this summer.

2. Burger King – World Literacy Month

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_7q4vcXva8

This intriguing ad for Burger King is reminiscent of another world literacy ad from earlier this year, as both attempt to get people to experience what it would be like to be illiterate. The ad from the fast-food giant walks an interesting line and manages to be thought-provoking and moving, without being dour or off-putting.

1. Dollar Shave Club – Massive Hero

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiLKDa2Sk0k

Dollar Shave Club, arguably the most well-known ‘challenger brand’ in the world, is living up to its reputation with this latest series of spots, which seem to take very specific aim at a number of their competitors. The ads all follow a similar format, arguing that the marketing for men’s grooming products rarely reflect the people actually buying them.