Angry Fruits & Hands-Free Boots: 5 Ads You Should Watch Right Now
Every week Unruly scours the web for the latest and greatest bit of creative and delivers them to you in this handy list.
This week saw the launch of one of the most hotly-anticipated videos of the year – the John Lewis Xmas ad. We’re sure you’ve seen Buster The Boxer by now, so we’ve also included some of the best ads you might have missed.
We’ve got a surprisingly moving ad from Budweiser, as well as another big Christmas spot from Aldi. There is also a last-minute entry from Ben & Jerry’s, who were quick off the mark after Tuesday’s shock election result, creating a uniquely positive political message.
Rounding out the selection is Volkswagen’s latest spot in a series celebrating the UK’s independent film industry.
Without further ado, enjoy!
5. Budweiser – Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Champions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nApTGkLd2hs
Even if you’re not the biggest baseball fan, this moving ad from Budweiser celebrating the Chicago Cubs’ World Series victory is undeniably effective. It cuts between various locations and bars throughout Chicago on the night of the final, showing excited and nervous fans waiting with baited breath for the result to be confirmed – and it’s hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere of it all. The ad is completed by a voiceover from the late, much loved sportscaster Harry Caray, who spent the last 16 years of his career covering the Cubs.
4. Aldi – Kevin The Carrot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCZrWFrRgbQ
Though much of this week’s Christmas spirit was directed towards John Lewis’ latest ad, this charming spot from Aldi, featuring a scrappy carrot, has certainly won a lot of hearts. The ad follows Kevin the Carrot as he embarks on an epic Christmas journey across the dining table, accompanied by the iconic John Williams track ‘Somewhere in my Memory’ – made famous by the movie Home Alone.
3.Volkswagen – Alien
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA2LpsQF6R8
This latest ad from Volkswagen is part of a series of videos that celebrates various independent film tropes. This spot shows a couple escaping a fearsome alien by clambering into the boot of a conveniently placed car. Unfortunately for them, Volkswagen’s newest technology allows for hands-free boot opening, meaning they won’t be safe for long. It’s a surprisingly simple and funny ad that shows off a new feature while also displaying the brand’s new mission to support independent cinema in the UK.
2. John Lewis – #BusterTheBoxer
https://youtu.be/sr6lr_VRsEo
By now you’ve probably seen the antics of Buster the Boxer more than a few times. Longtime watchers of John Lewis campaigns will recognise that the ad is a more stripped-back story than what we’ve seen in previous years. With only three (human) characters, a single setting and a complete lack of fantastical elements (unless you call a hedgehog on a trampoline fantastical), this is what happens when a John Lewis ad goes right back to basics. And really, what’s not to love about a dog on a trampoline?
1. Ben & Jerry’s – One Sweet World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nz6CP2CiQY
After a particularly divisive week in politics, this deceptively charming ad from Ben & Jerry’s is what we all need. The ad is bold and brave, and has a clear message of unity and togetherness. Set in a fictional world not too far from our own, where sweet and sour fruits have turned on each other, the ad implores viewers to work together to build a brighter future. It’s a uniquely moving ad, and will certainly go down as one of the most unexpected, politically-charged ads of the year.
