Dell Gets Magical & GEICO Sings: 5 Ads You Should Watch Right Now
Every week Unruly scours the internet for the best bits of video advertising and then compiles them into this handy list.
This week’s batch features a number of brands using comedy in unexpected ways, from Dell’s fantastical interpretation of digital transformation to GEICO’s 90s boyband revival.
Elsewhere, Virgin Trains uses comic musical cues to break up its ad, while the New Zealand Human Rights Commission turns racism on its head in a spot that’s as smart and funny as it is poignant.
So without further ado, enjoy!
5. Dell – Santa’s Elves
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkoUHHGZAYE
This funny spot from Dell shows how you don’t need magical powers to transform your business’s digital processes – just Dell’s world class tech solutions. The ads (which also stars a fairy godmother) rely on a simple gag to get the message across and leverage their deadpan corporate setting to great effect.
4. GEICO – Boyz II Men: Side Effects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1rZAFluGZI
GEICO has gained a reputation for creating unique ads that defy expectations. Its latest effort, however, is substantially less meta than previous spots, instead opting for a bit of star power in the form of 90s R&B crooners, Boyz II Men.
3. Virgin – Valerie
This latest ad from Virgin Trains asks Valerie – its plucky heroine – to make the difficult decision to take her car or the train to a life-changing job interview. With the help of some jolly musical cues, the spot makes the spirited case that you should always, always take the train.
2. Buffalo Wild Wings – Watching
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7d9DaWhg3k
With Father’s Day fast approaching, plenty of brands are rolling out dad-centric spots. But none are quite as charming as this ad from Buffalo Wild Wings. The ad’s adorable star mimics her dad watching sports in an instantly recognisable way that’s sure to warm even the coldest hearts.
1. NZ Human Rights Commission – Give Nothing To Racism
This razor-sharp ad from the New Zealand Human Rights Commission uses humour to skewer racism and the excuses that are often used to justify prejudice. It’s simple but effective set-up is a bold choice, and makes the ad a must-watch.
