When we talk about the most popular commercial of all time, one ad rises consistently above the rest: Apple’s “1984” commercial. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott, the ad aired during Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984, and changed not only Apple’s trajectory—but the entire advertising industry.
Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, the ad featured a rebellious female athlete smashing a screen controlled by a totalitarian figure. It was designed to introduce the Apple Macintosh as a symbol of personal empowerment in a world dominated by conformity. The ad’s climactic text read:
“On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984.’”
Only aired nationally once, the commercial still generated millions of dollars in free press and left a lasting impression. It’s consistently ranked #1 on advertising “best of” lists and is considered the commercial that made Super Bowl ads a cultural event.
Before “1984,” most commercials were straightforward pitches focusing on product features or price. Apple’s ad told a story, engaged emotions, and invoked ideology. It felt like cinema—not marketing. This innovative approach opened the door for narrative advertising and elevated commercials to an art form.
Ridley Scott’s direction gave the ad a gritty, cinematic look, and Apple’s willingness to be bold captured the imaginations of millions. What’s even more impressive? The product—the Macintosh—wasn’t even shown. It was the brand message that stole the spotlight.
The commercial reportedly cost $900,000 to produce and another $800,000 to air, but the return on investment was immeasurable in brand prestige and future loyalty. Within three months, Apple had sold 50,000 units of the new computer.
Another contender for the title of “most popular commercial” is Coca-Cola’s 1971 “Hilltop” ad. The ad featured a diverse group of young people standing on a hill in Italy singing:
“I’d like to buy the world a Coke, and keep it company…”
The song became a hit, and the commercial was lauded for its message of unity and peace at a time when global tensions were high. It was one of the first advertisements to blend a brand message seamlessly with cultural values.
What makes “Hilltop” so influential is its emotional appeal. Coca-Cola wasn’t just selling a beverage—it was selling harmony. In fact, the ad became so iconic that it was re-aired after the 9/11 attacks to foster a sense of global unity.
Coca-Cola scored another classic with the 1979 “Mean Joe Greene” ad. In it, a young fan offers his Coke to the towering Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Joe Greene, who, in return, tosses the boy his jersey with a now-legendary line:
“Hey kid… catch!”
The moment is heartwarming and unexpectedly tender, given Greene’s rough football persona. It became a touchstone of 20th-century advertising and has been spoofed and referenced in countless shows and movies.
This ad worked because it humanized a larger-than-life figure and connected a simple product with an emotional payoff. It cemented the power of pairing celebrity endorsement with storytelling.
“Wassup?” exploded onto the scene in 1999 and quickly became a pop culture juggernaut. Created by Charles Stone III and based on a short film he had made with friends, the commercial featured a group of guys greeting each other with a long, drawn-out “Wassup?!”
It was funny, it was fresh, and it became instantly quotable. People repeated the phrase in everyday life, parodies popped up everywhere, and even celebrities joined the trend.
Budweiser’s brand became synonymous with a cultural moment. The campaign won multiple awards, and even years later, it’s fondly remembered. That kind of cultural penetration is rare—and incredibly valuable.
In 2010, Old Spice reinvented its brand with a hilarious and smartly executed ad starring Isaiah Mustafa. In the ad, Mustafa delivers a deadpan monologue while walking through increasingly surreal settings:
“Look at your man. Now back to me. Now back at your man. Now back to me.”
The quick cuts, unexpected visuals, and Mustafa’s charming delivery helped the ad go viral. It didn’t just boost sales—it redefined Old Spice for a new generation and created a digital movement.
The campaign led to personalized video responses, endless memes, and widespread engagement. It proved that commercials could thrive not just on TV but in the wild world of the internet.
Several other commercials deserve mention for their enormous impact:
“Think Small” (Volkswagen, 1959): A print campaign, not a TV ad, but so iconic it deserves mention. It changed the tone of car advertising forever.
“Where’s the Beef?” (Wendy’s, 1984): The catchphrase became a political talking point and entered the American lexicon.
“The Force” (Volkswagen, 2011): Featuring a child in a Darth Vader costume trying to use the Force on a Passat—cute, clever, and viral gold.
“Just Do It” (Nike, 1988): Short, powerful, and deeply effective. It helped transform Nike into a cultural behemoth.
These ads didn’t quite dethrone Apple’s “1984,” but they left permanent marks on the advertising world.
Popularity can be measured in different ways—views, cultural impact, awards, memorability, or influence on the industry. Apple’s “1984” didn’t just sell a product; it defined what commercials could be. It became a cultural artifact.
Meanwhile, others like “Wassup?” and “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” became viral hits in the age of digital sharing, proving that the playing field had expanded.
Ultimately, a truly popular commercial captures attention, inspires emotion, earns repeat viewings, and becomes part of the cultural conversation.
From Apple’s revolutionary “1984” to Coca-Cola’s peace-promoting “Hilltop,” and Old Spice’s modern viral sensation, the most popular commercials have always transcended their original purpose. They became more than ads—they became experiences, jokes, inspirations, or moments we collectively remember.
While tastes and media have changed, the core principle remains: the best commercials don’t just sell—they speak, inspire, and resonate.
And for now, Apple’s “1984” still stands tall at the summit.
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