Cube AI Top 5 Ads of 2024: Ads That Made Us Smile

As 2024 comes to an end, our Cube AI experts are celebrating the ads that made us smile, laugh, and feel a little lighter.

In a year full of twists, turns, and challenges, these campaigns reminded us of the power of emotion—taking us on journeys that were heartwarming, uplifting, and unforgettable.

📷: Lavazza ad

Positive emotional responses aren’t just feel-good moments; they’re strategic gold. It’s proven that they boost brand recall, deepen brand connection, and inspire action, making them an essential ingredient for a successful ad campaign.

However, it’s important to note that not every ad needs to aim for maximum happiness. Creative success isn’t about a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s about achieving a brand’s vision, whether that’s to entertain, inspire, or challenge audiences.

With that in mind, we analyzed countless ads to uncover the tactics that made some truly stand out. Through clever storytelling, striking visuals, and moments that hit just the right emotional notes, these ads didn’t just connect: they resonated with viewers, leaving a lasting impression and delivering impactful results.

Here are the top 5 ads of 2024 that excelled at sparking joy based on our Cube AI analysis.

This playful spot leaned into a simple yet brilliant premise: Michael Cera humourously claiming credit for CeraVe because of their shared name. The quirky concept, Cera’s signature awkward charm, and sharp writing turned a clever joke into pure advertising gold. It delivered instant joy and strong recall, essential for breaking through in the competitive Super Bowl ad space.

Why It Worked: The genius was in the ad’s simplicity. The combination of humour and a clever name tie-in was refreshing and made audiences smile, while reinforcing the CeraVe brand as approachable and memorable.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hellmann’s served up pure whimsy with “Mayo Cat,” a scene-stealing feline on a mission to solve food waste, one sandwich at a time. Starring alongside Kate McKinnon, the furry hero delivered laughs and an unexpectedly clever solution to a serious issue. By blending comedy with purpose, Hellmann’s turned sustainability into something fun, relatable, and downright memorable.

Why It Worked: Hellmann made the perfect recipe with a mix of humour, a standout character (hello, Mayo Cat!), and a purposeful message. It left audiences both entertained and engaged, proving that solving food waste can be as delightful as it is impactful.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This nostalgic campaign reunited Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, playing off their on-screen chemistry from Friends. The banter between these darling characters created a lighthearted and amusing storyline, while subtly promoting Uber’s reliability and convenience. Audiences were carried away by nostalgia. It felt like catching up with old friends—and Uber was along for the ride.

Why It Worked: The ad’s nostalgia hit all the right notes. It sparked positive emotional responses among audiences who grew up loving the show. Familiar faces, witty humour, and a comforting sense of connection left audiences smiling while Uber’s core message landed smoothly: dependable, familiar, and always there when you need it.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Coca-Cola’s retested classic ad struck a powerful emotional chord in 2024 audiences. Set to the timeless Bee Gees track To Love Somebody, a simple yet powerful story: a family discovering they’re expecting another child. The magic unfolds in the quiet details, culminating in the father’s face lighting up as the song swells following the pregnancy reveal. This seamless blend of sound, visuals, and storytelling creates a surge of positivity that’s both authentic and heartwarming.

Why It Worked: The harmony between sound and visuals created a moment that felt both universal and deeply personal. It triggers an emotional peak at precisely the right moment. In this piece, Coca-Cola delivered a masterclass. By pairing timeless music with timeless storytelling, it proved that joy, when told right, can transcend generations and leave an enduring emotional mark.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lavazza brewed up the perfect blend of charm and sophistication with this star-studded spot featuring Steve Carell and John Krasinski. The playful banter between the two beloved actors brought an irresistible warmth, while Lavazza’s premium visuals elevated the coffee experience to something aspirational. It’s luxury with a wink—effortlessly lighthearted, yet undeniably refined.

Why It Worked: Star power and humour set the tone, but it was the shared love for coffee—and the joy it brings—that made this ad resonate. Lavazza struck a balance between premium appeal and human connection, leaving audiences smiling and craving a cup of joe.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Positive emotions in ads aren’t just fleeting feel-good moments—they’re powerful drivers of effectiveness. Joy sticks. It creates memories, enhances brand recall, and influences purchase decisions—critical indicators (KPIs) for campaigns looking to break through in crowded markets.

📷: CeraVe advertisement ad 

As we look ahead to 2025, these ads remind us that great advertising is rooted in connection. Whether through humour, nostalgia, or heartwarming stories, the ability to make audiences feel remains the hallmark of creative success.

In today’s competitive landscape, where attention is fleeting, Cube AI can help you craft campaigns that don’t just reach your audience—they resonate.

Optimize performance, amplify engagement, and create ads that leave a lasting impression.