10 Great Examples of Animated TV Commercials - Jumbla

Grabbing attention and making a lasting impression — that’s what great advertising is all about. Animation has long been a standout tool for doing just that. With its limitless creative possibilities and universal appeal, animated TV commercials can whisk us away to imaginative worlds, introduce characters we won’t forget, and break down complex ideas with clarity and charm.

Unlike live-action, animation isn’t tied to the rules of the real world. That freedom opens the door for brands to tell their stories in ways that are bold, unexpected, and incredibly engaging. Whether it’s through heartwarming storytelling or laugh-out-loud moments, animated ads can spark genuine emotion and build strong connections with audiences. They can take something ordinary and make it feel magical — all while delivering a message that sticks.

At Jumbla, we believe in the impact animation can have when it’s done right. So, we’ve rounded up 10 standout animated TV commercials that didn’t just entertain — they delivered real results.

Here are 10 great examples of animated TV commercials

1. Metro Trains Melbourne - "Dumb Ways to Die" (2012)

The Ad: This Australian public service announcement features adorable, bean-like characters meeting their demise in comically absurd and gruesome ways, all set to an incredibly catchy tune. The final verses pivot to "dumber" ways to die – unsafe behaviours around trains.

Why it Worked: The juxtaposition of cute animation and dark humour was original and highly shareable. The song became an internet sensation. It effectively communicated a serious safety message in an engaging, non-preachy way, leading to a significant reduction in near-misses and accidents on the Melbourne Metro system. It's a masterclass in viral marketing through animation.

YouTube Link: Dumb Ways to Die

2. John Lewis - "The Bear & The Hare" (2013)

The Ad: A beautiful stop-motion and traditional 2D animated Christmas ad telling the story of a bear who has never seen Christmas because he hibernates. His friend, the hare, devises a plan to ensure he experiences the magic of the season.

Why it Worked: This ad is pure emotional storytelling. The stunning, classic animation style evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Paired with a gentle cover of Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" by Lily Allen, it created a heartwarming narrative that resonated deeply with viewers, perfectly capturing the spirit of giving and friendship synonymous with Christmas and the John Lewis brand.

YouTube Link: The Bear & The Hare

3. Coca-Cola - "Happiness Factory" (2006)

The Ad: This vibrant 3D animated commercial takes viewers on a fantastical journey inside a Coca-Cola vending machine, revealing a magical world populated by whimsical creatures working together to create and deliver a bottle of Coke.

Why it Worked: The imagination and detail in "Happiness Factory" were groundbreaking. It transformed a simple product into an enchanting experience, reinforcing Coca-Cola's brand identity around joy, magic, and shared happiness. The lush visuals and intricate world-building captivated audiences globally.

YouTube Link: Happiness Factory

4. Google Android - "Be Together. Not the Same." (2015)

The Ad: This charming ad features animated characters representing rock, paper, and scissors who, despite their inherent conflicts, learn to become friends and stand up to bullies.

Why it Worked: The ad cleverly used simple, universally understood characters to deliver a powerful message about diversity, acceptance, and friendship. It positioned Android as a brand that celebrates individuality while promoting unity. The upbeat soundtrack and endearing animation made the message accessible and heartwarming without explicitly showcasing the product.

YouTube Link: Be Together. Not the Same.

5. Chipotle - "Back to the Start" (2011)

The Ad: A beautifully crafted stop-motion animation showing a farmer’s journey from industrial farming back to more sustainable and humane practices, set to a poignant Willie Nelson cover of Coldplay’s "The Scientist."

Why it Worked: This ad was a bold statement about Chipotle's commitment to "Food with Integrity." The painstaking stop-motion technique gave it an authentic, handcrafted feel that mirrored the brand's values. It told a compelling story with a strong ethical message, resonating with consumers increasingly concerned about food origins and sustainability.

YouTube Link: Back to the Start

6. Honda - "Grrr" (2004)

The Ad: This whimsical and innovative ad features a variety of charmingly animated creatures and objects expressing their hatred for diesel engines, culminating in the reveal of Honda's new, cleaner diesel engine. Garrison Keillor provides the distinctive voiceover.

Why it Worked: "Grrr" was celebrated for its originality, delightful animation style, and positive, optimistic tone. It tackled a typically unglamorous topic – engine technology – and made it engaging and memorable. The catchy song and unique visuals helped it stand out and win numerous advertising awards.

YouTube Link: Grrr

7. Aldi - "Kevin the Carrot" (Series, 2016 onwards)

The Ad: Aldi's recurring Christmas character, Kevin the Carrot, stars in a series of animated adventures each festive season, often parodying famous films or classic Christmas tropes, all while highlighting Aldi's festive food range. (Example: Kevin the Carrot 2020)

Why it Worked: Kevin has become a beloved character, eagerly anticipated each year. The ads combine humour, adventure, and a charming narrative style that appeals to both children and adults. This character-driven approach has created a strong brand association and driven sales of related merchandise, making Kevin a festive icon.

YouTube Link (2020 example): Kevin the Carrot 2020

8. Headspace - "Say Hello to Headspace" (Various Ads)

The Ad: Headspace uses simple, clean, and friendly 2D animation to explain the benefits of meditation and how their app works. The characters are often abstract but relatable, and the tone is calm and inviting.

Why it Worked: The animation style perfectly mirrors the brand's ethos: simplicity, clarity, and approachability. In a world full of noise, Headspace’s ads offer a moment of calm and clearly communicate the app's value proposition. The consistent visual style also builds strong brand recognition.

YouTube Link: Say Hello to Headspace

9. Oreo - "Wonderfilled" (2013)

The Ad: This campaign features distinct 2D animation with a catchy, whimsical song posing the question: "Wonder if I gave an Oreo to..." various antagonists (like the Big Bad Wolf or a vampire), imagining a positive outcome.

Why it Worked: The unique visual style, combined with an incredibly infectious song by Owl City, made the "Wonderfilled" campaign highly memorable. It tapped into a childlike sense of optimism and sharing, associating Oreo cookies with moments of imaginative fun and connection.

YouTube Link: Wonderfilled

10. Wimbledon - "In Pursuit of Greatness" (2016)

The Ad: This visually stunning ad for Wimbledon showcases the evolution of tennis and the tournament itself through a continuous tennis rally where the animation style changes to reflect different eras and art forms.

Why it Worked: It's a masterclass in visual storytelling, celebrating Wimbledon's rich history and enduring legacy. The seamless transitions between animation styles are captivating, and the lack of voiceover, relying instead on music and sound design, creates an emotionally charged atmosphere. It appeals to both tennis fans and lovers of art and animation.

YouTube Link: In Pursuit of Greatness

These ten commercials showcase just a fraction of what's possible when animation is harnessed for advertising. From epic narratives to simple, charming characters, animation provides a versatile and powerful medium to connect with audiences, build brand love, and deliver messages that resonate. Imagination is the only limit!