Whether it’s a childhood jingle that you can still sing word for word, or a campaign that influences the way you work today, everyone has an ad that has really stuck with them.
Mediaweek has been asking the industry to take a trip down memory lane to find out all about the ads that have stuck with them.
Giles Watson, Executive Creative Director, DDB Group Melbourne
Lube Mobile ‘That’s 13 13 32’
The jingle, the casting—what’s not to love about this ad?
I’ve never needed the product…but for almost 30 years, I’ve smiled every time the numbers 13 13 32 randomly pop into my head.
Elise Hedley Dale, Media Director and Founder, Media Words
Cottee’s Cordial’s “My Dad picks the fruit”
I feel like this ad was EVERYWHERE for so many years—it was almost the kids’ anthem. I find myself humming this tune whenever I think about the ad.
It’s an instant mood enhancer What made this ad so good wasn’t just the catchy tune, it was how it totally captured what made cordial special for Aussie families.
It wasn’t just a drink; it was like this whole childhood ritual, a treat, and sometimes even what your parents promised if you behaved yourself!
Cordial was just part of being a 90s kid. Having a health-conscious mum meant we weren’t allowed cordial at home, but whenever I went to anyone’s house, that was it, special treat time! The lime one got me every time.
Ben Walker, Chief Doer, The Do Collective
Nike’s Ad for World Cup, Brazil at the Airport – 1998
Oh, the Airport! Nike’s football ads weren’t just commercials; they were captivating, a joy to watch! The Brazil team dribbling through an airport? Pure magic with a football. The impossible tekkers, the samba soundtrack, Ronaldo (the real one) pinging a shot off the post instead of scoring just because.
These ads weren’t just selling boots; they were selling dreams. They captured football at its purest—spontaneous, electrifying and effortlessly cool. You’d watch them and immediately run outside, convinced you were about to pull off an Elastico or smash a rising volley like the Brazilian players. Spoiler: I wasn’t! But for those few minutes, me and my mates believed.
The Nike ads stuck because they didn’t just showcase football; they celebrated it. The joy, the swagger, the sheer artistry of the game. And honestly, wasn’t there a time we all thought when we got to an airport terminal a game would break out!
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Past editions of The Ads That Made Us.
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Top image: Giles Watson, Elise Hedley Dale and Ben Walker