Happy World Marketing Day!

As a digital marketing agency Colchester brands trust, we’ve been reflecting on the famous marketing campaigns that have really made an impact-whether they made us smile, stuck in our minds, or inspired the way we think about branding. From clever concepts to bold ideas, these are the campaigns that have stayed with us for all the right reasons.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into the team’s all-time favourite famous marketing campaigns and celebrate the creativity, strategy, and storytelling that make marketing so powerful.

McDonald’s “The Monopoly Game”

This one’s a classic and a firm favourite for our Maddie! McDonald’s hit the mark with their “MONOPOLY Campaign” by turning a standard fast-food order into something way more exciting. It wasn’t just about the burgers and fries anymore; suddenly, every meal came with a bit of a thrill.
The concept was simple but seriously effective as far as famous marketing campaigns go: collect game pieces, build up your board, and try your luck at winning anything from a free McFlurry to a dream holiday. It tapped into that nostalgic Monopoly magic while creating a fun, interactive experience that kept people coming back for more. A brilliant mix of gamification, clever timing, and just the right dose of excitement.

Nike vs. Adidas – The Olympic showdown

Jamie chose his ultimate favourite campaign during the 2012 London Olympics, which gave us one of the most iconic marketing battles ever: Nike vs. Adidas. Adidas had the official sponsor badge, with their “Take The Stage” campaign front and centre across venues and merch.
But Nike? They played it smart, with one of the most famous marketing campaigns. With no official rights, they launched their “Find Your Greatness” campaign, spotlighting everyday athletes and filming in places called “London” around the world. Add 400 Olympians in bright Volt trainers and a standout social media strategy, and Nike proved that creativity can outshine even the biggest budgets. We can’t help but admire a bold move like that!

Dove – “Real Beauty Sketches”

This one really stood out for Monika. She loved how “Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches” helped people see their real beauty, especially when we’re often our own worst critics.

Dove’s campaign used a forensic artist to show the difference between how women describe themselves and how others see them. The results hit hard. It was simple, emotional, and so relatable. Proof that when a brand connects on a human level, the impact goes way beyond the product.

Coca-Cola – “Holidays Are Coming”

You know it’s nearly Christmas when that Coca-Cola truck rolls onto the screen. The “Holidays Are Coming” ad is a festive classic that our Marnie adores, thanks to its catchy jingle, glowing red lorry, and that cosy, nostalgic feeling it brings every single year.
It’s not just an advert, it’s a signal that the festive season has officially begun. Like clockwork, it stirs up childhood memories, excitement, and all the warm, fuzzy feelings. Coca-Cola really nailed the art of turning a soft drink into a seasonal tradition-and we’re still not over it.

IRN-BRU – “Fanny”

This campaign centres around a woman who gives birth and declares that she wants to name her baby “Fanny”, much to the chagrin of her husband. Not to fear, though, because ‘IRN BRU gets you through’. It’s classic Scottish humour: deadpan, daring, and brilliantly timed.
What made this ad even more powerful was IRN-BRU’s decision to hold back from posting it directly on their own channels. Instead, they let someone else share it first, giving the impression of a spontaneous discovery. This approach added to the humour and relatability – it felt like something you’d stumble across and just had to share.

Carla loves how IRN-BRU consistently leans into humour that pushes the envelope while staying true to their irreverent tone. The ad went viral not just because it was funny, but because it was allowed to grow organically, building hype and intrigue in a way that felt authentic.
It’s a masterclass in knowing your audience and trusting them to do the talking. When a brand is that confident in its identity and smart enough to let the public amplify its message. The results are magic and seriously shareable.

Metro Trains Melbourne – “Dumb Ways to Die”

This one’s a favourite for a reason-it’s catchy, clever, and seriously memorable. It also struck a chord with our team member Isla, who grew up playing the game for hours (we get it, it’s addictive).
Originally launched as a safety campaign for Metro Trains Melbourne, it turned a serious message into something fun and shareable. With its dark humour, quirky animations, and that ridiculously catchy song, “Dumb Ways to Die” managed to make train safety go viral. Proof that even public service announcements can go big and become one of the most famous marketing campaigns with the right mix of creativity and charm.

Beckham x Uber Eats – Super Bowl teaser

This campaign is a clever nod to a viral moment that fans of the Beckhams will instantly recognise. It riffs off the now-famous scene from Beckham’s Netflix documentary, where Victoria insists she grew up “working class” and David cheekily calls her out, asking what car her dad drove (a Rolls-Royce, by the way). That clip blew up online, and Uber Eats jumped on the opportunity with perfect timing.
In the “David Beckham & Victoria Beckham Super Bowl teaser”, the couple poke fun at themselves again, this time “forgetting” the brand they’re meant to be promoting. It’s playful, self-aware, and packed with the kind of humour that sticks. Rosa loves famous marketing campaigns that stay culturally relevant while still keeping it simple and smart.

Toys R Us – “It’s a Magical Place”

This one’s a proper throwback. The “It’s a Magical Place” advert from Toys R Us is etched into the memories of so many of us and for good reason. With its catchy jingle, twinkly visuals, and that wide-eyed excitement of kids racing through toy aisles, it perfectly captured the wonder of childhood.
Kirsty loves how this ad didn’t just sell toys, it sold a feeling. It made every visit to Toys R Us feel like an event, a magical escape into a world of imagination. Even now, it’s a reminder of how powerful nostalgia can be in marketing. A simple concept, delivered with heart, that stuck with a generation and rightly earns its place amongst famous marketing campaigns.

The Simpsons – Gabbo and the rise of viral marketing

Last but not least, Lee picked a golden oldie and one of the earliest (and sneakiest) examples of viral marketing for one of his favourite famous marketing campaigns. In The Simpsons Season 4 finale, “Krusty Gets Cancelled,” a mysterious campaign for a new character called Gabbo sweeps through Springfield. With cryptic teasers and everyone asking, “Who’s Gabbo?”, the buzz builds fast, long before we were using terms like “viral marketing.”
The beauty of this episode is how it mirrors real-world hype culture. The Gabbo campaign spreads through word-of-mouth, curiosity, and clever placement, much like modern teasers for new products or shows. It’s a reminder that great marketing isn’t always about the hard sell; sometimes it’s about creating intrigue and letting the audience do the talking. As far as lessons in PR and marketing go, this Simpsons episode is surprisingly timeless and still totally relevant today. Learn more about what The Simpsons can teach us about PR and marketing.

Get in touch with us at Koala Digital and share your favourite famous marketing campaigns!

From nostalgic jingles to clever ambush marketing, these campaigns show just how powerful creativity, emotion, and a strong brand voice can be. Whether it’s making us laugh, tugging at our heartstrings, or leaving a slogan stuck in our heads for weeks, great marketing sticks with us for a reason.

Got a favourite famous marketing campaign we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear it! Contact us or tag us on socials and let’s keep the marketing chat going. After all, inspiration is everywhere, and we’re always up for geeking out over brilliant ideas.

If you’re looking to create something memorable for your own brand, we’d love to help. Whether it’s a creative campaign, a refreshed site, or tailored SEO support, Koala Digital is here to bring your vision to life. As a trusted SEO agency in Colchester who are also renowned for website design in Colchester, we combine strategy with standout ideas to help your brand grow.