40+ humorous print ads

All work and no play, allegedly, makes Jack a dull boy. And advertisers seem to agree; globally, major brands seem more interested in making us laugh than selling a product; and for good reason: humor is one of the best ice-breakers. If a brand can make you happy, they can make you open your wallet.

With that in mind, ad execs often turn to the humorous, irreverent, or even outlandish to break through the clutter and demand attention. Sure, sometimes jokes fall flat; but do it well, and the effect goes beyond the eyes — to the brain, to the emotions, and most of all, to behavior change.

And so, for a bit of Friday fun, we thought we’d share some amusing, irreverent, strange and comical adverts from around the world. Enjoy!

3M Post-It: Making a Difference, Boyfriend

Tums Extra: Lamb

Bearded Lady Bourbon: The Search

Volkswagen: Park Assist Technology, Hedgehog/Fish

Playtex: Tattoo Boy

The Cape Times: William

Nataraj Pencils: Wrecking Ball

Energy Australia: Treadmill

Huggies/Kimberly Clark: Political

New York International Latino Film Festival: Serial Killer Movie Recipe

Milky Way: Skaters

Volkswagen: Park Assist Technology, Car Jack/Glass Truck

Etch A Sketch: Sushi

San Francisco SPCA: Waiting Room

Old Spice Swagger: Action Hero

Alo Ultra: Spaghetti Napolitan

Maxam Civilization: Egypt

Blackstar Bikes: Panda

3M Scotch Tape: Chameleon

Ferretti Yachts: When the Master’s Away

Pymes Magazine: Milk

Volkswagen: Park Assist Technology, Portaloo/Hearse

Kaleva Newspaper: Underground

Santher: Misses

Visa: Stanley Cup Playoff Beard

El Comercio Newspaper: Pig

Toshiba: Studying

Kyivstar: Shared Birdfeeder

Colgate Dental Floss: Smile, 3

Arjuna Yoga Centre: Woman

Volia Broadband: Titanic

Ibuprom: Woodpeckers

Santher: Scout

Sky Company Parachuting: Wind

MasterCard Canada: Women’s Golf Classic

Witte Molen: Last Wish

Wrigley Orbit: Cow

3M Privacy Filter: For Your Eyes Only

Bench Fix Hairstyling Products: Gecko

Volia Broadband: King Kong

The Art Director’s Club: Keep Fighting the Good Fight, Illustration

McDonald’s: Tiffany

Which of these ads is your favourite? Do they do a good job of selling the product? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Stacey Kole

Stacey Kole is a freelance writer and former magazine editor. When she’s not crafting copy or chasing after her two little boys, Stacey can be found drinking coffee, tea, or anything else with caffeine. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter.