There are only two times a year when commercials are welcome: The Super Bowl and the holidays. And while the the ads from the celebrated sporting event are always buzzed about, most of the time they are nowhere near as moving as the picks from the holiday season. Here are this year’s best holiday commercials that captivated us all season long.
Microsoft
Hats off to Microsoft for crafting a commercial that keeps you hooked right up until the touching surprise twist at the very end. The 9-year-old in the commercial has Escobar syndrome, which limits his mobility. Yet, it doesn’t stop him from being the MVP of the neighborhood’s gaming club.
Petco
Petco’s short holiday film features a little boy who spends his winter pining for the shiny, red bike of his dreams. Along the way he falls in love with a pup who is disabled. In the end, he gets the bicycle for Christmas, but takes it apart and turns it into a fancy contraption to help his new canine best friend.
BBC One
The short film highlights the day-to-day stress and obligations that make you forget what really matters most. When time stands still for the mother and son in the clip, they rediscover the joy of their special bond.
Toyota
Soldier homecoming videos are always tearjerkers. Add in the holidays and a little boy’s sweet surprise to make his dad’s return home memorable, and you can just about guarantee you’ll be bawling. Well played, Toyota.
John Lewis
When a commercial starts and you see Elton John, you know it’s going to be a good one. The story works backwards, and ends with a young John who was gifted with a piano that ultimately changed his life. Who isn’t tempted to buy their kid a piano after watching this?
Macy’s
The popular department store uses its holiday commercial to highlight how giving brings people together—no matter how many miles and worlds apart they may be.
Samsung
Set to “Somewhere Only We Know,” a dad is on an expedition in the frozen tundra, but is still able to stay close to home. It reminds us if you can’t physically be with the ones you love for the holidays, you’ll always be there in spirit.
Apple
The tech company’s short film gives off major Pixar vibes, and likely had you wondering what the heck company this commercial was for up until the very end. The message: Don’t be afraid to share your creativity with the world.
Red Cross
We associate the holidays with family time and togetherness, but sadly it’s not always the case for everyone. The Red Cross commercial punches right in the gut, and reminds us of the work it does for families separated by conflict or natural disaster.
Google Home
Google was super-slick, and waited until the very last minute to debut its epic holiday commercial. The homerun idea reimagined what Home Alone would have been like for Kevin McCallister if he had a Google Home. While it’s the exception to the list—no waterworks here—its brilliant creativity deserves a nod.
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