Introduction
Animated videos have become a staple in modern marketing and communication. Whether it’s for advertising, explainer videos, or brand storytelling, animation has proven time and again that it can captivate audiences, simplify complex concepts, and leave a lasting impression. However, despite their effectiveness, animated videos are often underrated—especially when compared to more traditional media like live-action ads. This blog explores the top seven underrated animated videos that demonstrate the power and creativity of animation in marketing, branding, and storytelling.
Why are Animated Videos Underrated?
In a world where traditional video ads and influencer marketing dominate, animated videos often take a back seat. While animation is incredibly versatile—ranging from 2D and 3D animated commercials to motion graphics and explainer videos—it is often seen as an investment reserved for children’s content or animated films. Many companies still view animated content as more complex or expensive to produce than traditional videos, leading them to miss out on the enormous potential it offers.
Despite these misconceptions, animation in advertising and branding is becoming increasingly important. From simplifying difficult concepts to enhancing brand recall, animation provides endless opportunities to connect with audiences entertainingly and educationally. In this post, we will highlight seven underrated animated videos that showcase just how powerful and impactful animation can be.
1) The LEGO Movie Characters Present: Safety Video — Turkish Airlines
In 2015, Turkish Airlines partnered with The LEGO Movie franchise to create an in-flight safety video that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The video starred iconic characters like Emmet, Wyldstyle, and Batman, who helped guide passengers through the usual safety procedures in a lively, humorous, and visually engaging manner. The collaboration used both 2D and 3D animation, combining the distinctive style of LEGO with the rich narrative world of the movie.
What makes this animated video stand out is its seamless blending of animation with practical messaging. Safety videos on flights are typically boring and dry, with passengers often ignoring the instructions. However, Turkish Airlines flipped this idea on its head by integrating animation in a way that felt fun, memorable, and effective. The 2D animated commercial and motion graphics helped transform a mundane experience into an enjoyable one, ensuring that passengers paid attention to important safety instructions.
Beyond just being a creative marketing tactic, the LEGO safety video also boosted the airline’s brand image. It showcased Turkish Airlines’ innovative and playful side while reinforcing the company’s commitment to customer engagement. The video has been viewed millions of times and has even been cited as one of the best corporate safety videos ever made.
2) Goldtooth Christmas Card
Goldtooth, a Canadian animation and design studio, is known for creating some of the most visually captivating work in the industry. Their Christmas card animation is a perfect example of how a simple concept—like a holiday greeting—can be transformed into an engaging, high-quality animation. The 2D animated video merges traditional hand-drawn techniques with modern motion graphics, resulting in a visually appealing and emotionally resonant piece.
While most companies opt for static digital holiday cards, Goldtooth’s animated version was both a personal touch and a showcase of their creative abilities. The animation is not only a holiday greeting but also a demonstration of the studio’s storytelling skills and expertise in animation. It’s a great example of how brand videos can serve as both marketing tools and works of art.
What makes this card unique is the way it connects with viewers. The use of motion graphics and 2D animation elevates a seasonal message, adding layers of depth and charm that traditional greetings simply cannot match. The card is a prime example of how explainer videos or animated social media ads can capture attention and convey a brand’s values creatively and memorably.
3) Your Google Assistant
Google’s “Your Google Assistant” ad campaign is another underrated animated video that deserves attention. The ad introduces viewers to the Google Assistant as a helpful, personable, and efficient assistant who is always there to make their lives easier. Through 2D animation and motion graphics, Google has successfully personified their digital assistant, allowing it to interact with users in a friendly, approachable manner.
What makes this animated ad special is its ability to break down complex technological features into something anyone can understand. Google Assistant, as a tool, can be daunting to some users, especially those unfamiliar with voice-activated technology. The animated commercial simplifies this by showcasing real-life applications, such as setting reminders, playing music, or providing weather updates, all through playful animation and bright visuals.
The strength of animation in this campaign lies in its ability to simplify abstract concepts. The animation helped convey the ease and power of Google Assistant in a way that was not only entertaining but also informative. This video serves as a great example of how motion graphics can demystify technology and make it more accessible to the average user.
4) NYP: Unmasking the Killer
The New York Police Department’s (NYP) “Unmasking the Killer” campaign is a powerful example of how animation can be used to communicate serious, high-stakes topics. In this case, the NYP used 2D animation to tell the story of a brutal crime, the subsequent investigation, and the pursuit of justice. The video serves as an educational piece, raising awareness about the importance of public assistance in solving crimes.
Unlike traditional crime documentaries or police procedural shows, which often use live-action footage, the NYP’s use of animation adds an element of suspense and intrigue that is hard to achieve with standard video. The motion graphics help to bring the audience into the investigation process, providing a cinematic experience that draws viewers in and keeps them engaged.
This is a poignant reminder that animated videos are not just for light-hearted or promotional purposes. They can also serve as powerful storytelling tools in areas like crime prevention, public service announcements, and social justice campaigns. By using animation, the NYP was able to break down complex investigative processes in a way that was accessible and impactful.
5) SPOTIFY: Promo US Launch
When Spotify launched in the United States, the company used a 2D animated commercial to introduce the app’s features to American consumers. The campaign was designed to appeal to a younger, tech-savvy demographic, and it did so with a combination of catchy music, bright visuals, and smooth motion graphics. The ad emphasized Spotify’s ability to create personalized playlists and discover new music, presenting these features through an engaging and relatable animation style.
What’s great about this animated ad is its ability to highlight Spotify’s unique value propositions without overwhelming the viewer with technical jargon. The animation makes Spotify’s features feel intuitive and easy to use. The vibrant colours and fluid transitions mirror the energy and diversity of the platform itself.
Spotify’s explainer video is a perfect example of how animation can transform an otherwise straightforward product demonstration into an exciting, interactive experience. This campaign also demonstrates the potential of animated social media ads to engage and convert users, especially when paired with the right creative elements.
6) Nespresso on Ice
Nespresso’s “On Ice” commercial brings a touch of elegance to the world of animated ads. The campaign used sophisticated 2D animation and motion graphics to showcase Nespresso’s iced coffee range. The animation is visually stunning, with smooth transitions, beautiful colour palettes, and refined design elements that elevate the overall aesthetic.
Unlike most food and beverage ads, which rely heavily on live-action footage to convey the product’s appeal, Nespresso’s animated ad opts for a more artistic approach. The animation illustrates how the coffee’s rich flavour and smooth texture are enhanced by ice, while the motion graphics symbolize the refreshing, cool nature of the beverage.
This ad shows that animation can be used to elevate even the most traditional of product categories, such as food and beverages. By using motion graphics, Nespresso was able to highlight the sensory experience of drinking iced coffee in a way that feels fresh, stylish, and innovative.
7) Onomy Protocol
Onomy Protocol, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, leveraged animation to explain complex financial concepts in a simple, engaging, and visually appealing way. The explainer video used motion graphics to break down how the protocol works and its benefits for users. Through dynamic, futuristic visuals and sleek design, the animation communicated the technicalities of blockchain and DeFi in a way that was accessible to a wide audience.
In the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, it’s essential to convey complex ideas understandably. 2D animation and motion graphics offer an excellent solution, simplifying abstract concepts while still delivering valuable information. Onomy’s use of animation to educate its audience demonstrates how powerful animated content can be for industries like fintech, where users often require in-depth education about how the technology works.
This video proves that even highly technical fields can benefit from animated ads, especially when the content is designed to be educational and engaging.
Conclusion
The examples we’ve explored in this blog highlight the incredible versatility and impact of animated videos. Whether it’s a 2D animated commercial, an explainer video, or a brand video, animation has proven time and again that it can captivate, educate, and entertain audiences while driving results for brands.
Despite being underappreciated by some businesses, animated content—especially when done well—can be a game-changer. From the simplicity and clarity of an explainer video to the creativity and emotional resonance of a motion graphic, animation opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and marketing.
In conclusion, animation should be at the forefront of your strategy if you want to create impactful, engaging, and memorable content. Whether making a commercial, launching a new product, or developing a brand story, 2D animated commercials and motion graphics can help you communicate your message in ways that traditional media simply cannot.
