The top 5 creative campaigns you need to know about right now

Halloween is still nearly two months away, but marketers were in a ghoulish mood this week, thanks in part to tie-ins with the movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Our two favorite campaigns of the week both had end-of-life themes. One was set in the “Beetlejuice” world, while the other was a quirky collab involving a very unusual coffin design. Elsewhere, we had a sequel to a viral fashion campaign from last winter, as well as broad comedy from a brewer and the latest outdoor ads from an airline that specializes in them. See the full Top 5 below. Ad Age Creativity Bookmark our section covering the best in brand creativity every day Read more here 5. Calvin Klein: Fall 2024 Campaign Agency: In-house The third season of “The Bear” may have disappointed some viewers, but the second season of Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein campaign doesn’t have any detractors. There’s no red couch this time, but there are still plenty of shots of White shirtless—this time with a swimming pool to play around in. (He has to cool off somehow.) CK certainly seems to have found its new muse, and this feels like a show that could last for years. 4. Bud Light: The Dean's Office Agency: Range Media Partners Bud Light’s troubles are legion. Can the brand find its footing by returning to the past? Its new work with comedian Shane Gillis certainly feels like classic Bud Light humor, with a two-minute skit offering the time-worn scenario of guys making fools of themselves for bottles of the stuff. Time will tell if this works, but it can’t hurt to lean into the vibe—and writing chops—of the popular comedian. 3. British Airways: Doors Agency: Uncommon Creative Studio Uncommon and British Airways have become masters of pared-down outdoor advertising of late. This effort fits right in, promoting the carrier’s business class seating (known as Club World) with images whose framing embodies the exclusivity of the product. There’s a FOMO feel to the glimpses of passengers enjoying their solitude, and while these ads take BA into more rarefied air than prior executions, the excellent craft also makes them a cut above. Check out the latest Ad Age events and award programs 2. CarMax: BeetleMax Agency: The Martin Agency You’d think brands would have a tough time with the horror-comedy genre, but in fact they’re lining up to get a piece of the creepy-cool “Beetlejuice” vibe. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel to the classic ’80s movie, opens this week and has already featured many brand collabs. One of our favorites was CarMax’s imagining of a BeetleMax location, where selling used cars couldn’t be weirder. The Martin Agency does well with the material here, effortlessly joining the “Beetlejuice” universe with a fun and great-looking parody. 1. Liquid Death x Yeti: Casket Cooler Agency: In-house Continuing the afterlife theme, we also enjoyed Liquid Death’s collab with Yeti to create a giant casket-shaped cooler, available to a lucky winner of a sweepstakes. This works so well because the eminently logical connection between the brands—Yeti coolers keep drinks cold—is brought to life in an outlandish, eye-catching way. Presumably, the eventual owner could repurpose the gag product years from now, too, sliding into eternity in the snazziest coffin around. Football marketing news Tracking Super Bowl, NFL and college brand moves Read more here

The top 5 creative campaigns you need to know about right now

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