Horror movies have always been a popular go-to option for individuals looking to be frightened or scared, and these creepy marketing techniques are utilizing some of those shocking and disturbing elements as a way to draw in and attract consumers.
With the amount of print ads and commercials continually bombarding viewers every single day, it takes something truly unique and eye-catching to make people remember a certain product or theme. What better way to catch someone's attention than by showcasing a horrifying image or frighteningly scary horror character? From horrifying cereal commercials to frightening food safety ads, these creepy marketing techniques are utilizing scare tactics as way to make an impression on viewers.
Whether you enjoy horror movies or not, there's no doubt that these creepy marketing techniques will surely leave a bold and shocking impression on anyone who sees it.
40 Creepy Marketing Techniques
From Event-Promoting Horror Videos to Blood-Sucking Smoking Ads:
Tana Makmanee — Jun 27, 2013 — Marketing
40
Creepy Double-Take Campaigns
The Dominika Naziebty Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook is Conceptual
39
Pregnant Promotions
The INDT Campaign is Swollen With Hilarity
38
Role Reversal Shockvertising
'Humans for Animals' Creates an Alarming Campaign
37
Morbid Magazine Marketing
The Ritual Magazine Italia Ad Campaign Depicts Creepy Kids
36
Freaky Marionette Fashion Ads
The Versace for H&M Video is Weird but Fascinating
35
Creepy Cause Campaigns
The K.I.D.S. 2011 Print Ads Show How Children's Diabetes Kills Innocence
34
Monster-Full Fashion Ads
The Mulberry Fall 2012 Campaign is Entirely Enchanting
33
Interactive Anti-Blemish Ads
Peel-Off Zits & Cellulite You Can Pop
32
Horrorvertising
Burger King's ‘Open Late' Campaign Caters to Scary Villains
31
Creepy Double-Faced Ads
The Berlitz Language Center Campaign Promotes Flawless Foreign Speaking
30
Blindfolded Victim Ads
The Instituto Crianca Nosso Futuro Campaign Focuses on False Promises
29
Cannibalistic Caffeine Campaigns
These Cafe Taina Coffee Ads Keep You Alert
28
Spiderwoman Sock Ads
Vog Socks Debut on the Web with Beautiful Arachnids
27
Monstrous Calling Campaigns
The Vodacom 2011 Ads Shows Free Calls After Midnight
26
Excited Eyeball Ads
The Hotwheels Elite Collection Campaign Will 'Make Daddy Jealous'
25
Chain Reaction Infection Ads
Dettol Hand Sanitizer Hammers Home the Need to Clean Your Hands
24
Creepy Skinvertising
Harnn Massage Balm Ads Get Under Your Skin
23
Voyeurvertising
Kia Soul Ad Campaign Gives Mobsters a Sneak Peek Inside
22
Uncomfortably Creepy Commercials
Snickers Gets Eerie for Halloween Campaign
21
Blood-Sucking Smoking Ads
The 'Mask' Campaign Discourage Smoking Through Dracula-Like Smokes
20
Barbaric Furniture Ads
The Connect Furniture Print Ads Show People Why They Need Furniture
19
Hygienic Shockvertising II
Carre Fresh: Wipe Whatever You've Touched
18
Sexual Predator Ads
The Baby Can Wait Campaign Teaches Girls About Healthy Relationships
17
Possessed Shoes & Earphones
Allegro.pl 'Things Get Closer' Campaign
16
Creepy Faceless Ads
The Young Lions Brazil 2013 Campaign Features Scrunched Up Expressions
15
Frightening Food Safety Ads
Parents and Kids Should watch Out for the Scorpion in the Burger
14
Indigestion Painvertising
GastroMilk Ads Show Animals Trying to Escape From Stomachs
13
Frightening Facial Hair Ads
The Newest Movember Ad Features David and his Creepy Mustache
12
Scary Listening Promos
BBC Radio Science Fiction Ad Scares You Into Listening
11
Head-Turning Car Ads
The Volkswagen Passat Campaign Promotes the Car's "Rear View Parking Camera"
10
Horrific Porcelain Ads
The Profondo Rosso Campaign is Shockingly Gory
9
Uncovering Alcoholism
These PSA Ads Reveal The Ugly Reality
8
Frightened Profile Update Ads
The SOS Violence Conjugale Campaign Sheds Awareness on Spousal Abuse
7
Insect Love Advertising
The Futureo Credit Card Campaign Unites Savers and Spenders
6
Devilish Vacuum Commercials
The Dirt Devil Exorcist Ad is Freakishly Funny
5
Double-Eyed Cat Campaigns
The Pet Show Pet Food Ads by Hermandad are Dizzying
4
Horrifying Cereal Commercials
The 'Cornflakes Advert' Video Will Make Your Blood Curdle
3
Informed Cyclops Ads
The Delo.ua News Briefly Campaign Shows 'One Glance is Enough'
2
Frightening Illness Ads
'The Bear' HIV Prevention Commercial Shows the Masked Qualities of HIV
1
Event-Promoting Horror Videos
Portfolio Night Could be as Scary as the Terrifying Promo Vid
Related Ideas
Nostalgia-Driven Cereal Promotions
Kellogg’s Toy Story 5 Cereal Boxes Reintroduce In-Pack Toys
Tarot-Inspired Streaming Campaigns
Netflix Discover Your Future Reveals New Streaming Potentials
Playful Billboard Campaigns
Dreamies Treats Unveil a Show-Stopping 3D Billboard Campaign
Sound-Focused Ice Cream Ads
Magnum Ice Cream Ads Bring the Ultimate Sensory Experience to Life
Unsightly Oatmeal Campaigns
The Quaker 'Deliciously Ugly' Campaign Celebrates Oatmeal
Curated Halloween-Inspired Japanese Snacks
TokyoTreat is Boasting Japanese Snacks for Halloween
Halloween-Themed Flower Bouquets
Bouqs’ Spooky Collection Brings Halloween Charm to Floral Design
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Early Autumnal Chocolate Products
These Mars Chocolate Products are Arriving for Summerween
Debunking Skincare Campaigns
The Periodic Fable by The Ordinary Exposes Beauty Industry Buzzwords
Cinema-Inspired Fashion Campaigns
Brunello Cucinelli Released Cinema Meraviglia for the Holidays
Gen Z Advertising Initiatives
Tubi Targets Younger Viewers with Ad Innovations at IAB NewFronts
Freeze-Dried Halloween Candies
Skittles Pop’d Creepy Crunch is Arriving in the Fall
Sniffable Deodorant Billboards
Sure's Out-of-Home Campaigns Invites Passersby to Take a Whiff
Spooky Dating-Inspired Candies
Sweethearts Launched Ghosted Sweethearts for Halloween
Scary Ketchup Expiry Campaigns
Heinz's ‘Expired Sauce Hunt’ Reminds Consumers to Clear the Fridge
Family-Friendly Halloween Essentials
Oriental Trading Creative Decor Options
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Enigmatically Suspenseful Fashion Campigns
Tom Ford Presents Its Fall 2025 Advertising Campaign
Immersive Horror Games
Eyes Never Wake's Monster Sees Players Through Their Webcam
Major Fan-Centric Candy Campaigns
Skittles Debuts the Playful Skittles Obsessed Initiative
Show-Inspired QSR Menus
The Stranger Things Meals Campaign Introduces Two Parallel Food Options
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Unusual Fast Food Ads
KFC’s ‘Believe’ Campaign Ad Pushes Chicken Obsession to New Heights
Horror Movie-Themed Donuts
Krispy Kreme Night of the Skremes Donuts are Launching in the UK
Horror Franchise Soda Ranges
These Fanta Sodas Showcase Horror Film Characters
Night QSR Campaigns
The Mcdonald’s Night Posters Turn Post-Party Cravings into Glowing Urban Art
Horror Doll Collectibles
Pop Mart's Blind Box Chucky Franchise Series Shares Scary Surprises
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Spooky QSR-Branded Merchandise Lines
Tim Hortons Debuts New Halloween-Themed Seasonal Merchandise
Cinematic Auto Marketing Campaigns
Mazda Debuts the '5 Sides of the All-New CX-5' Film
Halloween-Celebrating QSR Menus
The Burger King Monster Menu Doubles Down on Halloween Themes
Delivery Driver-Centric Pizza Ads
Pizza Hut's New Commercial is Cheeky and Playful
Retail Advertising Campaigns
IKEA Hides Price Tags to Highlight Material Quality in a New Campaign
Brighton Retail Launch Ads
IKEA Brighton Uses Seagull Splatter Campaign to Win Local Attention
Film-Inspired Vodka Marketing Campaigns
GREY GOOSE Partners with The Devil Wears Prada 2
Consumer-Focused Packaging Strategies
Hershey's Unveils Elevated Packaging at Sweets & Snacks Expo
Nightmarish Mobile Campaigns
Liquid Death Created the Cellphone Bill Character for Boost Mobile
Takeout-Style Serum Sets
Glow Hub’s Skin Sips to Go are Packaged Like Cups in a Carrier
Pet-Finding Billboards
Hrvatski Telekom Created Scented Billboards That Attract Lost Dogs
TV-Inspired Detergent Campaigns
Tide Draws Parallels Between Stranger Things & Letters to Tide
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Chainsaw-Sliced Sandwiches
Sheetz and Liquid Death are Serving Up Uniquely Sliced Sandwiches
Cheeky Baking Apparel
Betty Crocker Turns Cake Mix Nostalgia Into Wearable Merchandise
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Typography Food Campaigns
Pumpui Unveils a Custom Typeface to Differentiate Korean-Style Products
Spooky THC Seltzer Campaigns
Delta Named Its Drink "The Unofficial Beverage of Adult Halloween"
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
Eating Ritual Campaigns
Müller You Know How You Like It Celebrates Unique Snacking Methods
Unfiltered Sleep Campaigns
The IKEA Sleep Talk Reviews Campaign Uses Real Nighttime Mutterings
Halloween Candy-Inspired Donuts
The Krispy Kreme Trick or Treat! Collection Has Four New Products
Cinematic Condiment Campaigns
Mike's Hot Honey Has Debuted Its First National Advertising Campaign
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Limited-Edition Spooky Makeup Collections
Annabelle Cosmetics is Gearing Up for Halloween
Limited-Edition K-Pop Food Lines
Nongshim and Netflix Produce the K-Pop Demon Hunters
Gamified Scent Marketing Experiences
Axe's Grab The Sweet Turned a Bus Stop into a Claw Machine
Paparazzi-Style Cereal Shots
Photos of William Shatner Eating Raisin Bran Tease a Big Game Ad
Workplace-Inspired Salad Campaigns
BrightFarms Launches the Salad Freaks in the Workplace Campaign
Musician-Led Beverage Campaigns
poppi Tapped Charli xcx and Rachel Sennott for the Super Bowl
Humorous Healthcare Campaigns
Zocdoc And 72andSunny Reframe Doctor Search With Playful Anxiety
Revived 90s Commercials
Gushers' FruitHead Short Horror Film Reimagines a Nostalgic Ad
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
After-Dark Pizza Ads
Morrisons' Market Street Halloween Pizza Ads Transform at Night
Burger Ad Campaigns
Burger King’s New Campaign Suggests Even Babies Can’t Resist the Whopper
Cinematic Video Game Spots
Droga5’s ‘Wake Up’ Campaign for Xbox Shows an Escape from the Everyday
Poetic Secondhand Campaigns
Depop's Where Taste Recognizes Taste Celebrates Style Doppelgangers
Early Allergen Exposure Ads
The Square Baby Super Bowl Spot Promotes a Science-Backed Message
Athlete-Backed Beverage Campaigns
PepsiCo and NFL Players Debut 'Tailgate Crashers'
Intense Elemental-Inspired Sportswear Spots
Columbia Introduced its 'Engineered for Whatever' Ad
Unfiltered Skincare Campaigns
The Indu Spots Happen Campaign Celebrates Unretouched Teen Skin
Humorous Chocolate Spots
Toblerone Introduced its ‘Chocolate Like Nobody’s Watching’
Chicken Wing Teasing Campaigns
This Pizza Hut Wings Campaign Pokes Fun at Competitors
Heartthrob Beef Jerky Campaigns
The Chomps x Cameo Bury the Beef Campaign is Apology-Themed
Limited-Edition Halloween Treats
Kellanova Brands Debut Exclusive Treats for Halloween
Coordinated Convenience-Focused Promotional Campaigns
7-Eleven Runs Promotions for Two Events
Interactive Scented Billboard Ads
LOLA MullenLowe Presents a Scented Lynx/Axe Campaign
Video Business Cards
Vidcard Helps to Make Connections and Leave a Lasting Impression
Ice Cream Popsicle Campaigns
Häagen Dazs’ Devoured Campaign Sparks Craving Through Absence
Halloween-Themed Shiraz Wines
Barossa Ink Shiraz is Debuting New Branding for the Autumn
Ghost-Themed Snack Products
These General Mills Halloween Products Come in Three Options
Second-Screen Movie Experiences
Meta's Movie Mate Technology Engages Film Viewers
Rewarding Ketchup Ads
Heinz's Post-Post Credits is the First Ad Interrupted by a Movie
French Beer Marketing Campaigns
1664 Features Robert Pattinson in Its New Acting-Inspired Campaign
Creative Eerie-Themed Soccer Campaigns
Nike Football Reimagines Soccer with 'Scary Good'
Caveman-Centric Running Campaigns
Craft Sportswear's Brand Film Channels the Primal Joy of Running
Athletic Event-Timed Tech Campaigns
TCL Ran a Comprehensive Ad Campaign During the Olympics
Cut-Out Easter Treat Disguises
Cadbury Created Print Ads That Hide Easter Eggs as Everyday Items
Horror Doll Makeup Campaigns
Urban Decay x M3GAN Team Up for 'Killer Looks Only'
Health-Boosted Candies
Baby Bottle Pop's Adulthood Survival Collection Recognizes Popular Callouts
Halloween Season Cider Campaigns
The Strongbow Spine-Chilling Refreshment Campaign is Playful
Eerie Glowing Juice Pouches
Kool-Aid Introduces the Glow-in-the-Dark 'Ghoul-Aid' for Halloween
Product-Inspired Halloween Looks
Aldi and EllaDoesFX Created a Look Inspired by Professor Peppy
High-Concept Brand Campaigns
The ‘Legitimate You’ Campaign Proves Every Brand Can Look Pro
Food-Inspired Street Art
Knorr's Dish Pics Campaign Replaces Unwanted, Unsavory Images
Bartering-Focused Frozen Pizza Promotions
RED BARON® Launches the Stuff for Stuffed Campaign
Interactive Traveling Marketing Initiatives
Heinz Pllayfully Spotlights the Heinz Ketchup Zero
Culinary Tradition Food Campaigns
The Merchant Gourmet 'Yes Chef!' Campaign is Running Now
Empowering Cosmetic Campaigns
The Revlon Be Unforgettable Campaign Reinterprets a Brand Tagline
Mexican Cuisine Halloween Promotions
The Chipotle Chip-or-Treat Promotion Offers Free Rewards
Halloween-Themed Pet Product Collections
The PetSmart Thrills & Chills Collection is Expansive
Black Garlic Mayonnaise
The Heinz Halloween Mayo Turns a Classic Condiment into a Seasonal Twist
Game-Inspired Energy Drink Campaigns
Monster Energy Piggybacks on the New Call of Duty Release
90s-Era Snack Product Campaigns
The Pringles One You Pop Campaign Revives the Tagline for Gen Z
Crispy Vampire-Themed Chocolates
KIT KAT Counts Have a Deliciously Spooky Format
Horrific Beer-Themed Comics
Garage Beer and Illustrator Tim Jacobus Partnered for Garage Fear
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Post-Game Breakfast Campaigns
McDonald's Flipped Its Ads Sideways for Super Bowl Recovery
Horror-Inspired Sports Campaigns
Nike Presents the Scary Good Campaign with Satire Themes
Deeply Discounted TV Deals
Liquid Death Added a $1 TV to Its Online Store for Black Friday
Trading-Focused Marketing Initiatives
Exness Debuts an Ambitious Global Marketing Initiative
Horror Film Fragrances
Osmo Crafted "the Scent of a Nightmare" for the Dream Eater Movie
Cinematic Martial Arts Promotions
Premier Foods and Sony Pictures Celebrate Karate Kid: Legends
Shrimp Chips-Focused Campaigns
Calbee America Launches 'What the Wild Ones Eat' Campaign
Extra-Terrestrial Chocolate Ads
Kinder Bueno's Super Bowl Ad Makes a Moment "Yes Bueno"
TV Personality-Supported Beverage Campaigns
Lucky Energy Drink Taps Brittany Cartwright
Critical Spicy Snack Campaigns
The New Flamin’ Hot Campaign Puts Its Spice to the Ultimate Test
Interactive Game Advertisements
Samsung Ads GameBreaks Encourage Deeper Engagement
Halloween-Themed Qsr Menus
Burger King Reveals a Monster Menu with Vampire Nuggets and Mummy Fries
Curated Horror Subscriptions
the Tales of the Weird Subscription Offered Eerie Stories
Ghoulish Streaming Series Snacks
Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Fiery Skulls Celebrate the Wednesday Series
Spooky Pajama Sets
Patpat is Promoting a New Seasonal Line of Coordinated Halloween Pajamas
Candy Delivery Campaigns
SKITTLES® Partners with Elijah Wood for a Game Day Spot
No-Nonsense Grooming Campaigns
The Rock Face Makes Scents Campaign Pokes Fun at Marketing Cliches
Human-First Marketing Agencies
Alev Digital Prioritizes Human Creativity Over AI-Generated Content
Halloween-Themed Advent Calendars
The 13 Nights of Halloween Advent Calendar Builds Excitement
Swapped Phone Campaigns
KitKat Phone Break Depicts Devices Traded for Chocolate Wafer Bars
Premium Autumnal Treat Ranges
These Cadbury Halloween Products Come in a Variety of Options
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Horror Animated Games
The Scope Creep Turns Workplace Briefs into a Playable Horror Experience
Ad Creation Platforms
Magritte Helps Marketers Discover, Design, and Launch Ads Quickly
Gothic Romance Restaurant Campaigns
Eggslut's Egg Yearning Explores an Unexpected Symbol of Desire
Promotional Baking Papers
Kitchen Warehouse Created Heat-Activated "Bake Friday Deals"
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Visual Discovery Campaigns
Pinterest Autumn-Winter Ads Highlight Castlecore Dreams and Fuzzy Vibes
Grandmotherly Lunchmeat Campaigns
Eat Your Buddig Spotlights a No-Nonsense Caretaker
Film-Themed Energy Products
Sneak Energy and The Rocky Horror Show Partnered on a New Product
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform