When it comes to catching a viewer's attention, creating an ad that is visually shocking is certainly one effective approach, and these morbid ad campaigns are some striking examples of how incorporating aspects of death and violence serves to make a bold impression.
Gory scenes and violent images isn't something that people ordinary see on a regular basis, which is why incorporating those morbid references into an ad campaign is a creative way to catch people off guard and capture their attention. Mainly focusing on certain safety issues such as driving or concerns about animal cruelty, these morbid ad campaigns are going beyond the bounds of what is normally acceptable in society to show much darker and often realistic effects of these issues.
From human helmet ads to ghostly donor campaigns, these morbid ad campaigns are showcasing that reality isn't always a pretty picture.
23 Morbid Ad Campaigns
23
Morbid Mischief Ads
This Campaign for Danone Densia Features Skeletal Wayward Youth
22
Morbid Magazine Marketing
The Ritual Magazine Italia Ad Campaign Depicts Creepy Kids
21
Dead Fly Car Ads
The Renault Megane R.S. 265 HP Campaign is Hilariously Morbid
20
Deathly Emoticon Ads
The Brake Don't Text and Drive Campaign Sends a Morbid Message
19
Suicidal Animal Ads
The China Environmental Protection Foundation Campaign Urges Human Help
18
Human-Devouring Animal Ads
The Cow Parade 2011 Campaign is Hilariously Shocking
17
Deathly Companion Campaigns
These Staff Jeans Ads Market a Laid Back Lifestyle
16
Morbid Vow Billboards
Great Copy Makes Great Statement in Anti-Smoking Ads
15
Morbid Safe Sex PSAs
‘The Cover' by MTV Staying Alive
14
Human Helmet Ads
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation Campaign is Gorily Scalped
13
Morbid Mammal Reminders
The Cero Caza De Ballenas 'Whale' Ads Promote Animal Activism
12
Disturbing Animal Testing Ads
Morbid NOAH Campaign Uses Faux Fragrances with Dead Critters
11
Disturbing Marine Life Ads
The Sea Shepherd Campaign Illustrates the Death of Thousands of Animals
10
Morbid Message Ads
The Metuna Don't Text and Drive Campaign is Shockingly Nonchalant
9
Homicidal Diet Ads
The Slimsticks Weight Loss Products Literally Kill Your Cravings
8
Deathly Food PSAs
The 'Killer Burger' Ad for Road Safety Trust Shows how Food Kills
7
Shocking Cruelty Advertising
This Disturbing Baby Seal Clubbing PETA Ad Takes Aim at Canada
6
Skin-Stretching Campaigns
The M Wrap Print Ads Show that this Plastic Wrap Keeps Food Fresh
5
Morbid Wildlife Park Ads
Bratislava Zoo Campaign Encourages People to Meet the Animals They Wear
4
Ghostly Donor Campaigns
The France Adot 2011 Ads Celebrate and Thank Organ Donors
3
Morbid Magazine Ads
The G2 Grey Vega iPad Commercial Shows Print as a Dying Business
2
Extinction-Simulating Calendars
The 'Sanctuary Reverse Calendar' Counts Down Impending Doom
1
Butterfly Effect Death Ads
The Organ Donor Foundation Campaign Urges People to Donate Organs
Related Ideas
Fairytale Wedding Gowns
The Jesper Hovring Spring 2012 Campaign Stars a Romantic Anne-Sofie List
Spice-Suffering Dog Ads
The Cepera Extra Strong Pepper Sauce Campaign is Extremely Hot
Character-Copying Children Ads
The Praia de Belas Shopping Campaign Promotes Newly Opened Theater
Trashy Liquor Ads
The Alibi Kentucky Straight Bourbon Campaign is Similar to 'People of Walmart'
Alcoholic Circus Campaigns
The Hendrick's Gin 2011 Ads Show that 'It's Not For Everyone'
Denim Dummy Ads
The Diesel Jeans Be Stupid Campaign is Both Silly and Stylish
Dubious Legal Campaigns
The ITV1 Injustice Print Ads Questions (Un)Lawful Actions
Politics-Inspired Bra Ads
The Hope Super Push Up Campaign is Hilarious and Shocking
Balloon People Ads
The Vodafone Celebrate Bandra Campaign Promotes an Annual Indian Festival
Dramatically Artistic Hair Ads
The Coiff Your Success Magazine Campaign Showcases Creative Styles
Deceiving Vision Ads
The Sivo Lenses Campaign Unveils Scary Situations as They are
Stock Photo-fighting Ads
The Lumini Photography Get a Better Campaign Advocates Better Imagery
Fantastical Animal Art
Surreal Adventures by Sergey Ryzhov is Dream-Like
Touching Morning Treat Ads
The Dunkin' Donut Coffee Shop Campaign is Adventurously Sketched
Warped Face Ads
The Colgate Total Dental Floss Campaign Shows How Food Can Ruin Beauty
Aquatic Exercising Ads
The Sport Life Fitness Club Campaign Shows Bulging Bellies and Toned Thighs
Animal-Shaped Hinge Ads
The Q20 Super Multi-Purpose Lubricant Campaign is Squeaky Cute
Stripped Parasol Spreads
This Starkweather Umbrellas Campaign Sells More than Shelter
Creepy Cause Campaigns
The K.I.D.S. 2011 Print Ads Show How Children's Diabetes Kills Innocence
Incapacitating Accessory Campaigns
These B-Point Jewelry Ads Cause Cardiac Arrest
Broken Image Fashion Ads
The Harvey Nichols SS12 Campaign Encourages People to Be Seen
Exploited Labour Ads
This World Vision Child Slavery Campaign is a Call to End Corruption
Punched Remedy Advertising
The P & G Vick 'Knockout' Campaign Fights Off the Flu
Violent Car Campaigns
The Lamborghini Aventador 2011 Ads Have an Agressive Message
Karma-Questioning Campaigns
Tom Hussey's Globe Aware Ads Show You Can Fix Your Fate
Georgian Musician Marketing
This El Comercio Campaign Draws a Fragmented Lineage
Glittering Bokeh Ads
The Fashion Cares 25th Anniversary Campaign Celebrates a Big Milestone
Nostalgia-Embracing Campaigns
Carep Costruzioni Ads Show that the Company Was There Since Day One
Packaged Ocean Trash Campaigns
The 'Catch of the Day' Campaign Displays Debris Like Food
Sweet-Encrypted Message Campaigns
The 'Jigglevision' Campaign Lets You Reveal Secrets with JELL-O
Phallic Weapon Ads
The Lovestore Make Love, Not War Campaign is Destructively Sensual
Inky Music Icon Ads
The DCS Audiophile Equipment Campaign Urges People to 'Save the Music'
Wrung-Out Shirt Ads
The Airsana Dehumidifiers by Henkel Campaign Squeezes Out Moisture
Celebrity-Mimicking Kid Ads
The John Casablanca International Institute Campaign is Adorable
Iconic Baby Music Ads
The Parque Recreio Kids Campaign Features Toy Versions of Musicians
Body Part Clothing Ads
The TriEnergy 'Health Has No Replacement' Campaign is Disturbing
Clothes-Loving Campaigns
The Palmolive Sta-Soft Ads Promote a Passionate Wardrobe Relationship
Weight-Loss Public Transport Ads
The Road and Transport Authority Dubai Campaign Promotes Health
Infomercial-Mocking Hair Ads
Schwarzkopf Stylemet Campaign Introduces a Bad Hair Day Hairpiece
Whale-Inspired Pianos
The Whaletone Lets You Play the Songs of the Sea
Animalized Radiation Symbol Ads
The SORA Fukushima Dogs & Cat Rescue Campaign is Bold and Simple
Stimulated Roller Coaster Ads
The Foundation Against Drug Consumption Campaign is Scary
Disastrous Post-Apocalyptic Commercials
The Greatness Awaits Ad for PlayStation 4 is Epic
Blindfolded Victim Ads
The Instituto Crianca Nosso Futuro Campaign Focuses on False Promises
Musician Mash-Up Family Ads
The Mundo Livre FM Campaign Consists of Music Icon Portraits
Zit Catastrophe Ads
The Clearex Pimple Treatment Gel Campaign Relies on Nail Art
Undesirable Conveyance Campaigns
These MAC Advertisements Encourage Careful Driving
Insect-Saving Ads
The Capital Bee Campaign Encourages Bee-Friendly Behavior
Electric Eyeshadow Campaigns
The Saint Laurent Fall 2013 Beauty Ad Stars Cara Delevingne
Spotted Women Ads
The Ana Derme Creme White Essence Campaign Promotes Flawless Skin
Self-Inflicted Eco Wounds
Advertisers Without Borders Show You Hurt Yourself by Hurting the World
Celebratory Survivor Ads
The Embassy of Israel in Argentina Campaign is Against Terrorism
Adorable Heartache Ads
The Bonjela Teething Gel Campaign Focuses on Childhood Woes
Photocopied Publicity Stunts
Scholtz & Friends' Copy Shop Ad Campaign Recreates Berlin Landmarks
Monstrously Erotic Channels
D-Smart's New Passion of the Night Ads are Dubiously Lustful
Pie-Chart Carpet Ads
The Toshiba Satellite U840W Campaign Promotes Ultra-Wide Laptops
Fashionable Food Brand Ads
The Vanish Power Stain Remover Campaign Keeps Designer Clothes Fresh
Erotic Texting Ads
The Alberta Office of Traffic Safety Campaign Shows 'Crotches Kill'
Telepathic Cat Commercials
Rhett & Link: Commercial Kings Make Epic Local Advertisements
Icy Palm Tree Ads
The British Airways Goodbye Winter Sale Campaign Promotes Flight Discounts
Kid Perspective Campaigns
The Hospital Aleman Ads Show the Differences Between Children and Adults
Biblical Script Ads
The Sao Paolo Jewish Film Festival Campaign is a Play on Religion
Fat Erasing Ads
The 100 Rokiv Weight Loss Clinic Campaign Encourages Healthy Food Options
Drowsy Classic Art Ads
The Sao Paulo Museum of Art Campaign Alters Timeless Paintings
Bedsheet Cleanup Ads
The Vanish Kosla Oxi Action Campaign Leaves Romantic Memories in the Mind
Brick-Blending Woman Ads
The UOL Fashion Campaign Advocates Standing Out From the Crowd
Cosmic Fruit Ads
The Criterion Fine Cut Knives Campaign is Out of This World
Ying-And-Yang Campaigns
The Alka Seltzer 2011 Print Ads are Simple and to the Point
Fake Movie Commercials
Orange Cineday Shows That You Can Bring a Friend to See a Movie for Free
Survival of the Fittest Ads
The Fruit Shop On Greams Road Campaign Encourages Healthy Eating
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Ads
The 'Baby Can Wait' Campaign Warns Against Unprotected Sex
Tech-Worshipping Ads
The Login: The Conference of Insight Campaign Promotes Obsessed-Over Brands
Anti-SMS Driving Campaigns
AT&T 'No Text on Board' Pledge Asks You to Stop Texting and Driving
Accordion Storage Ads
The Nissan Tiida Expandable Trunk Campaign Can Accommodate Large Containers
Preoccupied Handyman Prints
DIY Living Ads Divulge the Distractions of Home Improvement
Monstrous Mom Ads
The Parents Empowered Campaign is Inspired by Retro Horror Movie Posters
Landmark-Dismissing Ads
This Lonely Planet Ad Takes a Shot at Famous Landmarks
Plant Lifestyle Campaigns
The Natureza Magazine Print Ads Shows How to Care for Foliage
Militarized Natural Disaster Ads
The Amnesty International Arms Trade Campaign is Out of Control
Artistically Scratched Floor Ads
The Tok & Stok Campaign Urges Against Rearranging Furniture
Headlining Text Dresses
This Alt for Damene Campaign Suggests Content You Can Wear
Pleasurable Mini Man Ads
The Japi Jane Campaign Turns the Taboo into Pure Fantasy
Bulging Belly Branding
Mate Tea Packaging Loses its Pudge as its Contents are Consumed
Road-Reporting Apps
The iPhone Pothole Season App Campaign Helps People Avoid Messes
Seafaring Creature Combat Ads
This Nexcare Bandage Promotion Has Aquatic Animals About to Get Hurt
Shushing Blowdryer Ads
The Philips ActiveCare 2300 Hairdryer Campaign Lulls Babies to Sleep
Wide-Eye Toy Campaigns
The BIC Alcaline Battery Ads are Intense
Nostril Feeding Bags
The K-E Diet is a Weight Loss Tactic Where Food Goes in the Nostril
Suggestive Alcohol Ads
The V2O Pure Grain Vodka Campaign is a Sensual Celebration
Comically Tragic Gum Ads
The Wrigley Orbit Campaign Encourages Meal Separation
Champagne-Popping Award Campaigns
The CLIO Awards Ads Feature Hard Work and Intense Celebration
Protruding Stomach Ads
The Sport Life Belly Island Campaign Features Weight Gain Obstruction
Surfer Graveyard Ads
Increase Water Awareness with the Protect Our Waves Campaign
Hovering House Campaigns
The 'Orphea: Home, Roulotte, Camping' Ads Fight Bugs with Levitation
Hilarious Halitosis Ads
The 'No One Follows Bad Breath' Campaign Illustrates Through Laughter
Ultimate Piggyback Prints
This Diamond Coffee Campaign Keeps Your Focused
Spill-Proof Towel Campaigns
These SPA Cponge Cloth Ads Conquer All Kitchen Messes
Christmas Equation Campaigns
The Brain Candy Toys Holiday 2011 Ads Flex the Mind Muscle
Trapped Taxidermy Ads
The Coleman Campaign Warns People to Not Get Stuck Indoors
Choco-Bar Juice Boxes
The Cocoa Metro Campaign is Crafty, Creative and Clever
Porcelain Pedestrian Ads
The City of Vancouver People are Fragile Campaign Promotes Safe Crossings
Panda-Printed Animal Ads
The WWF 2012 Campaign Encourages People to Join Their Team
Romantic Wildlife Park Ads
The Kolner Zoo Tour D'Amour Campaign Will Entice Cute Couples
Wife-Morphing Campaigns
The Carlton Mid Ads Encourage Husbands to Take Time for Themselves
Adventurous Alcohol Ads
The Canadian Hunter Whisky Campaign is Made for Burly Men
Distressful Deodorant Ads
The Rexona Men Campaign Works Even on Most Stressful Days
Diet-Inducing Cigarettes
The Vaportrim Enhances Smell to Reduce Hunger
Literary Snoozing Ads
BBDO's Dr Gav Mattresses Ad Features the Book 'Around the World in 80 Days'
Black Icon Campaigns
The O Povo Celebrate Equality Ads Focus on Historical Figures
Porky Piano Campaigns
The Lasonic Big Fat Sound Ads Boast Delicious and Meaty Audio
Beverage Comparison Charts
The Cola vs Water Infographic Will Have You Thirsty for Aqua
Jumping Youth Camera Ads
The 'Fujifilm Finepix XP' Campaign Promotes its Latest Feature
Pelted Performer Prints
This Palmeiron Sauce Campaign Threatens Giant Tomatoes
Playful Knife Campaigns
The 'Tramontina Pro Made Easy' Ads Compare Cutting to Playing a Game
Overused Icon Campaigns
The 'Let Them Rest in Peace' Campaign Dismisses Ads with Popular Pop Icons
Eerie Hoarding Ads
This Foot Locker Promotion Features Disturbing Images of Hoarding
Collage-Like Audio Ads
The Hi-Fi Klubben Campaign Captures Music in Visual Art
Gambling Moments Ads
The Quebec Health Ministry Campaign Forces Bettors to Re-Prioritize Lives
Endearing Engagement Commercials
The Recreio Volkswagen Proposal Ad is Like Watching Real Life
Epic Driving Commercials
The BMW 1 Series M Coupe Gets Pushed Through Some Concrete Walls
Angry Voicemail Commercials
The Alamo Drafthouse Captures the Voicemail from an Angry Customer
Snack-Snitching Devices
MetaReal’s Virtual Fridge Lock is a Diet-Friendly Tattletale
Suffering Clan Campaigns
The Quebec Federation of Family Doctors Ads Ask for Government Funding
Fecal Smoking Campaigns
The Ugly Truth Campaign Connects Pet Feces to Smoking
Comic-Inspired Brake Ads
This Promotion for Volkswagen City Emergency Brake Uses Comic Violence
Cellphone-Kissing Campaigns
The 'Burberry Kisses' Cosmetics Campaign Sends Virtual Love
Whale-Watching Vases
The Mobi Vase Turns Any Area Into an Aquatic Arena
All-Inclusive Internet Shopping Ads
The Virtualbox Campaign Shows Anything Can be Bought Online
Party-Inducing Antacid Ads
The Alka Seltzer Extreme Campaign is Fun and Youthful
Manly Fashion Marketing
The Old Navy Dress Like A Guy Campaign Takes Aim at Luxury Designer Ads
Skewered Whale Street Art
These Sea Shepherd Whale Campaigns Will Get You Hooked on Activism
Subtitle-Switching Campaigns
The 'Barely Legal Media Space' Ads Tricked Piraters with Fake Text
Rockstar Beverage Commercials
The Australian Hahn Beer Ad is the Marketing Genius of Champions
Playable Instrument Posters
The 'Guitar Poster' by Kian Guitars Can Be Used to Create Tunes
Liberated Film Character Campaigns
These Now TV on Demand Ads are Visually Stunning
Comical Weight Loss Shorts
The Witty 'How to Lose Weight in 60 Seconds' Film by Dave Carter
Singing Weight-Loss Ads
Weight Watchers UK 'Play Weight Watchers' Campaign is Catchy & Interactive
Apocalyptic Blockbuster Commercials
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes Trailer is Movie Mayhem
Vitamin Trend Report
Follow the Goods and Services Offered by the Health and Wellness Industries
Fatty Fishing Hook Advertising
Danacol Fat Grab Campaign Lures You to Lower Cholesterol