As a child of the 21st century, I’ve grown up witnessing the magical transformation that Christmas ads from John Lewis & Partners have brought to our screens every year. Each one is a unique story, beautifully told, that tugs at our heartstrings and leaves us eagerly anticipating the festive season.
2024 will once again be the season for spectacular holiday advertisements from retailers, marking another year filled with festive excitement!
Everyone is eagerly waiting to see what John Lewis has in store for us this year, following last year’s heartwarming story about Snapper the Venus flytrap that captured the nation’s affection.
At present, there’s no news about what the 2024 product lineup will entail, so in the meantime, we decided to reminisce about vintage John Lewis advertisements instead.
The retail giant has pulled out some incredible adverts from over the years, and we’ve ranked them from 17 (yes, 17) to one.
17. Shadows (2007)
14 years ago, you might recall an ad named Shadows by John Lewis. It was a clever and catchy commercial that displayed their gift collection using silhouettes. Who would have thought a coffee machine and a feather boa could pass as a dog? Perhaps the winners of Britain’s Got Talent, Attraction, did! This advertisement was quite different from the usual heartwarming or emotional ads we are accustomed to, but it still packed a powerful punch.
16. The Feeling (2009)
Number 13 houses the advertisement that sparked it all, marking its debut with a captivating cover accompanied by a heartwarming scene unfolding on-screen. To the rhythm of Sweet Child o’ Mine, children unwrap presents usually reserved for adults, stirring memories of how Christmas once felt so magical and profound. Aah, such a nostalgic moment!
15. Clues (2008)
1960s classic film advertisement with a witty twist featuring Clues, backed by a charming cover of The Beatles’ “From Me to You.” I was drawn into the lives of various characters, each longing for their ideal gifts – from a weary man yearning for a coffee machine, and so on. If only selecting the perfect present could be that straightforward!
14. Unexpected Guest (2021)
In another challenging year for the UK, John Lewis impressed with an adorable advertisement focusing on friendship. An alien lands on Earth and forms a bond with a young boy who guides her through the Christmas season, even teaching her about the meaning of a Christmas tree. The ad’s tune was “Together in Electric Dreams,” and while it was undeniably sweet and distinctly unique, it may not be their most unforgettable production yet.
13. Buster the Boxer (2016)
Content-wise, here’s how you can rephrase the given text in a more natural and easy-to-read manner:
12. The Boy & The Piano (2018)
Indeed, we’re as big a fan of Elton John as anyone else, and it was a delight to catch him in the 2018 John Lewis Christmas commercial. However, similar to our Buster, it seemed that the ad served more as a promotional platform for Elt’s autobiography (definitely worth reading) or his recent single, rather than a traditional holiday advertisement. The ad was stylish and had some impressive effects, but there could have been more focus on Christmas elements to make it feel more festive.
11. Give a Little Love (2020)
Following a challenging year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, John Lewis conveyed an earnest and contemplative message on screens, encouraging everyone to extend a bit of kindness through simple gestures, taglined as “spread a little love.” Celeste’s rendition of “A Little Love” graced this heartfelt and subtle advertisement, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of our times. In line with the tender mood of the ad, John Lewis collaborated with several charities in the UK, ensuring that profits from the related product line were responsibly allocated and consistent with the advert’s delightful tone.
10. Moz the Monster (2017)
Elbow sing a beautiful version of The Beatles’ Golden Slumbers for adorable Moz the Monster, which would most certainly win if we were ranking the songs. Big and bumbling Moz lives under a little boy’s bed – he’s afraid of the dark, but this friendly giant tells him exactly why he shouldn’t be. While they have fun playing at night, it’s not sustainable for the poor lad who just wants to kip during the day. Thinking of what’s best for him, Moz gifts a nightlight to his new friend, and says goodbye, letting him get on with his life. Completely adorable, and a John Lewis classic, even if some did find Moz a bit scary.
9. A Tribute to Givers (2010)
The one you’ll all remember – at least for the song. Ellie Goulding’s cover of Elton John rocketed up the charts when A Tribute to Givers was released, marking a whole new wave of touching John Lewis adverts. In this cute video, people prepare to give gifts to their loved ones, often struggling with wrapping tricky objects or conceal a rocking horse from two kids (Santa clearly couldn’t carry that one…). This one reminded us all of the lengths we go to to give the perfect present – and the next advert on the list highlights just how special that feeling is.
8. The Long Wait (2011)
Following A Tribute to Givers is The Long Wait, a heartwarming tale that mirrors the familiar anticipation we feel when we have an ideal gift for someone, only to have to wait and wait to give it. In this touching commercial, a young boy’s excitement seems centered around Santa’s arrival, but a surprising twist tugs at your heartstrings as you learn that his true joy comes from presenting the handmade gift he’s wrapped himself to his parents. Adorable beyond words!
7. Snapper: The Perfect Tree (2023)
It’s amazing how a Venus flytrap can stir up so many emotions, much like the John Lewis Christmas ad of 2023 does. A young boy named Alfie stumbles upon a peculiar Christmas tree growing kit in the market. To his surprise, the tree he nurtures isn’t your typical evergreen – it’s a carnivorous plant called Snapper! The ensuing scenes are filled with laughter as Alfie attempts to transform Snapper into a Christmas tree, much to the disapproval of his family who cling to their traditional holiday customs.
A significant advantage of the advertisement lies in its unique twist compared to previous years. Instead of featuring a popular cover song sung by a renowned artist, they opted for an original piece this time around, masterfully performed by Andrea Bocelli himself.
Though Snapper isn’t as memorable as perhaps Edgar or Monty as a character, he has plenty of heart. And just because he’s a Venus flytrap that might eat your family pet if he grows big enough, we love him all the same.
6. Excitable Edgar (2019)
During the olden days, I eagerly count down the days till Christmas, yet there’s just one small hiccup – I emit flames whenever I’m joyful. The commercial, accompanied by Bastille’s rendition of Can’t Fight This Feeling, portrays the villagers growing weary of my lovable dragon pal who inadvertently spoils their merriment. However, Ava, his little companion, eventually discovers the ideal gift that requires a flame – a Christmas pudding! It’s filled with humor, intelligence, and an overdose of saccharine sweetness, making it an unforgettable watch.
5. The Bear and the Hare (2013)
As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, just hearing the title instantly transports me back to that heartwarming advertisement. With Lily Allen’s enchanting rendition of Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know as its soundtrack, The Bear and the Hare unfolds a delightful tale of winter wildlife in captivating 2D animation.
4. The Beginner (2022)
2022 Christmas ad from John Lewis focuses on a heartwarming tale about a foster father making special efforts for his incoming child, who enjoys skateboarding. To bond with the teenager, an older man learns to skateboard despite some initial falls and injuries. In the end, he’s able to demonstrate basic skills before the new arrival. This ad conveys that small acts can have significant impact while drawing attention to the crucial matter of children in care. John Lewis’ 2022 ad is emotional, thought-provoking, and subtle yet impactful.
3. The Journey (2012)
As a movie buff, I’ve always been intrigued by unique soundtracks, and Gabrielle Aplin’s rendition of “The Power of Love” was an exceptional addition to the mix. Interestingly enough, it became the first track from the soundtrack to top the UK charts, which is quite a feat! The storyline was grand and captivating: a snowman embarked on an epic journey across mountains, rivers, and British high streets, seeking the perfect present for his snow-companion – a hat and scarf set. Admittedly, I can’t vouch for the practicality of the gift, but who am I to doubt a snowman’s determination? This tale sparked nationwide conversations, making us all secretly yearn for partners as thoughtful as our frosty friends.
2. The Man on the Moon (2015)
Norwegian artist Aurora remade Oasis’s hit “Half the World Away” in a moving rendition, featuring a young girl who discovers a solitary old man residing on the moon. In her attempts to reach him, she ultimately succeeds by delivering a telescope via balloons, allowing him to witness Christmas from his abode. John Lewis collaborated with Age UK for this heartwarming campaign, aimed at highlighting loneliness among the elderly during the holiday season and gathering funds for the charity. This heartrending advertisement, emphasizing the crucial message of “demonstrating love for someone this Christmas,” has remained a tear-inducing favorite to this day.
1. Monty the Penguin (2014)
In a different phrasing, you might say:
The advertisement proved incredibly popular, generating over a thousand memes (some of which couldn’t be shared due to their explicit content), and transforming Monty the Penguin into a familiar figure in many homes. This marked the start of John Lewis’ successful line of character-driven campaigns. It was truly unique and revolutionary, destined to claim the top spot.
To discover what’s currently airing on TV or streaming platforms, check out our TV and Streaming Guides. For even more entertainment from top TV personalities, tune into The TopMob Podcast.
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2024-10-24 14:04