Nike's 20 Best Commercials of All-Time (With Video)

No one sets the bar for sports commercials higher than Nike. Through the years they have introduced more athletes to mainstream and occasional sports fans than any other athletic company.

Now they are pushing soccer on us, (or futbol, if you will) and I have to admit, I am excited.

So, in honor of their new spectacular spot, "WRITE THE FUTURE," B/R is counting down the all time best NIKE commercials.

Here's the criteria: each commercial has to be a classic. And to define classic, I used the same test Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart used when they asked him to define pornography...

"I know it, when I see it"... Let's start the show...

No. 20 - 2008 Olympic Basketball Team

Let's see now... Star-spangled banner. Marvin Gaye. The 2008 "Redeem Team."

Classic.

Every time I watch it, I smile. It probably should be higher on the list.

No. 19 - The LeBrons "Swimming Pool"

This one was important because it showed another side of the heir to MJ's Nike throne. And LBJ pulls every role off.

My favorite line: "And stop looking at my lemonade!"

No. 18 - Basketball Freestyle

This one was creative, catchy and made everyone think they could dribble and dance at the same time.

No. 17 - Michael Jordan "Frozen Moment"

This is one of Jordan's more memorable Nike ads. The stop motion was mesmerizing.

And everyone watching him...come to think of it, we were all witnesses while LeBron was still in grade school.

No. 16 - Maddux and Glavine "Chicks Dig the Long Ball"

This one was really funny, became a catchphrase and was kind of prescient.

Watch and listen for Glavine wondering "how long are they gonna worship this guy?" as the ladies marveled at McGwire's home runs.

No. 15 - "Bo Knows"

Bo Jackson was a freak of nature. He played baseball like it was football and football like he was man amongst boys.

I'm thinking even folks born in the 90s have heard of the Bo knows commercials.

No. 14 - "No Excuses"

I am pretty sure gym membership went up after this one.

I'm feeling lazy as I write this. Great idea. Great execution. Great payoff.

No. 13 - "Hello World"

If you ever want to make a big entrance somewhere, hire the Nike guys. No one introduces you better. As evidenced by these next two spots.

No. 12 - Maria Sharapova " I Feel Pretty"

This could be called Hello World, part 2.

So tell me, do you feel pretty?

I know I do. Great ending beat, to emphasize her personality.

No. 11 - Take It To the Next Level

This one didn't play that much in the states but it is said to be one of Nike's most expensive spots.

Which is probably true since Guy Ritchie directed it. If soccer was bigger over here, this would be higher on the list.

No. 10 Kobe "Love Me or Hate Me"

The first few lines tell you everything you will ever need to know about Mr. Bryant." Love me or hate me; it's one or the other. Always has been."

This commercial was extremely important for Kobe, because it was the first Nike ad after his Colorado incident. So in a way, it was a re-introduction.

Nike stands by their man, as evidenced by the next slide as well.

No. 9 - Tiger Woods and Earl Woods

This is one of the most talked about, controversial ads Nike has ever made.

In other words, a very successful spot.

No. 8 - Do Anything

This is one of my favorites.

It's such a great concept that I wouldn't be surprised if they remade it.

Of all the athletes, Serena is the one most likely to be able to switch sports.

No. 7 - Instant Karma

John Lennon sings while Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen stretch.

It's as classic as any Nike commercial ever.

No. 6 - Tiger Woods "Bouncing Ball"

According to Golf Digest, Tiger was bouncing the ball off of his sand wedge during lunch break of another Nike commercial, just to impress the film crew.

No CGI, no editing. Just a pretty neat trick.

No. 5 - Penny Hardaway and "Lil Penny"

I refuse to acknowledge the Kobe and LeBron puppets. They are not original and they are not funny.

There is only one side kick / alter ego.

And that is Lil Penny, (voiced by Chris Rock).

Classic lines "Hey Tyra, you left your toothbrush at my house!"

Or when big Penny passes him the ball and tells him to shoot, "I know my spot, fool!"

No. 4 - Robot Parkour

For a full season it seemed as if every commercial had Parkour free running performers. So much so, James Bond decided to use it in Casino Royale.

Leave it to Nike, to up the ante by having a robot, in full work out gear, just doing it.

No. 3 - "I Am Not A Role Model"

Charles Barkley got a lot of flack when this commercial came out. To this day, the argument continues.

Classic black and white and simple. Nike brilliantly captured the personality of their pitchman.

No. 2 - "Write The Future"

Only Nike could sell soccer to the US and make it look exciting.

You do that by getting Kobe and Roger Federer involved and by throwing in the few international soccer stars that Americans do know: Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, etc.

Great commercial, whether you love soccer or not.

No. 1 - Michael Jordan "Failure"

Sometimes, simple is best.

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life.

And that is why... I succeed."

Honorable Mention

Here are the Honorable Mentions:

Kevin Garnett takes on the Neighborhood, (and Tim Duncan).
This one is memorable because I'm sure someone lost their job for letting KG flee to another company. And it's a cool commercial.

Kevin Durant "HYPERIZE." A homage to old-school rap, jherri curls and trick shots, starring KD, Moe Williams, Rashard Lewis and Andre iguodala.

FOR WARRIORS - features a number of known athletes. Memorable because it was Nike's attempt to battle UNDERARMOUR in the stretchy, makes-me-look-like-I-have-muscles workout gear war.