5 Shocking & Viral McDonald's Commercials That Define Their 2025 Marketing Blitz

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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The Golden Arches never stop moving, and the end of 2025 has brought a whirlwind of advertising campaigns that are both nostalgic and shockingly modern. As of this current date in December 2025, McDonald’s has dominated the conversation, not just with their limited-time offers (LTOs) but with a marketing strategy that swings wildly from heartwarming celebrity endorsements to controversial, cutting-edge technology. The latest commercials are a masterclass in capturing cultural attention, whether through a major throwback to beloved characters or a risky plunge into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The fast-food giant's 2025 advertising playbook is a clear reflection of its "Maximize our Marketing" growth strategy. This approach focuses on culturally relevant communication to tell the story of the brand, its food, and its purpose, often resulting in viral, must-see content. From high-profile athlete collaborations to a major reunion of their classic mascots, here are the five most recent and talked-about McDonald's commercial campaigns that are currently dominating screens and social media feeds.

The 5 Biggest & Freshest McDonald's Commercial Campaigns of Late 2025

McDonald's has always been a leader in advertising, but 2025 saw the company push the boundaries further than ever before. These campaigns highlight a dual strategy: leveraging deep-seated consumer nostalgia while simultaneously experimenting with future-forward technology.

1. The AI-Generated Christmas Commercial Controversy (December 2025)

In what is arguably the most talked-about commercial of late 2025, McDonald's Netherlands released a Christmas advertisement created entirely by Artificial Intelligence. The ad, intended to be a festive offering, quickly spiraled into a major controversy.

The Core Concept: The commercial was an attempt to showcase the holiday spirit through an AI-generated animated short.
The Backlash: Viewers immediately took to social media, labeling the AI-generated video as "creepy," "depressing," and having an unsettling, low-quality aesthetic.
The Outcome: Due to the deluge of negative feedback and online ridicule, McDonald's Netherlands made the unprecedented decision to pull the ad just days after its release. This campaign serves as a stark warning about the risks of using generative AI in high-stakes commercial advertising without proper human oversight. The creative agency behind the ad was reported to be TBWA\Neboko.

2. The Highly Anticipated McDonaldland Reunion (August 2025)

Tapping into the powerful trend of nostalgia marketing, McDonald’s launched a massive campaign in August 2025 centered around a reunion of the long-retired McDonaldland characters. This campaign was a cultural moment for older millennials and Gen X consumers who grew up with the beloved mascots.

The Characters Return: The commercials featured the triumphant return of iconic entities like Grimace, the Hamburglar, Birdie the Early Bird, and even the rarely-seen Uncle O'Grimacey.
The New Products: The reunion was tied to the introduction of the new McDonaldland Meal and the limited-edition Mount McDonaldland Shake.
Cultural Relevance: The commercial was soundtracked by a reimagined version of an old 1971 ad song, with a modern twist from an artist like Toro y Moi, demonstrating McDonald's ability to remix its history for a contemporary audience. The campaign extended well into the fall, proving the enduring appeal of these classic brand entities.

3. The Grinch Holiday Takeover and Meal (November/December 2025)

Just as the McDonaldland buzz began to settle, the brand shifted gears into its seasonal holiday campaign, partnering with Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch. This is an example of a successful Intellectual Property (IP) takeover, turning a limited-time menu into a full seasonal event.

The Grinch Meal: Launched in late November 2025, the campaign centered on the all-new The Grinch Meal, available for a limited time.
Multi-Channel Strategy: The TV advert coincided with the arrival of the new menu, supported by strategic paid placements across holiday hubs on streaming platforms. The Grinch himself even launched a text campaign to promote the collaboration, showcasing a multi-platform digital marketing effort.
The Menu Items: Beyond the main meal, the campaign promoted a wider menu of limited-edition seasonal items, solidifying McDonald's position as a holiday destination.

4. The John Cena McValue Pep Talk (January 2025)

To kick off the year, McDonald's focused on its value proposition with the launch of the McValue platform, featuring actor and wrestling superstar John Cena. This was a clear move to reassure consumers about affordability at the start of the year.

The Endorsement: The commercials featured John Cena giving inspirational, Mr. Rogers-like pep talks to viewers, encouraging them to take advantage of the deals.
The Offer: The ad highlighted the "buy one, add one for $1" promotion, a key part of the new McValue menu designed to drive traffic and sales volume.
The Tone: The campaign used a humorous yet motivational tone, leveraging John Cena's universally recognizable persona to connect the brand's value message with a feeling of positive encouragement.

5. The Angel Reese Special (Late 2025)

Continuing its successful strategy of celebrity collaborations—following viral moments with Travis Scott and BTS—McDonald’s partnered with basketball champion and entrepreneur Angel Reese. This move speaks directly to a younger, sports-savvy audience.

The Collaboration: The partnership resulted in The Angel Reese Special, a curated meal featuring a BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder and other favorites.
Targeted Marketing: By teaming up with an influential figure like Reese, McDonald's effectively taps into contemporary pop culture and aligns itself with a powerful, modern athlete who is also a fashion icon.
The Product Focus: The commercial put a spotlight on a classic menu item (Quarter Pounder) but elevated it with a custom twist and a celebrity name, creating a fresh, limited-time offer that drives immediate interest and social media buzz.

McDonald's 2025 Marketing Strategy: Nostalgia Meets Next-Gen

The latest wave of McDonald's commercials in 2025 reveals a sophisticated and multi-layered marketing strategy. The company is actively investing in new, culturally relevant approaches to keep its brand story fresh. The core themes are clear:

The Power of Pop Culture and Celebrity Endorsements

McDonald's has perfected the art of the celebrity meal. From the Kai Cenat Chicken Big Mac ad in late 2024 to the 2025 collaborations with John Cena and Angel Reese, the brand uses star power to turn simple menu items into viral, limited-time events. These partnerships generate massive organic social media discussion, driving significant foot traffic.

Nostalgia as a Sales Driver

The phenomenal success of the McDonaldland Reunion campaign demonstrates the immense value of "core memories" in marketing. By bringing back characters like Grimace and Uncle O'Grimacey, McDonald's created an emotional connection that transcends simple product advertising, making the campaign about shared cultural history. This strategy is highly effective in making the brand feel both consistent and emotionally relevant across generations.

The Digital and AI Experimentation

The controversial AI-generated Christmas ad, while a failure in execution, highlights McDonald's commitment to investing heavily in digital marketing and experimentation. The company is clearly looking to shift spending into high-return digital methods, even if it means taking risks with new technologies like generative AI. This push toward digital and new media is crucial for reaching younger demographics and maintaining its position as the king of fast food.

5 Shocking & Viral McDonald's Commercials That Define Their 2025 Marketing Blitz

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