2. Star Wars (1977-forever)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvqpFbRKtQ Surely one of the great toy commercials of all time, Star Wars has achieved astronomical commercial success, while at the same being quite entertaining in its own right. Toymaker George Lucas, who also directed the earlier commercials, showed remarkable business-savvy in deferring payment for his direction in favor of a higher backend on sales. Which were considerable. The initial Star Wars commercials were so successful, that Star Wars merchandise was sold out for the first Christmas of its existence. Parents were buying their children empty boxes manufactured by the Kenner Corporation, which could then be redeemed for toys upon availability. Moreover, Star Wars child-like escapism arrested the psychological development in many of its fans, resulting in them continuing to buy Star Wars toys well into their adulthood. The commercials star Mr. Harry Ford was so well received by key demographics, he still works as a spokesperson for many Japanese products to this day.