Observed Signal · Nov 18, 2025 · Industry Analysis · Source: ExchangeWire · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Disney's 'Best Christmas Ever' Tops Emotional Ad Rankings
Disney's 'Best Christmas Ever' topped DAIVID’s festive emotional-engagement rankings, based on an analysis of 105 Christmas ads using DAIVID's AI-powered Creative Data API. The heartwarming story of a girl whose doodle comes to life after Santa mistakes it for a Christmas wish elicited the strongest intense positive emotions, with 58.2% of viewers reporting such feelings—the highest of the season. Directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi, the ad finished first, ahead of Waitrose's 'The Perfect Gift' (second) and John Lewis's 'Where Love Lives' (third). Lego and Tesco also placed in the top five, with Gap, Walmart and Barbour in the top 10; Asda (11th), Aldi (13th), and Sainsbury’s and M&S Food (joint 14th) just outside the top tier. The methodology blends facial coding, eye tracking, surveys, computer vision and audio analysis to predict emotions across 39 feelings, with intense emotions defined as 8–10 on a 1–10 scale. Data compiled Nov 17, 2025 at 6am.
Highlights AI-driven emotion analytics in ad campaigns and top brands during the festive season.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Disney's 'Best Christmas Ever' topped DAIVID’s festive emotional-engagement rankings.
- The ad generated intense positive emotion in 58.2% of viewers.
- Taika Waititi directed the ad.
- Waitrose's 'The Perfect Gift' (second) and John Lewis's 'Where Love Lives' (third) followed Disney.
- DAIVID analyzed 105 Christmas ads using its AI-powered Creative Data API, measuring 39 emotions; intense defined as 8–10 on a 1–10 scale.
Connected Companies & Entities
8 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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