Chris Higgins
The Late Movies: 10 International McDonald’s Commercials
by Chris Higgins - May 19, 2010 - 10:00 PM

The Late Movies

We all know McDonald’s has a global presence. But what are their non-US TV commercials like? A quick trip to YouTube tells me that there’s a LOT going on in the international McDonald’s commercial landscape! Check out ten (often bizarre) international commercials…if you dare.

India – Chatpata McAloo Tikki

I have no idea what’s happening here. There’s slapping involved.

Japan – McGrand Tomato

A sexy lady version of Ronald McDonald, wind whipping through her red hair, flirts with a “McGrand Tomato” sandwich. And a tomato.

Korea – Frozen Treats

A nice lady tries to tell a kid that he has gotten some McFrozenTreat on his face. Hijinks ensue.

China – Fries & a Twist

A man conducts an aquatic orchestra using McDonald’s fries as batons. The fish are not pleased with his choice of sandwich.

Unknown Spanish-Speaking Market – “Me Encanta”

Loosely translated, “me encanta” is Spanish for “I love it/him/her” — close enough to “I’m lovin’ it™” I suppose. This ad is actually very well-done — it has the vibe of an indie film, rather than a mega-corporate commercial. Note that a similar ad was run in Russia with some edits and a Russian/English version of the rap.

France – Featuring Sonic the Hedgehog

“c’est tout ce que j’aime” indeed. My favorite part is actually the bizarre Martial Arts Ronald McDonald at the beginning.

England – 80′s Businessman “McDonald’s Makes Your Day!”

The tune is, indeed, catchy. This guy has it made (thanks to McDonald’s).

Korea – Fries

Why you shouldn’t steal fries from your friend. Note the odd English (I daresay Engrish) at the end: “Don’t be risky your life! French Fries is only w500 at McDonald’s” preceding the actual Korean text. Is this real?

India – Chicken McNuggets (“chicken khane ka naya style!”)

A frenetic micro-movie, including “yummy dips!”

Philippines – “First Love”

A love story set in a McDonald’s. (Note that there are English subtitles if you hit the “CC” button — you may need to go to YouTube to see that button, depending on your browser.)

Find a Zillion More

I had to stop at 10, but there are a LOT of international McDonald’s ads on YouTube. If you find a favorite, post it in the comments!

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Comments (7)

  1. whattt???

    the most famous “Paboritong Apong si Karen” ( My favorite grand daughter karen ) didn’t make it to the list???

    and the amor and claudia tandem derive from famous soap opera here in the philippines to think that show is still being aired in some part of the globe even though it was first aired here 10 years ago…. classic isn’t…

    posted by flip_side on 5-20-2010 at 12:39 am

  2. I’ve never seen the Korean french fry commercial before but I’m pretty sure it’s real. Engrish is rampant in Korea – even at major corporations. Usually to amusing results. And the actual Korean text is very boring and seems very corporate “Happy People’s McDonalds”, though in Korea McDonald’s slogan is now just “I’m Lovin’ it” in English.

    posted by Melanie on 5-20-2010 at 1:08 am

  3. I’ve never seen England be so stupid and Americano, pretty sure it’s real. All of these are a testament to 80s mentality and corporate vaccuum.

    posted by Johnny Cat on 5-20-2010 at 1:56 am

  4. Can’t quite put my finger on the accent in the Spanish one… I want to say Puerto Rican or Dominican, but it’s not so slurred…

    posted by FlyingAce on 5-20-2010 at 3:40 am

  5. The Spanish one, can someone tell me why there’s a guy in it sucking something off a girls shoulder? I find that disturbing.

    posted by Christina on 5-20-2010 at 8:41 am

  6. The Spanish one is cool. That’s ice cream he’s licking off her shoulder. I would assume that it supposedly got there by accident and now he is taking it off for her. Somehow I think that if a hot guy speaking Spanish wants to lick ice cream off my shoulder, I could be ok with it, lol.

    I liked the last one from the Philippines. Reminds me of my daughter and her first little boyfriend. So cute…..

    posted by Eden on 5-20-2010 at 11:39 am

  7. I agree with you flip_side. The “ang paboritong apo… karen” commercial should make it to the list.

    And Eden, thanks for mentioning that you liked the one from the Philippines – i am going to look for the “karen” commercial and i think you might like it too.

    good choices though..

    posted by kenx_12 on 5-21-2010 at 9:47 am

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