The funniest and most creative 404 pages
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Website uptime is a very important metric for both developers and marketers. And it definitely is crucial for businesses that depend on the functionality of their website, such as platforms, online markets, content sharing websites, etc. No one likes seeing those dreaded three ciphers — 404.
Creating a 404 page is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind when you create a website. But if a visitor gets lost on your website, you might as well make it a fun and unique experience for them.
If you are willing to do some extra work, use your creative powers and make your website visitors chuckle, here are some ideas from marketing & web design geniuses.
1.Bluegg
Bluegg is a digital marketing agency, specializing in providing their clients ‘wow’ visuals, original content, viral campaigns, and great photography. It comes as no surprise that they have a sense of humor and creativity. Their 404 page is a funny reference to Will Smith’s 1997 hit, “Welcome to Miami”. It has absolutely no relation to the agency, or to the fact that the visitor isn’t on the right place, but at least they’re in Miami now 🤷
2.Cloudsigma
CloudSigma, a company offering flexible cloud servers and VPS hosting in Europe and the US, is consisted of a lot of engineers. So they know the niche humor and apparently, have no problem with poking fun at themselves.
Their 404 page is “their junior developer’s homepage”. As they say, “despite sleeping on the couch most of the day, our junior developer still finds time to do some coding…”. Also, surprise, the junior dev is a cat.
3.Magnt
Any fans of data visualization here? Magnt is a website builder that most certainly has a team that is. They made a Venn diagram listing the reasons why you might have gotten there: either they broke something, or the visitor can’t type.
4.Blizzard
Blizzard Entertainment doesn’t really need an intro since it’s the creator of some of the most popular and profitable video games. One of them (and the most popular one) is World of Warcraft, and a character from this mega-popular game is exactly what shows up on their 404 page — a rescue murloc here to lead you back. The copy of the button is as original as the page itself — it’s an “Mmmrrgmgrrrgmmll” sound that takes you back to the homepage. And it’s animated!
5.IMDB
This one is probably my favorite since I am a huge film buff and knew all the references. IMDB (The Internet Movie Database) has a 404 that uses quotes from films that have a cult status. “I am Jack’s missing page” is pure internet gold. The design of the page definitely could have been better, but it hits the target perfectly — your visitors are there to check out films, so why not make them smile with some of their favorite quotes?
6.Ready To Go Survival
Ready To Go Survival sells survival kits and first response packages tailored to any need — earthquakes, floods, hiking, medical emergencies, or custom.
They have no connection to The Matrix (fortunately!), but they used the most famous Morpheus scene — the blue pill vs. red pill one.
And you can choose whether you want to subscribe to get offers another day (red pill) or learn more about personalized kits (blue pill). What a great way to sell from a 404 page!
7.Pantone
Pantone, the world’s most famous color manufacturer is also known for its color palettes and the Colour of the year choice.
Their 404 page is simply cards of the 404 C color, so it’s extremely on-brand.
8.Pixar
Pixar, the super-successful Disney animation studio, solve the missing page problem with one of their notable characters — Sadness from “Inside Out”. The copy also refers to the film — “What you’re looking for may have been misplaced in Long Term Memory”.
9.Marvel
Marvel are rulers of the comic book and blockbuster markets in the past few years. “Avengers: Endgame” broke so many records, that it’s almost *inevitable*. Everyone gets their references. That is why their 404 page includes famous quotes, characters and some lesser-known references that only readers or the comics will get. Such as the Eye of Uatu that sees everything, and even it can’t find the missing page. It also follows the cursor on the screen, watching your every move.
There are a few other pages, such as the ‘disintegration after The Snap’ scene (in 3D), or ‘HYDRA stole the page from S.H.I.E.L.D’.
10.NPR
NPR is a globally popular platform for music and podcasts, that also creates original content such as the Tiny Desk Concerts. In their 404 page, they have a selection of podcasts and articles on people and things that are lost: Amelia Earheart, Jimmy Hoffa, Waldo from “Where’s Waldo”, those erased Watergate tapes and other things.
