While the main message of 404 pages is to inform you that there’s something wrong with a page you are looking for, these brands take that message to a whole new level. As a result, the page remains creative, unique, and looks fun to access. Take a look at each of them, and be ready to get inspired!

• Pixar

With a bunch of talented animators that are creative beyond belief, you can expect the 404 page of the Pixar website to be a unique yet meaningful presentation. If something wrong happens during your strolling through the website, Pixar will give you an error message portraying the Sadness character from its 2015 famous movie, Inside Out. It more or less represents people’s reaction when seeing an error page. 

Sadness is seen crying—as she usually does—besides a profound error message saying, “Awww…Don’t Cry. It’s just a 404 Error!” and it doesn’t stop at that. Below the main message, you can read another one that perfectly quoted the movie, saying that the page you are looking for is probably misplaced in the Long-Term Memory. Wow, creative much? Of course, it’s Pixar! 

• TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor really understood the assignment for creative 404 pages when its website portrays a traveling-themed error message. It is written there on the page that at least you only lost the page, but not your luggage. 

Along with this fun message, the page still provides navigation options to some of the main pages on the website, namely Hotels, Restaurants, Things to Do, and Vacation Rentals. This is such a good idea to give the visitors other alternatives to explore when the page they are looking for is not found. 

• Spotify

Gaining its popularity through the years, Spotify is probably one of the ultimate options for finding a wide collection of good playlists. However, when there’s something wrong, what you will find instead is its 404-page featuring a large picture of an animated record being played on a music player. 

Next to the picture is a message saying “404s and heartbreaks”, which is a clever pun for Kanye West’s album title: 808s and Heartbreak. You will also find options to access the website’s FAQ and Community pages or go back to the main page. 

• Netflix

With thousands of series and movie titles to stream, Netflix has plenty of theme options for designing its 404 pages. What this streaming service chose is a scene from the movie Lost in Space which is a shout-out to those who feel lost when trying to access some particular pages. Along with the full page containing one of the scenes from the movie is a question saying, “Lost your way?”. Below it, you can simply click on the option of going back to the homepage.

• IMDb

Another creative error page is presented by the official website of IMDb. On the 404 page, the IMDb website features a movie quote with the link to the movie title that the quote comes from as well as an alternative link to the homepage. The concept is somehow simple and on point, but at the same time, it successfully presents a subtle branding while maintaining the familiarity of the website. 

• IKEA

There are many ways to explore when designing 404 pages, but IKEA goes with a minimalist concept and a touch of fun. The page features a huge 404 code formed by cutlery in the shape of the number four, a clock for zero, and another four from three stuffed animals. Looking unique and cute at the same time, this page also gives you a link to the homepage under the message saying that the page you are trying to reach is unavailable or might be removed.

• KonMari

The official website of the Japanese home consultant, Marie Kondo, has a special way of sending an error message to its visitors. Over a clean white background, the page is filled with a calming message: “We’ve been tidying up—and we let go of this page with gratitude.” Even its error message is still in line with the personality of Marie Kondo, which motivates everyone to tidy up and let go of unnecessary things in their home. 

The 404 pages from those popular brands are not only creative but also able to maintain their brand’s purpose and personality. Some of them even turn the error message into something that can promote their products and improve brand awareness. You can try to copy something like this when designing an error page on your own website.