What are the best examples of 404 pages on the web?
Many websites demonstrate that the message of an error 404 can be creatively enhanced and uniquely designed with text and images, instead of relying on a standardised error display. We offer general tips for designing a 404 page and showcase some exemplary cases.
Why is a creative 404 page useful?
Pop-up 404 pages can be frustrating, especially when the missing content is compounded by a dull and uninspired error page design. A funny 404 page can help quickly ease your visitors’ frustration. By surprising them with a clever design when they encounter a 404 error, you can turn the situation around and make visitors smile. Many will appreciate the humour and remember your website more fondly as a result.
What makes a good 404 page?
As a general rule, creative 404 pages stand out with appealing visuals and charming or humorous text. To design an effective 404 page, consider the following guidelines:
- Match the website’s style: A well-designed 404 page should align with the website’s overall design and brand identity. Make sure the error message fits with your site’s content, tone, and aesthetic.
- Provide a brief explanation: Not all users are familiar with what a 404 error means. Instead of just saying ‘404 not found’ or ‘error 404: page not found’, briefly explain why this error page appears.
- Use humour: Many successful creative 404 pages rely on wit and self-deprecating humour. Keep the error message short and to the point, as visitors were expecting different content and don’t want a long explanation.
- Add animations or mini browser games: Although animated or interactive 404 pages require extra effort, they attract the most attention and can make the error more memorable.
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15 creative, funny, or unique 404 pages
To inspire your own 404 page design, we’ve gathered a selection of outstanding examples. These range from charming and quirky to funny and surprising, showing just how creative an error page can be.
Lego
On the Danish company’s website, a Lego figure charmingly embodies the reaction to the 404 error along with a funny pun. It’s a good example of how the notification can be effectively aligned with Corporate Identity.
South Park
The South Park website leans into its own dark humour for the 404 page. The oversized error number is accompanied by the lifeless body of Kenny, a character famous for his constant on-screen deaths. The visual gag fits the theme perfectly, turning a technical mishap into an instantly recognisable in-joke. The clear ‘Page not found’ label and short explanation underneath keep the function of the page intact, while the design winks at fans with its tongue-in-cheek execution.
Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard’s error page presents visitors with the Rescue Murloc: The animated creature appears as puzzled as most users probably are when encountering the error message.
Amazon
Amazon’s 404 page takes a friendlier approach: instead of a sterile error message, visitors are greeted by one of the company’s many office dogs—in this case, Gus. The oversized ‘SORRY’ keeps the message clear and direct, while the subtle link to ‘Meet the dogs of Amazon’ turns a frustrating dead end into a charming brand touchpoint. It’s a simple, humanising detail that makes the error page feel less like a mistake and more like an invitation.
Pixar
Pixar’s 404 page uses one of its quirky characters to capture the confusion of a missing page. The wide-eyed, frazzled expression mirrors what many users feel when landing on an error message—though here, it’s delivered with Pixar’s trademark charm. The simple line ‘We can’t find what you’re looking for’ keeps the function of the page clear, while the playful visual adds a lighthearted touch that softens the frustration.
GitHub
The online service for developers is surely used by many ‘Star Wars’ fans. GitHub’s 404 page references a famous quote from the saga and has likely made some users smile—complete with the GitHub mascot in Jedi Master attire.
iStock
The Canadian image agency iStock doesn’t offer a movie quote on its error page, but like GitHub, it relies on a cute design.
OrangeCoat
On OrangeCoat’s error page, you can thoroughly investigate the cause. Using the not-so-serious flowchart, you can discover why the 404 page is displayed and what actions you can take to resolve the issue.
Jackrabbit Design
The marketing agency Jackrabbit Design also playfully displays their error page. Instead of the desired page, you’ll find a few animated, hopping rabbits.
Fork
The online presence of the content management system Fork takes a maritime approach (matching the software’s corporate design): The 404 page suggests to users that the requested page is lost at sea.
Fountain of Youth
The creative 404 page of Fountain of Youth coconut water seamlessly connects with the extraordinary, interactive website presence. Those who encounter a non-retrievable page here are in for quite a treat.
Airbnb
In addition to providing helpful links, the accommodation platform’s 404 page features a playful animation of a dropped ice cream scoop.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight’s 404 page greets visitors with llamas, paired with the tongue-in-cheek advice to avoid eye contact and carefully head toward safer pages.
Steve Lambert
The 404 page of artist Steve Lambert is one of the most peculiar of its kind. In this several-minute-long video, the artist directly addresses the misguided visitors. His talk is as empty as the room he is in, or the webpage where you’ve landed.
Gamespot
In line with the content of the Gamespot website, this error 404 message also offers a small browser game.