If you watch any ads from the ‘80s and ‘90s, you probably still hum a few classic jingles and recite the iconic lines of certain commercials. From the unforgettable mascots to the catchy slogans, some ads became commercial legends and even landed their creators acting gigs. These 15 ads from the ‘80s and ‘90s are way more iconic than we could’ve imagined years ago.
Apple – “1984” (1984)
Apple’s “1984” aired during the Super Bowl, and it immediately became a hit. Ridley Scott directed the commercial, and it featured a dystopian setting that was inspired by George Orwell’s “1984.” Apple was seen as the liberating force against IBM, which represented conformity. The commercial introduced the first Macintosh and was only aired once throughout the entire nation, but left an indelible mark on the world of commercials and tech.
Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)
“Where’s the Beef?” featured three women examining an oversized hamburger bun and a tiny patty. Clara Peller then demands, “Where’s the beef?” which became a catchphrase overnight. The commercial not only critiqued Wendy’s competitors but also helped Wendy’s stand out during the earlier days of the fast-food wars. The phrase was so widespread that it even entered pop culture and political debates, elevating Wendy’s visibility and sales further.
Coca-Cola – “Mean Joe Greene” (1979 & 1980s)
First aired in 1979, “Mean Joe Greene” became a hit throughout the ‘80s. It showed a scary football star being calmed down by a young fan handing him a Coca-Cola. The player is touched and decides to toss the boy his jersey, which creates an iconic feel-good moment. Not only did the commercial boost Coca-Cola’s image, but it created a new type of heartfelt sports commercial that would be copied by other companies in the future.
Nike – “Just Do It” (1988)
In 1988, Nike launched their “Just Do It” commercial, which became one of the most powerful slogans in the history of advertising. The commercial and its catchphrase was so simple yet motivational that it resonated with everyone, from athletes to normal people trying to become fit. Today, many people might’ve forgotten about the commercial, but its slogan still lives on as a cultural catchphrase for ambition and perseverance.
McDonald’s – “McDonald’s Menu Song” (1989)
The “Menu Song” was released in 1989 and became part of McDonald’s promotion, where customers had the chance to win prizes if they were able to sing the lyrics correctly. Distributed via radio contests and vinyl records, the “Menu Song” was fast-paced and listed every item on the McDonald’s menu. Not only was it a fun challenge to attempt, but it was a memorable branding strategy to get people to think about only one thing: the McDonald’s menu.
California Raisins – “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1986)
California Raisins used claymation figures to sing the iconic “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in 1986, which became an instant hit with all ages. The raisins grooved and danced their way into the hearts of viewers, transforming a commodity product into a pop culture icon for everyone to enjoy. It even led to TV specials, records, and merchandise being released, proving how powerful character-driven advertising could be.
Pepsi – “Pepsi Generation” (1984–1990s)
Evolving throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, the “Pepsi Generation” branded the soda as a more energetic, youthful version of Coca-Cola. It featured Madonna and Michael Jackson, as Pepsi focused entirely on lifestyle and pop culture appeal over the actual product. The commercial helped cement Pepsi’s modern, culturally significant, and fresh identity.
Budweiser – “Whassup?!” (1999)
Budweiser’s “Whassup?!” launched in 1999 and soon became a masterpiece that showed the many ways casual friends could communicate with one another. Their exaggerated sayings were all over the media, schools, and workplaces, spreading quickly even before social media existed. The catchphrases have been endlessly quoted and parodied, and are still remembered as one of the funniest commercials ever made.
Tootsie Pop – “How Many Licks?” (running since the 1970s)
“How Many Licks” debuted in the early 1970s and ran for decades. It featured a boy who asked how many licks it would take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. A wise owl then bites into it after three licks, which became an eye-catching moment that was endlessly quotable. The fact that the commercial ran as long as it did shows its cross-generational and nostalgic appeal.
Energizer Bunny – “Still Going” (1989)
In 1989, Energizer Bunny famously disrupted many other commercials by simply marching straight through them with his shades and iconic beat. “Still Going” showed the battery’s long life and thus played perfectly with the commercial’s unstoppable energy and the bunny’s persistence. It perfectly parodied other ads, and even outpaced the original Duracell campaign.
Microsoft Windows 95 – “Start Me Up” (1995)
Microsoft’s bold marketing move in 1995 included licensing the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” for their Windows 95 launch sound. The commercial showed their new Start button, which was revolutionary in those days of desktop computing. With the bonus star’s power, the media kept buzzing, which was one of the reasons Microsoft was able to become such a record-breaking successful software company.
Reebok – “Dan & Dave” (1992 Olympics)
Reebok used the hype between decathletes Dave Johnson and Dan O’Brien before the 1992 Olympics to release their commercial “Dan & Dave.” It built extreme anticipation regarding which athlete would take the win and become the best in the world. Unfortunately, O’Brien failed to qualify, which meant the commercial had to pivot, and despite his failure, the commercial still garnered widespread attention and was remembered for its bold attempt and use of great sports storytelling.
Got Milk? – “Aaron Burr” (1993)
Michael Bay directed the very first “Got Milk?” commercial in 1993. It featured a history enthusiast who couldn’t pronounce “Aaron Burr” as he had a mouthful of peanut butter but not milk to wash it down. The commercial could create a successful campaign featuring many celebrities in countless clever scenarios, and is one of the most recognized taglines used in commercials to date.
Folgers – “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up” (1980s)
Folgers’ iconic jingle, “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup,” first aired in the 1980s and became one of the most iconic slogans for coffee ever made. The commercial focused on a morning routine, coupled with warmth and family, that caught the hearts of viewers. This commercial is one of the reasons Folgers became a household name and stayed one for many decades.
Barbie – “We Girls Can Do Anything” (1980s)
Barbie announced the empowering slogan “We Girls Can Do Anything” in the 1980s. It showed Barbie working various careers, like a CEO, an astronaut, and a doctor, which encouraged girls to dream as big as they want. It created a mentality that shifted traditional gender roles and put Barbie at the forefront of the era’s focus on female ambition.
