Back in Time Today
Relive the nostalgia of yesteryears with these 14 vintage commercials that have stood the test of time. These catchy and iconic ads have left a lasting impression, remaining lodged in the minds of those who experienced them.
From jingles that refuse to fade away to slogans that became part of everyday language, these commercials represent a bygone era of advertising that was unique, engaging, and highly memorable.
Let’s journey back and explore these unforgettable gems.
1. Coca-Cola – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke”
Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” commercial from the 1970s is a classic example of advertising brilliance. The ad brought together people of diverse backgrounds to sing in harmony on a sunny hilltop.
Its catchy tune and message of unity and peace resonated globally, making it more than just a soda commercial. The ad became a cultural phenomenon, embedding itself in pop culture and sparking numerous parodies and references.
Its timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and universal message, which still captivates audiences today.
2. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”
Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” commercial from 1984 left an indelible mark on advertising history. Featuring a small, plain hamburger bun with a comically tiny patty, the commercial humorously questioned the lack of meat in competitors’ burgers.
The catchphrase, delivered by the feisty Clara Peller, became a pop culture sensation, used to criticize anything lacking substance.
Its success was not just in sales for Wendy’s but also in creating a memorable line that transcended advertising, becoming an iconic phrase in American vernacular.
3. Apple – “1984”
Apple’s “1984” commercial, directed by Ridley Scott, aired during the Super Bowl and changed the landscape of advertising. It presented a dystopian future where a young heroine disrupts conformity by symbolically smashing a screen.
The ad introduced the Macintosh computer, positioning Apple as a revolutionary force against corporate control.
Its cinematic quality, combined with a powerful narrative, set a new standard for creativity in advertising, making it a benchmark in commercial storytelling that continues to inspire marketers.
4. McDonald’s – “You Deserve a Break Today”
“You Deserve a Break Today,” McDonald’s 1970s slogan, captured hearts with its catchy tune and cheerful imagery. The commercial highlighted McDonald’s as a friendly and inviting place for families and weary workers alike.
Its success lay in its ability to connect emotionally with viewers, offering a sense of belonging and appreciation.
The jingle, combined with captivating visuals, positioned McDonald’s not just as a fast-food chain but as a comforting retreat, making a lasting impact on the brand’s image.
5. Toys “R” Us – “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”
The Toys “R” Us jingle, “I Don’t Want to Grow Up,” from the 1980s, encapsulated the wonder of childhood. This enchanting commercial featured happy children surrounded by toys, singing a tune that resonated with the young and young-at-heart.
Its catchy melody and relatable sentiment made it an anthem for generations, emphasizing the magic and innocence of being a child.
The ad’s enduring appeal is a testament to its ability to create an emotional connection with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on toy retail advertising.
6. Energizer – “Energizer Bunny”
Energizer’s iconic “Energizer Bunny” commercial, first aired in 1989, introduced the world to a drumming pink bunny that just keeps going. The ad cleverly illustrated the long-lasting power of Energizer batteries through humor and repetition.
Its endless stamina became a metaphor for persistence and reliability, making the bunny a beloved advertising mascot.
The ad’s significant cultural impact is evident in its frequent references in pop culture, symbolizing endurance and longevity, and ensuring its place in advertising lore.
7. Cadbury – “Cadbury’s Flake – Only the Crumbliest Flakiest Chocolate”
Cadbury’s “Flake” commercial, with its evocative tagline “Only the Crumbliest Flakiest Chocolate,” indulged viewers in a moment of pure, sensual pleasure. The 1970s ad featured serene imagery of a woman savoring the delicate chocolate in picturesque settings.
Its allure lay in its ability to evoke a sense of luxury and indulgence, elevating the act of eating chocolate to an art form.
The ad’s elegant and timeless appeal continues to influence confectionery marketing, setting a standard for sensual advertising.
8. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” revolutionized modern advertising with its humorous and creative approach.
Released in 2010, the ad featured the charismatic Isaiah Mustafa, seamlessly transitioning between absurd scenarios while promoting Old Spice body wash.
Its witty script and rapid-fire delivery captivated audiences, transforming Old Spice’s image and engaging a new generation.
The commercial’s viral success led to numerous parodies and a resurgence in brand popularity, illustrating the power of innovative storytelling in advertising.
9. Budweiser – “Wassup?”
Budweiser’s “Wassup?” campaign from 1999 became a cultural phenomenon with its simple yet infectious catchphrase. The ad depicted friends bonding over casual phone calls, using the exaggerated “Wassup?” greeting.
Its relatability and humor struck a chord with young audiences, making it a memorable part of pop culture.
The phrase transcended the commercial, entering everyday language and inspiring countless imitations, showcasing the ad’s lasting influence and the power of a simple, relatable concept.
10. Calgon – “Ancient Chinese Secret”
Calgon’s “Ancient Chinese Secret” commercial from the 1970s cleverly played on cultural stereotypes to create a memorable ad. The storyline featured a laundromat owner’s wife revealing the “secret” behind their clean clothes: Calgon detergent.
The phrase became a humorous catchline, often used to describe something intriguingly mysterious or deceptively simple.
While the ad might be seen differently today, its impact on advertising history remains, illustrating how a catchy phrase can resonate with audiences and become part of popular vocabulary.
11. Pepsi – “Pepsi Challenge”
The “Pepsi Challenge” campaign, launched in the 1970s, invited consumers to a blind taste test to prove Pepsi’s superiority over Coca-Cola. This bold move reshaped competitive advertising, encouraging consumer engagement and brand loyalty.
The ad’s straightforward approach and surprising results intrigued viewers, fueling debates and driving attention to Pepsi.
Its influence extended beyond advertising, becoming an iconic representation of brand rivalry and consumer empowerment, reinforcing the power of experiential marketing.
12. Doublemint Gum – “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”
Doublemint Gum’s “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun” ad campaign used the charming appeal of identical twins to convey its message. This iconic ad depicted twins engaging in joyful activities, emphasizing the dual enjoyment of chewing Doublemint gum.
The catchy jingle and playful visuals created a lasting impression, making it synonymous with the brand’s identity.
Its success underscored the effectiveness of simple, memorable messaging, and its influence is seen in similar campaigns that capitalize on relatable, enjoyable experiences.
13. Alka-Seltzer – “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”
Alka-Seltzer’s “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing” is an iconic commercial from the 1970s that humorously addressed overindulgence. Featuring a relatable scenario of a man lamenting his overconsumption, the ad struck a chord with audiences.
The phrase became a humorous lament for excess, resonating beyond its commercial origins.
This ad’s ability to connect a common experience with the product’s solution showcased the power of relatable, character-driven storytelling in building brand identity.
14. Taco Bell – “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”
Taco Bell’s “Yo Quiero Taco Bell” campaign, featuring a charming Chihuahua, became a sensation in the late 1990s. The adorable dog, with its expressive eyes and catchy phrase, captured the hearts of viewers.
The campaign’s humor and charm helped redefine Taco Bell’s image, appealing to a broader audience.
Its cultural impact was significant, making the Chihuahua an endearing mascot and the phrase a part of popular lexicon, illustrating the impact of a lovable character in advertising success.