Nike – Hare Jordan
1996 saw Michael Jordan team up with Bugs Bunny for two onscreen appearances; the first was Space Jam, the second was this iconic Nike Air commercial. Featuring a blend of slapstick animated comedy, witty wordplay (Hare Jordan, get it?) and Michael Jordan’s immense star power, there’s simply no way this ad could have been anything other than legendary.
Amazon – Alexa Loses Her Voice
One of the most memorable Super Bowl ads of all time, this commercial revolves around Amazon’s Alexa losing her voice, much to the shock of the nation. A lineup of celebs quickly step in – with stars like Gordon Ramsey, Cardi B and Anthony Hopkins trying their best to help users with their requests – leading to some genuinely hilarious scenes.
Love’s Baby Soft – Innocence is Sexier Than You Think
At some point, an advertising exec stood up in a meeting and said “how about we get a load of scantily clad models, and have them act like sexy babies?” and everyone agreed. This 1975 advert for Love’s Baby Soft – which ran with the slogan “Innocence is sexier than you think” – makes for genuinely uncomfortable viewing, and its astonishing that it got green-lit, even in the 70s.
Tootsie Roll – How Many Licks
Aired in 1968, this Tootsie Roll advert is considered one of the greatest commercials of all time. The animated ad follows a young boy asking a cow, turtle, fox and owl how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll. A shortened version of the charming commercial is still broadcast to this day, making it one of the longest running campaigns of all time.
Budweiser – Wassup?
First aired in 1999, Budweiser’s “wassup” commercial features a bunch of goofy friends phoning each other and shouting “wassup?” The commercial was immortalized after it was spoofed in the original Scary Movie, but it had entered the zeitgeist even before then, with young men enthusiastically coopting the ad’s iconic greeting into their vernacular.
Groupon – Tibet
In a catastrophically misguided attempt at edgy humor, in 2011 Groupon aired what some have labeled “the most offensive ad of all time.” The commercial begins by highlighting the plight of the Tibetan people, before using it as the punchline of a joke to promote Groupon’s money-saving offers. The ad was widely condemned, and the company’s claim that it was made to raise awareness was met with derision.
Toys R Us – Magical Place
In hindsight, this advert is undeniably surreal, consisting of an animated sequence in which child workers restock the shelves at Toys R Us while under the supervision of a giraffe. Still, when the commercial aired in 1989 it was a resounding success, driving a boom in sales. Decades after it was first broadcast, a remastered version was aired to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Toys R Us opening in Britain.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America – Fried Egg
The image of an egg cracking into a sizzling pan – accompanied by ominous narration warning “this is your brain on drugs” – is one of the most recognizable moments in American TV history. The commercial, which was created for The Partnership for a Drug Free America in 1981, is still regularly talked about as part of the discussion around the war on drugs.
Mountain Dew – Felicia the Goat
Arguably the most bizarre advertising campaign ever launched by a mainstream brand, in 2013 Mountain Dew released a trilogy of commercials which followed the exploits of Felicia, an unhinged goat voiced by Tyler, the Creator. While the ads drew sharp criticism for their racist and misogynistic content, they went instantly viral, and remain some of the most memorable commercials ever broadcast.
Apple – 1984
Directed by Ridley Scott (yes, that Ridley Scott), this commercial introducing the first Apple Macintosh computer was inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. The high-concept ad features a scantily-clad woman throwing a sledgehammer at a brainwashing machine, saving a room full of people from “unification of thought.”
Peloton – The Gift that Gives Back
In 2019, Peloton ran an ad which revolved around a husband gifting his wife an exercise bike for Christmas. Viewers immediately took issue with the implication of the commercial’s slogan, which seemingly suggested that buying your significant other an exercise bike is a good investment, because you’ll get a skinnier partner in return.
Coca-Cola – Mean Joe Greene
These days, it’s common practice for commercials to go straight for the heartstrings. In the 70s, however, this was relatively unheard of, which helps explain why this ad connected quite as powerfully as it did. The commercial sees NFL star Joe Greene – clearly down in the dumps after a bad game – having his spirits lifted after a kindhearted young fan offers him a sip of his Coke.
Hyundai – The Elevator
While Hyundai would probably rather everyone forget about this ill-advised ad, there’s not much chance of that happening. Broadcast during the Super Bowl and starring Jason Bateman, the commercial likened the experience of attending a vegan dinner party to getting root canal surgery, a comparison which provoked widespread outrage. In an attempt at damage control, Hyundai tweeted their support for veganism and shared a recipe for beetloaf.
California Milk Board – Who Shot Alexander Hamilton?
The “Got Milk” campaign is legendary as a whole, but this ad is particularly iconic. Directed by Michael Bay (yes, that Michael Bay), the ad sees a history buff desperately trying to answer a quiz question over the phone to win a large chunk of money. Unfortunately, his mouth his full of peanut butter, and he hasn’t got enough milk to wash it down, so he misses out on the cash.
General Motors – The Robot Commercial
The fact that this ad managed to make it past the drawing board is frankly mystifying. Aired during the 2007 Super Bowl, the commercial follows an assembly line robot that gets fired, tries in vain to find a new job and finally leaps off a bridge. Unsurprisingly, making light of suicide proved to be a terrible, terrible idea, and GM hastily edited the ad for future airings.
Tide – It’s a Tide Ad
Starring Stranger Things star David Harbour, this 2018 Super Bowl commercial for Tide laundry detergent is still widely praised for its clever concept. Noting that pretty much every single commercial features people wearing immaculate, clean clothes, Harbour posits that every ad is, in fact, a Tide ad.
Popchips – Ashton Kutcher
There are two things about this commercial that beggar belief; the fact that it was ever approved, and the fact that Ashton Kutcher agreed to appear in it. Released in 2012, the ad features Kutcher – in full brown face – playing a man called Raj. After intense criticism, Popchips eventually pulled the ad, but it remains a blight on the company’s record.
Wendy’s – Where’s the Beef
For a brief period in 1984, this ad had Americans shouting “where’s the beef?” at each other. The commercial – which features an old woman careening around town in her car shouting the ad’s catchphrase at people – became an instant classic, and the words “where’s the beef?” are sure to get a smile out of anyone old enough to remember.
Google – Paris Love Story
Considered one of the most creative ads of all time, this 2009 Google commercial managed to tell a heartwarming love story and show off the capabilities of its search engine at the same time. The ad chronicles the relationship of an American student and the girl he meets in Paris, from their first meeting to their first child, all by showing his Google searches.
Snickers – The “Manly” Men
While Snickers ads have trafficked in casual sexism since time immemorial, in 2007 the company decided to experiment with homophobia as well. The commercial in question follows two mechanics who accidentally brush lips while sharing a Snickers, prompting an escalating series of attempts to prove their masculinity. An extended version of the ad also showed football players reacting with disgust to the accidental kiss.
Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
First aired in 2010, this Old Spice advert was so successful that the company has basically been replicating the same formula ever since. In the commercial, actor Isaiah Mustafa informs any ladies watching that – while their man will never be him – he could at least smell like him, if he started using Old Spice.
Preparation H – Bryan Cranston commercial
While this commercial for Preparation H from the early 80s quickly faded into obscurity, in recent years it has become the subject of attention again due to the fact that it features a then-unknown Bryan Cranston. There’s something incredibly surreal about watching Walter White enthusiastically extolling the virtues of hemorrhoid cream.
McDonald’s – The Showdown
With its combination of star power and an entertaining concept, McDonald’s “showdown” commercial was always set to go down as one of the greatest ads of all time. Broadcast in 1993, the commercial revolves around NBA superstars Larry Bird and Michael Jordan playing a game of HORSE, with a McDonald’s meal as the prize.
M&M’s – They Do Exist
An iconic Christmas ad, this 1993 commercial for M&M’s became so legendary that the company released a sequel in 2017. In the commercial, a pair of anthropomorphic M&M’s creep around the house leaving treats out for Santa; when they inevitably bump into Father Christmas himself, both parties are mutually shocked at the other’s existence.
Always – Like a Girl
While many ads have bungled their depictions of gender roles and been castigated for it, this 2015 commercial from Always drew widespread praise for challenging the stereotypes associated with girls. The ad deconstructed the commonly used phrase “like a girl,” dismissing the notion that it should be used as a pejorative and sending the message that women should be proud of the ways they do things.
Life Cereal – Mikey Likes It
This 1978 ad for Life Cereal was so beloved that it would eventually be inducted into the TV Commercial Hall of Fame. The commercial’s legendary status essentially boils down to the talents of John Gilchrist, the child actor who appeared as Mikey in over 250 commercials before retiring from acting altogether.
National Airlines – Fly Me
While National Airlines “Fly Me” ad campaign definitely wouldn’t get off the ground if it were pitched today, the 70s were a different time. The commercial features National Airlines’ air hostesses delivering a relentless stream of sexual innuendoes, and it led to a significant increase in flight bookings.
Metro – Dumb Ways to Die
The soundtrack to Metro’s “dumb ways to die” advert has recently been blowing up on TikTok, reviving interest in the 2012 commercial. Produced for the Metro Train Service in Melbourne, Australia, this viral ad basically consists of a three minute song about stupid ways to get yourself killed (including getting hit by a train), accompanied by a cutesy, colorful animation.
The first ever Barbie commercial
Broadcast in 1959, the first ever Barbie advert introduced a generation of kids to what would become one the most famous dolls of all time. Showcasing a range of Barbies dressed in glamorous outfits, the commercial is burned into the memory of all those kids who happened to be watching The Mickey Mouse Club that day.
Mr. Clean – Mother’s Day
In 2011, cleaning products company Mr. Clean ran an ad which depicted smiling women doing housework, accompanied by a slogan that read ‘This Mother’s Day, get back to the job that really matters.’ Unsurprisingly, the commercial was harshly criticized for promoting gender stereotypes and sexism, accusations which the company has been on the receiving end of a number of times.
Nissan – Toys
This 1996 Nissan commercial is notable for two reasons: firstly, it’s awesome, and secondly, it resulted in Nissan getting sued by Mattel. The reason for the lawsuit was the fact that Nissan created a scene in which Barbie runs away with a GI-Joe-esque figurine (much to Ken’s horror) in a toy car, which the toy company apparently felt was too close to the Hot Wheels brand.
Pepsi – Cindy Crawford
In 1992, Pepsi came up with a foolproof formula to grab the attention of the nation: supermodel Cindy Crawford, a pair of daisy dukes and a bright red Lamborghini. In the commercial, Crawford steps out of the sports car, walks in slow motion to a vending machine and then proceeds to down a can of Pepsi, prompting a pair of wide-eyed boys to remark “is that a great new Pepsi can, or what?”
EDS – Herding Cats
You wouldn’t expect a hilariously iconic ad from a company with a name like Electronic Data Services, but that’s exactly what EDS delivered at the 2000 Super Bowl. The commercial introduces a group of rugged cowboy-types, who turn out to be professional cat herders. Cue a minute and a half of brilliantly unhinged visual gags that people still reference today.
Volkswagen – Star Wars
Volkswagen were early masters of heartwarming commercials, as they proved with this adorable 2011 ad that follows a young boy in a Darth Vader costume as he walks around the house, trying to use The Force. He grows more and more frustrated, until his supportive parents furtively use their Volkswagen’s remote start feature to make his Force powers come to life.
FedEx – The Lollipop Guild
One of the most weird and wonderful ads to ever grace television screens, this 2000 commercial from FedEx recreated the famous Wizard of Oz scene in which the Munchkins welcome Dorothy to Munchkin land. It didn’t take long for the National Inhalant Prevention Council to raise safety concerns which led to the ad getting pulled, which actually made it even more memorable.
Apple – Lemmings
While Apple’s 1984 commercial is widely remembered as a great piece of marketing, its ad the following year is regarded as a complete misstep. The advert seemingly compares Apple’s customers to lemmings – complete with them inadvertently committing suicide – which seems like a questionable strategy, at best.
Salesgenie – Chinese Pandas
It genuinely feels like Salesgenie set out to be offensive with this animated ad from 2008, which features a bunch of animated pandas with wildly racist Chinese accents. After an intense backlash from the Asian-American community, Salesgenie apologized and pulled the commercial, with many still using it as a case study in bad marketing.
Reebok – Terry Tate
One of the most iconic ads in Super Bowl history, this Reebok commercial from 2003 sees Terry Tate drafted in by the company to raise their productivity levels. The NFL star then fulfills his new role by violently tackling any employees perceived to be slacking, while a company exec enthusiastically talks about the success of Tate’s unorthodox management practices.
Burger King – Surprise Combination
In a 2009 commercial for their Texican Whopper burger, Burger King seemingly poked fun at Mexican stereotypes, featuring a tiny man dressed as a luchador and wearing a Mexican flag as a cape. The ad provoked widespread outrage, and Burger King hastily pulled it after the Mexican ambassador publicly complained.
Just for Feet – Super Bowl Commercial
Saatchi & Saatchi is one of the most revered ad agencies of all time, but – as this 1999 Super Bowl commercial for Just for Feet proves – even giants sometimes stumble. The ad revolves a white guy hunting down a black man and forcing him to wear trainers, and the obvious racist connotations were immediately noticed and called out.
