Is it just me or are the weeks getting faster and faster? School’s almost out, summer’s almost here, yet it seems like everybody I know is on the go, go, go! Time to take a (quick) sit down and reminisce about some of the funniest retro tv commercials from roughly the 1990s-2000s. The no-holds-barred marketing bangers that have stuck around in our brains all these years.
Orbit Gum
Dirty mouths indeed. These actors absolutely nail their lines, which were pretty epic.
Hostess Cupcakes
Hostess ran a series of commercials where an animal was in search for the iconic cream filling. This particular one always had me rolling on the floor.
Pinnacle Vodka
What do think of when you hear “whipped vodka?” Well, after watching the commercial for Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, I always think of this. Also, when I am at the grocery store and the bagger asks if plastic is ok.
Taco Bell
The instant-celebrity status Taco Ball chihuahua. With a tagline taking the country by storm. And even banking on merch. Was it actually selling the product however? And does that even matter?
A&W Root Beer
What a way to blow a job interview. Almost everyone could relate to this commercial in some fashion, which made it so memorable.
Mentos
Once in a blue moon I will hear a reference to a Mentos commercial. When something ironic happens and there really isn’t any other reaction than to resort to singing a catchy jingle. Even being parodied as “Footos” in the Foo Fighters “Big Me” music video.
Quiznos
No commercial montage is complete without this annoying anthem. I even wrote a whole post on it if you find yourself wanting to know more about the Quiznos Subs Spongmonkey.
Budweiser
A trend that took the country by storm, well before the days of social media. If you and your friends didn’t say this to each other at least one time, then you must have been living under a rock. Bravo, Budweiser.
Wendy’s
Ok, the next two really tap into what’s considered “retro tv commercials.” I can still remember sitting at the dinner table and the adults all quoting and laughing about this Wendy’s classic. Even at the time, I couldn’t find the humor in it. But the memory I hold, hearing my grandma and parents randomly shouting, “where’s the beef,” will forever put a smile on my face.
Pepsi
And lastly, there is this classic jab at the competition, done in a very wholehearted and classy way. Pepsi vs. Coca Cola: the ultimate 90s showdown.
How many of these did you remember? Have any other greats to share? Be sure to drop a comment below!