10 Classic Commercials from the ’80s You’ll Never Forget
These unforgettable ’80s commercials were so catchy, weird, or emotional that they’re still stuck in your head decades later.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The ’80s gave us some of the most iconic commercials of all time, from earworm jingles to bizarre mascots that made no sense but somehow worked. Brands weren’t afraid to get creative, resulting in ads that either made us laugh, cry, or run to the store. These 10 commercials left a lasting mark, proving that great marketing never really fades.
1. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”
Hullian111 on Wikimedia Commons
This grumpy old lady demanding, “Where’s the beef?” became an instant legend, calling out tiny burger patties with pure sass. The ad was so popular that it became a nationwide catchphrase, even making its way into politics. Wendy’s saw a huge boost in sales, proving that humor and a little bit of attitude go a long way. To this day, people still use the line when something feels disappointing.
2. Coca-Cola – “Mean Joe Greene”
Rundvald on Wikimedia Commons
A kid offers his Coke to a tired, sweaty football player, and in return, he gets a jersey and a warm smile. It was sweet, simple, and surprisingly emotional, showing that a small act of kindness goes a long way. This commercial became one of the most beloved ads in history, blending sports, heart, and soda into one perfect moment. Even if you weren’t a Steelers fan, you couldn’t help but love Mean Joe Greene for it.
3. Apple – “1984”
Chabe01 on Wikimedia Commons
Apple didn’t just sell a computer; they sold a revolution, and they did it by smashing Big Brother in the face. This cinematic masterpiece introduced the Macintosh in the most dramatic way possible, making tech feel rebellious. It was bold, futuristic, and completely different from every other ad at the time. The message was clear: Apple was here to shake things up.
4. McDonald’s – “Mac Tonight”
McDonald’s on Wikimedia Commons
A smooth-talking, piano-playing, moon-headed man convinced us that McDonald’s was the place to be after dark. This commercial had all the elements of ’80s weirdness—jazzy vibes, an oversized crescent-moon face, and just enough mystery to be intriguing. It worked because it made fast food feel almost cool. The character became so popular that he even had his own merch.
5. Folgers – “Peter Comes Home for Christmas”
Jo Naylor on Wikimedia Commons
Soft music plays, the door creaks open, and Peter sneaks in to make coffee while his family sleeps. It’s a simple holiday moment, but somehow, it hits you right in the feels every time. The warm, comforting aroma of Folgers symbolized home, love, and the magic of Christmas morning. If you didn’t cry at least once watching this, check your heart.
6. California Raisins – “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
Paweł Kuźniar on Wikimedia Commons
Who knew raisins could be this cool? These funky, stop-motion animated dried fruits danced their way into pop culture with their Motown vibes and stylish sunglasses. The commercial was so popular it spawned toys, merch, and even a TV special. It made eating raisins seem almost fun—almost.
7. Pepsi – Michael Jackson’s Hair on Fire
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Pepsi’s ad featuring Michael Jackson was a massive success—until his hair literally caught fire during filming. Despite the accident, the commercial was electric, with the King of Pop moonwalking his way into cola history. It cemented Pepsi as the choice of the younger, cooler crowd. Plus, it gave us a reason to associate soda with star power.
8. Toys “R” Us – “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”
Timothy Holdiness on Wikimedia Commons
Every kid sang along to this jingle, dreaming of endless aisles of toys and a life without responsibilities. The song was catchy, nostalgic, and filled with pure childhood joy. It made Toys “R” Us feel like paradise, where every wish could come true. Even now, the tune can instantly transport you back to simpler times.
9. Energizer Bunny – “Keeps Going and Going”
Energizer on Wikimedai Commons
A little pink bunny with sunglasses and a drum hijacked other commercials, proving that Energizer batteries outlasted the competition. The ad was funny and unpredictable, turning a simple battery into a pop culture icon. It was so effective that the phrase, “keeps going and going” became part of everyday language. Even decades later, the Energizer Bunny is still marching along.
10. G.I. Joe – “Knowing Is Half the Battle”
Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
Every episode of the G.I. Joe cartoon ended with a PSA about safety, teamwork, or general life advice. The commercials tied in perfectly, making kids feel like they were part of something bigger. The phrase, “Knowing is half the battle,” became legendary, even outside the show. It was cheesy, sure, but also kind of brilliant marketing.