10 Memorable Television Commercials From Past Decades

These commercials became memorable parts of television history and shaped how people remembered certain brands.

Sophia Zapanta
December 2, 2025
6 min read

10 Memorable Television Commercials From Past Decades — Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels

Television commercials from past decades left strong impressions through catchy lines, clear characters, and bold visuals. They often played during major shows and reached families who watched TV together each night. Many of these ads still stand out today because they influenced buying habits, pop culture, and the way companies used humor, emotion, or storytelling to connect with viewers. Some even sparked memorable trends that people still reference. Their legacy shows how powerful simple, well-crafted messages can be.

1. 1. Coca Cola Hilltop commercial (1971)

The Coca-Cola Hilltop ad featured a large group of young people singing on a hillside about unity and sharing. Its simple message and warm tone helped it stand out on national television. Viewers remembered the song for years, and the ad became one of the most recognized moments in brand storytelling. It showed how music and shared emotions could influence public opinion and shape a company’s identity during a changing cultural era. The spot also proved that a commercial could become part of a larger social mood, not just a sales tool. Its legacy continues to inspire brands that want to connect with people on a deeper, human level.

2. 2. Wendy’s Where’s the Beef commercial (1984)

This ad showed older women reacting to a small hamburger patty and asking a short, direct question that quickly became a national catchphrase. Its humor helped Wendy’s compete with bigger fast food chains. The line spread across talk shows, news clips, and everyday conversations. It became a strong reminder of how a simple joke could turn into a major branding moment and boost attention for a restaurant known for larger patties. The catchy phrase also highlighted how consumers respond quickly to clear, relatable messages. Over time, it became one of the clearest examples of how a single moment can reshape a brand’s public image.

3. 3. Apple 1984 commercial (1984)

The Apple 1984 ad aired during the Super Bowl and introduced the Macintosh computer through dramatic imagery based on a popular dystopian novel. Its message focused on breaking away from rigid technology norms. The commercial made viewers curious about personal computers and showed Apple as a company with a bold vision. It set a new standard for high-budget ads linked to major events. It also proved that a single, striking concept could redefine how audiences viewed innovation. The spot later became a reference point for brands aiming to blend storytelling with cultural commentary.

4. 4. McDonald’s Mac Tonight commercial (1986)

McDonald's on Wikimedia Commons — McDonald’s on Wikimedia Commons

The Mac Tonight campaign featured a moon-faced singer playing a piano and promoting evening meals. The smooth tune and unusual character made the ads easy to remember. The commercial encouraged families to visit after typical dinner hours. It became a cultural marker during the late 1980s and helped McDonald’s broaden its image beyond daytime visits. The character’s style also gave the brand a modern, jazzy feel that stood out from its usual marketing. Even today, Mac Tonight remains a nostalgic symbol of how creative mascots can shape customer habits.

5. 5. Budweiser Frogs commercial (1995)

Three frogs croaked the brand name in a slow rhythm that created instant recognition. The ad ran during sports events and entertainment programs, making it familiar to wide audiences. Its simple humor made it easy to quote. The frogs became pop culture symbols and showed how minimal dialogue could still make a commercial stand out. Their timing and delivery made the message stick in people’s minds long after the spot aired. The campaign also proved that a playful idea could carry a global brand without relying on complex storytelling.

6. 6. California Raisins commercial (1986)

This ad used clay animation to show singing raisins performing a well-known song. The unusual animation style made the characters memorable to both kids and adults. Merchandise and spin-offs followed, showing the strong impact of the campaign. It highlighted how creative visuals could give new life to a basic food product. The characters also helped the brand feel fun and modern at a time when many food ads looked the same. Their popularity showed how a clever idea could turn a simple snack into a cultural hit.

7. 7. Energizer Bunny commercial series (late 1980s)

The Energizer Bunny marched across various scenes while beating a drum and continuing longer than other characters. The idea reinforced the battery’s message of long-lasting power. The bunny became a recurring figure across many follow-up ads. Its steady presence made the campaign one of the most recognizable in battery marketing. It also helped the brand stay top-of-mind by using a simple joke that viewers could spot instantly. Over time, the character grew into a symbol of persistence and endurance far beyond the ads themselves.

8. 8. Pepsi Michael Jackson commercial (1984)

Pepsi partnered with Michael Jackson to create an upbeat ad featuring music and dancing. The commercial introduced a version of one of his songs tailored for the brand. It became a major pop culture moment because of his strong global appeal. The campaign helped Pepsi position itself as a modern and youth-focused company. It also showed how pairing a global star with a catchy tune could shift public attention almost overnight. The partnership later influenced how brands approached celebrity endorsements in music and entertainment.

9. 9. Old Spice The Man Your Man Could Smell Like commercial (2010)

This commercial used quick cuts, a confident narrator, and surprising transitions to grab attention. Its humor made it widely shared during the early social media years. The ad revived interest in the brand and reached younger consumers. It also became a model for fast-paced storytelling that other companies later used. Its sharp delivery showed how a bold tone could reshape a brand almost instantly. The spot also proved that mixing charm and absurdity could spark lasting online buzz.

10. 10. Got Milk Aaron Burr commercial (1993)

The ad showed a history fan struggling to answer a famous trivia question because he had no milk to wash down a peanut butter sandwich. Its dry humor made it memorable. The commercial launched a long-running campaign that encouraged families to keep milk at home. It became a classic example of how a simple problem and a fast ending could leave a lasting impression. It also showed how everyday situations could be turned into clever reminders about a basic household item. The spot later influenced many other food and beverage ads that used quick twists to make their point.