12 TV Commercials from the ’90s That Would Be Too Weird for Today
These ’90s TV commercials were so strange and over-the-top, they would not be approved for broadcast today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
TV ads in the 1990s often relied on shock value, surreal humor, and exaggerated characters. Many of them pushed creative boundaries in ways that would not be accepted now. Cultural sensitivity, safety standards, and changes in public expectations have made these ads feel outdated and even inappropriate.
1. Pepsi’s Cindy Crawford Ad (1992)
David Yarrow Photography on Wikimedia Commons
The ad showed model Cindy Crawford stepping out of a sports car and drinking a can of Pepsi in front of two young boys. The camera focused more on Crawford’s body than the actual product. The boys appeared mesmerized by her appearance, which was meant to be humorous. Today, this would likely be seen as objectifying and not suitable for promoting a soft drink.
2. Mentos “The Freshmaker” Series
calflier001 on Wikimedia Commons
These commercials showed people solving everyday problems in odd and unrealistic ways after eating a Mentos mint. One example showed a man rolling over a wet bench to make stripes on his suit. The idea was that Mentos gave you the confidence to do quirky things. The ads were considered clever at the time, but today they feel forced and disconnected from the product.
3. Taco Bell’s Chihuahua ("¡Yo Quiero Taco Bell!")
Caterinarufo on Wikimedia Commons
Taco Bell used a small dog that spoke with a fake Spanish accent as its mascot. The dog’s phrase, “¡Yo Quiero Taco Bell!”, became popular but also received criticism for stereotyping. Latino advocacy groups called out the campaign for cultural insensitivity. It was eventually dropped due to the backlash and changing social awareness.
4. PlayStation’s Creepy Baby Ad (1999)
Islam90 on Wikimedia Commons
This ad featured a robotic baby floating in a white room with strange sound effects. It was part of a larger campaign to promote the PlayStation brand in Europe. The imagery was disturbing and confused many viewers. While it aimed to be futuristic, most people remember it for its unsettling visuals.
5. Gushers’ Head Transformations
Thomson200 on Wikimedia Commons
These ads showed kids eating Gushers fruit snacks and having their heads turn into giant pieces of fruit. The visual effects were exaggerated and cartoon-like. The idea was to show how “juicy” the snacks were, but the result was strange and hard to explain. Today, that kind of transformation would likely be toned down or replaced with animation.
6. Skittles’ “Skittles Touch” Ad
Jacek Halicki on Wikimedia Commons
A man was shown with a condition where anything he touched turned into Skittles candy. He described his life as lonely and frustrating, despite the magical twist. The tone mixed comedy with sadness in a way that felt confusing. Current ad campaigns usually avoid this kind of emotional contradiction.
7. Little Caesar’s Loud “Pizza Pizza” Commercials
Rowanswiki on Wikimedia Commons
These commercials repeated the phrase “Pizza Pizza” while showing customers reacting with loud, exaggerated excitement. They used sudden sound effects and strange characters to grab attention. The pacing and volume made them hard to ignore, but also overwhelming. Most brands today avoid this kind of noise-heavy strategy.
8. Kool-Aid Man Crashing Through Walls
Xyxyzyz on Wikimedia Commons
The Kool-Aid mascot would crash through walls and yell “Oh Yeah!” to surprise kids. The idea was to show excitement, but it also involved property damage with no explanation. The mascot often appeared uninvited, which now feels inappropriate. Modern ads are more focused on safety and context.
9. Sega’s Screaming Guy Ads
SEGA on Wikimedia Commons
Sega’s commercials often ended with someone yelling “SEGA” in a loud and intense voice. The editing was fast, and the tone was aggressive. The ads were meant to appeal to teenage gamers looking for excitement. Today’s gaming ads are more narrative-driven and less chaotic.
10. Crossfire Board Game Commercial
Sreejithk2000 on Wikimedia Commons
This ad showed two boys battling over a board game in a dramatic setting with wind machines, fire, and special effects. The visuals made the game look like a high-stakes event. It had nothing to do with the real experience of playing the game. Now, toy ads usually stick closer to realistic play scenarios.
11. Mountain Dew’s Extreme Sports Ads
PepsiCo on Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Dew commercials in the 1990s featured stunts like skydiving, BMX tricks, and base jumping. The drink was linked to extreme sports culture. It showed people risking injury for excitement and energy. Current advertising would include more safety disclaimers and avoid promoting dangerous behavior.
12. Nike’s “Good vs. Evil” Soccer Ad
WechphisithAP on Wikimedia Commons
Nike’s ad featured top soccer players in a stylized battle against fictional demon-like opponents. The setting was a Roman coliseum, and the tone was serious. The visuals were closer to a movie trailer than a product ad. While it was well-produced, it is more expensive and intense than most sports ads today.