12 TV Commercials That Used to Air Nonstop in the ’90s
This list shows unforgettable TV commercials from the 1990s that many people still remember today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These commercials played often during the 1990s. Many had catchy songs, funny catchphrases, or memorable scenes that made them hard to forget. Some were funny, some were funny, some were emotional, but all became part of pop culture. This list brings back those famous ads that filled TV screens during that time.
1. “Got Milk?” Milk Mustache Campaign
Got milk? on Wikimedia Commons
The “Got Milk?” ads were everywhere in the ’90s. Famous athletes, actors, and even cartoon characters appeared with milk mustaches, reminding everyone how important it was to drink milk. The simple idea turned into one of the most recognized ad campaigns of the decade.
2. Budweiser “Whassup?”
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
The Budweiser “Whassup?” ad became a huge joke among friends. People loved copying the way the characters greeted each other on the phone. It was a funny and simple idea that spread fast and made the beer brand even more popular.
3. Guinness “Surfer”
Eric Johnson on Wikimedia Commons
This commercial looked more like a short movie than a regular ad. The black-and-white waves, the galloping horses, and the powerful music made it very dramatic. It showed that a beer ad could be creative and artistic, not just about selling.
4. Apple “Sorry, No Beige”
Felix Winkelnkemper on Wikimedia Commons
Computers in the ’90s were mostly boring and gray, but Apple changed that. The colorful iMacs stood out with their bright designs, making computers look fun and exciting. This ad helped Apple demonstrate that it was different from other companies.
5. Diet Coke Break
The Coca-Cola Company on Wikimedia Commons
The Diet Coke Break ad flipped the usual idea of who watches whom. In the commercial, a group of women watches a good-looking construction worker take his break. It became very popular and made Diet Coke feel a little flirty and fun.
6. Renault “Papa & Nicole”
Renault on Wikimedia Commons
This car ad told a sweet story about a young woman named Nicole and her father. Every time she called out “Papa!” and he answered “Nicole!”, people smiled. The catchy phrase helped make the Renault Clio well-known in many households.
7. Old Milwaukee “Swedish Bikini Team”
Manuel Moreno on Wikimedia Commons
The Old Milwaukee ad featured a team of women in bikinis arriving to make a dull fishing trip more exciting. Many people thought it was funny, but it also got a lot of complaints. The ad was eventually pulled, but it stayed in people’s memories.
8. Budweiser “Frogs”
Jeffry S.S. on Pexels
Three cartoon frogs sat on lily pads and slowly croaked “Bud…weis…er.” It was simple, silly, and very catchy. Even years later, many people still remember the slow croaking and how funny it was.
9. Toys “R” Us Holiday Spectacle
Toys “R” Us on Wikimedia Commons
During the holidays, Toys “R” Us ads made kids dream about all the toys they wanted. The bright colors, fun music, and Geoffrey the Giraffe made it feel like a magical place. These ads made many children excited to visit the store.
10. Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
The Grey Poupon ads showed fancy cars and people passing mustard between them. It made mustard feel fancy and high-class, even though it was just a sandwich spread. Many people still repeat the famous line, “Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?”
11. Ring Pop
Wolfvonder on Wikimedia Commons
Ring Pops were candy you could wear like a ring. Kids loved showing off the bright colors and licking the sweet candy. The ads made it seem like the coolest way to enjoy candy while looking stylish.
12. Bubble Tape
Aryanda Harry on Wikimedia Commons
Bubble Tape was gum that came in a long, rolled-up strip. The ads often showed kids pulling out long pieces and blowing huge bubbles. It made chewing gum feel like a game, and kids loved seeing how big their bubbles could get.