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14 Ads That Played Before Every VHS Movie

Here's a nostalgic rewind to the commercials and promos that rolled before the main feature on VHS tapes.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 3 min read
14 Ads That Played Before Every VHS Movie
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Before streaming platforms became the norm, popping in a VHS meant sitting through a handful of ads. From anti-piracy warnings to snack reminders, these clips played so often they’re etched into memory. Here are 14 ads that seemed to show up before every VHS movie.

1. FBI Warning Screen

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Before anything else, that bold blue screen with the FBI seal appeared. The threatening fine and prison sentence made even kids sit up straight.

2. Coming Soon to Theaters Promo

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Every VHS had a trailer reel starting with “Coming Soon to Theaters.” The booming voiceover and dramatic music got you hyped for movies you hadn’t even heard of yet.

3. Coming Soon to Video and DVD

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This spot made upcoming home releases feel like big events. It often showed family movies or animated features. For kids, it was an instant wishlist maker.

4. THX Sound Trailer

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That deep, vibrating THX sound shook living rooms. The logo and audio promised “the ultimate in sound quality.” Even on a small TV, it felt cinematic.

5. M&M’s Movie Theater Candy Ad

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Animated M&M’s reminded you to stock up on snacks before the film. Bright colors and silly humor made it fun to watch every time.

6. Pizza Hut Tie-In Commercials

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VHS tapes often included Pizza Hut promos tied to kid-friendly movies. They showed kids trading book reports for free pizza slices.

7. “You Wouldn’t Steal a Car” Anti-Piracy Ad

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This ad hammered home that piracy was theft. Dark music and intense imagery compared bootlegging movies to stealing cars.

8. Disney Home Video Opening

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Disney tapes kicked off with their sparkling castle logo and whimsical music. It made every movie feel magical before it even started.

9. “And Now, Our Feature Presentation” Screen

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That glowing title card marked the end of the ads. The voiceover was calm, yet exciting. It was the signal everyone had been waiting for.

10. Warner Bros. Kids Club Ad

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Some VHS tapes included ads for the WB Kids Club. It showed off Saturday morning cartoons and branded merchandise. It felt like being invited into a secret club.

11. Universal Studios Theme Park Commercial

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Many family movies came with a Universal Studios ad. The rides, characters, and fireworks made it look like the ultimate vacation.

12. Kool-Aid Commercials

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The Kool-Aid Man bursting through walls popped up even before VHS features. His booming “Oh Yeah!” made kids laugh every single time.

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The flying Pegasus with triumphant music opened many VHS tapes. It wasn’t technically an ad, but it felt like one. The logo became permanently tied to family movie nights.

14. Local Video Store Promos

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Smaller VHS releases often included ads for nearby rental chains. They encouraged you to “be kind, rewind” or come back for more tapes.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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