16 TV Commercials That Played Nonstop in the ’90s

Back in the ’90s, certain commercials were impossible to avoid. Whether you were watching cartoons, sitcoms, or late-night shows, the same catchy ads popped up over and over. They became part of daily life and stuck in everyone’s heads for years.

Tricia Quitales
June 4, 2025
4 min read

16 TV Commercials That Played Nonstop in the ’90s — hello aesthe on Pexels

TV commercials in the ’90s had a unique charm that made them unforgettable. Some were funny, others a little strange, but many aired so often they became part of pop culture. These ads had jingles, mascots, and slogans that still come to mind decades later. Looking back, they give us a fun glimpse into what advertising looked like during that colorful decade.

1. Mentos “The Freshmaker”

CFP brands on Wikimedia

The upbeat music and quirky scenes made Mentos commercials truly unforgettable. People loved how the characters found clever solutions to awkward problems, always with a Mentos in hand. It played so much, you couldn’t avoid hearing the jingle.

2. Crossfire Board Game

Chrysler on Wikimedia

“Crossfire! You’ll get caught up in the… Crossfire!” was shouted during nearly every cartoon break. The intense action and spinning metal balls made it look like the coolest game ever. Most kids begged their parents for it, even if they didn’t really understand how to play.

3. Tootsie Pop – “How Many Licks?”

Tootsie Pops on Wikimedia

The wise owl and curious kid asking about how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop made this ad iconic. It had already been around for years, but in the ’90s, it was played constantly. That “One, two, three… crunch” line stayed with everyone.

4. Herbal Essences “Totally Organic Experience”

Kaboompics.com on Pexels

These shampoo commercials were loud, bold, and full of over-the-top excitement. The overacted shower scenes were impossible to ignore and got people talking. It pushed boundaries for a shampoo ad and definitely stuck in your memory.

5. Skip-It Toy Commercial

Germán TR on Pexels

With bright colors and a nonstop theme song, Skip-It made every kid want to jump around. The commercial showed kids mastering the toy like pros, making it look easy and fun. The song alone could replay in your head for days.

6. Sock’em Boppers

Antonio Friedemann on Pexels

These inflatable boxing gloves were “more fun than a pillow fight” and appeared during every Saturday morning show. The catchy chant and slow-motion punches made the ad a favorite. It was all about playful chaos, and the commercial sold that perfectly.

7. Gushers Fruit Snacks

Thomson200 on Wikimedia

Kids in the commercials bit into Gushers and instantly transformed into giant fruits. The wild effects and weird humor made it memorable and oddly fascinating. It aired often and made Gushers look like magic candy.

8. Coca-Cola Polar Bears

玄史生 on Wikimedia

The animated polar bears sipping soda in snowy scenes brought a calm, magical feel. The simple visuals and peaceful music stood out from louder commercials. These ads were cozy and became a holiday tradition for many viewers.

9. McDonald’s Happy Meal Tie-Ins

Judgefloro on Wikimedia

Every week seemed to bring a new cartoon or movie-themed Happy Meal toy. The commercials hyped them up with colorful animation and fun jingles. Kids would rush to McDonald’s just for the toys, even if they didn’t care much for the food.

10. Kool-Aid Man “Oh Yeah!”

Unknown author on Wikimedia

The Kool-Aid Man crashing through walls with his signature “Oh yeah!” was hard to forget. The red pitcher was everywhere, bringing sugary joy to every scene. It was loud, silly, and pure ’90s energy.

11. Ring Pop Candy

Israyosoy S. on Pexels

Romantic and fun, Ring Pop ads made it seem cool to wear your candy. The theme song played frequently and featured happy kids proposing with giant, edible rings. It was sugary, goofy, and seen on TV constantly.

12. Capri Sun “Liquid Cool”

Unknown author on Wikimedia

Capri Sun commercials featured kids turning into shiny silver liquid and flying around. It looked futuristic and strange, but everyone wanted to try it. The visuals were just odd enough to keep you watching every time.

13. Pizza Bagels “When Pizza’s on a Bagel”

Nishant Aneja on Pexels

Bagel Bites made their mark with a jingle you just couldn’t stop singing. The idea of eating pizza any time of day felt like freedom to a ’90s kid. The commercial was short but powerful in how often it played.

14. Toys “R” Us – “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”

Toys “R” Us on Wikimedia

The jingle made every kid feel like childhood would last forever. It showed toy-filled aisles and smiling kids having the best time. The emotional pull made this ad stand out and stick with viewers.

15. Folgers Coffee “Best Part of Wakin’ Up”

JA Folger Co. on Wikimedia

Folgers’ morning-themed ads played quietly but regularly in homes across the country. The jingle became a daily soundtrack for adults as they woke up. Even if you didn’t drink coffee, you still knew that line.

16. Bop It Toy Commercial

Hasbro on Wikimedia

“Bop it! Twist it! Pull it!” repeated over and over in these energetic commercials. The toy was all about fast reflexes, and the ad matched that energy. You heard the commands in your sleep after a while.