20 Memorable TV Commercials from the 90s
The 90s TV commercials were a dazzling mix of catchy jingles, quirky mascots, and unforgettable moments, turning ads into cultural phenomena etched in our collective nostalgia.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
The 1990s were the golden age of TV commercials when advertising was an art form infused with humor, creativity, and unforgettable jingles. Talking animals and lovable mascots, over-the-top action sequences, and feel-good nostalgia–these ads sold products but also created pop culture. Whether a Budweiser frog or a polar bear sipping Coca-Cola, these 20 iconic campaigns left indelible marks on our memories and made even the mundane seem magical.
1. Coca-Cola’s “Always Coca-Cola” (1993)
Pablo Merchán Montes from Unsplash
This campaign introduced the animated Polar Bears to the world. How can one forget how, surrounded by a snowy, dreamlike background, the polar bears chilled by the side of Coke that rested in their paw, which captivated viewers, irrespective of age? That proved that sometimes, it was about keeping it simple and straightforward to time out the magic.
2. “Got Milk?” (1993)
Eiliv Aceron from Unsplash
The first ad of the campaign featured a man devouring peanut butter and being unable to answer a trivia question about Aaron Burr because he didn’t have milk. It was a pop culture phenomenon, mixing humor, frustration, and relatability. The slogan became a national mantra, reminding everybody that milk is an indispensable accompaniment.
3. Taco Bell’s Chihuahua ("¡Yo Quiero Taco Bell!" 1997)
Medelam from Wikimedia Commons
The small but mighty Chihuahua stole the show with its sassy one-liner, “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” This charming pup’s confident Spanish sparked a cultural craze and elevated fast-food advertising to comedic heights. Though short-lived, the dog remains a beloved mascot for 90s kids.
4. Budweiser’s Frogs (“Bud…Weis…Er” 1995)
Miquel C. from Wikimedia Commons
A swamp, three frogs, and a genius concept. The slow, croaky delivery of “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” was oddly hilarious and hypnotic, cementing it as one of beer advertising’s most creative moments.
5. Gushers Fruit Snacks (“Head Transformations” 1994)
Thomson200 from Wikimedia Commons
The kids in these commercials ate Gushers, and their heads turned into giant fruit versions. The special effects were gross and funny at the same time, keeping kids glued to the screen. Every child wanted to test whether Gushers could unlock his fruity transformation.
6. Surge Soda (“Surge!!!!” 1997)
James Yarema from Unsplash
An ad campaign as extreme as the soda’s sugar content. Crowds of teens in chaotic chases to grab a can: this is how Surge was marketed as the drink of choice for the adrenaline junkie. High-energy vibe: cult classic.
7. The Clapper (“Clap On, Clap Off!” 1992)
Amaury Gutierrez from Unsplash
Who didn’t want to be lazy and turn off the lights with just a clap? The catchy jingle, “Clap on, clap off, The Clapper!” made it an instant earworm. Even if you didn’t own one, clapping for convenience was revolutionary.
8. M&M’s “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” (1990s)
Robert Anasch from Unsplash
M&M’s reminded us why they were the candy MVPs: they don’t make your hands messy. Fun, colorful animations featuring their spunky candy-coated characters made them irresistible. This era saw the iconic Red and Yellow duo solidify their place in confectionery history.
9. Mentos “The Freshmaker” (1991)
CFP brands from Wikimedia Commons
A series of quirky ads showed people solving their problems with a Mentos-fueled burst of positivity. Cheesy music and overly dramatic acting made them so bad they were great. The campaign earned a cult following and cemented Mentos as a playful, problem-solving mint.
10. Crossfire Board Game (“Crossfire! You’ll Get Caught Up in the…Crossfire!” 1990)
Dave Photoz from Unsplash
The over-the-top heavy metal jingle promised epic battles of dexterity. The imagery of two kids locked in intense combat over the spinning metal pucks made it seem like a life-or-death struggle. This commercial’s adrenaline-pumping energy convinced every kid they needed the game.
11. Nike’s “Bo Knows” (1990)
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Bo Jackson was the ultimate athlete, and this commercial highlighted his ability to excel at multiple sports. He appeared in cameos with legends like Wayne Gretzky to showcase his versatility and greatness. “Bo Knows” was the slogan, which became a catchphrase in the culture.
12. “Snap Into a Slim Jim!” with Macho Man Randy Savage (1993)
Fend from Wikimedia Commons
It had the explosive energy of WWE legend Macho Man screaming at people to “Snap into a Slim Jim!” chaos, meat snacks, and trendy Savage’s larger-than-life personality. You didn’t even have to be a fan of Slim Jims to love the commercial.
13. Orbit Gum (“Fabulous Clean Feeling” 1995)
Deanjeraj from Wikimedia Commons
This series featured people in messy situations who still had “a good, clean feeling” after chewing Orbit gum. The absurdity and the over-the-top British accents added to the fun. It made cleaning your mouth sound like a classy occasion.
14. Old Navy’s Star-Studded Ads (1990s)
Rowanlovescars from Wikimedia Commons
Old Navy roped in celebs like Magic Johnson and Morgan Fairchild to showcase their preppy clothes. The quirky, pastel-filled commercials brought a campy, surreal vibe to retail marketing. The ads didn’t just sell clothes—they sold Old Navy’s whimsical world.
15. Tootsie Pop’s “How Many Licks?” (Classic Revived in the 90s)
Tootsie Pops from Wikimedia Commons
This ad followed an inquisitive child asking various animals how many licks it takes to get to the taffy center of a Tootsie Pop. The owl gave up with three licks, tearing through the candy with its bite. This ad kept a mystery alive for generations and was a simple, whimsical charm.
16. Campbell’s Soup (“M’m M’m Good!” 1990s)
Girl with red hat from Unsplash
A classic jingle combined with snuggly family moments made these commercials endearing. Campbell’s was the comfort food hero, from chicken noodle soup that cured sick days to tomato soup that went well with grilled cheese. You always wanted a bowl of warmth after the commercials.
17. Furbys (“A Mind of Its Own” 1998)
Wikiphotos from Wikipedia
This chattering, blinking toy was touted as a living companion. Bright colors and merry sound effects made kids feel that Furbys are the ultimate buddies. However creepy their chatter gets, Furbys captures the spirit of the holiday season.
18. Windows 95 Launch (“Start Me Up!” 1995)
Jonathan D. Cowles and Jeff Boettcher from Wikimedia Commons
Microsoft used the hit song from the Rolling Stones to alert the public that Windows 95 had finally arrived. This advertisement was a vast cultural crossover moment for the tech era, bringing rock ’n’ roll energy into software. It was also a reminder that even the operating system could be incredible.
19. Pizza Hut’s “Stuffed Crust Pizza” (1995)
Ed! from Wikimedia Commons
The stuffed crust was revolutionary, and Pizza Hut acted like it was an event. Ads were made with such boastful humor that people eating pizza with their feet were shown. It changed how we think of pizza crust for good.
20. Toys “R” Us (“I Don’t Wanna Grow Up!” 90’s Version)
Keizers from Wikimedia Commons
That became the childhood chorus, reminding the kids that Toys “R” Us is a wonderland. Colorful stores and smiling kids in advertisements made you want to stay young forever. It’s a nostalgia-packed dream that still lingers today.