The 1990s were a golden era for television commercials, where catchy jingles, quirky characters, and unforgettable catchphrases dominated the airwaves. Long before the age of streaming and ad-blockers, commercials were a key part of the TV experience, and some were so memorable they became embedded in pop culture. Whether they were for toys, snacks, or even mustard, these ads didn’t just sell products; they sold moments of nostalgia that are still stuck in our heads today. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 15 iconic 90s commercials that left a lasting mark on our lives, counting down to the most legendary of them all.
15. Chia Pet – “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!”
The catchy jingle for Chia Pets has been ingrained in our collective memory since the 90s. The commercials showed the magical growth of clay animals covered in chia sprouts, offering an oddly satisfying and strangely compelling DIY hobby. The repetitive “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!” was impossible to forget and became synonymous with a whole generation’s love for quirky infomercials.
14. Doublemint Gum – “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”
Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum ads featured the famous Doublemint Twins, bringing the idea of doubling your enjoyment to life. The commercials highlighted the gum’s refreshing qualities while also capitalizing on the novelty of identical twins, making them a fixture in 90s pop culture.
13. Blockbuster Video – “Wow! What a Difference!”
Before the days of streaming, Blockbuster Video was the go-to spot for renting the latest movies. The “Wow! What a difference!” slogan embodied the excitement of browsing through aisles of VHS tapes. The commercials captured the anticipation of a weekend movie night, making them a nostalgic reminder of an era when video rentals reigned supreme.
12. Mentos – “The Freshmaker”
These commercials featured ordinary people overcoming everyday obstacles with a fresh perspective, thanks to Mentos. The jingle was so infectious that it became a part of 90s pop culture, even being parodied in shows like The Simpsons, movies like Clueless and even a Foo Fighters music video. Whether it was rolling up the sleeves of a stained suit jacket or using Mentos to gain confidence, these ads left an indelible mark.
11. Ring Pop – “It’s a Ring! It’s a Pop!”
Part candy, part accessory, Ring Pops were a fun and colorful treat for kids, and their commercials embodied the carefree spirit of the 90s. The jingles encouraged kids to flaunt their edible “jewelry” and enjoy the sweet flavors, making it a playground status symbol.
10. “I’ve Fallen, and I Can’t Get Up!” – Life Alert
The now-infamous catchphrase, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!,” originated in the late 1980s with Life Alert commercials promoting safety devices for the elderly. Intended as a serious call for help in medical emergencies, the line’s earnest delivery and specific scenario ironically transformed it into a humorous catchphrase, frequently referenced and parodied throughout the ’90s and beyond.
9. Yo Quiero Taco Bell – Taco Bell Chihuahua
The Taco Bell Chihuahua, with his famous catchphrase “Yo Quiero Taco Bell,” brought humor and charm to fast food advertising. The little dog with the big personality became a cultural phenomenon, helping the chain stand out in a competitive market. The character’s popularity even extended into merchandise and video game appearances.
8. Bagel Bites – “Pizza in the Morning, Pizza in the Evening”
The catchy Bagel Bites jingle had kids everywhere singing about enjoying pizza at any time of the day. The commercial’s emphasis on snack-time versatility made it a staple of after-school TV time, and the idea of having mini pizzas whenever you wanted was a dream come true for many.
7. Wassup – Budweiser
The “Wassup” ads, featuring a group of friends greeting each other with an exaggerated “Wassup?!,” quickly became a cultural sensation. It was simple but effective, capturing a laid-back vibe that resonated with audiences. The phrase became a staple of slang, often mimicked and referenced in pop culture long after the commercial stopped airing.
6. Skip-It – “The Very Best Thing of All!”
Skip-It commercials tapped into the joy of outdoor play with a catchy tune encouraging kids to try to “skip the highest scores.” The device itself, a plastic loop with a counter that you’d hook around your ankle, became a coveted toy, while the jingle played in kids’ heads long after playtime ended.
5. Miss Cleo – “Call Me Now!”
Miss Cleo, a self-proclaimed Jamaican psychic, became a household name thanks to her infomercials for a psychic hotline. Her charismatic persona and unforgettable catchphrases like “The card don’t lie!” and “Call me now for your free reading!” turned her into a pop culture icon, despite later controversies surrounding the hotline’s legitimacy.
4. Grey Poupon – “Pardon Me, Do You Have Any Grey Poupon?”
This ad played up the elegance of Grey Poupon mustard, showing upper-class gentlemen in fancy cars asking one another for the condiment in the most refined way possible. The juxtaposition of sophistication with something as mundane as mustard made it memorable, and the catchphrase has been used to mock pretentiousness ever since.
3. Got Milk? – “Milk Mustache Campaign”
While the “Got Milk?” campaign featured its share of celebrities sporting milk mustaches, its most memorable commercials often revolved around humor and relatable scenarios. Who could forget the Aaron Burr commercial, where the history buff misses his chance to answer a radio contest correctly because he’s out of milk for his peanut butter sandwich, or the poor guy with a mouthful of peanut butter stuck in a full-body cast? These commercials brilliantly highlighted the everyday inconvenience of running out of milk, making the “Got Milk?” slogan both funny and relatable.
2. Budweiser Frogs – “Bud…Weis…Er”
The Budweiser frogs appeared in a series of commercials where they croaked the syllables “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er.” The simplicity and humor of talking amphibians, coupled with the brand’s recognizable name, made these ads instant classics. The frogs even evolved into lizards in subsequent campaigns, keeping the humor alive.
1. Slim Jim – “Snap Into a Slim Jim!” Featuring Randy “Macho Man” Savage
The Slim Jim ads with Randy Savage were intense, loud, and unforgettable. The late Macho Man’s energy and trademark voice shouting “Snap into a Slim Jim!” brought a burst of excitement to every commercial. The over-the-top style perfectly matched the 90s era, making it the most iconic ad on this list.
Did we miss your favorite 90s commercial? Which one of these do you still find yourself quoting? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know which ad you think deserves the top spot! Don’t forget to tell us about any other memorable ads from the 90s that you think should have made the list. Let’s keep the nostalgia going!