Television commercials have evolved over the years. What used to be simple product pitches have turned into unforgettable cultural moments (think Snoop Dogg’s Hot Pocket commercial). Some ads have been so iconic that they transcend their original purpose of just selling an item or service. Instead, they become part of pop culture history. These six commercials didn’t just sell things, they told stories and sparked conversations, making them the best of all time.
1. Apple’s “1984”: A Revolution in Advertising
Apple’s “1984” commercial was directed by Ridley Scott. It is often considered to be one of the most groundbreaking commercials of all time. This commercial aired during the Super Bowl in 1984 and introduced the MacIntosh personal computer to the world. However, the ad wound up feeling more like a sci-fi movie experience than a tech product advertisement. The ad drew on George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 to make a bold statement against conformity. It was dramatic and eerie and it set out to make one thing clear: Apple had arrived to disrupt the world of technology. Decades later, this commercial still remains a defining moment in advertising history.
2. Coca-Cola’s “Hilltop”: Sharing a Coke with the World
You probably remember this one, even if you weren’t alive when it came out. Coca-Cola’s 1971 “Hilltop” commercial featured the song “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke.” It truly is one of the most heart-warming commercials ever produced. The ad shows a diverse group of people standing on a hill, singing about unity and peace while holding bottles of Coke. At the time, the world was experiencing a lot of social unrest and the message Coke was sending was powerful. To this day, “Hilltop” is remembered as an uplifting and unifying advertisement and is a great example of how a brand can really connect with people.
3. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”: Redefining Masculinity with Humor
Old Spice’s 2010 commercial “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” became a viral sensation fast. The ad included fast-paced humor and over-the-top scenarios that stood out and grabbed everyone’s attention. What really made this one stand out is that it was the first commercial to become a meme. Old Spice set a new standard for how humor could be used in commercials and it managed to revitalize the brand.
4. Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?”: A Catchphrase That Stuck
1984 was a good year for influential commercials. Aside from Apple’s “1984,” Wendy’s also released its “Where’s the Beef?” campaign. The commercial shows three older women. They are all looking at a large hamburger bun with a comically small hamburger patty inside. One of them asks, “Where’s the beef?” It was simple but effective and something people still quote to this day.
5. Nike’s “Just Do It”: A Slogan That Changed the Game
Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign first made its way onto the small screen in 1988. The ad has been one of the most successful and enduring campaigns in history. The very first commercial featuring the slogan featured an 80-year-old man. He was running across the Golden Gate Bridge and it sent an inspirational message about the brand to viewers. “Just Do It” became more than a tagline, it became a mindset that encouraged people to push their limits, no matter their age or ability. More than 30 years later, the slogan still resonates with people the way it did in 1988.
6. Budweiser’s “Wassup?”: A Cultural Catchphrase Born
Budweiser’s “Wassup?” commercial also deserves a mention. After it debuted in 1999, “Wassup?” practically became a national catchphrase in the United States. The ad showed a group of friends greeting each other. Each of them shouted “Wassup?” in exaggerated voices while holding their Budweiser beers. It was simple but effective. The commercial became a viral success and, occasionally, you’ll still hear someone reference it.
Commercials That Defined Generations
Many of these commercials have been out for decades, but they continue to influence American culture and have become part of pop culture history. Each of them has left its mark on advertising history and are proof that a really great commercial can be more than just an ad. As advertising continues to evolve, these iconic moments will remain benchmarks for creativity and impact.