15 ’90s Commercials That Instantly Bring Back Memories
The ’90s brought a wave of TV commercials packed with catchy jingles and unforgettable characters. Whether you were watching cartoons or your favorite shows, these ads became part of the daily routine and often sparked conversations at home.
Many commercials from that era still come to mind easily because they perfectly captured the spirit of the decade. These ads didn’t just sell products—they became moments you could share and remember.
Mentos – The Freshmaker jingle
The catchy Mentos jingle, “The Freshmaker,” played in almost every Mentos ad during the ’90s. Its upbeat rhythm and simple message made Mentos more than just a mint—it became a quick pick-me-up for everyday moments.
The commercials showed ordinary people solving little problems, all thanks to a Mentos mint and a fresh perspective. When you saw the pack, you could almost hear the jingle playing in the background.
It was so popular that it appeared in TV shows, movies, and even music videos. Even now, hearing “Mentos, the Freshmaker” can bring a smile or a quick flashback to your childhood.
The brand has even brought the jingle back to celebrate its lasting impact. If you want a walk down memory lane, you can watch some of these classic ads online.
Budweiser Frogs
The Budweiser frogs were a staple of ’90s TV. These three amphibians sat in a swamp and croaked the syllables “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er,” making the commercials instantly recognizable.
Their simple, catchy chant made the commercials stand out. The frogs first appeared in a 1995 Super Bowl ad and quickly became one of the decade’s most iconic ad campaigns.
The commercials were directed by Gore Verbinski, who later directed the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The frogs entertained viewers from 1995 to 2000, making the brand memorable in a fun way.
If you want to revisit these classic ads, you can find collections of them online. Watching the frogs croak “Bud-Weis-Er” might just bring back some good memories.
California Raisins sing-along
The California Raisins were charming claymation characters that danced and sang in TV commercials during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Their soulful rendition of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” became a hit.
These animated raisins were created to promote California raisins but ended up becoming pop culture icons. Their performances were so popular that they even won an Emmy Award for their animated specials.
When you saw the California Raisins on screen, you likely noticed their smooth dance moves and expressive faces. Behind the scenes, musician Buddy Miles provided the lead vocals that gave the group their signature sound.
If you dig through old commercials or videos, you can still find those classic claymation clips online.
Toys ‘R’ Us ‘I don’t want to grow up’
The Toys ‘R’ Us jingle, “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid,” captured the feeling of childhood perfectly. The commercial first aired around 1990 and quickly became a beloved anthem for kids everywhere.
When you heard those words, you could almost picture yourself surrounded by the millions of toys at the store. Bikes, trains, video games—it was a dream come true.
The ad showed that Toys ‘R’ Us had everything you wanted at prices that made sense. This jingle was sung by kids just like you, making it feel real and fun.
It became a symbol of childhood joy, reminding you that sometimes you just don’t want to grow up. You can still find clips of this classic commercial online or read about its impact on 90s culture.
McDonald’s ‘I’m Lovin’ It’
The “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle became McDonald’s longest-running slogan, sticking around for over two decades. The catchy five-note tune is hard to forget.
It was created in the early 2000s but by the late ’90s, it was already playing in your head. That simple melody helped connect with a generation that grew up hearing it regularly.
Pharrell Williams had a hand in producing the tune. The jingle became a cultural staple, with many celebrities singing along in various ads.
The “I’m Lovin’ It” campaign changed how McDonald’s advertised, focusing on positive feelings and everyday joy. It’s one of those commercials that many people from that era still remember clearly.
Pepsi’s ‘Joy of Cola’ campaign
Pepsi’s ‘Joy of Cola’ campaign from 1999 featured Hallie Eisenberg, whose joyful energy captured the spirit of the brand. The ads brought a fresh and friendly vibe, making them easy to connect with.
The campaign was notable for its lighthearted, feel-good tone. You’d often see the little girl enjoying a Pepsi with a big smile, making the drink feel fun and approachable.
The campaign first aired during the 1999 Academy Awards, marking a special moment for Pepsi in advertising. It even inspired later spots that sought to bring back the same joyful feeling.
Sony PlayStation ‘Double Life’ ad
The 1999 PlayStation commercial “Double Life” showed 19 gamers talking about how playing PlayStation was more than just a hobby—it was a whole different world. The ad’s line, “For years, I’ve lived a double life,” really captured how gaming felt like a secret part of your day-to-day life.
The ad was only 60 seconds long, but it made a big impact. You got to hear real players share their excitement and passion for games.
It was created by a team including James Sinclair and Trevor Beattie, who wanted to show gaming as something cool and immersive. This commercial changed how many people saw video games and helped PlayStation become a household name.
Folgers coffee ‘Coming Home’ commercial
The Folgers coffee “Coming Home” commercial from 2009 shows a brother and sister reuniting after some time apart. It captures a simple moment filled with warmth and familiarity.
The ad is known for its down-to-earth feel, focusing on everyday family connections rather than flashy visuals. It embraces that comforting idea of coming home to something familiar, like a fresh cup of Folgers coffee.
If you want to see the ad, it’s available to watch on platforms like YouTube. It became popular partly because it felt relatable to many viewers, highlighting genuine emotion.
Nike ‘Bo Knows’ campaign
The “Bo Knows” campaign featured Bo Jackson, a rare athlete who excelled in both baseball and football. Nike used his unique talent to promote their cross-training shoes starting in 1989.
The ad became iconic because it wasn’t just about one sport. It showed Bo trying different activities, like baseball, football, and even guitar.
Other famous athletes like Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky also appeared, supporting the idea that Bo Jackson truly “knows” sports. Bo didn’t speak in the ad since he struggled with stuttering, but his athletic skill and star power did all the talking.
The campaign ended up boosting Nike’s shoe sales and became a memorable part of sports advertising history. If you want to see why it made such an impact, you can check out the original Nike Bo Knows commercial.
Old Spice ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign changed the way body wash ads looked. Isaiah Mustafa starred as the confident and charming spokesperson.
The ad made you laugh while pitching Old Spice as a product that could make your man more appealing. It used humor and a clever monologue delivered straight to the camera, making it memorable and shareable.
You saw a man who could do it all—ride horses, lounge on boats, and even bake cakes. This creative approach helped Old Spice connect with a younger audience, making the brand feel fresh and modern again.
The way Old Spice used social media alongside the TV spots also made the campaign stand out. It offered an engaging experience that kept you watching and sharing.
Snapple Real Facts
Snapple’s “Real Facts” printed inside bottle caps brought a clever twist to packaging. These quirky bits of trivia ranged from surprising to downright odd, sparking curiosity every time you opened a drink.
The campaign made Snapple more than just a beverage. It became a little moment of fun and learning in your day.
You’d often find yourself sharing these facts with friends just for the laugh or surprise. This idea helped Snapple stand out in the crowded ’90s market.
It was part of a larger effort to connect with customers on a more personal, playful level. For many, those quirky facts are still a nostalgic reminder of the brand’s unique charm.
You can see the campaign’s impact in various commercials and collections. The “Real Facts” remain a memorable piece of ’90s culture and Snapple’s identity.
Burger King’s ‘Have it Your Way’
Burger King’s slogan, “Have it Your Way,” became a defining part of the brand in the ’90s. It encouraged customers to customize their orders just how they liked them.
Whether you wanted to hold the pickles or add extra lettuce, the commercials showed Burger King cared about your preferences. The ads often featured catchy jingles and playful scenes.
One memorable commercial showed a man directing someone in a chicken suit to act exactly how he wanted. This highlighted the theme of control and choice in a humorous way.
The campaign helped Burger King stand out from other fast food chains by focusing on personalizing your meal. The slogan first appeared in the ’70s but really took off during the ’90s, becoming part of pop culture.
If you want a look back at those classic ads, there are plenty of videos showing how the campaign evolved over the years. From its beginnings to the hip hop style commercials of the late ’90s, Burger King kept the “Have it Your Way” idea fresh for its fans.
Got Milk? ‘Aaron Burr’ ad
The ‘Aaron Burr’ commercial from 1993 kicked off the iconic Got Milk? campaign. Directed by Michael Bay, it starred Sean Whalen as a history buff struggling to answer a radio quiz question.
In the ad, the character is stuck with a peanut butter sandwich and no milk to wash it down. This leaves him unable to say the answer aloud when the $10,000 question is asked.
The clever concept showed how important milk was in everyday moments. It quickly became memorable and helped launch one of the most recognizable ad campaigns of the ’90s.
Apple’s ‘Think Different’
Apple’s “Think Different” campaign arrived in the late ’90s, right after Steve Jobs returned to the company. The ads celebrated famous innovators like Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King Jr.
The commercials were simple and mostly black-and-white, focusing on the message rather than products. You weren’t just watching an ad for technology; you were invited to join a community of creative thinkers.
The slogan “Think Different” challenged the usual way of advertising. It wasn’t about features but about inspiring your imagination.
If you want to see the full version of this iconic ad, it’s available on YouTube. Apple’s brand identity shifted to emphasize individuality and creativity.
Staples ‘That Was Easy’
The phrase “That Was Easy” is instantly associated with Staples. This slogan became a standout moment in ’90s advertising.
It was simple and memorable, capturing the promise of an easy shopping experience. The commercials showed everyday office tasks becoming hassle-free.
Staples has since updated the campaign for modern audiences. The original ads from the ’90s still hold a special place in pop culture.
