The 1970s were a golden era for television commercials, filled with catchy jingles, memorable characters, and iconic moments that continue to resonate with audiences today. These commercials didn’t just sell products; they became a part of popular culture, leaving a lasting imprint on the collective memory. Join us as we explore 14 commercials from the 70s that everyone can still remember.
1. Coca-Cola’s ‘I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke’
The Coca-Cola commercial featuring the song ‘I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke’ became an anthem of unity and peace. Filmed on a hilltop in Italy, it showcased a diverse group of young people. The message was simple yet powerful: Coca-Cola brings the world together.
This ad didn’t just promote a beverage; it symbolized global harmony at a time of social unrest. The catchy tune, combined with the visuals, ensured its place in advertising history.
Did you know? The song was later released as a pop single, amplifying its impact on popular culture.
2. Life Cereal’s ‘Mikey Likes It’
Life Cereal’s ‘Mikey Likes It’ commercial introduced us to a picky eater who surprisingly enjoyed the cereal. His brothers doubted he’d like it, but Mikey did, turning him into an overnight sensation.
The charm of this ad lay in its relatability; every family had a ‘Mikey.’ The simplicity and humor struck a chord with audiences, making it one of the most memorable ads of the decade.
Interestingly, the real-life Mikey, played by John Gilchrist, went on to have a normal childhood despite his early fame.
3. Alka-Seltzer’s ‘I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing’
Alka-Seltzer’s ‘I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing’ commercial struck a humorous chord with those who’ve ever overindulged. The ad featured a man lamenting his overindulgence, embodying the relatable feeling of eating too much.
This memorable line became a part of everyday language, demonstrating the ad’s pervasive impact. With its catchy jingle and comedic timing, it remains a classic example of effective advertising.
A fun fact: The ad’s success led to other comedic Alka-Seltzer campaigns, cementing its place in pop culture.
4. Tidy Bowl Man
The Tidy Bowl Man commercial put a whimsical spin on bathroom cleanliness. Featuring a miniature captain piloting a boat inside a toilet tank, it creatively illustrated how Tidy Bowl cleaned toilets.
This inventive approach made a mundane product memorable, with the Tidy Bowl Man becoming an enduring icon. The clever visual made viewers chuckle while effectively conveying the product’s benefits.
Did you know? The Tidy Bowl Man was played by several actors over the years, each bringing their own charm to the role.
5. Keep America Beautiful’s ‘Crying Indian’
The ‘Crying Indian’ commercial from Keep America Beautiful delivered a powerful environmental message. Featuring a Native American man shedding a tear over pollution, it highlighted the impact of littering on nature.
This poignant ad spurred significant public awareness, contributing to the environmental movement of the 1970s. Its emotional pull and striking imagery made it unforgettable.
Despite some controversy over the years regarding the actor’s heritage, the ad’s message continues to resonate today.
6. Burger King’s ‘Have It Your Way’
Burger King’s ‘Have It Your Way’ campaign revolutionized fast food by emphasizing customer choice. The commercial showed patrons customizing their burgers, a novel concept at the time.
The catchy jingle and friendly service portrayed in the ad resonated with consumers, setting Burger King apart from competitors. This focus on personalization became a hallmark of the brand.
Interestingly, the ad’s jingle is still remembered fondly by those who grew up in the 70s, speaking to its lasting appeal.
7. Charmin’s Mr. Whipple
Mr. Whipple’s admonition not to squeeze the Charmin became a cultural touchstone. The commercial featured the lovable store manager catching customers in the act, adding humor to the mundane task of buying toilet paper.
His catchphrase, ‘Please don’t squeeze the Charmin,’ echoed in households nationwide, making the brand synonymous with softness. This clever character-driven approach ensured Charmin’s place in advertising lore.
Fun fact: Actor Dick Wilson portrayed Mr. Whipple in over 500 commercials, cementing his place in TV history.
8. McDonald’s ‘You Deserve a Break Today’
McDonald’s ‘You Deserve a Break Today’ ad captured the essence of convenience and family fun. Featuring scenes of cheerful employees preparing food, it invited viewers to take a break and enjoy a meal.
This jingle-driven campaign highlighted McDonald’s as a place of relaxation and enjoyment, appealing to busy families. The upbeat tone and catchy song left a lasting impression.
The campaign’s success contributed to McDonald’s growing popularity, solidifying its status as a staple in American life.
9. Oscar Mayer’s ‘My Bologna Has a First Name’
Oscar Mayer’s ‘My Bologna Has a First Name’ commercial featured a charming child singing about his love for bologna. The catchy tune spelled out O-S-C-A-R to millions, etching it into memory.
This playful approach to advertising made lunch meats fun, with the jingle becoming a beloved part of many childhoods. Its simplicity and innocence touched hearts across America.
Did you know? The commercial’s popularity led to increased sales, showing the power of a memorable jingle.
10. Band-Aid’s ‘I Am Stuck on Band-Aid’
The ‘I Am Stuck on Band-Aid’ commercial used a catchy jingle to emphasize the brand’s adhesive strength. Featuring playful scenes of children, it showcased Band-Aid as a trusted companion for life’s little mishaps.
This jingle’s charm lay in its simplicity and repetition, making it unforgettable. The upbeat melody and cheerful visuals resonated with families everywhere.
A fun tidbit: This campaign was one of the first to demonstrate products through engaging storytelling, a technique widely used today.
11. Wendy’s ‘Where’s the Beef?’
Though technically from the early 80s, Wendy’s ‘Where’s the Beef?’ commercial earns an honorary spot for its lasting impact. The ad humorously critiqued competitor burgers, featuring an elderly lady demanding ‘Where’s the beef?’
This catchphrase quickly entered the cultural lexicon, encapsulating dissatisfaction with anything lacking substance. It was a comedic stroke of genius that boosted Wendy’s brand recognition significantly.
The campaign remains a textbook example of using humor to make a point, influencing advertising strategies for years.
12. Meow Mix ‘Singing Cat’
The Meow Mix ‘Singing Cat’ commercial featured a lovable feline meowing along to the brand’s jingle. The simple yet effective ad captured the playful nature of cats, endearing it to pet owners.
This catchy tune, combined with the cute visuals, struck a chord with audiences, making Meow Mix synonymous with happy cats. The ad’s success lay in its relatability and charm.
Did you know? The jingle became so popular that it was released as a single, showcasing its widespread appeal.
13. Nair’s ‘Who Wears Short Shorts?’
Nair’s ‘Who Wears Short Shorts?’ commercial paired a catchy tune with visuals of confident women flaunting smooth legs. The ad was both playful and empowering, celebrating women’s freedom to choose.
The memorable jingle helped solidify Nair’s identity, with the phrase ‘Who Wears Short Shorts?’ becoming iconic. This approach resonated with the 70s spirit of self-expression and individuality.
Interestingly, this ad was pivotal in transforming Nair from a niche product to a household name, thanks to its engaging execution.
14. Calgon’s ‘Ancient Chinese Secret’
Calgon’s ‘Ancient Chinese Secret’ commercial humorously promoted its water softener by featuring a laundromat owner revealing his ‘secret’ to clean clothes. The playful twist became a catchphrase.
This ad cleverly mixed humor with mystery, creating intrigue around a seemingly ordinary product. Its light-hearted nature and memorable line made it a standout.
Fun trivia: Despite its success, the ad faced criticism for cultural stereotyping, sparking conversations on representation in media.
Mother of three and a primary school teacher. I’ve always loved being around children and helping them, so I chose my path as a teacher. It is sometimes hectic with three children, but I am 100 percent into it and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.