1. The Coca-Cola “Hilltop” Ad (1971)
You’ve probably heard the song “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” and it still evokes nostalgia today. This famous Coca-Cola commercial aired during the 1971 holiday season, showcasing a diverse group of young people from around the world, standing on a hilltop and singing in unison. It was a powerful message of unity and peace that resonated deeply during a time of political and social upheaval. Even if you weren’t around to watch it live, the ad’s impact can still be felt in modern commercials that emphasize global connection.
What makes this commercial stand out, though, is the fact that it didn’t just sell a product—it sold a feeling. It was one of the first ads to emphasize the brand’s connection to a positive and inclusive message rather than just the product itself. Over 50 years later, the song has been re-recorded for various causes, proving how deeply ingrained it is in pop culture.
2. Alka-Seltzer “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing” (1972)
This Alka-Seltzer commercial became an instant classic with its simple yet relatable premise. A man, full from a big meal, says to his wife, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” The catchphrase immediately caught on, and for years it was quoted in households everywhere, often at the expense of someone overindulging at dinner. Its charm lay in how easily it captured a familiar experience, making it easy for viewers to see themselves in the ad.
Alka-Seltzer’s use of humor and real-life situations was a game-changer. Instead of focusing solely on the product, the brand made a memorable emotional connection with the audience. Even today, the “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” line still surfaces when someone has overdone it at a meal.
3. The “Marlboro Man” (1960s)
The Marlboro Man is one of the most iconic advertising figures to ever grace television screens. This rugged cowboy, first introduced in the 1960s, embodied the ideal of masculinity, independence, and freedom, positioning Marlboro as the cigarette of choice for men who lived life on their own terms. It became a symbol of the American spirit, with stunning visuals of wide-open landscapes and the Marlboro Man calmly enjoying a cigarette.
While today, we understand the dangers of smoking, the Marlboro Man’s legacy endures, remembered not for the product he was selling, but for the cultural shift he represented. The imagery from these ads has been repurposed and parodied in many pop culture moments, making them forever etched in advertising history.
4. Jell-O “Jell-O Pudding Pops” (1970s)
Jell-O’s Pudding Pops, endorsed by comedian Bill Cosby, were one of the most beloved products of the ‘70s. The fun, frozen dessert had a creamy texture and came in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and swirled chocolate-vanilla, which made it a household favorite. Cosby’s cheerful commercials, where he would show how easy it was to enjoy these treats, made the product irresistible.
The Jell-O Pudding Pops campaign wasn’t just about promoting a product; it was about creating a fun, family-friendly experience. Although the product was eventually discontinued in the ’80s, the memory of those ads and the catchy taglines remain, reminding us of a time when commercials could make you smile simply by watching them.
5. “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)
Though this ad technically aired in the early ‘80s, its roots were in the late ‘70s when the fast-food industry was looking for ways to stand out. Wendy’s launched this memorable campaign with a simple but effective question: “Where’s the Beef?” A grumpy old lady named Clara was skeptical about the small size of the burger patties at competing fast food chains, and the ad struck a chord with audiences. The line became so iconic that it turned into a national catchphrase.
The campaign’s success came from its boldness and simplicity, and it wasn’t afraid to poke fun at competitors. Even years later, people still reference the phrase when talking about anything that seems lacking in substance, proving how well it has stuck in popular culture.
6. The “Breakfast of Champions” Wheaties Ad (1970s)
Wheaties has been promoting itself as “the Breakfast of Champions” since the 1930s, but it was in the ’70s that the brand took it to another level with TV ads featuring famous athletes. Whether it was Olympic gold medalists or professional athletes, the commercials showed real-life sports icons eating Wheaties as part of their success. The association with athleticism and success resonated with millions of viewers, establishing Wheaties as the go-to breakfast for those who wanted to feel like champions.
This series of ads helped cement Wheaties’ place in both American culture and advertising history. The phrase “Breakfast of Champions” became synonymous with greatness, and the product’s branding lives on today, even though the ads have long since stopped airing.
