The ’90s gave us an endless parade of memorable commercials. From catchy jingles to quirky characters, these ads became so much more than filler between our favorite shows; they became pop culture milestones. Here’s a look back at ten iconic ’90s commercials that every ’90s kid can still remember by heart.
Before there were memes, there was Budweiser’s “Wazzaaaap?” commercial. In this ad, a group of friends answered the phone with exaggerated cries of “Wazzaaaap?” Somehow, this simple greeting turned into a nationwide trend, with people everywhere mimicking it. Even if you were too young for Budweiser, you couldn’t resist trying out this catchphrase yourself.
Budweiser struck gold again with its trio of frogs, who famously croaked “Bud,” “Weis,” and “Er” in a murky swamp setting. Directed by Gore Verbinski—who would go on to direct Pirates of the Caribbean—the ad was a hit, spawning sequels featuring frogs, chameleons, and even a ferret. This ad made Budweiser unforgettable in the ’90s, with fans repeating those simple croaks everywhere.
Mentos made being clever look cool. In every ad, a stylish young person would solve a frustrating problem with a fresh Mentos mint, getting back at stuffy adults or just making life a little easier. The upbeat music and the slogan “The Freshmaker” made these commercials fun and unforgettable. Mentos became a badge of quick thinking, even if they sometimes fizzed up in soda!
“Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” This line became an instant classic in ’90s culture. The ads featured two well-dressed men in Rolls-Royces passing the mustard between their cars with utter politeness. These commercials made Grey Poupon the height of sophistication—and if you owned a bottle, you almost had to ask this question before using it.
Ricola’s commercials, featuring Swiss mountain scenes and a giant horn, were as dramatic as they were soothing. The signature “Riiiiiicolaaaaaaa!” shout became recognizable even if we didn’t fully understand the connection between the Alps and throat lozenges. Still, if a Ricola could keep these yodelers’ voices in check, it would surely be good enough for the rest of us.
Miss Cleo was the face of ’90s psychic hotlines, inviting viewers to “Call me now!” with her lively accent and upbeat personality. Her predictions, delivered with flair and charisma, made her a pop culture icon, even sparking a documentary years later. Whether or not you believed in her psychic powers, Miss Cleo was a character you couldn’t ignore.
Little Caesars hit a home run with their “Pizza! Pizza!” slogan. A booming voice would announce this double pizza deal with a catchy rhythm that made the phrase unforgettable. Short, simple, and to the point, it became the go-to slogan for family pizza nights and gave Little Caesars a reputation that’s still strong today.
Who didn’t hear the “Ch-ch-ch-Chia!” jingle at least once during the holidays? Chia Pets, small clay animals that sprouted “hair” when watered, was a quirky hit. These commercials featured everything from animals to famous faces, and the sing-song jingle had a way of sticking in your head. Every kid who tried growing a Chia remembers this green-thumbed craze fondly.
Fruit snacks were a big deal in the ’90s, and Gushers stood out from the pack. These candies, filled with a gooey center that “gushed” when you bit into them, promised a burst of flavor. Their ads, showing kids’ heads turning into giant fruits, were odd but memorable. Slightly weird yet totally fun, Gushers became a snack aisle staple.
“Crossfire! You’ll get caught up in the Crossfire!” This high-energy ad showed two kids shooting metal balls in an intense game of Crossfire. With flashing lights, dramatic music, and an announcer yelling the game’s name, it felt like an action movie condensed into 30 seconds. For many ’90s kids, this commercial made Crossfire the must-have game of the year.