Neon colors. Wall Street bros. Massive shoulder pads. Of all of the trends that ruled the '80s, one stands above the rest, still taking up space not only in the cultural zeitgeist, but also in the farthest corners of our brains: The aggressive, catchy commercials that lit up our TV screens.
From the Kool-Aid man's wall-bursting "Oh Yeah!" to the age-old question of "Where's the beef?" here are 11 ads from the '80s that we still can't get out of our heads.
1
The Clapper
"Clap On! Clap Off! The Clapper!" — us on our deathbeds, probably.
2
McDonald’s McDLT
These McDLT commercials were not only a George Costanza fever dream, but a huge waste of styrofoam, too.
3
Dunkin’ Donuts ‘Time to Make The Doughnuts’
We’d hit Dunkin’ every day if we knew Fred the Baker was in the kitchen.
4
Sure Deodorant
Even in 2024, we’re not sure that calling for people to display their armpits was ever called for.
5
Skin Bracer by Mennen
An iconic catchphrase and some super '80s-looking dudes? Thanks, we needed that.
6
Chrysler Cordoba
Do we know what “rich Corinthian leather” is? No. Will that stop us from saying it over and over again? Also no.
7
This Is Your Brain On Drugs
Four decades later, ‘80s kids are still frying eggs … and their brains.
8
Apple’s 1984 Super Bowl Ad
Still a better movie than ‘Battlefield Earth.’
9
Parkay
Who knew a talking butter substitute could captivate the nation?
11
“Where’s The Beef?”
In 1984, Wendy’s started asking the tough questions — more specifically, “where’s the beef?”
