10 Funniest 70s Commercials for Iconic Products

The 1970s gave us some of the most memorable and amusing TV commercials. These ads not only introduced iconic products but also entertained viewers with their quirky humor and unforgettable catchphrases. Let’s take a look at ten of the funniest commercials from the 70s that made us laugh.

1. Alka-Seltzer – “I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing”

This Alka-Seltzer ad features a man lamenting his overindulgence after a big meal. The memorable line, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing,” became a part of pop culture. His regretful tone and relatable situation gave the commercial its humor, making it a hit with audiences.

The ad cleverly used the idea of overeating to sell a solution for indigestion. By keeping the tone light and funny, Alka-Seltzer managed to turn a common problem into something that everyone could laugh about.

2. Coca-Cola – “Mean Joe Greene”

In this classic Coca-Cola commercial, Pittsburgh Steelers’ star “Mean Joe” Greene softens up after a young fan offers him a Coke. His gruff exterior contrasts with the heartwarming moment when he throws his jersey to the boy. The unexpected charm of this big, tough athlete brought smiles to everyone.

The mix of toughness and sweetness made the commercial unforgettable. It was a perfect blend of humor and sentiment, with Greene’s surprising soft side winning over audiences.

3. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”

Though Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” campaign began in the 80s, its roots trace back to the late 70s with similar ad styles. The humor of an elderly woman questioning the size of a burger’s patty was instantly funny. Her bold attitude and frustration turned a simple complaint into a memorable phrase.

The commercial poked fun at fast food competitors by exaggerating the disappointment over a small burger. This clever approach helped Wendy’s stand out in a crowded market.

4. Tootsie Pop – “How Many Licks?”

The famous Tootsie Pop ad, featuring a boy asking, “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” was both funny and iconic. The wise old owl’s quick solution, biting into the candy, made it a hit. His impatience brought a humorous twist to a childlike curiosity.

This playful ad turned a simple question into a memorable and funny moment. The mix of animated characters and a catchy question made the Tootsie Pop commercial stand the test of time.

5. Charmin – “Don’t Squeeze the Charmin”

The Charmin commercial introduced Mr. Whipple, the grocery store clerk who constantly caught customers squeezing the toilet paper. His annoyed reaction and the shoppers’ irresistible urge to squeeze the soft Charmin made for a funny and lighthearted ad. Mr. Whipple’s iconic line became a household phrase.

By making toilet paper seem luxurious and tempting, Charmin used humor to elevate an everyday product. The ad’s success led to Mr. Whipple becoming one of the most recognized characters in advertising history.

6. Life Cereal – “Mikey Likes It”

The Life Cereal commercial featured three young boys hesitant to try a new cereal. The funniest moment came when they pushed the bowl to picky Mikey, who surprised everyone by liking it. The line, “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!” became a catchphrase, and the child’s unexpected approval made it a hit.

The simplicity of kids testing out a cereal and their exaggerated reactions added charm and humor. It resonated with families and quickly became one of the most beloved ads of the era.

7. Folgers Coffee – “Mrs. Olson”

Folgers Coffee’s 70s commercials featured Mrs. Olson, a friendly neighbor who always knew the secret to making the best coffee. Her conversations with housewives about the “mountain-grown” beans had a humorous, homespun feel. Mrs. Olson’s kind, yet slightly meddlesome advice brought a light touch to coffee talk.

The recurring character of Mrs. Olson added a sense of familiarity, while the simple humor of her coffee expertise kept viewers entertained. Folgers successfully connected their product with everyday life in a charming way.

8. Oscar Mayer – “My Bologna Has a First Name”

The Oscar Mayer ad featured a young boy singing the famous jingle, “My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R.” His innocent and cute delivery, along with the catchy tune, made this commercial both funny and heartwarming. It quickly became a favorite among families and a cultural hit.

This ad stood out by using humor and a playful song to create a lasting impression. The simplicity of the message, combined with the child’s charm, made it a memorable piece of 70s advertising.

9. Dr Pepper – “I’m a Pepper”

The Dr Pepper “I’m a Pepper” campaign featured a joyful group of people singing and dancing about being “Peppers,” a fun way to show their love for the soda. The over-the-top enthusiasm and playful choreography made the ad amusing and hard to forget. Its catchy tune was a key part of its success.

The humor in this commercial came from its lighthearted, exaggerated portrayal of soda drinkers. By turning a simple beverage into a fun identity, Dr Pepper created an ad that was both entertaining and effective.

10. Crest Toothpaste – “Look, Ma, No Cavities!”

Crest’s 70s ad featured children proudly showing off their cavity-free teeth. The humorous part came when they enthusiastically exclaimed, “Look, Ma, no cavities!” with beaming smiles. The ad took a serious subject—dental care—and made it light and fun, appealing to parents and kids alike.

By focusing on the excitement of kids, Crest managed to make dental hygiene seem cool and enjoyable. The playful tone and catchy slogan helped Crest solidify its place as a leading toothpaste brand.