Step back into the era of oversized scrunchies, dial‑up tones, and neon windbreakers, and discover the magic of 10 classic commercials that still echo in our memories. These ads weren’t just selling products—they were crafting cultural moments, from catchy jingles that you could hum for days to visuals that made your Saturday mornings unforgettable. Whether you were a fan of goofy mascots, daring athletes, or snack‑time surprises, each commercial on this list left an imprint that still feels fresh today.

10 Classic Commercials That Shaped a Generation

1. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

Spread the delight and step into a buttery wonderland with the unforgettable “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” ads. These spots turned a simple spread into a whimsical adventure, showcasing the product’s rich, creamy taste while keeping the tone light‑hearted and fun. Each dollop on a slice of toast was paired with a burst of humor, as characters gasped in amazement that the spread wasn’t actually butter, turning everyday meals into playful moments.

The commercials also painted a picture of culinary creativity, transforming ordinary dishes into mouth‑watering masterpieces with just a swipe. Viewers were invited to imagine their own meals elevated by this clever substitute, proving that indulgence and health could coexist in a single, tasty spread.

2. Beef

Savor the hearty allure of the “Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign, a feast for the senses that celebrated the versatility of beef in every form. From sizzling steaks to juicy burgers, these ads painted vivid scenes of sizzling grills, aromatic smoke, and families gathering around a table brimming with flavor. The energetic melodies and bright visuals emphasized how beef could turn any meal into a celebration.

Beyond the tasty imagery, the spots highlighted the social side of dining—how sharing a beef‑centric dish could spark conversation, create memories, and bring loved ones together. The message was clear: beef isn’t just a protein choice; it’s a delicious adventure waiting to be savored at every dinner.

3. Gushers Fruit Snacks

Gushers took snack time to the next level with commercials that promised an explosive burst of juicy flavor in every bite. The ads turned ordinary fruit snacks into a whirlwind of excitement, showcasing kids’ reactions as the snacks erupted with a burst of fruity goodness that seemed to transform their heads into fruit themselves. This vivid imagery turned a simple snack into an adventure of taste and imagination.

Through playful animation and lively music, the commercials celebrated uninhibited fun, reminding viewers that even the tiniest snack could deliver a big, joyful punch. The message was simple: Gushers are more than a treat—they’re a flavorful explosion that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

4. Taco Bell

Unleash your cravings with the spunky Taco Bell chihuahua campaign, a delightful blend of Mexican flair and canine charisma. The tiny pup’s catchphrase “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” quickly became a cultural sensation, echoing across TV screens and prompting viewers to picture themselves biting into bold, flavorful tacos. The chihuahua’s antics—sometimes sporting a tiny sombrero or scheming for a bite—added a playful twist that made the brand unforgettable.

These ads celebrated the joy of discovery, encouraging audiences to embrace bold flavors and the excitement of trying something new. The chihuahua’s charisma proved that great things can come in small packages, and that Taco Bell was the go‑to spot for a tasty, lively dining experience.

5. Life Cereal

Welcome to the breakfast revolution brought to life by the “Mikey Likes It” Life cereal commercials. Centered around Mikey, the notoriously picky eater, each spot revealed the surprise and delight when Mikey finally gave his enthusiastic approval—“He likes it! Mikey likes it!” The scenario built tension as skeptical friends and siblings offered him a bowl, only for Mikey to break expectations with a grin and a satisfied nod.

Accompanied by a catchy jingle that stuck in your head, the ads turned a simple morning routine into a shared moment of laughter and camaraderie. They reminded viewers that stepping out of comfort zones—especially at the breakfast table—could lead to unexpected, tasty joys.

6. Gatorade

Channel your inner champion with the electrifying “Be Like Mike” Gatorade commercials, an anthem of inspiration that paired Michael Jordan’s legendary status with a refreshing sip of the iconic sports drink. The ads featured catchy tunes and memorable lyrics, urging viewers to chase greatness just like the basketball icon, while showcasing athletes soaring through the air and making impossible shots.

These spots blended motivation with a burst of flavor, suggesting that a gulp of Gatorade could fuel determination, hard work, and the dream of becoming “like Mike.” The campaign resonated across ages, turning a simple beverage into a symbol of perseverance and athletic aspiration.

7. Budweiser

Ribbit your way into humor with the legendary Budweiser frog commercials, a trio of amphibian mascots whose catchy croak—“Bud‑wei‑ser”—became an instant pop‑culture hit. The animated frogs, each with a distinct personality, hopped onto screens and delivered whimsical, light‑hearted moments that left viewers laughing and eager for the next rib‑tastic episode.

The campaign’s charm lay in its simplicity: a trio of frogs delivering a beer brand’s message with playful wit. Their enduring popularity proved that even in the world of adult beverages, a splash of amphibian humor could steal the spotlight and create lasting brand love.

8. Toys “R” Us

Toys “R” Us commercials burst onto the scene with a kaleidoscope of wonder, turning every screen into a playground of imagination. Led by Geoffrey the Giraffe’s infectious laugh, the ads showcased a dazzling array of toys—from action figures to board games—inviting kids and adults alike to dive into a world of endless possibilities.

The vibrant sets, lively jingles, and enthusiastic kids created a tidal wave of excitement, emphasizing that Toys “R” Us was the ultimate destination for happiness. Each commercial felt like an invitation to explore, dream, and embrace the magic of play.

9. Herbal Essences

Unleash your inner wild spirit with the lush, sensual world of Herbal Essences commercials. These ads painted vivid scenes of cascading waterfalls and dancing shampoo bottles, turning the simple act of washing hair into a blissful, almost mystical experience. The vibrant energy captured self‑expression, inviting viewers to indulge in a moment of pure hair‑care nirvana.

The signature moans and sighs became synonymous with the brand, adding a playful, sensual layer that transformed everyday routines into exhilarating indulgences. Viewers were left yearning for their own splash of shampoo‑driven euphoria.

10. Got Milk?

Take a nostalgic sip with the iconic “Got Milk?” spots that defined clever advertising in the ’90s. These commercials blended wit and surprise, presenting scenarios like a man battling a trivia question with a mouthful of peanut butter or a frantic search for milk during a power outage. Each vignette delivered humor, excitement, and a memorable twist that left audiences craving a glass of milk.

Beyond the laughs, the catchy tagline turned into a cultural phenomenon—sparking milk‑mustache selfies, parodies, and a nationwide conversation about the simple yet essential beverage. The campaign reminded everyone that milk wasn’t just a drink; it was a shared cultural touchstone.

11. Bonus: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

We couldn’t resist adding a bonus treat, and the “There’s No Wrong Way to Eat a Reese’s” commercials proved why. These ads celebrated the endless creativity of enjoying the iconic chocolate‑and‑peanut‑butter delight, showcasing everything from classic bites to quirky, unconventional methods—all delivered with a playful, light‑hearted vibe.

The commercials sparked laughter and inspired fans to discover their personal favorite way to savor Reese’s, reinforcing that the candy’s charm lies in its versatility and the joy it brings to every bite.

If you grew up in the era when you had to sit through every ad break, you’ve probably heard the phrase top 10 banned commercials tossed around like a nostalgic meme. Before streaming services gave us the power to skip, brands fought tooth‑and‑nail for those precious seconds of airtime, sometimes crossing lines that would later get them yanked off the screen. Below is a rollicking, yet thorough, rundown of the most infamous spots that never saw another rerun.

From cartoon cavemen lighting up to protest‑flavored soda stunts, each of these ads sparked enough controversy to earn a permanent spot on the forbidden‑list. Grab your popcorn (or maybe a beeper, if you’re feeling retro) and let’s count down the ten most notorious commercials that got the boot.

Top 10 Banned Commercials: Why They Got Pulled

10 The Flintstones Light One Up

Back in the 1960s, cigarette advertising still enjoyed a prime‑time perch, and none more surprising than the stone‑age family we all know and love. The Flintstones teamed up with Winston Tobacco, making the prehistoric gang the unlikely face of a cigarette brand. Imagine Fred and Barney, with their signature “Yabba Dabba Doo,” handing out cigarettes to kids – a scenario that feels absurd today but was a real broadcast in that era.

When the ban on tobacco spots finally landed in 1970, the sight of a cartoon caveman puffing away became a glaring example of why the rules changed. The whole idea of a children’s show promoting nicotine is now a textbook case of advertising gone terribly wrong. Yabba Dabba don’t, indeed.

9 Gillette Sells a Corporate Conscience

In 2019, Gillette launched a two‑minute commercial that dove headfirst into the #MeToo conversation, urging men to embody “The Best That Man Can Be.” The ad tried to position the razor brand as a moral compass, encouraging respectful behavior and calling out toxic masculinity.

Unfortunately, the execution left viewers puzzled. The message felt muddled, and both sides of the debate reacted negatively. Some praised the attempt at social responsibility, while others accused Gillette of opportunism, questioning why a shaving company was suddenly a gender‑rights crusader.

Critics also pointed out that the ad’s tone‑deafness alienated longtime customers, sparking a backlash that highlighted how risky it can be for brands to wade into cultural wars without a clear, authentic voice.

8 Pepsi Leaves Bad Aftertaste

The 2017 Pepsi spot starring Kendall Jenner tried to blend pop culture with protest, showing a stylized march where Jenner breezes through a tense crowd and hands a can of Pepsi to a police officer. The ad’s intent was to suggest that a simple sip could bridge societal divides.

Within hours, viewers slammed the commercial for trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement. The juxtaposition of a carefree celebrity handing soda to law enforcement during a protest felt tone‑deaf, prompting accusations that Pepsi was co‑opting a serious social issue to sell soda.

Pepsi pulled the ad after a single day, acknowledging the misstep. The incident remains a textbook example of how a brand’s attempt to appear “woke” can backfire spectacularly when the execution misses the mark.

7 Wait For the Beep

Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 featured a daring, albeit crass, spot for a cheap beeper service. The commercial opened with a blind‑date scenario that quickly turned into a farcical mess: a woman hops into a car, lets out a loud fart, and the unsuspecting man discovers an unseen couple in the backseat.

The humor hinged on bodily function jokes and a promotion for a technology that was already on its way out. The NFL and Fox deemed the content too vulgar and the product irrelevant, leading to the ad’s removal before it ever aired.

Looking back, the spot serves as a quirky reminder of how quickly cultural tastes evolve – and how some ideas, like beepers or fart jokes, simply don’t survive the test of time.

6 Who Would Jesus Hate?

In 2011, a small firm bought a Super Bowl slot for a provocative ad called JesusHatesObama.com. The commercial featured a bobblehead of Jesus glaring at an Obama bobblehead until the latter fell into a fishbowl, prompting a smug smile from the former.

While the spot may have found a niche audience amused by its irreverence, the broader network and advertisers balked at the overt political and religious satire. Executives recognized that the mass Super Bowl viewership would likely react poorly to such a polarizing message.

5 Sex Doesn’t Always Sell

National Airlines, a once‑prominent carrier later absorbed by Pan‑Am, pushed a series of 1970s ads that leaned heavily on sexual innuendo. The campaigns featured attractive women delivering the tagline “I’m Judy. Fly me,” implying a flirtatious invitation tied to the airline’s brand.

At a time when the women’s liberation movement was gaining momentum, the overtly suggestive tone felt tone‑deaf and exploitative. In today’s climate, such a campaign would likely be condemned for objectifying women, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

4 Tibet Isn’t Free, But You’ll Save Money

Groupon’s 2011 Super Bowl spot attempted to blend a sobering humanitarian message with a quirky sales pitch. Actor Timothy Hutton opened with a solemn reminder of the peril facing Tibetans, noting the tragic loss of over 250,000 lives in prison camps since the 1950s.

The ad then abruptly pivoted, urging viewers to “save money” by dining at a Tibetan restaurant in Chicago. This jarring shift from tragedy to a discount promotion was widely criticized for trivializing a serious human‑rights crisis for commercial gain.

Critics argued that the juxtaposition showed a profound lack of sensitivity, turning a genuine humanitarian concern into a punchline for cheap eats.

3 Beware the Bandito

The Frito Bandito, introduced in the 1960s, was an animated Mexican caricature used to market corn chips. Voiced by Mel Blanc, the character bore exaggerated features and a stereotypical accent, echoing the racial tropes common in that era’s advertising.

While the bandit was meant to be a humorous mascot, modern audiences see the portrayal as offensive and reductive. The character’s legacy serves as a reminder of how cultural insensitivity can render once‑popular mascots obsolete.

2 Big Mac Gets Big Cut

During the mid‑1980s, McDonald’s rolled out a campaign starring “Mac Tonight,” a sleek, moon‑faced piano player with sunglasses. The goal was to make the fast‑food giant appear hip and contemporary, borrowing vibes from pop culture icons.

However, the estate of singer Bobby Darin claimed that McDonald’s had ripped off Darin’s classic “Mack the Knife,” sparking a legal dispute. The controversy deepened when the character later inspired a parody known as “Moon Man,” further tarnishing the brand’s image.

1 The Pizza Did It

Jeno’s Frozen Pizza’s 1970s ad leaned on classic film‑noir tropes, featuring a trench‑coat‑clad detective who barges into a woman’s apartment, demanding she “gets a hold of herself.” The commercial depicted the man physically striking the woman with a pizza box—twice—to emphasize the product’s ease of preparation.This unsettling blend of violence and salesmanship has been condemned for normalizing aggression against women. The ad’s aggressive tone and overt physicality made it a clear example of why certain marketing tactics are now deemed unacceptable.

10 commercials so cringe‑worthy, repetitive, and desperate to be funny that they end up crossing every line you thought advertising could possibly cross. Bad ads are annoying, they hijack your favorite movie, and most of the time they’re just plain boring. But a handful of commercials plunge far beneath the realm of “just bad” and tumble straight into offensive territory, forcing networks and platforms to yank them from the airwaves. Below you’ll find the full rundown of the ten most controversial spots that were so out‑of‑bounds they had to be banned.

Why 10 commercials so outraged the public

Each of these ads tried to grab attention, but instead of winning applause they earned a chorus of boos, petitions, and in many cases, hefty fines. From tone‑deaf social‑justice references to grotesque jokes about suicide, these campaigns proved that there are limits to how far a brand can push the envelope before the whole thing collapses.

10 Kylie Jenner Pepsi Ad

Listen up, creative teams, brand managers, and the ever‑eager CMOs: we get it—you love your product and you want the world to know why it’s amazing. However, reality check: a new deodorant isn’t going to have women chasing after clueless dudes like wolves, and a can of soda isn’t going to magically heal centuries of racial trauma. At least deodorant ads can be tongue‑in‑cheek. Pepsi, on the other hand, missed the mark spectacularly.

Back in 2017, the soda giant rolled out a spot starring self‑made billionaire Kylie Jenner, who, in a single sip of Pepsi, supposedly brought instant peace between riot police and Black Lives Matter protesters. The commercial suggested that a shared can could dissolve real‑world tension—a notion that many found deeply offensive, as it trivialized serious movements against police brutality. After a tidal wave of criticism, Pepsi issued a public apology and promptly pulled the ad, admitting it had completely misread the cultural climate.

9 O-Fish Ad

Pop quiz time. An ad opens with a grieving boy asking his mother for stories about his late father—specifically, things they shared—to cling to any lingering connection with the man he’ll never meet. The emotional setup feels like it could belong to a heartfelt charity campaign, a mental‑health PSA, or even a life‑insurance pitch.

But the product being sold? A Filet‑O‑Fish sandwich at McDonald’s. The spot suggests that the boy’s newfound bond with his dad is cemented by sharing the same dollar‑menu favorite, a narrative that many found manipulative and exploitative. The UK branch of McDonald’s quickly yanked the commercial after public outcry, acknowledging they had mishandled a serious topic in service of selling fish sandwiches.

It leaves you wondering how a team of seasoned marketers could miss the glaring ethical red flag until the backlash became impossible to ignore.

8 Hyundai’s Pipe‑Job Ad

Promoting a vehicle that boasts 100% zero‑emission hydro power sounds like an eco‑friendly win for humanity. Yet Hyundai chose to convey that message with a crass joke about suicide: a man attempts to pump exhaust fumes into a parked car, only to wake up miraculously hydrated. The dark humor landed nowhere near funny; it landed straight into insensitivity.

Imagine the countless brainstorming sessions that green‑lighted this concept, the internal approvals that slipped by, and the anguish of families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Hyundai’s subsequent apology placed the blame squarely on the ad agency, but the responsibility ultimately rests with the client who signed off on the spot. The commercial was pulled, and the brand faced widespread condemnation for trivializing a tragic issue.

7 Miracle Mattress 9/11 Ad

Think about the standard mattress ad: happy couples, soothing testimonials, or a simple price‑point comparison. Miracle Mattress, a Texas‑based retailer, decided to push boundaries by designing a commercial that deliberately evoked the September 11 terrorist attacks. The spot featured two individuals diving into upright mattresses in a way that mirrored the Twin Towers, all to promote a “Twin Towers Sale.” The climax included a cast member joking, “we’ll never forget.”

This grotesque attempt at humor was clearly meant as a brainstorming joke that never should have left the conference room. Yet it aired, went viral, and sparked predictable outrage. The backlash forced Miracle Mattress to pull the ad, issue an apology, and ultimately close its doors, leaving a stark reminder that some historical tragedies are never appropriate marketing fodder.

6 Dove’s Real Beauty Ad

Dove earned massive goodwill with its long‑running “Real Beauty” campaign, celebrating diverse body types, ages, and ethnicities. The brand seemed to champion inclusivity, but in a three‑second social‑media spot the message went off‑track: a Black woman was shown transforming into a white woman while promoting a cleanser. The visual implied that the product could “wash away” darker skin, a disturbing insinuation.

Unlike some other offensive spots, this ad likely wasn’t crafted with malicious intent, yet the execution was tone‑deaf enough to cause a public uproar. Dove quickly retracted the commercial and issued an apology, underscoring how even well‑meaning campaigns can misfire when details are mishandled.

5 WWF’s 9/11 Ad

Trivializing the September 11 attacks to promote a cause is a surefire way to attract attention—but it also guarantees condemnation. The World Wildlife Fund attempted to raise funds for the 2004 tsunami disaster by comparing its death toll to that of 9/11, suggesting the latter was a “less deadly” tragedy. The comparison implied that the tsunami victims were somehow less worthy of empathy, a notion that outraged audiences worldwide.

The WWF and the agency behind the spot, DDB Brasil, originally hoped the ad would win awards, but the backlash forced them to issue apologies and withdraw the piece. The incident serves as a cautionary tale: even well‑intentioned fundraising can backfire spectacularly if it mishandles collective trauma.

4 Sprite’s “Brutally Refreshing” Ad

Sprite’s “brutally refreshing” campaign started with clever, tongue‑in‑cheek truths—like “We all have one tight friend” and “One dip is never enough.” However, the campaign stumbled when it ran a line on JOE.ie that read, “she’s seen more ceilings than Michelangelo.” The phrase, meant to be humorous, was perceived as sexist and nonsensical, reducing a woman’s worth to a bizarre comparison.

Critics slammed the ad for its poor logic and offensive undertone, arguing that the brand had unintentionally weaponized a sexist jab. After a flurry of Twitter backlash, Sprite removed the spot and issued apologies, likely accompanied by internal personnel changes.

3 Dacia’s “Most Offensive Car Commercial Ever”

Sometimes a commercial’s offensiveness isn’t born from malice but from sheer ignorance. Dacia released a spot that quickly earned the reputation of being the “most offensive car commercial ever.” The ad featured a mix of toilet humor, crass sexual jokes, and harmful stereotypes aimed at the Roma community—an already marginalized group. The content sparked a massive online debate and widespread condemnation.

Although the creators may have thought they were pushing boundaries for comedic effect, the result was a glaring example of punching down on a vulnerable minority. The backlash forced Dacia to pull the ad and face intense scrutiny over its creative process.

2 XLS Diet Pills Ad

Diet pills and appetite suppressants can be valuable when prescribed responsibly, but marketing them is a minefield. The industry is heavily regulated because of the potential for misuse. XLS Medical ignored these conventions, releasing a commercial where two visibly non‑overweight women declared they wanted the pills to squeeze into holiday outfits.

The ad’s thinly‑veiled encouragement of unhealthy body standards sparked immediate outrage from health professionals and the public alike. Critics condemned the spot for promoting dangerous dieting practices, and the backlash forced XLS to withdraw the commercial and face intense scrutiny over its messaging.

1 888 Online Betting Ad

Gambling advertisements walk a tightrope between excitement and exploitation. In 2017, 888.com released a spot depicting a distressed man turning to online betting to cover his dying wife’s medical expenses—a stark portrayal of vulnerable individuals being lured into risky financial behavior.

The Advertising Standards Authority deemed the commercial “socially irresponsible” and “targeting vulnerable people,” resulting in a record fine from the Gambling Commission and an immediate ban. The ad’s removal highlighted the fine line brands must tread when promoting gambling services.

The world of advertising is wildly competitive for your attention. Most people despise ads and prefer to skip or mute them if they can (thank goodness for ad-free streaming TV!).

The first thing a commercial has to do is grab your attention, and advertisers will do nearly anything to do so. Sometimes these stunts go a little too far, and the commercials only air for a short time in the public eye before they are removed for one reason or another. But hey, by the time they’re banned, they’ve already snagged enough attention to see a rise in sales, so making the most effective ad you can is always worth it.

Here are just ten (or more?) examples of hilarious ads that went out in a blaze of glory.

[WARNING: Some of these commercials were banned for a good reason, as they are NSFW!]

10 Darts Athlete

Give this poor guy a break! Of course, darts is a real sport with real teams and sponsors… it’s just too bad this “athlete” with the weird warmup ritual is no good at it.

I imagine this one was banned for slandering the grand sport of dart throwing. Either that or depicting violence on an innocent bystander—that dart to the chest can’t have felt good, and it was probably too shocking for TV.

By the way, I have never heard of Zoosk before. In a world before smartphone apps, they must have gone under pretty quickly.

9 Poor Dog

This is one of those ads where it’s impossible to guess the product they’re selling until the very end. Dog treats? Flea treatment? Therapy for dogs? Even when the car stopped, I assumed it was selling its automatic braking safety system, but I should have known better—this ad is way older than any modern car braking system these days.

This ad was probably banned for its dark depiction of attempted suicide. We don’t want to give people going through similar tragedies any ideas. And we get enough dead dogs from sad movies; we don’t need that in our commercials too!

8 Cheating Death

I don’t know how much sense it makes to sell a car with only one door on the driver’s side, but this ad makes a compelling case. On the other hand, it also makes it much easier to trap people inside the car in the event of other much more dangerous situations, like, I don’t know… any car accident. Maybe it would be easier just to teach people to watch where they’re going.

Like the commercial with the dart thrower, this ad was probably banned for its violent, pedestrian-smashing content, even if one of them was a CGI Grim Reaper (who apparently likes to stalk Uber rides?)

7 Best Method for Shortening Labor

After this ad began to air, I wonder how many times Scotland’s OBGYNs heard jokes about trying to lure the baby out with IRN-BRU.

“I’m afraid there have been some complications with the delivery; we may have to consider a cesarean section.”

“Aye, I’m sure it’s fine, doc—maybe we should try a bit o’ that IRN-BRU like in the commercial, eh? Hehe”

“Sir, this is very serious.”

It probably got old pretty fast. Also, there’s a joke somewhere about Macbeth versus Macduff, but I lost the thread.

Anyway, this ad was either banned for cutting it very close with baby-birthing nudity or stopping giving ideas to new parents—do NOT give your newborn (or fetus, for that matter) a can of IRN-BRU!

6 Pepsi or Coke?

Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi is a classic rivalry, and this ad really heightened the tension. But is Pepsi so much better than Coke that you’d pay for three cans of soda and leave two behind? That was an outlandish stretch, but Pepsi’s marketing team was bold enough to reach for it. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter, as both colas taste like expired battery acid, in my opinion.

The reasons behind this commercial’s ban are troublesome. Some vocal critics pointed out that the ad is an unfavorable depiction of poverty in some less fortunate countries, and the boy’s questionable spending habits only reinforce it.

5 In the Can

You can always rely on beer commercials to be crass. In this case, it was too crass for most television audiences. But if I were a kid and I saw this ad, I probably wouldn’t get it. I would have immediately thought of the intended meaning: the metal can that most drinks come in. Duh! Also, beer is gross. Especially lime-flavored beer. Yech!

That’s why I prefer the much funnier, way smarter, and not banned K-Mart ad, where they talk about how they shipped their pants. I would have laughed my “can” off at this ad as a child, did laugh as a teen, and still do today.

4 Doritos Are Sexy, I Guess?

When you hear “banned commercial,” the first one in this video is likely the one that most think of. It seemed to be everywhere on TV while it aired. This ad and thousands of others use a classic advertising technique called “sex appeal”—throw attractive women (sometimes men) on the screen to draw attention, then convey the idea that using/consuming this product makes you the most attractive being on the planet—which apparently includes having gross Doritos dust all over your fingers, face, and clothes. Sex appeal doesn’t make any sense, but it’s proven so effective that it doesn’t have to!

As for why this particular ad that used sex appeal was banned, we can probably blame the Dorito crumbs poured all over the man’s crotch and the implications of such. Good grief, she licked a complete stranger’s face the first time they met, and he wanted to skip to… well, you know. It was a bit extreme. At least take her to dinner first!

3 The Presidential Voodoo Doll

This ad uses some simple comedy to hook its audience. Getting former President Clinton to spin around and raise his arms into the air isn’t the highest form of art, but it grabbed your attention long enough to sell insurance. Although, I’m not sure how much of their audience needed this specific kind of insurance. How many people own museums with priceless artifacts? Whoever they are, I’m sure they know better than to leave stuff like that out in the open rather than protect them behind a glass case.

This ad was probably banned for its less-than-favorable depiction of old tribal artifacts and what they’re used for, as well as implied violence against the president of the United States. Say what you want about Clinton, but no one deserves a metal spike up their… saxophone.

2 Learn English (NSFW: Bad Language!)

What a happy family, bobbing their heads to the beat of one of those popular American pop songs! There’s no way such an upbeat tempo and rhythm could accompany such awful lyrics, right? I especially like the two kids in the back, innocently smiling at each other as they listen to the song.

The clear language gap is the crux of this ad’s effect, as well as why it was banned. It must have left non-English speakers scratching their heads—what did a family getting into a car have to do with learning a new language? (And what was that fun song?)

As for English speakers, well… it’s shocking content, to say the least. These lyrics would push a movie into an R rating, let alone get a commercial kicked off public broadcasting.

1 Zazoo One for Two

Talk about effective! This ad uses the spectacle of a kid throwing a tantrum in a grocery store, a very real situation many of us have witnessed—either secondhand or with our own kids. The melodrama draws us in, and then BAM hits us with the product that would most effectively prevent this embarrassing situation. Not a pacifier, toy, or even whatever the sweets the kid wanted, the thing that would prevent the kid in the first place!

As for why this ad was banned, I’m not sure. It could be because some prudent critics out there wanted the ad removed. That would certainly be a dramatic reason, but I think there’s an easier answer. We like this ad decades after it aired because we only need to watch and hear it once, but could you imagine it coming on the air every ten minutes or so? A screaming kid is not something we want to hear that often.

+Honorable Mention: Japanese Tea Ad

I’ll admit it; this ad wasn’t banned—as long as it aired for Japanese audiences, anyway. Censorship is a little different over there, so they’re okay with a little (or a LOT) of blood. Anyway, I wanted to share this ad because it is peak comedy, and I love it. The fire, the practical effects, the unusual situation, the tea kettle sound, the clever payoff, and even the last little squeeze at the end—it’s all gold.