The Top 10 TV Commercials of the 1980’s | 10Things

Last Updated on: May 15th, 2024


The Top 10 TV Commercials of the 1980'sThe 1980s were an era of neon colors, big hair, and unforgettable pop culture moments. It was a decade that gave us iconic music, groundbreaking movies, and, of course, some of the most memorable TV commercials in history. As we step into our nostalgic time machine and journey back to the ’80s, we can’t help but be overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia. Those who lived through the decade remember it as a time of excess, innovation, and boundless creativity, and the world of advertising was no exception.

In this post, we’ll take you on a delightful trip down memory lane as we revisit the top 10 TV commercials that defined the 1980s. These commercials aren’t just advertisements; they’re pieces of cultural history that captured the spirit of the times and left an indelible mark on our collective memory. From jingles that we still can’t get out of our heads to characters who became household names, these commercials were much more than 30-second pitches – they were moments of pure entertainment.

So, grab your scrunchies, dust off your boombox, and get ready to travel back to a time when advertising was bold, brash, and unapologetically ’80s.

The Top 10 TV Commercials of the 1980’s

(in no particular order)

My Buddy / Kid Sister Ad (1985)

Juicy Fruit is Gonna Move Ya Water Skiing Ad (Early 1980’s)

Jason Alexander McDonald’s McDLT Ad (1985)

Michael J Fox Diet Pepsi Commercial (1987)

Teddy Ruxpin “Classroom” Ad (1985)

Dunkin Donuts “Time to Make the Donuts” Ad (Early 1980’s)

Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” Ad (1984)

Apple 1984 Macintosh Ad (1984)

Folger’s Coffee “Peter Comes Home For Christmas Ad (1985)

The 1980s were a golden age for television advertising, and these top 10 commercials were the shining stars of that era. They transported us to a time when commercials were more than just product pitches; they were mini-movies, musical extravaganzas, and laugh-out-loud comedies. Whether it was the catchy slogans, unforgettable characters, or the sheer nostalgia factor, these commercials left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

As we bid farewell to this trip down memory lane, it’s clear that the ’80s weren’t just about leg warmers and Walkmans; they were a time when advertising became an art form. These commercials remind us that sometimes, the commercials are just as memorable as the shows they interrupt. The 1980s may be long gone, but their commercials will forever be etched in our memories.



Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. Most of these fun facts come from internet reports and may not be official tallies. No information contained on DMR should be relied upon to make investment decisions. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%.