The 1970s were a golden era for television commercials. Advertisers pulled out all the stops to create memorable ads that didn’t just promote products but left a lasting impression. Humor was often the secret ingredient that made these commercials stand out.
Many of the funniest commercials from the ’70s have become timeless classics. Some featured clever wordplay, while others relied on slapstick humor or unforgettable catchphrases. They didn’t just sell products—they became part of popular culture, making viewers laugh out loud.
From car insurance to burgers, these ads covered a wide range of products in the most entertaining ways. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 14 of the funniest American commercials from the ’70s that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
1. Volkswagen – “Funeral”
In this clever commercial, a man reads his will, leaving humorous amounts of money to his loved ones. His extravagant wife gets $100 and a calendar, while his sons who squandered money receive $50 in dimes. It all leads to the punchline: his entire fortune goes to his thrifty nephew who praised Volkswagen.
The ad humorously shows that Volkswagen drivers appreciate value, while everyone else wastes their money. This was a perfect way for Volkswagen to position itself as the smart choice for those who know the worth of a dollar.
2. Alka-Seltzer – “Poached Oysters”
A husband awkwardly compliments his wife’s cooking after struggling to eat an enormous dumpling she made. The dumpling was so large it stuck to his ribs, humorously hinting at the heaviness of the meal. His polite but pained expressions made this ad a classic.
In typical Alka-Seltzer fashion, the ad promoted the product as the cure for overeating, especially when faced with meals that are “a bit too hearty.” The relatable humor made it both funny and effective.
3. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”
This commercial became legendary for its catchphrase, “Where’s the beef?” An older woman stares at a huge bun with barely any meat inside, repeatedly asking the question that became an instant hit. It was a jab at other fast-food chains with oversized buns but smaller patties.
Wendy’s cleverly positioned their burgers as the answer, offering more beef than the Whopper or Big Mac. This memorable ad not only made people laugh but also reinforced Wendy’s as the go-to for hearty burgers.
4. Independent Life – “Out of the Picture”
This ad took a more thoughtful yet humorous approach to life insurance. It focused on the idea of maintaining your lifestyle after the loss of a loved one, with an agent pitching “total way of life” coverage. The commercial blended seriousness with subtle jokes about life’s unpredictability.
The humor came in with the idea that no one knows what’s around the corner, but Independent Life would be there to help you maintain your standard of living. It was both practical and amusing, making insurance a bit more approachable.
5. Pepsi – “Archaeology”
In this hilarious Pepsi commercial, a group of archaeologists uncovers a “time capsule” from the 1970s. As they dig through relics of the past, they stumble upon a Pepsi bottle. One of the scientists takes a swig and instantly transforms into a groovy, bell-bottom-wearing ’70s character.
The contrast between the stiff archaeologists and the carefree disco dancer creates a perfect comedic moment. Pepsi used this humorous approach to show that their drink could transport you back to a fun and nostalgic time, no matter the era.
6. Alka-Seltzer – “Spicy Meatballs”
This ad features an actor trying to film a commercial for a spicy meatball, but things go hilariously wrong. After 59 takes, he still can’t get it right, leading to plenty of laughs. His struggles reflect the real-life challenges of indigestion, with Alka-Seltzer coming to the rescue.
The ad was relatable for anyone who’s ever had a little too much of a good meal. By turning a simple mistake into a comedy sketch, Alka-Seltzer made an everyday issue both funny and memorable.
7. American Motors’ Rebel – “Driving Instructor”
Driving students wreak havoc on the road in this humorous ad for Rebel cars. Despite their best efforts to damage it, the car holds its own against the worst drivers in the world. It was a hilarious way to show the durability of the Rebel.
The exaggerated chaos and over-the-top driving mistakes made for a funny, entertaining commercial. Rebel used humor to show that their car could handle anything—even the most reckless drivers.
8. Southern Airlines – “Second Class”
Southern Airlines made fun of the class divisions seen on other airlines with this ad. The commercial assured passengers that no one would be treated as a second-class citizen on their flights, humorously noting there was no curtain separating the “peasants” from the “nobility.”
It was a clever way to appeal to customers frustrated by the class distinctions on other airlines. Southern Airways used humor to show that everyone deserved the same great service, no matter where they sat.
9. Volkswagen – “The Kremplers”
This ad compares two neighbors: Mr. Jones, who buys an expensive car, and Mr. Krempler, who buys a Volkswagen along with a house full of new appliances. The ad humorously shows how Volkswagen’s affordability allows you to get more for your money.
It was a lighthearted way to showcase Volkswagen’s value. The ad cleverly highlighted the benefits of smart spending in a funny, relatable scenario.
10. Fed-Ex – “Count on It”
In this fast-paced ad, a frantic boss demands to know if important paperwork was delivered on time. The ad emphasized that Federal Express was the only reliable service for overnight deliveries, using humor to stress the importance of timeliness.
This commercial’s urgency and exaggerated stress made for an entertaining way to promote reliability. Federal Express effectively turned a serious message into a funny, memorable ad.