Commercials are typically the bits you skip when watching TV. Either something to fast-forward or an opportunity to pop to the loo. In the cinema, you try to arrive after they've finished. Because to watch all the adverts is to surrender to The Man. There is one exception to this: When those commercials are fake.
The made-up advert is a screen staple, an opportunity to make something deliberately rubbish and/or surreal. These are 25 of the finest examples of commercial falsehood in cinema and TV. Products available in no good retail outlets.
Better Call Saul - Breaking Bad
Because when you want a lawyer to get you out of that drug bust, you want one with access to green-screen and hot pants.
_______________________________________________________
Coming To America – Soul Glo
The geri curl spray that kept popping up throughout the Eddie Murphy movie. Boasts one of the most memorable jingles in movies.
_______________________________________________________
Enorme – 30 Rock
One of many questionable products that Jenna puts her name to in 30 Rock. The fragrance for plus-sized women.
_______________________________________________________
Bijou - 30 Rock
Liz Lemon's past came back to shame her when her time fronting an adult chatline for "urban singles" was exposed. Proceed with caution as this clip is deeply erotic.
_______________________________________________________
Porn For Women - 30 Rock
Note: Contains no images of a sexual nature, just some understanding.
_______________________________________________________
Lacuna Inc. – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
For those who just want to forget but find alcohol too short-term and suicide too messy.
_______________________________________________________
Milk Master 2000 – Friends
Now you too can enjoy milk every day.
_______________________________________________________
Lipstick for Men – Friends
And while you're enjoying your milk, wear some lipstick for men. N.B. Not currently available outside Japan.
_______________________________________________________
Oceanic Airlines – Lost
The airline that transported the Lost castaways to their spooky island will guarantee you a trip you'll never forget, but not necessarily a return flight.
_______________________________________________________
Life Extension – Vanilla Sky
Live the life you want. Warning: This clip will somewhat spoil the end of the movie.
_______________________________________________________
Ghostbusters – Ghostbusters
It's honestly a wonder anyone ever called them at all with this ad.
_______________________________________________________
Fix-It Felix Jr. - Wreck It Ralph
Not only did Disney produce a commercial for the fake game at the centre of Wreck-It Ralph, they also released the actual game.
_______________________________________________________
The David 8 – Prometheus
An android specifically designed to assist mankind. What could possibly go wrong?
_______________________________________________________
Fruity Oaty Bars – Serenity
The snack at the heart of Joss Whedon's Firefly movie. Consumer warning: Subliminal messages may cause some viewers to kick the crap out of everyone in the immediate vicinity.
_______________________________________________________
Buzz Lightyear – Toy Story
To most, it's just a typical advert for a children's toy. For Buzz, it's the moment his 'life' falls to pieces.
_______________________________________________________
Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear – Toy Story 3
There's something quite severely creepy about Toy Story 3's villain becoming a live-action object.
_______________________________________________________
Monsters, Inc. – Monsters, Inc.
In case you weren't sure what the movie's titular company actually does.
_______________________________________________________
Jim Cunningham’s Cunning Visions – Donnie Darko
This absolutely nails the earnest weirdness of self-help commercials. Looks not unlike the videos produced by The Church of Scientology.
_______________________________________________________
Magnavolt – RoboCop 2
Because anyone who breaks into your vehicle gets exactly what they deserve*. (*some terrible special effects)
_______________________________________________________
Aveda – Zoolander
So, Aveda isn't technically a fake product, but it has definitely never advertised using a mermaid...sorry, merman.
_______________________________________________________
Canyonero – The Simpsons
The must-have SUV in Springfield. Also comes in an F-series model, which replaces the cigarette lighter with a lipstick holder.
_______________________________________________________
Mr Plow – The Simpsons
Mmmm, production values.
_______________________________________________________
Thornton Melon’s Tall and Fat Store – Back To School
For the man or woman who looks at a menu and says, "Yes". In this 80s comedy, Rodney Dangerfield followed his father into the clothing business with a plus-size store, then followed his son back to college.
_______________________________________________________
Booty Sweat – Tropic Thunder
The energy drink produced by actor/rapper Alpa Chino. Also available: Bust-A-Nut energy bars.
_______________________________________________________
Rockenshpeel Fine Foods – The Flintstones
Wilma Flintstone briefly found TV fame when she was signed up to sing the jingle for this commercial, which exhibited a misogyny entirely in keeping with the prehistoric setting.
_______________________________________________________
Latest
Related Reviews and Shortlists
