On July, 1 1941, the first television commercial ran. The watch company Bulova purchased the first ad. It ran for ten seconds before a Brooklyn Dodgers game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 1, 1941, and cost about $9. 

Since then, commercials have become an essential part of watching TV. Whether you love them or hate them, there's no avoiding the three minute breaks from our favorite programs.

Naturally, we tune out the commercials we don't find interesting. But sometimes, an advertisement becomes so effective, it takes on a life of its own. To this day, we're still wondering how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. We will never forget these 11 classic television commercials. How about you?

1. Life Cereal

Mikey liked Life cereal, and we really liked this commercial!

2. Tootsie Pop

It seems like this commercial ran for decades. And yet we never figured out how many licks it took to get to the center...

3. Calgon

It's no secret that Calgon had the best commercials back in the day.

4. Burger King

We wanted our experiences at Burger King to match this commercial. Sadly, they never did. 

5. Folgers

Folgers tugged at our heartstrings to deliver one of the most dramatic commercials of all time.

6. Wendy's

Shots fired! It was the line heard 'round the world, when Wendy's boldly called out McDonald's and Burger King for skimping on their patties.  

7. Keep American Beautiful

It was a short commercial, but it packed a punch. Who could forget the "Crying Indian"?

8. McDonald's

Now everyone know the parts that make up a Big Mac.

9. Charmin

Mr. Whipple, the country's creepiest grocery store clerk, had the tough task of reminding people not to squeeze the Charmin.

10. Chiffon Margarine

We still have nightmares about fooling Mother Nature. 

11. Dr. Pepper

Giving Coca-Cola a run for their money, Dr. Pepper released its own musical number in the 1970s.