24 Retro Ads That Tried to Predict the Future

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 04/18/2024 in wow

Businesses have one thing in common with science fiction writers: they try to predict the future. If a business can correctly predict the next trend or the next big thing, then they can make whole gobs of money. Even better, they can use the power of marketing to convince people that their thing is that next trend. The result is advertisements not just trying to predict the future, but showing people what they want the future to be.

These 24 ads take their shot at predicting the modern world, and while some are eerily accurate, others fall well short of the mark. Yes, inflation has made the cost of living very difficult, and yes we will do everything in our power to avoid cooking meals. But no, we don't live in floating cities on the water or in the air. Check out these retro ads that get it right and wrong.

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1.
AT&T accurately predicted our reliance on technology in 1993.
2.
Seagram’s Whiskey Company predicted the evolution of sports bars as a popular recreational locale for future Americans.
3.
4.
A flying, driverless car, 1960.
5.
Futuristic Food Delivery, 1940s. They were definitely onto something.
6.
Spherical train like transport; 1946.
7.
A hotel on wheels from the year 2000.
8.
9.
Advances in technology resulted in claims of futuristic “scientific matchmaking” to identify the perfect human mates. Dating app algorithms try and do the same thing.
10.
“Sea cities” in the 60s proposed as a solution to overpopulation.
11.
12.
Fast home food delivery, no driver needed.
13.
Why aren’t portable air conditioners a thing?
14.
The Segway was predicted more than thirty years before it came.
15.
16.
In 1901, it was predicted that by 2001 New York City would become a city in the clouds wherein people traveled by balloon.
17.
This screen is the equivalent of a Kindle. We did it better than predicted.
18.
GM incorrectly predicted the end of the kitchen in favor of pre-heated meals. Maybe someday, but we’re a long ways away right now.
19.
Driverless cars have been a concept for a long time.
20.
21.
An express ocean liner in the year 2000. 1931.
22.
Walking on water in the 1800s.
23.
24.
The bright side of atomic energy.

1.
AT&T accurately predicted our reliance on technology in 1993.
2.
Seagram’s Whiskey Company predicted the evolution of sports bars as a popular recreational locale for future Americans.
3.
4.
A flying, driverless car, 1960.
5.
Futuristic Food Delivery, 1940s. They were definitely onto something.
6.
Spherical train like transport; 1946.
7.
A hotel on wheels from the year 2000.
8.
9.
Advances in technology resulted in claims of futuristic “scientific matchmaking” to identify the perfect human mates. Dating app algorithms try and do the same thing.
10.
“Sea cities” in the 60s proposed as a solution to overpopulation.
11.
12.
Fast home food delivery, no driver needed.
13.
Why aren’t portable air conditioners a thing?
14.
The Segway was predicted more than thirty years before it came.
15.
16.
In 1901, it was predicted that by 2001 New York City would become a city in the clouds wherein people traveled by balloon.
17.
This screen is the equivalent of a Kindle. We did it better than predicted.
18.
GM incorrectly predicted the end of the kitchen in favor of pre-heated meals. Maybe someday, but we’re a long ways away right now.
19.
Driverless cars have been a concept for a long time.
20.
21.
An express ocean liner in the year 2000. 1931.
22.
Walking on water in the 1800s.
23.
24.
The bright side of atomic energy.