Superbowl ads are nearly as hyped the game itself. Recently, Walletpop reported that despite the “willingness to pander to the lowest common denominator” that characterizes Superbowl ads, Ashley Madison, a dating site for married people seeking affairs, was barred from advertising. This got me thinking, what else would the Superbowl nix?

Product placement is one of the more creative and insidious types of advertising. Sometimes paid for, sometimes not, often semi-secret, it has a long if not proud history. Here are 10 examples of movie product placement with questionable if not controversial messages. Don’t expect to see any of these during the Superbowl…

10. Bride Wars & Vera Wang

This surprising box office success (at least, surprising to me) features Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson as competitive brides. Here’s the trailer:

Why not: Forget family values. Marriage is for psychos. And if you’re already raving and maybe frothing at the mouth… a Vera Wang wedding dress is the perfect fit.

9. Empire of the Sun & Hershey’s Chocolate

As the movie takes place in a World War 2 internment camp in China, the scope for product placement is limited – but Steven Spielberg wasn’t discouraged. Here’s the trailer, including a Hershey’s handoff at 1:11.

Why not: After witnessing death and destruction, Hershey’s chocolate won’t be enough to cheer you up even if you’ve gone hungry for a long time.

8. Breakfast at Tiffany’s & Tiffany

The glamorous name of Tiffany lives on in this Audrey Hepburn classic - though in a rather misleading way if you don’t pay attention during the movie. Here’s the trailer:

Why not: Come to Tiffany and eat… nothing. It’s not false advertising, it’s a movie.

7. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle & White Castle burgers

The writers of Harold & Kumar originally wanted to use Krispy Kremes, but the company balked. White Castle agreed, though they didn’t pay for the placement. Here’s the last scene in the restaurant:

Why not: Contribute to America’s fast-food-induced obesity epidemic and smoke some pot while you’re at it. White Castle supports you!

6. The Devil Wears Prada & Prada

As the high fashion world is the entire point of the movie (and the novel that preceded it), it can be considered an extended product ad for Prada, Chanel, etc. Here’s the trailer:

Why not: Wear Prada: Lose your boyfriend, your sanity and your soul while slaving away for a mean, heartless boss! At least you’ll also lose weight.

6. James Bond: Licence to Kill & Lark cigarettes

Bond films are product-placement classic. According to Wikipedia, Lark paid for placement in this one – not realizing that the Surgeon General’s Warning would roll in the end credits. Later releases for video and TV replaced the Lark pack with a generic one.

Why not: Be just like 007, die of lung cancer!

4. Little Miss Sunshine & Volkswagen

2006’s indie favorite features a family road trip in a Volkwagen bus. Here’s the trailer:

Why not: Volkwagen’s the perfect size for a family - with plenty of room for Grandpa’s corpse in back.

3. Jerry Maguire & Reebok

Reebok provided more than $1.5 million in ads and promo materials, thinking the movie would have a more flattering ending. They sued and TriStar pictures settled out-of-court for an undisclosed amount. Here’s Marcee Tidwell (Regina King) on the big four: “shoe, car, clothing line, soft drink”:

Why not: Buy Reebok, the shoes that will crush any hero’s dreams!

2. Fight Club & Ikea

Given the anger at consumer culture that characterizes Fight Club, it’s no surprise that the concept of product placement is turned on its head.

Why not: Surround yourself with Ikea, the soulless modern brand that inspires extreme violence.

1. Juno & Sunny D

Juno has a bunch of product placement, including orange Tic-Tacs, Sunny D, Converse sneakers and Coca-Cola. Here’s the Sunny D opening scene:

Why not: Sunny D, the best pre-pregnancy-test drink for sexually active teenagers!

For real examples of Superbowl ads gone wrong, check out The 7 Most Awful Superbowl Ads Ever on Blog of Hilarity. Or check Techcrunch’s pick of best 2009 Super Bowl ads.

Got another example? Please add it below!

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