Billboards are supposed to get attention, but sometimes they go so far off track that you can’t help but laugh, cringe, or scratch your head. These billboards that look out of place completely end up being remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Out of place or not, they definitely got our undivided attention. These ads end up being remembered for all the wrong reasons, from bizarre messages to bad placements.
1. Warning, but wait, now I’m confused
A giant billboard that simply screams “you will get sued”, without context, is more panic-inducing than helpful.
2. $500, but only once
This billboard puts child support payments side by side with the cost of a vasectomy. The message? It’s bold, a little crude, and definitely out of place for a giant ad.
3. Just NYC
This ad mocks the reality of living in New York City by targeting people stuck in tiny apartments. It’s both hilarious and brutally honest for anyone who´s ever paid sky-high rent for a showbox-sized space.
4. Use more chapstick
Telling people they should buy glue by telling them how they could use it on other people is bold to say the very least. Yet, plastering it on a massive billboard feels oddly aggressive. I mean, hey, we are here after all to enjoy the ridiculously out-of-place billboards.
5. Bad location choice
Surely not planned, yet humorous together. This ad turns out to be a funny encounter between the serious industry and the adult industry.
Trending on The Scroller
6. Lost spouse section
A billboard that looks like a classified ad asking about a lost spouse feels like it belongs in the playground.
7. Bizarre Jesus billboard
Religious billboards are common, but this one takes it to another level. With a message so oddly worded, it ends up being confusing rather than inspiring. Then again, though, it does make me wonder if there was some easily overlooked, meticulously crafted message buried within the original conceptualization of this billboard.
8. Forgot something? It’s sideways
This ad was meant to remind you not to forget something important…but the billboard itself was printed sideways. Hard to take it seriously when the message looks like a mistake.
Sign up for our newsletter
9. A billboard cheating
Ever seen a billboard peel off to reveal another? This ad sponsors cheating with this new program. To say that this is a bit of a controversial take would be an understatement in its own right.
10. Sometimes an almond milk billboard is not necessary
This billboard turns out to claim that people who drink almond milk are not drinking milk, which everyone knows. So, was it necessary?
11. I’m without words over this one
Ok, we get that this condition is timeless, but it was not necessary to add a couple of people kissing to clarify.
12. “Find me a Wife” Billboard
Personal ads belong on dating apps, not giant billboards. Someone actually rented one to announce they were looking for a wife, which feels more desperate than romantic. And by saying that this feels a bit “more desperate” I don’t think that that’s doing it justice for how absurd this truly is.
13. “Injured? Good”
Lawyer ads usually try to sound helpful, but this one just sounds sinister. It comes across like they´re rooting for accidents just to drum up business.
14. Squirrel complaining
A squirrel on a billboard shouting complaints is the most genius thing for this kind of ad, yet you get the idea after reading it 4 times.
15. Dentist miracle worker
This dentist ad promises life-changing smiles, but the design and the edited lady are so over the top that it almost feels fake. Honestly, I’ve got to say that the marketing department brought the heat with this one.
Explore more vintage content:
Billboards are powerful tools for advertising, but only when they make sense. These examples prove that poor planning, strange wording, or just plain weird ideas can turn a simple sign into an accidental comedy show. For more content, explore 15 Classic American Roadside Attractions That Are Still Open, and 24 Vintage Photos of The Roller Rink Craze of The 1980s.
