Top 20 Greatest Music Videos of All Time
#20: "Waterfalls" (1995) TLC
An MTV classic in its day, “Waterfalls” is both a memorable and important video for the 1990s. It accompanies one of TLC’s biggest songs with intense stories about the reality of HIV/AIDS and substance use. Plus, weaving around dramatic scenes, director F. Gary Gray stages the group in iconic fashion, with the trio appearing atop the water, dancing in unforgettable looks. The surrounding narratives serve as warnings of sorts, with the video achieving a real gut punch in its final moments. Mixing together epic views and great choreography, this VMA-winner brings together human stories through amazing R&B.
#19: "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975) Queen
Considered an important piece of music video history, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” contains some of the band’s most artistic flourishes. The beginning features a callback to their second album’s cover with an impressive formation. With sharp lighting and staging, the scene transitions into Freddie Mercury’s famous piano performance. Throughout the video, the band members each get time to shine. From Brian May’s guitar solo to the group’s harmonies, the talent on display is second to none. The hard rock section and outro, for their parts, reveal the star power of Mercury in particular. By the time the video ends, we know we’ve witnessed something historic.
#18: "Hurt" (2002) Johnny Cash
Treyar Hurt - Solar Flare
Covering Nine Inch Nails, Johnny Cash brings all of his baggage to this iconic version of “Hurt.” This music video captures an older Cash sitting before a banquet as he contemplates existence. Including archive footage of his life, the story takes viewers on an emotional journey through his past. He also receives a visit from his wife June, who’s seen lovingly looking at him. These moments combine, creating a stirring portrait of a man and his complex legacy. As the final edits come together, the series of quick shots feel deeply personal. It’s ultimately a moving eulogy for an artist that persevered and changed music.
#17: “Shake It Off” (2014) Taylor Swift
For one of her most successful tracks, Taylor Swift serves up an equally-popular music video. The visuals utilize a variety of film and cultural references to entice viewers. There’s also tons of dancing from Swift, gleefully self-aware and having loads of fun throughout. Willing to laugh at herself, she knows that she isn’t a professional dancer. But this brings a more authentic energy to the choreography that’s bound to get people moving. Swift shakes off the haters in one entertaining sequence after the other. By the end, she and a large group of people seem on top of the world, finding their inner happiness together.
#16: "...Baby One More Time" (1998) Britney Spears
Top 20 Most Romantic Music Videos of All Time
The music video for “...Baby One More Time” helped show the world what Britney Spears could do. Depicted in a school setting, she notably dons a uniform and dances down the hallway with nothing short of complete confidence. The indelible image practically changed the performer’s career overnight, setting the stage for other great videos like “Oops!... I Did It Again”. As a teenager, she already showed absolute star power in her every move. She later changes locations a few times, with even more choreography you won’t soon forget. The foundational work that was put into this project exemplifies the reason Spears has since become a pop icon.
#15: “Here It Goes Again” (2006) OK Go
Top 10 Most Romantic Music Videos of All Time
During the dawn of the YouTube era, OK Go utilized the platform by putting their imagination on full blast. Their inventive video trades traditional choreography for an impressive ride on some well-placed treadmills. Everything takes place in one camera shot, making the execution all the more impressive. They even throw in some cool maneuvers, upping the stakes. Swapping treadmills and jumping around, the band members work really hard to turn the exercise equipment into a dancefloor. It’s ultimately a timeless video that still works long after its original run as a viral sensation.
#14: "Buddy Holly" (1994) Weezer
The Day the Music Died: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper
Sending a boost of nostalgia to “Happy Days” fans, the music video for “Buddy Holly” transports viewers to Arnold’s Drive-In. Weezer dons some vintage clothing and plays for a group of characters from the TV series. Archive footage and a real performance seamlessly blend in a stroke of genius, and smart editing even has the audience reacting to the bandmates’ actions. The final sequence with Fonzie dancing feels like the perfect ending for a tribute to the classic sitcom. To top it all off, Al Molinaro makes a cameo as the lovable restaurant owner.
#13: "Gangnam Style" (2012) Psy
Interview with Tech N9ne: Gangnam Style
With firecracker intensity, Psy immediately lights up this classic K-pop music video, quickly creating more than a few indelible images. There’s no denying this helped bring the musical genre to the West in a major way. It’s easy to see why considering the wonderfully chaotic scenes on display. The singer appears in various locations sporting his signature shades and a galloping dance that’s unforgettable. As more people join him, he turns the video into a nonstop party. You’ll likely be grooving along with him by the end of this masterpiece.
#12: "November Rain" (1992) Guns N' Roses
Top 10 Best Music Videos of November 2016
Among the more famous videos of its kind, “November Rain” showcases the last days of rock excess before the alternative takeover. The video spares no expense in crafting a melodramatic tale of love. Taking us everywhere from a wedding to a huge concert venue, the moving story delves into a doomed relationship with plenty of absorbing scenery. We also get to watch the band rock out in between the plot. In perhaps the most epic moment, Slash plays a wicked guitar solo in a series of sweeping shots. The ending funeral, for its part, intercuts with the group’s performance in a slickly-edited sequence. It all comes together to create something unforgettable.
#11: “Vogue” (1990) Madonna
The Queen of Pop doesn’t mess around when it comes to music videos. She’s especially stylish in the one for “Vogue,” practically starting the 1990s off with another anthem. This time she pays tribute to the ballroom scene in New York City. Complete with memorable dance moves, this fashionable concept helped show people everything the movement has to offer. She does it all with a self-assured performance and hugely memorable outfits. All these years later, these designs and the central dance are still referenced. This video might just rank at the top of her catalog, beating out other contenders like the striking “Like a Prayer”.
#10: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991) Nirvana
Gathering for a pep rally, Nirvana gives this atmospheric video a timeless edge. The trio revs up the crowd with their iconic track, and by the end, the students in the gym have turned the sequence into a riot. Kurt Cobain’s vocals call the audience to a revolution of sorts that feels like a metaphor for the greater grunge movement. As the assorted cast of young people trash the school, they bring a different flavor to their school function. As if that wasn’t enough, the concluding close-up delivers a cathartic climax. It’s no wonder this video is widely regarded as one of the best of the ‘90s and beyond.
#9: “This Is America” (2018) Childish Gambino
Top 10 Decade Defining Music Videos of All Time
The multi-talented Donald Glover became a renaissance man in the 2010s. His Childish Gambino persona explores R&B and hip-hop in inventive ways, as seen in “This Is America.” In the music video, he appears in a gigantic warehouse, before firing weapons at several victims as the scenes progress. These startling images bring up important subjects such as violence and racism in the United States. Dark and filled with layers of meaning, the plot takes a number of unexpected turns through a rollercoaster of striking vignettes. This wake-up call comes with a bold attitude that crucially reveals unfortunate truths about modern society.
#8: "Sabotage" (1994) Beastie Boys
With the energy of twenty Red Bulls, “Sabotage” launches out of a cannon in its first couple seconds. The music video features the Beastie Boys out and about, committing to distinct characters in full costume, completely embodying the campy vibe that defines the clip. In an ode to vintage cop shows, the crew engages in chases and speeds down roads in throwback cars. Whether they’re doing their own stunts or using a dummy, we’re unable to look away. It’s Spike Jonze bringing out the irreverent side of three band members, and the result is a classic 1990s video.
#7: "Bad Romance" (2009) Lady Gaga
Top 20 Choreographed Music Videos Of All Time
After being taken, Lady Gaga ends up in a seedy underworld. This sets the stage for the dark and sexy atmosphere that permeates the “Bad Romance” music video. Of course, you can’t have a Gaga video without great outfits. Along with incredible costumes and set design, the artist and multiple dancers move their way through a series of memorable sequences. Gaga also takes down her captor in a startling moment near the end, capping off a gripping plot where the singer regains control of her life. She’s able to sell elements of horror and performance art with total conviction throughout, and it’s nothing short of magnetic.
#6: "Weapon of Choice" (2001) Fatboy Slim feat. Bootsy Collins
Innersleeve #20 Canadian Rapper and Activist Cadence Weapon | Bands That Have Replaced Core Members
Christopher Walken’s mere presence makes everything much more entertaining. With that in mind, the video for “Weapon of Choice” is already a winner. His participation alone makes the viewing experience fun, but director Spike Jonze takes everything to the next level by letting him dance. Walken struts around an empty hotel in a one-man show full of wild moves. He even takes flight in a dramatic finale, sending the entire concept into lovably fantastical territory. The star seems to be having a blast through it all in a wonderful showcase of his talents.
#5: "Sledgehammer" (1986) Peter Gabriel
Singer Peter Gabriel needed an entirely unique idea to capture the joy of “Sledgehammer”. The resulting music video meticulously uses a series of techniques, crafting a work of genius. Gabriel sings along as the scenery around him changes beautifully. From riding a rollercoaster to his head morphing, he endures all kinds of changes during this exciting ride. Through filming, Gabriel had to spend hours underneath glass while the video was pieced together. Some of the final moments even have the performer grooving to the beat with backup dancers. If you ask us, the intense work was all worth it.
#4: "Rhythm Nation" (1989) Janet Jackson
Citysol - Rhythm In Paradise
In black and white, “Rhythm Nation” brings together the best elements of Janet Jackson’s artistry. She wears an iconic outfit along with a group of dancers. Coming together in lock-step, the performers fill an empty warehouse with their slick moves. Jackson marches along the beat in a presentation that’s full of style and movement. Knowing exactly what her audience wants, she delivers extended sequences full of dancing that can only be described as thrilling. There’s also a much deeper meaning beneath the surface about equality. Dedicated to her craft, Jackson delivers a defining statement in this video that’s simply staged and perfectly executed.
#3: "Take On Me" (1985) A-ha
Top 10 Music Videos You Forgot Were AWESOME
Even though A-ha are something of a one-hit wonder, "Take On Me" has a catchy production and an even better music video. The fairytale adventure captures a woman as she enters a magical world. Including some impressive animation, the fantasy really takes off when some villains go after her and singer Morten Harket. The entire story mixes live-action scenes with experimental visuals through an imaginative concept. While it’s been many years since its release, the rotoscoping work still wows today. After all, it was among the groundbreaking videos of the 1980s, never failing to inspire audiences.
#2: "Formation" (2016) Beyoncé
“Formation” might be the peak of Beyoncé's creative vision, even trumping the greatness of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". Blending everything from extraordinary visuals to mesmerizing music, this video and the larger “Lemonade” project functions as a trip through the artist’s life. Many details about Southern living and Black America play into a rich tapestry of creative images. Including references to Hurricane Katrina and police brutality, the various sequences tackle topical issues that have a universal feel. Beyoncé has already pushed the limits of multimedia with other videos, but this lavishly-directed piece will forever stand out. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Chandelier” (2014), Sia Maddie Ziegler Steals the Show with Her Dance Skill "Freedom! '90" (1990), George Michael Several Supermodels Lip Sync to the Singer in This Stylish & Sexy Video "Mo Money Mo Problems" (1997), The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Puff Daddy & Mase Shining with Bright Lights, Bold Fashion, & Indoor Skydiving "Turn Down for What" (2014), DJ Snake & Lil Jon A Hilariously Destructive Video That Never Fails to Capture Our Attention "Drop" (1995), The Pharcyde An Entertaining Video That’s Reversed
#1: “Thriller” (1982) Michael Jackson
Top 10 Michael Jackson’s Thriller Trivia
In what feels like its own film, “Thriller” is much greater than your average music video, with the scale and production value of a cinematic experience. Michael Jackson and his love interest go to the movies, later encountering zombies in the real world. Jackson’s dramatic transformation into the undead ends up being surprisingly terrifying. After he joins his walker comrades, they dance out some of the most famous choreography ever. The exciting plot plays out with gravitas, and a number of the video’s elements, including the iconic moves, helped define the artist’s success and ultimately his legacy.
