Another Top 10 Animated Music Videos

Sometimes music and animation really do go hand-in-hand. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for another top10 animated music videos.

For our second list of animated music videos, we’re limiting it to one music video per artist. We’re also allowing for the combination of different types of animation within a video, as well as the use of some live action as long as the videos are memorable. If you didn’t see a music video you think should be on the list, be sure to check our first list of the Top 10 Animated Music Videos.

#10: “Land of Confusion” (2006)
Disturbed

Ten Thousand Fists’ fourth single may be a Genesis cover, but with modified lyrics and a decidedly hard rock and heavy metal sound, Disturbed has certainly made it their own. “Spawn” creator Todd McFarlane animated its music video, which follows the band’s mascot “The Guy” through a politically charged and visually stunning adventure. Meanwhile, the “Land of Confusion” single topped the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

#9: “Shake That” (2005)
Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

As one of three new songs from the Curtain Call: The Hits compilation, “Shake That” sees Eminem and Nate Dogg trying to get some booty from the ladies. Its music video follows the same theme as the lyrics, with animated versions of the rappers visiting strip clubs and getting busy in their “hummer trucks” and lots of girls “shaking that ass.” The hip-hop number went on to become a top 10 smash and earn a Grammy nod.

#8: “Opposites Attract” (1989)
Paula Abdul

While it may not be as impressive today, the music video for “Opposites Attract” was certainly original for its time. While the dance-pop and hip-hop track topped multiple charts, it wouldn’t be as memorable today without its bright, fun and upbeat short film. It not only shows off Paul Abdul’s dance moves but also her choreography skills, as MC Skat Kat’s feline ways so aptly demonstrate. By blending live action and animation, the video even won the artist a Grammy.

#7: “A Little Piece of Heaven” (2007)
Avenged Sevenfold

Written by The Rev, this 8-minute number features co-lead vocals from the band’s frontman and drummer. While the song is marked by its use of strings, horns, female vocals and a choir, “A Little Piece of Heaven” also makes quite an undead statement with its animated music video. Following the story of a human couple that doesn’t let a little thing like being turned into zombies stop them from getting married; it’s dark, twisted and bloody – but it works.

#6: “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” (1995)
U2

This American top 20 smash from the “Batman Forever” soundtrack sees U2 blending alt rock with glam rock into a Golden Globe-nominated number. Meanwhile, a corresponding short film gave the band the superhero treatment in animated form. Along with the members playing various good guys and bad guys inspired by the world of comic books, “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me”’s music video also used clips from the third installment of the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher Batman film series.

#5: “King Rat” (2007)
Modest Mouse

Though “Float On” features some interesting visuals, it’s the Modest Mouse music video that earned Heath Ledger his only director credit that lands here. The late actor helped the band conceive of the music video for “King Rat” but passed away before it was completed. Production company The Masses took over and the result is this simple but powerful statement about whale fishing.

#4: “Strawberry Swing” (2009)
Coldplay

With its relaxing melody, afro-pop influences and alternative rock vibe, the fifth single from Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends became a top 5 hit on several European charts. It was accompanied by an equally sweet musicvideo, featuring stop-motion animation, chalk drawings and frontman-turned-superhero Chris Martin saving a damsel in distress. “Strawberry Swing” was nominated for both an MTV VMA and UK Music Video Award.

#3: “Leave Me Alone” (1989)
Michael Jackson

Though we could’ve chosen the music video for the Bad track “Speed Demon,” it’s the one for that same album’s eighth single that was left out of our first list. “Leave Me Alone” may not have been officially released in North America, but it nonetheless became a top 10 hit in many Europe countries. Its use of stop motion and weird imagery was the perfect complement to the song’s paranoid feel and nabbed Michael Jackson a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.

#2: “Freak on a Leash” (1999)
Korn

The late ‘90s saw Korn find crossover success with their funk and nu metal sound, beginning with their chart-topping third effort. Follow the Leader spawned several singles, including the top 10 alternative and rock charts hit, “Freak on a Leash.” The hard-hitting and effects-heavy track was also notable for its Grammy and MTV VMA-winning music video. Directed by Todd McFarlane, the unforgettable video follows a bullet’s journey as it travels from a cartoon realm into a live action one and back.

Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “The Shrine/An Argument” (2011) Fleet Foxes
- “Tonight, Tonight” (1996) The Smashing Pumpkins
- “Go to Sleep” (2003) Radiohead
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (1998) Primus
- “Miss Atomic Bomb” (2012) The Killers

#1: “Innuendo” (1991)
Queen

It may be the lengthiest Queen single and a UK chart-topper, but that’s not why the title track to their fourteenth record made this list. Inspired by the British film adaptation of the dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” an extravagant promotional music video was produced to accompany the prog rock, heavy metal, flamenco and rock opera sound of this early ‘90s tune. Mixing live action with stop-motion animation, clay figures, and illustrations, the short film is as stirring and complex as the song.

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