Top 10 Best Beyoncé Music Videos

Shortly before Bey caused a stir with her 2016 Super Bowl halftime appearance, this piece of visual social commentary hit YouTube, connectingBeyoncé to her New Orleans family history and undoubtedly reinforcing the essence of who she actually IS. Thanks to a hefty set of lyrics and some equally unforgettable images of natural hair – care of her daughter Blue Ivy – Hurricane Katrina and police violence, the artist reminded us that she’s more than just a loveable megastar; she’s first and foremost an African-American woman and not always who we WANT her to be – at least in the realm of pop culture accessibility. It was one of Queen Bey’s most controversial offerings to date, that’s for sure.

Contrasting drastically with the street vibe of “Formation,” this infectious video features Beyoncé with a little baby bump (sometimes!), as she blends classic styles with some new school artistry. Directed by both Adria Petty and Bey herself, the stripped down essence has the icon at perhaps her most beautiful, as she transitions from chic imagery to an all out modern celebration of her overt happiness at a new period in her life. With visuals referencing classic films like “Funny Face,” “Flashdance” and “Dreamgirls,” and lyrics that examine the joys of mutual commitment, there’s a whole lotta Bey to love in this invigorating, Warhol-esque piece of work.

With a sassy attitude and flaunting her bangin’ bod, Beyoncé highlighted the importance of self-esteem in this elegant take on past loves. Enlisting Diane Martel to guide the visuals, Bey essentially carries the majority of the weight here, whether she’s in nothing but lace, walkin’ down the aisle or gliding around in an opulent gown. While her trademark dance routines are kept to an absolute minimum, Beyoncé’s movements and facial expressions show a woman in touch with her natural self and willing to give us an inside look at what her wedding day may or may not have looked like back in 2008.

Flipping the script on an all too familiar narrative, director Jake Nava andBeyoncé deliver a poignant message with “I Were a Boy,” a video shot in conjunction with another black-and-white favorite, “Single Ladies.” For this perspective, however, we get a day-in-the-life narrative of a seemingly naughty Bey, as she fulfills her duties, but not in the way that her man would expect or want. But like a true visionary always does, Beyoncé closes out the production in surprising fashion, as we learn what was really was going on inside the character’s mind all along.

Seven minutes in length and directed by the esteemed Melina Matsoukas, thismusic video focuses on the unrealistic expectations put on young women, a topic that is certainly relevant in today’s world of social media bullying. Surprisingly, Beyoncé actually received some criticism for the inherent sexuality of the video, but as we all know by now, she’s got her own beautiful way of reinforcing the message while opening a social dialogue. Hailed as touching, powerful, cathartic and intense, the narrative certainly had people talking while the retro vibe closes out with a final touch of brilliance.

Aww yeah, we’re taking it back a few years with this one for a joint fromBeyoncé’s debut solo album. Also directed by Jake Nava, “Naughty Girl” has that undeniable energy that we’ve come to love, and in a throwback to the 1953 Fred Astaire film “The Band Wagon,” Beyoncé teams up for a sexy routine with Usher Raymond, which had us wondering what might’ve been – no offense, Jay-Z, but dayum. In a time when Bey was still establishing her solo persona, the sensuality and new jack swang of this video really helped her out.

If Rihanna thought she had the provocative thing on lock in 2013, well, she was wrong…because holy hell, Beyoncé: This. IS. Partition. Inspired by a trip to the Parisian nightspot “Crazy Horse” that she and Jay-Z visited the night they got engaged, Bey exhibited her finest assets after dropping that post-pregnancy weight by playing a bored but sexually charged housewife trying to get her man’s attention. And yeah…it’s clear that she’s most definitely not with child here. Aesthetically speaking, the video pops with each frame, and when combined with Bey’s flow and willingness to bare all, you know it’s nothing short of a modern classic. And yep, Jake Nava directed this one too.

Before Francis Lawrence directed J-Law in three of “The Hunger Games” films, he directed Bey for this cinematic and truly epic monstrosity of a video. Musically, the groove has a touch of M.I.A. to it, but as far as the visuals are concerned, Beyoncé makes it all her own with some gonzo Game of Thrones-like images, and of course, the jaw-dropping dance sequences. Most notably, however, is the unmistakable shout out to all the women of the world, and with “Run the World,” Beyoncé builds upon all the iconic Janet Jackson productions that came before it. It’s “Rhythm Nation” with a Furiosa edge.

Not all Billboard hits translate visually to the small screen, but when you’re THE rising star of pop music, well, people are gonna be expecting something big from you. And they certainly were anticipating something huge once Bey dropped “Crazy in Love” as the first single from her debut solo album. With an opening sequence featuring Beyoncé walking seductively towards the camera in a tank top, director Jake Nava beautifully captures the spirit of the moment, as Bey not only demonstrates her unmistakable charisma but also enlists her man Hova for guest vocals. No, it’s not the most artistic music video ever made; yet it gets the job done. This is Beyoncé; watch her do her thing.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
• “Sweet Dreams”
I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)

• “Diva”
I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)

• “7/11”
Beyoncé (2013)

• “XO”
Beyoncé (2013)

• “Baby Boy” feat. Sean Paul
Dangerously in Love (2003)

• “Halo”
I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)

Simple black and white; pop culture phenomenon; and one of the so-called “best videos of all time.” Only a beloved musical icon like Bey could pull something like this off, and with all due respect to her fellow performers in this video, it would’ve worked with Beyoncé alone. Almost immediately upon release, everybody seemed to understand the significance of “Single Ladies,” as this production highlights the artist as a legitimate brand. The sex appeal. The moves. The creative concept. It’s got Bey written all over it, and while it makes sense to acknowledge the SNL parody, one can’t forget how this video changed the industry across the board, from marketing to performances to YouTube itself.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the best Bey video? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.