Top 10 Katy Perry Music Videos

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#10: “This Is How We Do”
Prism (2013)

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This is how Katy Perry works it, and even if you don’t appreciate the Voguey fashion sense of the video, you gotta put your hands together for the Andy Warhol-type visuals courtesy of New Zealand director Joel Kefali. Absolutely cheesy at times, “This Is How We Do” captures a sense of retro pop culture while highlighting one of the modern era’s most successful stars. Somehow, it all works, and you can’t really go wrong with Katy Perry in a Lolita-like pose holding some watermelon, either. It's kind of her thing.

From a California dreamgirl getup to a gothic exploration of dreams. Directed by Lance Drake, this visual fairytale gave us Ms. Perry exploring alternate universes, ranging from a Kubrickian psych ward to a rendezvous with Prince Charming. Initially, it seemed like Katy was going completely dark on us, however by the end, she gave us a variety of colorful images, stimulating on a practical level but also on an intellectual level as well. All in all, “Wide Awake” exhibited that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark the journey.

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#8: “I Kissed a Girl”
One of the Boys (2008)

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With Polish-Australian director Kinga Burza guiding the action, this video undoubtedly highlighted the obvious assets of its curvy subject, and in a time when girl-on-girl titillation was still relatively taboo. Perhaps that’s why Katy is never actually shown living up to the song's title but like any good video that reaches the subconscious of viewers, it most surely makes you imagine such a thing. As you might’ve guessed, Katy Perry made quite the splash with “I Kissed a Girl”, and she was clearly ready for the spotlight.

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#7: “E.T.” feat. Kanye West
Teenage Dream (2010)

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By now, we’ve seen plenty of cutesy music videos from Katy Perry, but here’s one that demanded attention- especially when you enlist a floating Kanye West to drop an intergalactic verse. The song itself has a gonzo groove, so naturally, director Floria Sigismondi had to come up with something equally dynamic. And we mean, damn, look atKaty and tell us that ain’t some badass style. In the end, Katy walked into the sunset with a buck naked alien, and we can only imagine what happened next.

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#6: “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”
Teenage Dream (2010)

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Sure, Katy Perry may have those Barbie doll looks, but she’s just a regular girl at heart. With “Last Fright Night,” she went for a full on geek mode-slash-beast mode look for a comedic take on 80s teenybopper flicks. If you’ve ever even wanted to see Katy Perry talk about solar system dioramas while sporting a massive mouth guard, well that did indeed happen here. It's always nice to see Katy let loose and show us her lighter side and it’s most definitely one of her more relatable videos as well. Who doesn’t enjoy a retro party vibe?

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#5: “Hot n Cold”
One of the Boys (2008)

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While the song itself explores the polarizing effects of romance, the video has our girl showing off a little sass. Beginning at the alter, which certainly pulls at the heartstrings, director Alan Ferguson then has Katy bouncin’ down the streets, revealing a bit more than personality. It's one way to make an introduction. “Hot N Cold” keeps the action moving at a brisk space, whether it’s up in the club or out on the streets. It’s a mildly insane music video, sure, but its frenetic energy is undeniably infectious.

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#4: “Roar”
Prism (2013)

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So, critics didn’t seem to enjoy this seemingly average production, but you know who did? Everybody freakin' else, considering it’s one of the most popular YouTube clips of all time. Sure, it’s a little campy and goofy, but “Roar” exemplifies how a pop star like Katy Perry may connect with her fanbase through natural visuals and one helluva a catchy hook. It’s got a little bit for everybody, and most of all, Katy herself displays a natural presence to complement her inspiring message.

With noted music video director Dave Meyers behind the camera, Katy Perry had the right kind of eye to help reinforce the lyrical content of her international megahit in this explosive video. What’s unique about “Firework” is the color palette used, with Katy somewhat in the dark throughout, but once she busts out those light rockets from her chest, you know it’s time to party rock. Unsurprisingly, “Firework” won MTV’s 2011 “Video of the Year,” and fans surely appreciated a more urban approach to music videosrather than clichéd, blustery visuals.

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#2: “California Gurls”
Teenage Dream (2010)

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Welcome to “Candyfornia!” You've got a classic Katy vibe in “California Gurls” – bright colors, wide-eyed stares into the camera and she even throws a little Snoop Dogg at us. Of course, Ms. Perry also appears completely nude with a purple wig, so let’s just say that there’s no shortage of sex appeal. With a title like “California Gurls,” Katy captured what many outsiders first think of when they imagine the West Coast, and given the blossoming Katy Perry brand, the music video fell in line with the aesthetic fans had come to love.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The One That Got Away”
Teenage Dream (2010)

“Thinking of You”
One of the Boys (2008)

“Waking Up in Vegas”
One of the Boys (2008)

“Ur So Gay”
One of the Boys (2008)

“Teenage Dream”
Teenage Dream (2010)

“Part of Me”
Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (2012)

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#1: “Dark Horse” feat. Juicy J
Prism (2013)

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A perfect combination of style, groove and old school influence, this music video exemplifies Katy Perry at her best. Directed by the man behind “California Gurls” – Mathew Cullen – the Egyptian setting exudes a natural vibe of sensuality, and the production organically and slowly delivers its message, both stylistically, visually and musically. Of course, Katy Perry enlisted Juicy J as a featured guest, a brilliant move in bringing fanbases together for yet another landmark hit.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Katy Perry music video? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.