Top 10 Greatest P-Pop Music Videos of All Time

MNL48
The Filipino counterpart of Japanese girl group AKB48 marked a year of success with the release of this song. The emotional charge behind the music translates naturally into the music video. The atmospheric intro captures the breathtaking Manila nightscape with contrasting hues and a profound voiceover. It’s almost more like a Wong Kar-wai film than a music video. The more familiar MNL48 aesthetic comes in with the vocals. The optimistic vibe captures a feeling of gratitude for the past and acceptance of the future. If you’ve been following the girls since their debut, this music video is sure to make an impact.

New:ID
If you went into this music video blind, you might never have guessed that this is a debut single. The boy band was formed by MLD Entertainment — known for viral K-pop acts like Momoland — and you can definitely see influences of that style here. But New:ID makes it their own. With the ideal mix of choreography and storytelling, the video does a great job of sending the message of the lyrics across. In particular, the metaphor of being a prisoner to a past love is represented through images of entrapment that the members struggle to break away from. The polished production, costuming, and choreography make for an intriguing entrance onto the scene.

Justin
This music video is a testament to the SB19 member’s remarkable versatility. As his first solo project, it is unmistakably personal. Not only did he write the lyrics to the track, Justin also executive produced the video and provided creative direction. A lot of the charm of this music video relies on Justin’s own. The change of seasons is not only depicted visually but also through our protagonist’s emotions. He is sunshine personified in spring, radiant in summer, cozy as a hug in fall, and tender in the winter. Although the truly surreal aspects are few and far between, his vision of such a happy world does feel like a bit of fantasy.

1st.One
This is basically a short film. Dedicated to Filipino soldiers who fought in the 1951 Battle of Yultong during the Korean War, this music video takes an intense theme to the max. With sweeping shots that evoke a sense of pride, hard-hitting choreography to rile us up, and glorious cinematography, “Shout Out” is the complete package. The use of historic footage amplifies the passion in the video, which is at its peak during the dance break. They went big with this one and it left an impression globally, showcasing the massive potential of P-pop.

G22
A Filipino girl group reinterpreting Y2K fashion through the lens of Gen Z sensibilities? Sign us up. Despite being shot entirely against a plain white background, there’s something about this music video that hits the spot. It could be the fashion, which catches your eye at first glance. But each of the members’ endearing personalities also get an opportunity to shine. Let’s not forget the hard-to-get male lead, played by actor Joao Constancia, who probably had fans doing a double take. Maybe it’s the simplicity that’s appealing. Either way, it’s a mood in and of itself and we just can’t get enough.

VXON
You’re in for a rollercoaster ride with this one. The brain child of member Franz Chua, this music video tackles themes of deception and manipulation through a four-minute psychological thriller. In the video, a group appears to play a game of mafia, and we can see the deadly stakes. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but some fans have interpreted the lyrics as a form of social critique. Instead of the members’ idol personas, it is their acting talent that shines through. Their abilities make the immersion possible and drive home the message. If we were handing out awards for best actors in music videos, VXON would take a few home for “SSP.”

BGYO
Robo-dragon. That’s all “The Baddest” needed to make the list. Just kidding — there’s lots more to appreciate in this larger-than-life music video. For starters, the members are basically a P-pop Avengers team as they each get character introductions with code names. With abilities that would pique any crime flick lover’s interest, special effects for the sci-fi connoisseurs, and good looks for good measure, “The Baddest” has something for everyone. The cherry on top is the generous helping of Filipino cultural references. According to some fans, the serpent in the sky could be the Bakunawa, a mythical creature also known as the moon dragon. Truly, this music video has plenty to uncover, it’s easy to just keep hitting replay.

Bini
The path for Bini was paved by those who came before them. But their strides in putting P-pop girl groups on the map can’t be denied. Their music is refreshingly light-hearted, with bright and colorful visuals to match. “Salamin, Salamin” delivers a joyous slice of girlhood with a peppy display. Playing off the story of Snow White and the idea of a contemporary fairy tale, the song goes full girl power. Several moments are reminiscent of a one-take scene, which contributes to the playful nature of the video. The vibrant visuals and trendy outfits suit the bubblegum tone of the song, so you really can’t help but smile when you watch it.

Alamat
This is probably one of the most significant music videos to come out of the Pinoy pop industry. The “Dagundong” video is filled to the brim with symbolism, such as colors representing the flag of the Philippines and the members standing for key figures in the nation’s history. Fans have pointed out possible references to the Cebuano warriors and the Katipunero revolutionaries in the video, through which the country’s history under colonization is conveyed. The music video is definitely a piece of political art, produced by the pride and joy of P-pop.

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

Because Retro Is a Total Vibe

Keep the Tissues Ready While You Watch a Couple Fall Out of Love

The Happiness in This AKB48 Spin-off Is Infectious

SB19
This music video gives going for gold a whole new meaning. SB19 came in with confidence, ready to set the P-pop stage on fire. “Gento” also became a TikTok phenomenon, a trend that even K-pop idols hopped on. This viral popularity was well-deserved, and the music video feels like an appropriate companion piece. The gold mining concept is a solid analogy for the rags-to-riches story — and boy do they look regal in their riches. The band members have extraordinary screen presence and their unbeatable dynamic is what gives the video its electric energy.


Which of these P-Pop music videos did you break the replay button for? Tell us in the comments!