Top 20 Decade Defining Music Videos of the 2010s

This striking video serves not only as an excellent introduction to these artists, it also delivers a super entertaining experience. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis ride around with a gang of misfits in an array of cool outfits. Embracing the strange magic of thrift stores, the rapper explores aisle after aisle of the most random clothing. Macklemore’s infectious energy shines through as he satirizes the wealth and excess typically seen in hip-hop videos. He bounces around in a fur coat, having what we can only assume is just as much fun as the viewers are having. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes you don’t need tons of money to create a memorable premise.

#19: “Bad Guy” (2019) Billie Eilish

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With her debut album arriving just at the close of the decade, Billie Eilish changed modern pop music as we know it. For the fifth single “Bad Guy,” Eilish treated us to an exceptional music video worthy of her genre-bending sound. Bursting out of a wall, the artist appears in a bright room with teenage swagger. She also shows off her humorous side, riding around in little cars and pulling off bizarre dance steps. Blending body horror and colorful production design, the video for “Bad Guy” defies convention with its eccentric set pieces. There’s even a scene where the singer sits on a guy doing push-ups. Whether or not we understand it, there’s no denying it’s pretty cool.

#18: “Party Rock Anthem” (2011) LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock

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For a brief moment in the early 2010s, it felt like LMFAO was everywhere. This song and music video heavily contributed to that. In the clip, Redfoo and Sky Blu awaken from a coma only to realize that their single has turned people into dancing zombies. What begins as a horror parody quickly transforms into a massive dance party on a desolate street. The video is an enjoyable send-up of films like “28 Days Later.” But in this case, rather than feasting on each other’s brains, LMFAO compels the zombies to groove to their unmistakable beat. This concept delivers a perfect balance of sick moves and infectious laughter.

As a legion of pop stars fought for mainstream success in the early 2010s, Grimes emerged from the indie world and carved her own path with the most striking videos. This one introduces the singer in a locker room full of buff dudes before taking her on a journey through stadiums and supercross rallies. While she might seem like a fish-out-of-water initially, the plot eventually features her blending into this traditionally macho world. Throughout the video, the artist roams through these sporting events, singing and dancing to her catchy tune. It is an undoubtedly fun experience, with a great empowering message about taking control in a more masculine environment.

When you think of a music video for “Radioactive,” you might first envision a concept featuring a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by chemical destruction. However, the band opted for a surprising twist. In the video, they find themselves trapped in a creepy underground lair, only to be rescued by a mysterious woman. This sounds much more serious than the actual video turns out to be. Instead of including an all-human cast, some of them are replaced with puppets who are forced into combat. Imagine Dragons prove they have a sense of humor with this unconventional idea, offering a welcome twist on the song’s lyrics and tone. The video ends in a satisfying conclusion, with the puppets getting their own shot at revenge.

#15: “California Gurls” (2010) Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg

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If you enjoy the game Candyland, you’ll probably love this dreamy video from Katy Perry. The pop star infuses the board game’s aesthetics with a fantastical take on California lifestyle. The bright pastel palette transports viewers to a whimsical world reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. You wouldn’t be crazy for wanting to eat the set design either, considering that there’s cotton-candy clouds and dessert landscapes. Perry and her dancers are fully immersed in the experience, with incredible costumes that completely sell the illusion. Even Snoop Dogg finds a way to work his magic here, bringing nothing but positivity to this musical fantasy.

#14: “Hello” (2015) Adele

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Adele’s global hit “Hello” saw her reflect on a past relationship with nostalgia and regret. These themes are effortlessly evoked in the stunning music video, which doubles as an art film. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan, the video effectively narrates a story using flashbacks that provide viewers with glimpses into the failed romance. Stacked with rich metaphors, gorgeous scenery and unforgettable set pieces like the flip phone and the telephone booth in the forest, this clip easily warmed its way into millions of hearts. Adele also showcases her acting prowess here, conveying so many emotions with a mere glance. Needless to say, the video connected with the public, breaking records and becoming one of Adele’s most successful releases.

#13: “Sorry” (2015) Justin Bieber

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Rather than take the starring role in his own video, Justin Bieber decided to shine the spotlight on an all-female dance crew. The choreography is extraordinary and every single artist manages to stand out in their own way. Hailing from New Zealand, these women bring immense talent to their performance, filling every beat of the song with an impeccable move. Even if you can’t dance, you’ll be moved to get up and groove as you watch these performers express themselves. Beyond the eye-catching choreography, the overall atmosphere exudes a positive energy, making it impossible to watch this video and not feel happier about life.

#12: “Turn Down for What” (2014) DJ Snake & Lil Jon

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Nobody said that music videos have to make sense, and “Turn Down for What,” directed by the Oscar-winning duo The Daniels, is a perfect example of this. With its slick editing, inventive direction, and wild sense of humor, this video is a complete knockout. The premise is simple yet utterly ridiculous. A man discovers he has a special ability involving hip-thrusts. This leads him to crash through an apartment building, compelling others to join him in the madness. It’s not so much something you comprehend as it is something you experience. If there’s one clear takeaway, it’s that there should be more videos that dare to be this wildly original.

#11: “Alright” (2015) Kendrick Lamar

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Off his acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Kendrick Lamar’s single “Alright” is a generational anthem. The rapper takes us on a tour of an urban landscape with a few fantastical elements for good measure. Lamar flies around the city in some shots, floating high-above the streets as he raps. He also drives with friends in scenes that combine commentary on everything from social status to racial inequality. While the song’s lyrics are second to none, their socio-political ideas truly shine when paired with this video. It culminates in a powerful confrontation involving a trigger-happy police officer, a moment that feels like it’s ripped from the headlines. Presented in beautiful black-and-white, this video highlights the injustices of modern America.

From an earworm single to a mega-hit video, “Shake It Off” ranks among the most crowd-pleasing releases of Taylor Swift’s career. There isn’t necessarily a plot here as much as there’s an excuse to dance. Swift wears a handful of different costumes, celebrating her independence in a variety of styles. She’s unafraid of missing a beat or making a false step the entire time, conveying the message to have fun regardless of how embarrassing it may seem. Unbothered by criticism, the artist struts her stuff in a fearless performance that’s completely self-aware. It all leads up to an exciting finale with Swift and her fans getting their groove on, without a care in the world.

#9: “We Found Love” (2011) Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

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To accompany one of her best hits of the decade, Rihanna stars in a heartbreaking and nostalgic video. Scenes rush by filled with brief glimpses into a serious relationship. The duo seem to be living life in various vignettes, playing with fireworks or hanging out at the skatepark. It all unfolds like a rich love story with bittersweet emotions. Both the highs and lows of their dramatic affair are shown, including everything from intimate fights to fun parties. The universal message within the song fills viewers with both hope and a heavy heart. At the end, it’s clear that the artist has taken us on an incredible rollercoaster of a journey.

#8: “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011) Gotye feat. Kimbra

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While it might be considered a one-hit wonder, “Somebody That I Used to Know” remains one of the greatest pop tunes of its era. Gotye’s compelling track anchors this video full of limited shots and inventive designs. The singer appears in close-up as he sings with colorful shapes appearing around him and on his skin. He blends seamlessly into the background, creating an ingenious effect with wildly inventive results. Kimbra later makes a memorable entrance as the two of them perform together. The video takes a big swing with such a minimalist concept, but it undoubtedly pays off big time.

#7: “This Is America” (2018) Childish Gambino

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“This Is America” is a satirical work brimming with social commentary on the state of the titular nation. Donald Glover appears as his musical alter ego in a series of intense scenes that examine racism and gun violence. Amid the numerous casualties depicted, the artist dances in an open warehouse that’s full of surprises. There’s more choreography and surreal imagery to make viewers question their place in this troubled world. Throughout the video, Glover keeps the audience on their toes, with random shocking scenes intended as a reflection of society. All these years later, “This Is America” continues to stand as a timeless document about the United States.

At the peak of her artistic prowess, Beyoncé uses this music video to salute the past and appreciate the present. It’s full of beautiful imagery that transports viewers to a Southern setting by way of Los Angeles. Mixing dance routines with politically-charged vignettes, the artist and her collaborators paint a bold picture of African-American culture. It’s a densely packed video, but the captivating choreography easily stands out as a highlight. The symbolism is also top-notch, with Beyoncé alluding to everything from natural disasters and police brutality by performing on top of a sinking police car. The Grammy-winning short film demands repeat viewings, encouraging fans to examine one of the performer’s finest moments.

Driven by an irresistibly catchy track, the video for “Uptown Funk” was essentially set up to win. But any expectations that audiences may have had were completely shattered when the clip was released. Equal parts slick and goofy, it features Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars wearing dapper retro clothes and grooving in what looks like an elite block party. Even if the song was not enough to get you busting a move, there’s no way you could resist the undeniable swagger of the music video. “UpTown Funk” was one of the biggest singles of the 2010s, and with billions of views on YouTube, its accompanying clip definitely played a part in getting it there.

Not even jail can hold Lady Gaga back. The music video for “Telephone” sends the pop star behind bars, but never compromises her ability to pull off a stylish outfit. Every scene is electric, darkly funny, and full of an attitude that can’t be forgotten. By the time Beyoncé bails her out, the singer has turned a jail hallway and yard into a fashion show. The two artists then go on the run with iconic dance routines and gripping murder plots to throw this story for a loop. Paying homage to cinematic greats like Quentin Tarantino, this video has several films worth of entertainment to behold.

Without a lot of visual tricks, “Chandelier” goes against the typical rules of a pop video. Sia decides to have dancer Maddie Ziegler perform alone in a desolate apartment. The solo performance puts many other videos to shame, showing that you don’t need to burn millions of dollars to make something compelling. Ziegler’s star-making turn showcases her effortless moves within the confines of a small space. There’s no need for a grand stage, the young performer just lets the music transport her to a different realm. This marked the start of a collaboration between Sia and Ziegler, who went on to star in other videos for the artist.

Pop fans will likely remember watching this video for the first time. During a decade where she explored new directions, Miley Cyrus, with “Wrecking Ball,” firmly established her departure from her original image. The video is a combination of pure emotion and vulnerability from the artist. She doesn’t leave much to the imagination as she straddles the gigantic sphere. She then destroys the space around her and bares it all for the cameras. It’s provocative for sure, but still packed with a strong emotional message beneath the surface. Although it polarized critics, the controversial video was on everyone’s lips, garnering a record number of views on YouTube.

#1: “Gangnam Style” (2012) Psy

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One of the most entertaining videos ever might also be the most important of the 2010s. Ushering in a new era of music, “Gangnam Style” helped to popularize K-pop around the world. It also let people in on the amazing visuals that accompany most videos from the genre. Psy immediately steals the show, galloping his way into pop culture history. This concept features an assault on the senses with every detail. There’s memorable sets, outfits, and dance routines throughout the runtime. It all turns into a huge party at the end with an iconic choreography capable of putting anyone in a good mood. Did we forget a memorable video from the decade? Let us know in the comments below.