Top 30 Choreographed Music Videos of All Time

This girl group dominated the 00s with their dance-heavy music videos. Indeed, any number of their iconic routines could’ve made our list. However, let’s be honest, this one livened up a few traffic jams in its time! Sure, we didn’t abandon our cars to climb on other vehicles and dance, but we sure thought about it! The group were trailblazers when introducing burlesque to the pop genre. Like many before them, they showed their fans how to take ownership of their bodies and feel empowered through powerful and sexy choreography. The dance break in this video alone makes it worthy of discussion. When we grow up, we want to dance like The Pussycat Dolls.

This music video was a total game-changer for K-pop. The catchy tune, fun dance routine, and quirky style just exploded online. People all over the world were doing the dance, turning it into this massive global phenomenon. The moves were easy enough to pick up, meaning that even the most rhythmically challenged could get involved. Really, it was just about enjoying this playful and energetic vibe. It broke the record as the first video to surpass one billion views on YouTube! Psy is also often credited with opening the door for other Korean artists to gain international success. You might say that he walked (or galloped) so that our favorite K-pop groups today could run.

Hey, NSYNC millennials, you’re dancing already, aren’t you? This music video has a whole action plot with stunts and all, but we’d argue that it’s Darrin Henson’s choreography that really gives it staying power. Henson apparently whipped up those moves one night in his hotel room. The lyrics apparently inspired him to add that “black power fist” move that’s now synonymous with the song. The dance’s so simple yet so impactful, defining an entire era. The “It’s Gonna Be Me” music video smoothly transitions from “Bye Bye Bye,” treating us to a whole new set of moves that we could probably pull off in our sleep. Whenever NSYNC plays, guess who’ll be on the dance floor? “It’s Gonna Be Me.”

Usher’s got that magnetic charm that’s just so effortlessly smooth, whether he’s keeping it cool or pulling out all the stops. Teaming up again with director Mr. X, Usher wanted a music video where he could flex his moves. Set in a club and inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You,” the choreography practically narrates an entire story. Women flock to Usher, each trying to win his heart with her moves until it all comes together in a spectacular ensemble performance with Usher leading the charge. “Yeah!” went on to win the VMA for “Best Dance Video.” As of March 2024, more than 915 million people have said “Yeah!” to checking out his moves on YouTube.

Picture this: It’s the year 2000, and you hear your parent calling out, desperately searching for the broom. Little do they know, Mýa just released an epic music video, and you need it to practice her killer moves. We see Mýa and her crew roll up to the desert for a dance-off of sorts. The choreography seamlessly blends elements of different styles of street dance. It includes moments of playful interactions between the dancers, incorporating elements of flirtation and vivacity. It’s a high-energy routine with sharp and sassy movements that exude confidence and attitude. Even now, the sight of a broom makes us want to blast Mýa’s music at full volume.

Even though Biebs can dance like nobody's business, he let The Royal Family and ReQuest Dance Crews take the spotlight in this music video. Under the direction and choreography of the talented Parris Goebel, who also appears in the video, these crews stand out in their brightest outfits, showing off sharp, powerful, and attention-grabbing moves. It was originally planned as the backdrop to the lyric video. However, Bieber's team loved the dancing so much they decided to keep it all dance! It's no wonder - watching them move together is incredible! With so much energy and perfect timing, it makes you want to jump in and dance along. No wonder it's one of the most-watched videos on YouTube!

You thought your cardio routine was intense; check out these guys! The group started getting noticed when videos of them goofing around blew up. Encouraged by their surprise success, they decided to try and replicate it. Lead singer Damian Kulash recruited his sister, movie and music video director Trish Sie, to help come up with another humorous idea. So, they ended up with eight treadmills, hardly any money, and a pretty basic setup. But when you can sync up that well, on moving treadmills, no less, what more do you need? It apparently took them 17 tries to get it right, but they filmed the whole thing in one long take. No wonder it went viral!

There’s no end to the BTS videos or, indeed, K-pop numbers that could have made our list. While many of them are lively and energetic, like “Dynamite,” there’s something special about “Black Swan” that grabs your attention. Inspired by the classic elegance of “The Swan Lake” ballet and the intense drama of the 2010 movie “Black Swan,” this video showcases BTS as they essentially go through the famous transformation. Their story unfolds through contemporary dance moves that are both breathtaking and full of emotion. They truly take flight through every step, soaring to new heights with a style that’s refreshingly different yet undeniably captivating. Seriously, is there anything this group can't do?

What happens when two groundbreaking dancers, who also happen to be siblings, join forces? A music video that makes you want to “Scream” in delight. The Jacksons have undeniably left an indelible mark on modern dance, and their influence can be seen in countless other videos. While they excel as solo artists, their collaboration creates something truly magical. The intense and almost futuristic choreography showcases the best of both brother and sister, highlighting their unmatched talents. This video was a massive hit, scoring 11 VMA nods in 1995 and winning three, including “Best Dance Video.” It won’t surprise you that this isn’t the only time you’ll be seeing either of them in this video.

You might have bought an iPod Nano because of this song back in 2007. However, despite being famous for an Apple commercial, the song and music video have since outlasted it. The dance moves might seem tame a decade later, but the colorful palate, smooth moves, and the impressive group formations by Leslie Feist and her backup dancers create a fun and unique video. It’s not surprising that it won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. Who doesn’t want to watch a blue-sequined singer run around a circle made of brightly dressed dancers?

This music video shows you don’t need a ton of dancers to make an interesting and emotional piece. Starring Maddie Ziegler and Shia Labeouf, it depicts the two actors dancing out the Sia song; interpreting the words through body contortions in a large cage while only wearing skin-colored clothing. The dancing might seem random, but combined with the exaggerated facial expressions, it translates the raw emotion from the tune into a silent play for the viewer. Despite the controversy that followed its release, the music video was nominated for the 2015 VMA Award for Best Female Video. While it did not win, it became the eighth most viewed video on YouTube in 2015.

This video was pretty much a staple of 2014. In fact, it was shown so often that you probably learned the dance due to the repeated exposure alone. We see the singer and her dancers grooving to the catchy tune down a Williamsburg sidewalk in Brooklyn in one continuous shot. The mastermind behind the moves, Ljuba Castot, created a routine that’s simple and straightforward, yet totally unforgettable. Needless to say, it got people moving. And with every talk show performance, Kiesza found ways to make the number feel fresh. It’s no wonder the music video became such a huge phenomenon, raking up hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.

A perfect blend of nostalgia and outstanding choreography, “Motivation” was easily one of the most memorable music videos of 2019. Choreographed by Sean Bankhead, it sees Normani honoring some of the best music videos of the late ‘90s and early noughties, while still making the moves her own. You can spot clever nods to artists like Beyoncé, Britney, Ciara, JLo, and others throughout. There’s no doubt that the star’s jaw-dropping talent will make you want to watch this video on repeat. And be honest: you’ve tried to bounce a basketball off of your butt since seeing it. Music videos like this are rarely made anymore, but we’re all for them making a comeback.

When it comes to dancing, Ciara is a force to be reckoned with. And this video hits every single mark. As she explained, it’s meant to feel very personal. So alongside director Diane Martel, they forwent the “smoke and mirrors” so that audiences could focus on the star and her killer dance moves instead. Choreographer Jamaica Craft also noted that they were inspired by male exotic dancing. It’s quite sensual and seductive, and each isolation feels almost hypnotic. Apparently, though, her moves were just too much for BET, who controversially refused to air the video at the time.

In 2016, Beyoncé surprised us all by dropping this epic music video ahead of her Superbowl performance. It was one of her most politically charged narratives, chronicling the struggles of Black communities. However, the key message was one of empowerment, especially for Black women. Set - but not filmed - in New Orleans and directed by Melina Matsoukas, the video’s amazingly powerful moves have a somewhat militant style. Every step is strong and defined, really hammering in the song’s message. Beyoncé snagged eight VMAs that year, including the Video of the Year award for “Formation”. She became the record-holder for most Moon Person wins of all time that night, and it’s certainly well-deserved.

Phil Tayag - a.k.a S.B. - is the brains behind the iconic moves in this multi-award nominated old-school music video. Describing the track, he said: “it’s not too trendy, it’s feel good, it’s just a funky song”. That’s exactly the vibe we get from his choreo, too. Surpassing 4 billion views, “Uptown Funk” is currently one of the most watched videos on YouTube. Taking inspiration from the 70s and 80s, the dance is groovy, featuring moves that pretty much anyone can pick up. And its catchy rhythm practically begs listeners to join in on the fun.

Created by legendary choreographer Tina Landon, the dance-heavy “If” is arguably one of Jackson’s best music videos. It allowed the singer to explore female sexuality and liberation in a way that she hadn’t before. Still, this was classic Janet, with an enthralling performance full of challenging choreography. And as always, she made it look easy. She also released an all-dance version for those who found the original a little too steamy. The icon has influenced many contemporary artists, who often reference the “If” video in their own works. It was truly a groundbreaking piece of media, and we’re still seeing its impact today.

Pink’s performances are often daring, but this one is a cut above the rest. Dancing with Colt Prattes, the duo tell a rather intense love story in this video. The Golden Boyz, who were behind the routine, took cues from the French Apache dance, which combines acrobatics with aggressive movements. They also collaborated with stunt and fight coordinator Sebastian Stella to bring each part of the music video together cohesively. The choreography is passionate and incredibly risqué, yet there’s a hint of sadness woven in throughout. The singer has called it her “favorite video ever”, and we’d have to agree!

While we could have included any number of Britney’s iconic music videos, we just couldn’t leave out the red jumpsuit. Premiering on MTV’s “Making the Video” in 2000, “Oops!...I Did It Again” includes all the hallmarks of a Britney Spears video; great set design, great costume design, and, most importantly, well-choreographed dance numbers. From dancing on the surface of Mars to performing while lying down, we were trying to keep up with her. It’s not a surprise that this was nominated in four different categories at the MTV Video Music Awards. It’s also set the standard for pop music video choreography for the new millennium.

Paula Abdul taught us: “I takes two steps forward, I take two steps back” for opposites to attract. However, we’d be amiss if we didn’t talk about the masterpiece that is “Cold Hearted.” A long-time fan of Bob Fosse, Abdul was inspired by the uniqueness, intricacy, and highly stylized movements of “All That Jazz.” The performer has countless amazing dance routines, but this is arguably one of her finest. The “Cold Hearted” music video, which was directed by David Fincher, strikes the perfect balance between artistry and sensuality. It’s safe to say it would’ve made Fosse proud. The choreography is detailed to the point of being practically hypnotic. In fact, it almost stops us from wondering who Abdul is singing about here, which is no small feat!

The Backstreet Boys were back. Next on our list is the horror parody music video that proved the Backstreet Boys were here to stay. “Everybody,” directed by Joseph Kahn, was similar in style to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and it showed in the choreography. Group dance numbers, stiff, rigid movements, and some very familiar dance moves … of course, with the Boys’ own style woven into it. Throw in some goofy horror characters and themes and the result is one of the most memorable music videos from the ‘90s.

Next on our list is the winner of the 2010 MTV Music Award for Best Choreography, “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga. This award was well-deserved, and Gaga’s dance moves were compared to pop royalty like Michael Jackson and Madonna. Despite resembling music videos of pop icons-past, Gaga’s video is unique in its own right; showcasing her weirdness through outfits, set design, and hyper-sexual choreography. Her own artistic style combined with the dance design by Laurieann Gibson created a quirky, yet mesmerizing world. So much so that some felt it needed to be turned into a feature length film. “Bad Romance” was at one time the most viewed video on YouTube.

The King of Pop practically reinvented dance videos, and created countless signature moves in the process. Indeed, how do you single just one out when “Beat It” and “Remember the Time” are among his genre-defining videography? However, we chose “Smooth Criminal” for this spot because it shows him at his peak. Inspired by Fred Astaire’s works, storytelling and movement collide perfectly in this music video. Jackson collaborated with Shalamar’s Jeffrey Daniel and dancer Vincent Paterson, who reportedly thought up the iconic 45-degree lean illusion. It was a huge production that required lots of time and effort, but considering its immense success, we’d say it was worth it. The critically-acclaimed video is utterly legendary, and still holds up as one of the best we’ve seen all these years later.

Stop! It’s Hammertime! Of course, we couldn’t leave out MC Hammer’s signature hit. What do you get when you combine a catchy song with ‘90s dance moves and hammer pants? A fast-paced, fun music video. Becoming a massive pop hit, “U Can’t Touch This” won multiple MTV Video Music Awards and it’s not hard to understand why. The choreography isn’t fancy by any means, but it’s incredibly easy to dance to. Who doesn’t have the urge to do the “The Running Man” or the “Hammer Dance” after putting it on? At the very least, you have to admire the speed of MC Hammer’s dance moves.

Moving on to one of the most energetic music videos on our list, “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott is a great example of an irresistibly danceable video. As Elliott and her crew transition from one dance party to the next, the choreography switches smoothly from crunking to swing dance to dancehall to freestyle. However, despite the numerous style changes, the dancing never loses steam. Mix in the amazing, high-paced dancing with a great song and set design, and it’s clear why the video won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.

Can you even talk about music video choreography without mentioning Aaliyah? From “More Than a Woman” to “Try Again,” she always brought her A-game every single time. Aaliyah just had this unique way of expressing herself through dance. Nowhere is this more evident than in her music video for “Are You That Somebody?” She just made Fatima Robinson's choreography come alive. She knew how to put feeling into every step, whether it was smooth and seductive or full of attitude. Also, when it comes to versatility, she could do it all – from hip-hop to flamenco. This music video really showed off her incredible talent and took her to a whole new level of stardom.

Madonna made Voguing mainstream, but it was already a popular dance style among the house-ballroom community in Harlem, which is composed of LGBTQ+ people of color. As a frequenter of New York nightclubs, she was mesmerized by the highly stylized dance. So she began collaborating with Jose Gutierez and Luis of the House of Xtravaganza, and the choreography for the song began to take shape. This music video, filmed in a black-and-white Art Deco style, sees the singer and her dancers striking poses and voguing. She certainly didn’t originate the technique, but she did get the rest of the world to follow her lead. It’s easy to understand why MTV named “Vogue” one of the “100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made” in 1999.

While “Run the World (Girls)” was in the running we have to include one of the most recognizable music videos of the millennium so far. Creating a pop culture phenomenon in 2008, Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” has some of the simplest, yet most iconic choreography in any modern music video. Choreographed by Frank Gatson and JaQuel Knight, the video was modeled from a dance number called “Mexican Breakfast” from the Ed Sullivan Show, while also mixing in the southern dance style of J-setting. Beyonce reportedly wanted to include choreography that could be attempted by anyone, and it was; spawning a dance craze that inspired thousands of imitations worldwide.

Next on our list, we’ll be looking at the final music video that made up the long-form “Rhythm Nation 1814” film. Choreographed by Anthony Thomas, the music video was praised, some saying that it set the template for hundreds of more videos in the decade that followed. The dancing pairs nicely with the military aesthetic of the video, as well as the concepts of equality and unity mentioned in the song. Most critics claim this was the video that cemented Jackson’s reputation of pushing the envelope in her music and choreography. No wonder it won the MTV Music Video Award for Best Choreography.

Come on, how could this not be number 1? Arguably the most popular music video of all time, the choreography for “Thriller” had a huge effect on popular culture. Jackson’s dance moves were copied and imitated all over the world, along with his look and style. It changed the music video industry forever, and has been copied again and again since release. Choreographed by Michael Peters, it went on to win an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography along with three other MTV Music Video Awards and two Grammy Awards - all while becoming the most iconic music video in history.

Which music video choreo makes you want to get up and dance along? Let us know in the comments.