Some music videos don’t just accompany a song—they become a part of pop culture history. From jaw-dropping visuals to groundbreaking storytelling, these iconic clips have left a permanent mark on music and the world beyond. Let’s take a look at ten music videos that continue to inspire, entertain, and amaze.
1. Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
The granddaddy of all music videos, “Thriller” wasn’t just a video—it was a short film. With its epic choreography, spooky storyline, and Vincent Price’s haunting narration, it set the gold standard for what a music video could achieve.
2. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
Controversial yet unforgettable, “Like a Prayer” pushed boundaries with its provocative imagery and religious themes. Madonna proved that music videos could spark cultural conversations while remaining unapologetically artistic.
3. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Grunge got its visual anthem with this high-energy, chaotic gymnasium performance. Nirvana captured the spirit of the ’90s, cementing their legacy as the band that redefined rock.
4. Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
Who knew black-and-white minimalism could be so iconic? Beyoncé’s flawless moves and instantly recognizable choreography turned this video into a global phenomenon—and countless viral dance challenges.
5. A-ha – “Take On Me”
Blurring the lines between animation and live-action, this video pulled us into a comic book world of romance and adventure. Decades later, “Take On Me” remains a visual masterpiece.
6. OK Go – “Here It Goes Again”
Treadmills have never been cooler. OK Go’s inventive, one-take choreography proved you don’t need a huge budget to create an unforgettable music video—just creativity and timing.
7. Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
Avant-garde fashion, gripping visuals, and Gaga’s dramatic flair—“Bad Romance” redefined the idea of spectacle in a music video and remains a symbol of her artistic dominance.
8. Britney Spears – “…Baby One More Time”
The schoolgirl outfit. The choreography. The hallway walk. Britney’s debut video didn’t just introduce her to the world—it announced the arrival of a pop icon.
9. Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
A stop-motion masterpiece, “Sledgehammer” broke new ground with its surreal, creative visuals. Even today, it’s a reminder of how innovative the medium can be.
10. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
The original trendsetter, this video’s layered visuals and operatic drama showed how music videos could be artistic expressions in their own right. It remains the blueprint for generations of artists.
Music videos have the power to tell stories, create movements, and make us see a song in a whole new light. Whether they’re breaking boundaries or simply making us dance, these iconic clips remind us why music is such a visual and emotional experience.