Music videos have been a huge part of pop culture for decades. Since MTV first started in 1981, these videos have changed the way we enjoy music. They mix great songs with amazing visuals, storytelling, and cool dance moves to create unforgettable experiences. Some music videos do more than just entertain — they change the game, set trends, and inspire millions.
Here’s a look at the top 10 music videos of all time, picked with the help of AI research from ChatGPT. These videos stand out because of their creativity, impact on culture, and unforgettable style.
1. Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” changed everything about music videos. It’s like a mini-movie, combining music, dancing, and a spooky horror story. Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute video features incredible dance moves and special effects. That zombie dance? Totally legendary!
- Released: 1983
- Director: John Landis
- Famous for: The zombie dance and Vincent Price’s spooky voice
- Why it matters: Made music videos a serious art form
- Awards: Won three MTV Video Music Awards
- Legacy: Added to the National Film Registry
2. Beyoncé – “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is famous for its simple black-and-white style and amazing dance moves. The video became a huge hit, inspiring tons of people to copy the dance and the iconic hand gestures. It’s all about being strong and independent.
- Released: 2008
- Director: Jake Nava
- Famous for: The hand gestures and tight choreography
- Why it matters: Became a cultural sensation
- Awards: Won MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year
- Legacy: Made Beyoncé a global superstar
3. Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” is a wild ride full of crazy fashion and strange, eye-catching scenes. It’s bold, artistic, and unlike anything else in pop music videos. This video pushed the limits of creativity.
- Released: 2009
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Famous for: The dramatic white outfit and fiery ending
- Why it matters: Changed how pop videos look and feel
- Awards: Won seven MTV Video Music Awards
- Legacy: One of the most-watched videos ever
4. A-ha – “Take On Me”
This video is famous for mixing live action with animation using a special effect called rotoscoping. It tells a romantic story that feels like a comic book come to life. It’s one of the coolest videos from the 1980s.
- Released: 1985
- Director: Steve Barron
- Famous for: The switch between drawing and real life
- Why it matters: Pioneered new video techniques
- Awards: Won six MTV Video Music Awards
- Legacy: Always named among the greatest videos
5. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
One of the first music videos ever, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” set the bar high with its unique style and dramatic visuals. It helped make music videos popular before MTV even existed.
- Released: 1975
- Director: Bruce Gowers
- Famous for: The multi-screen effects during the operatic part
- Why it matters: Showed how videos could promote music
- Awards: Later honored for its creativity
- Legacy: A timeless classic that still influences artists
6. Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” caused a lot of talk because of its bold themes about religion and race. The powerful images and story made it one of the most famous and controversial videos of the 1980s.
- Released: 1989
- Director: Mary Lambert
- Famous for: Madonna dancing in front of burning crosses
- Why it matters: Pushed the limits of artistic freedom
- Awards: Won MTV Viewer’s Choice Award
- Legacy: Opened doors for socially meaningful videos
7. OK Go – “Here It Goes Again”
This video is simple but super fun. The band dances on treadmills in a perfectly timed routine. It became one of the first viral hits on YouTube, proving you don’t need a big budget to get famous.
- Released: 2006
- Director: Trish Sie
- Famous for: The treadmill dance moves
- Why it matters: Showed creativity beats money
- Awards: Won a Grammy for Best Music Video
- Legacy: Inspired tons of viral videos
8. Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer”
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” uses stop-motion animation and weird effects to create a fun, crazy video. It’s a creative masterpiece from the 1980s that still amazes fans.
- Released: 1986
- Director: Stephen R. Johnson
- Famous for: The claymation and animated fruit
- Why it matters: Set a new level for music video creativity
- Awards: Won nine MTV Video Music Awards
- Legacy: Known as one of the best videos ever made
9. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
“This Is America” is powerful and thought-provoking. It mixes dancing with serious scenes about violence and social problems in America. The video sparked global conversations and won lots of praise.
- Released: 2018
- Director: Hiro Murai
- Famous for: The dance moves alongside violent scenes
- Why it matters: Highlighted social issues through art
- Awards: Won four Grammys including Record of the Year
- Legacy: A modern classic with a strong message
10. Björk – “All Is Full of Love”
Björk’s “All Is Full of Love” shows two robots falling in love in a calm, beautiful way. The futuristic look and emotional feel make it one of the most visually stunning videos ever.
- Released: 1999
- Director: Chris Cunningham
- Famous for: The touching robot scenes
- Why it matters: Blended art and technology perfectly
- Awards: Multiple MTV Video Music Awards and Grammy nomination
- Legacy: Celebrated for its unique visuals
