The 10 Best Music Videos Of All Time You’ve Never Seen Before
As a filmmaker, I love music videos for their experimental nature and as a source of storytelling inspiration.
In my opinion, music video-making is an art form, and to celebrate the genre, I wanted to share my top ten of the best music videos of all time in this article.
This will not be your typical pop star MTV video music awards list, including the single ladies, the white stripes, wrecking balls, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, and the Spice Girls.
It's a list of visually stunning live-action music videos I consider true works of art and a masterclass in visual storytelling.
And, because I love behind-the-scenes videos so much, I’ve included those I could find online as well.
Enjoy the ride!
Table of Contents:
Music Video #1: Tove Lo - Glad He’s Gone
The first project I’d like to share with you on this list of best music videos of all time is probably my favorite music video ever made, Tove Lo’s “Glad He’s Gone.”
It’s what I consider the perfect pop culture music video—a visual storytelling masterpiece, including an artist performance, lots of cool visual effects, and a super simple yet highly relatable storyline that glues everything together.
I think it’s no wonder this project received a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video!
And what makes it even better is that it has a Dutch silver lining because Dutch cinematographer Menno Mans filmed it!
In the making-of video below, you’ll get a better understanding of the epic scope of this music video production and how they were able to bring most of the visual effects to life.
Music Video #2: The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up
You know those nights when you go out for a drink, and it ends up being one of the wildest rides of your life?!
The following project on this list of best music videos visualizes that concept perfectly in a mini-movie!
As far as I know, this project is the very first video to use the first-person technique.
This music video format allows you to get into the head of the main character and see and experience everything through their eyes.
Since its release, this type of filming has evolved into an entire genre on its own!
I like how director Jonas Akerlund and his beautiful dark, twisted fantasy were given the complete creative freedom to portray the reality of what is probably the most epic night out in London and left nothing to the imagination (there’s a reason this music video can only be watched on Vimeo).
One of the greatest music videos ever made, instantly iconic, with a unique twist at the end!
Music Video #3: M.I.A. - Born Free
M.I.A.'s "Born Free" is another music video that leaves nothing to the imagination.
Directed by legendary French director Romain Gavras, this music video features a social commentary that depicts discrimination, racism, and gun violence in modern-day society.
What I like about Romain Gavras is that he does not shy away from using graphic imagery to get his point across in this music video.
Some may say that the images in the music video are gratuitous and unnecessary, but I would argue that they are entirely relevant to the issue at hand.
Grande Gavras, I take a deep bow for this masterpiece!
Music Video #4: DJ Shadow ft. Run The Jewels - Nobody Speak
The following music video on this list of best music videos of all time is a powerful commentary on the dysfunctional political climate around the world.
The story of the music video centers on a group of diplomats that appears to have gathered to sort out the world's problems.
Instead of a peaceful conversation, the scene quickly turns into a rap battle and escalates into one big riot involving every politician in the room.
Director Sam Pilling could not have done a better job of taking the song's symbolic meaning to a different level.
Absolutely brilliant!
Music Video #5: Axwell & Ingrosso - On My Way
Before the Swedish House Mafia members reunited again, Axwell and Ingrosso joined forces to create a bunch of quality tracks.
One of my favorite Swedish directors, Christian Larson, visualized two of their songs with one hell of a creative short film result!
This music video’s storyline is centered around an Eastern European, small-town conflict and a crazy visual firework show inspired by the legendary dance moves of the viral Swedish Techno Viking video.
From editing and little subtitle jokes to the fact that the DJ duo embodies the battling two main characters, I f**king love it!
Music Video #6: Coldplay - Up & Up
I believe Coldplay's "Up & Up" music video is a visual feast and a masterclass in creativity.
Directed by the celebrated Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, this virtual insanity video stands out with its dizzying array of special effects and beautiful images.
From the moment the music video opens, you are transported into a surreal world where the laws of physics no longer apply.
This is brought to life with mesmerizing visuals that have repeatedly left me stunned.
I wish we were able to live in a world where some of these beautiful images were a reality!
As you can imagine, the project involved tons of visual effects. In the making-of video below, you can see how the film crew brought it to life using lots of camera tricks!
Music Video #7: Jay Z & Kanye West - No Church In The Wild
If you're a Jay-Z and Kanye West fan, then you know that they always bring the heat to their music videos, and the visual for the song "No Church In The Wild" is no exception.
Director Romain Gavras has given the video a gritty, dark look at what happens when society breaks down and chaos ensues.
While the video is undoubtedly eye-catching, some have criticized it for its portrayal of violence.
However, Gavras has said that the goal was not to glorify violence but to show how quickly things can spiral out of control when there's no law or order.
Whatever your interpretation is, there's no denying that the video is one wild ride from start to finish.
Ps. Romain recently released his first collab with Netflix called ‘Athena,’ which could best be described as a feature film extension of this riot-driven music video.
Music Video #8: Willem - Houten Pak
Not long ago, I asked one of my friends who had just turned father for the first time what it is like to be a father of a newborn child.
His answer was: "It's like a new world opens up to you while another closes behind you."
The next music video on this list of best music videos of all time visualizes that concept beautifully.
If you haven't seen Willem's new music video for "Houten Pak" yet, you're in for a treat.
The music video, directed by Dutchman Paul Geusebroek, is a surreal cinematic masterpiece about fatherhood and growing up that has delighted and intrigued me again and again.
Almost everything you see in the video is done using camera tricks on set, as shown in the making-of video below. Dutch cinema at its finest!
Music Video #9: Young Thug - Wyclef Jean
Every music video director starts their career small, hoping to reach more prominent names and bigger budgets in the future.
But, when you finally get to that level of proper music video budgets in the music video industry, you'll experience that bigger budgets come with bigger problems.
Young Thug's "Wyclef Jean" music video is a tour-de-force of creative storytelling and one of the most innovative music videos in recent memory.
After watching this video, I believed it was a fake (but brilliant) advertising and marketing story. I later found out that the director actually lived through the horror scenario in the video!
Luckily, he was able to turn a nightmare experience into a hilarious viral music video clip!
I guess the final music video is actually a behind-the-scenes video, but the behind-the-scenes video below gives you an extra glimpse that things didn’t exactly go according to plan.
Music Video #10: The Opposites - Sukkel Voor De Liefde
The last music video on the list of my best music videos of all time is another masterpiece directed by Paul Geusebroek, “The Opposites - Sukkel Voor De Liefde.”
One of the best Dutch music videos ever made and a perfect example of how a well-made music video can enhance the listening experience and add another metaphorical layer to the song.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Music Videos Of All Time (FAQs)
What is considered the first music video ever made?
The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" is often credited as the first music video, famously opening MTV on August 1, 1981.
This classic video set a precedent for the music industry, combining catchy pop music with an innovative visual narrative.
Which music video is known as the most expensive ever produced?
Michael Jackson's "Scream", directed by Mark Romanek and featuring Janet Jackson, holds the record.
This iconic black and white video, famed for its extravagant production and futuristic visuals, reportedly cost $7 million to create.
Can you name a music video famous for its dance moves?
Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" choreography has become legendary. Directed by John Landis, this video features thrilling dance sequences that have been replicated by fans worldwide.
It perfectly illustrates how synchronized dance moves can create an unforgettable visual experience.
What are some standout music videos directed by Michel Gondry?
Michel Gondry is known for his creative and surreal visual style. Notable music videos include:
The White Stripes’ "Fell in Love with a Girl" - an innovative use of LEGO bricks in stop motion animation.
Björk's "Bachelorette" - a meta-narrative exploring the layers of storytelling.
Which video is celebrated for incorporating stop motion animation?
Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is a prime example. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, this video is a playful, surreal adventure using claymation, pixilation, and stop motion animation, making it one of the most visually engaging clips in music video history.
What music video made history with a single shot close-up?
Sinéad O'Connor’s "Nothing Compares 2 U" is renowned for its intense close-up shots, which capture the raw emotion of the singer’s performance.
This simplicity allows viewers to connect deeply with the artist’s expression and the song's lyrics.
Who are some directors famous for their work in music videos?
Spike Jonze - Known for his creative narrative and visuals, e.g., Fatboy Slim’s "Weapon of Choice" featuring Christopher Walken dancing.
David Fincher - Brought his cinematic touch to many videos, including Madonna's "Vogue".
Hype Williams - Famous for his flashy and colorful aesthetic, defining the look of 90s hip-hop and R&B videos.
Which music video is iconic for featuring a high school as its backdrop?
Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" plays out in a stylized school setting, where Spears and her backup dancers perform in hallways and classrooms, making it one of the most memorable and parodied videos in pop culture.
What video is notable for its portrayal of a band in a unique narrative format?
Guns N’ Roses' "November Rain" stands out for its epic narrative that blends a rock ballad with a cinematic love story, complete with dramatic rain scenes and a wedding, all set against the backdrop of the band performing.
Which Lady Gaga video is celebrated for its boundary-pushing artistic vision?
"Bad Romance" showcases Lady Gaga's unique style and artistry, featuring avant-garde fashion, complex choreography, and a narrative that mixes the bizarre with the glamorous, proving her prowess in using music videos as an art form.
Which music video is notable for its use of a single continuous shot?
OK Go's "Here It Goes Again" famously features a single-take video of the band performing a complex, choreographed routine on treadmills.
This inventive approach not only captivated viewers but also set a trend for one-shot music videos in the industry.
What music video by Michael Jackson featured groundbreaking special effects?
"Billie Jean" is not just known for its catchy tune but also for its visually stunning video, which introduced the world to the magic of the light-up sidewalk.
Michael Jackson's performance, combined with these innovative effects, created a video that remains a cornerstone in the evolution of music video production.
Which music video revolutionized the portrayal of women in the industry?
Madonna's "Vogue" directed by David Fincher, played a pivotal role in shaping the image of female artists in music videos.
Its stylish black and white cinematography and Madonna's commanding presence brought a new level of artistry and empowerment to female video portrayals.
What music video used animation to tell a compelling story?
A-ha's "Take On Me" seamlessly blends pencil-sketch animation with live-action to create a narrative that visually and emotionally engages the viewer.
The distinctive rotoscope animation style has made it one of the most iconic and enduring music videos of all time.
Which music video is famous for its parody elements?
Weird Al Yankovic's "Amish Paradise" brilliantly parodies Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" with a humorous take on Amish culture.
Weird Al's use of parody not only highlights his comedic genius but also his ability to critique and entertain through the music video format.
How did "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana change the music video landscape?
Directed by Samuel Bayer, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" captured the raw energy of the grunge movement with its anarchic performance in a dimly lit gymnasium, symbolizing teen rebellion.
This video played a crucial role in bringing alternative rock to mainstream attention and influencing the aesthetic of 90s music videos.
Which music video was instrumental in the popularity of dance choreography?
Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" directed by Jake Nava, featured simple yet powerful choreography that became a cultural phenomenon.
The video’s emphasis on dance and movement sparked a global dance craze and highlighted the importance of choreography in visual music storytelling.
What music video has been the most influential in terms of cinematic storytelling?
Guns N’ Roses' "November Rain" not only features the band but weaves a complex narrative involving love and loss, set against a grandiose orchestral backdrop.
Its cinematic quality showcases how music videos can be as emotionally impactful and narrative-driven as any short film.
Which music video broke barriers for CGI effects?
Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" was pioneering in its use of computer-generated imagery, featuring 3D animations that were cutting-edge at the time.
This video was instrumental in showcasing the potential of CGI in transforming visual storytelling in music videos.
What role has YouTube played in the evolution of music videos?
YouTube has revolutionized how music videos are consumed and shared, making it a crucial platform for artists to reach a global audience.
Videos like PSY's "Gangnam Style" and Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" have amassed billions of views, showing the platform's power to influence music trends and create international sensations.
