Top 10 Best Music Videos of All Time

Over the years, music videos have pushed the boundaries of creativity and storytelling, turning songs into visual masterpieces. Some videos have become iconic, etched into our memories as much as the songs themselves. They've defined eras, influenced fashion, and even sparked cultural movements.

Think about those moments when a music video left you glued to the screen, mesmerized by its blend of music and imagery. Maybe it was the groundbreaking special effects, the unforgettable dance routines, or the sheer artistry that made you hit the replay button again and again. These videos do more than just accompany a song. They elevate it, creating a unique experience that stays with you long after the music has ended.

From the moonwalking magic of Michael Jackson's Thriller to the visually stunning world of Beyoncé's Formation, the best music videos are those that offer something more. They provide an extra layer of entertainment that enhances the song's message and impact. They can transport you to different worlds, tell compelling stories, or simply provide a feast for the eyes with their innovative visuals.

The Top Ten

Thriller - Michael Jackson

The Thriller music video, directed by John Landis, features Michael Jackson transforming into a werewolf and performing iconic dance routines with a group of zombies. It is renowned for its elaborate choreography and horror-inspired narrative.

Michael Jackson turned music videos into a 'pop event' with the release of the Thriller music video. Everything about the video - the props, the dance moves, the storytelling in the music video - everything was groundbreaking. He was so ahead of his time when it came to music videos, just like Madonna was.
Truly, he was the definition of a trailblazer. No one was like him, and there never will be anyone like him. He is the King of Pop.

Thriller has to be the best video of all time, no questions asked. Throughout his life, Michael Jackson was in the top five most successful artists of all time, next to The Beatles and Elvis Presley. MJ was such a talented man, and his music will live forever. This is why, to this day, he is still known as the King of Pop.
Take On Me - A-ha

Take On Me by A-ha is famous for its innovative blend of live-action and pencil-sketch animation, directed by Steve Barron. The video tells a romantic adventure story as the lead singer is pulled into a comic book world.

Before I saw this one, I would have always said that Michael Jackson's Thriller is the best. But I think this one is much better, simply because it's something entirely new and groundbreaking. The Thriller video has awesome makeup, dancing, and costumes. But Take On Me... it's something so new and unique.
So many of A-ha's other videos have that same uniqueness to them (The Sun Always Shines On T.V., Manhattan Skyline, Train Of Thought). Take On Me is heartwarming and beautiful. Love it. The '80s were an awesome time for music videos, which surprises me since it was such a new form of art back then.

The animation was so ahead of its time. Such beautiful animation, cinematography, and editing all blended together to tell a great story.
Along with a great pop song, this makes it the greatest of all time.
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's Bad Romance video, directed by Francis Lawrence, showcases avant-garde fashion and choreography in a futuristic setting. The video explores themes of love, desire, and betrayal with a distinct visual style.

This is probably Lady Gaga's best work. She was able to make a clean, eye-catching, simple video with all her crazy, quirky ideas. It's pure genius. Everyone who worked with her must have had the best chemistry ever because the result is astonishing.
All of her videos always have a good idea behind them, but sometimes they don't take the best direction and end up looking like too much at once, sort of like a mess. But Bad Romance is just perfect. I wouldn't change anything about it and could watch it all day long. Also, it's her most iconic. It really defines her as an artist and includes most of what people recognize in her.

Any human being with a brain knows that Bad Romance was not only one of the best music videos of 2009, but also one of the best music videos of the decade. I mean, the choreography, the set, the costumes, and even the song itself were all amazing.
Come on, the song was one of the best I've ever heard in my life. If you're a Little Monster, you know Bad Romance was the best thing you've laid your eyes on. It was nominated numerous times at the 2010 VMAs and won many of those nominations. Vote this up, people. Gaga killed it with this video.
Breaking The Habit - Linkin Park

Breaking The Habit by Linkin Park features animated sequences directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, known for his work on Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The video explores themes of inner turmoil and emotional struggle through dynamic and intense animation.

I knew this video would be really high up there, but having Thriller get three times as many votes is surprising.

This is the best song, from the best band, sung by the best singer, featured in the best video. Truly the best.

This is the best song I have ever heard and seen. Linkin Park RULES!
Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson

The Smooth Criminal music video, from the film Moonwalker, depicts Michael Jackson as a suave gangster in a 1930s-style nightclub. The video is noted for its gravity-defying lean and sharp choreography.

How this is not even on most of the lists of Best Music Videos of All Time baffles me. It's a good thing people voted this to at least 4th place here.
Smooth Criminal is the best it can ever get and blows Thriller out of the water. Thriller had bad pacing, some poor acting, and moments from characters. Also, the dance of MJ is never shown at its peak in Thriller, unlike in this video alongside live tours of Billie Jean. If Thriller is the Essential Music Video of All Time, Smooth Criminal is the perfect one.

I was hoping I'd see this on the list. Otherwise, this whole thing would have been a big joke.
Beat It - Michael Jackson

Directed by Bob Giraldi, Beat It features Michael Jackson mediating a gang conflict through a choreographed dance-off. The video emphasizes themes of non-violence and unity.

Michael was great in this music video. He was the pioneer for short film music videos. This was an amazing video, and the dancing was the best. It was an early video, but one of the best.

Michael Jackson's music videos were, and still are, the best to watch because they're like mini-movies. Rest in Paradise, MJ, the King of Pop.

Of course, Beat It should make this list. It should be in the top 5 for dancing.
November Rain - Guns N Roses

The November Rain music video, directed by Andy Morahan, is a dramatic and cinematic portrayal of love, loss, and sorrow. The video features lavish wedding scenes, a dramatic funeral, and a memorable guitar solo performed on a church roof.

One cold November, while driving, this song broke my heart over an ex so much that I had to call her to rekindle our relationship. But as Axl says, nothing lasts forever, unfortunately. It still hurts when I listen all these years later.
Even more so in November, like it is right now at the time of posting. The video is awesome, and the track and lyrics are spectacularly well-composed. They fit so perfectly into many people's lives.

This video has something that the others lack. It's not dance moves or weird outfits. It's the emotions that the video gives you. November Rain is full of emotion.
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

Directed by Samuel Bayer, Welcome to the Black Parade features a theatrical, gothic procession led by My Chemical Romance. The video is known for its elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling.

It's an amazing video that expresses the true meaning of the song. The song is about a guy who died in the hospital, and death came to him in the form of his fondest memory, which was a parade. His best memory was watching a parade with his dad when he was a kid, so death approached him in the form of a parade.
The message is that death should be happy and should come in the form of your favorite memory, not sad and depressing as it usually seems to be. The video and song have a very deep meaning, told in the form of a beautiful little story. It's inspiring and great!

This music video is amazing, and it features the patient joining the Black Parade.
One - Metallica

Metallica's One combines footage from the anti-war film Johnny Got His Gun with the band performing in a dark, industrial setting. The video highlights the horrors of war and the helplessness of a severely injured soldier.

I hope that when people vote for a video that isn't this very video, they understand the true meaning of it. From the deep political, anti-war themes set over a dark, horrifying atmosphere to the solemn and dreadful tones of one of the most influential bands at the peak of their career, this video isn't even comparable to any other video on this list because of the sheer talent, emotion, and history that was poured into it.

For those who just think of One as an awesome metal track, watching the video alongside it reveals the true meaning of this very moving song.
Bring Me to Life - Evanescence

Evanescence's Bring Me to Life video, directed by Philipp Stölzl, depicts lead singer Amy Lee as she experiences a surreal and dangerous journey through a high-rise building. The video combines elements of action and drama.

I don't care what everyone else says. This video deserves to be number one.

This is a very good video. When I first saw the video, I downloaded it. Laugh out loud.

Laugh out loud, best music video ever. Very action-packed and ultimately epic.

The Newcomers

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The Golden Age - Woodkid

Woodkid is the master of stylistically shot indie music videos, and this ten-minute epic is his best, in my opinion.
It's about a boy who plays and grows up with his family in a swampy outback. His early experiences are filled with innocent wonder, but as his family breaks into conflict, bits of fear creep into his merry life.
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Gosh - Jamie xx

This video is a masterpiece, enough said. Shot in China, where they built a replica of Paris, it shows a swarm of identical kids marching in sync around an albino man under the copy of the Eiffel Tower as the overlords look on from their luxury car.

The Contenders

A Beautiful Lie - 30 Seconds to Mars

Directed by Angakok Panipaq, A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds to Mars was filmed in Greenland to highlight the effects of climate change. The video features stunning icy landscapes and a powerful environmental message.

My friend knows this video by heart. She can tell when Jared is making circles and when the wolf appears. I'm really thankful to her that she opened this video for me. They are really awesome! Not everyone is that great!

They travelled to the Arctic Circle and risked their lives trying to deliver the message that we are slowly killing the earth. Kudos to the boys for this amazing video!

This video makes me cry again and again. Everything you see in the video is real. Just watch it. You won't regret it.
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer, directed by Stephen R. Johnson, is famous for its innovative use of stop-motion animation and claymation. The video is a visual spectacle that complements the song's energetic rhythm.

The amount of effort that went into making this is astounding! Awesome video.

This video was amazingly talented and creative. Why isn't this in the top ten?

This video is just something magical.
Basket Case - Green Day

Green Day's Basket Case video, directed by Mark Kohr, takes place in a mental institution, reflecting the song's themes of anxiety and paranoia. The video's vibrant colors and chaotic scenes add to its intense atmosphere.

It all keeps adding up. It sucks that it's not at the top. This site makes me annoyed. Yes, yes, yes! It should be so much higher, as should Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and When I Come Around.
Lemonade - Beyonce

Beyoncé's Lemonade is a visual album that explores themes of betrayal, empowerment, and resilience. The project blends music, poetry, and striking visuals across multiple settings and narratives.
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

The Bohemian Rhapsody video by Queen, directed by Bruce Gowers, is characterized by its innovative use of visual effects and dramatic lighting. It features the band performing in a stylized, minimalist setting.

This is in the 300s? Really? This is the first music video. Every other music video would not exist if not for this one. Could we at least bring this into the top 50?
And by the way, why are there so many horrible choices near the top of this list? You know who I'm talking about.

This should be number one in my opinion, or at the very least in the top five. Anyone who knows anything about music knows this video.

This video doesn't even have a million views on YouTube! It needs more attention!
Earth Song - Michael Jackson

The Earth Song music video, directed by Nick Brandt, portrays environmental destruction and human suffering across the globe. It emphasizes themes of ecological awareness and humanitarianism.

This music video is amazing because it has extremely meaningful lyrics and doesn't make you regret watching it.

Michael Jackson's best music video after Thriller, tied with Black or White and Remember the Time.
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit, directed by Samuel Bayer, captures the raw energy of a high school pep rally turned into an anarchic mosh pit. The video is credited with bringing grunge music into the mainstream.

How can this be? Nirvana should be way up on this list. Come on, they express every ounce of their energy to create a perfect song that knocked MJ's songs off the charts.

This video still sends chills down my spine like it did when I first saw it 22 years ago.

How is this ranked at 25? This video, along with the song, defined the '90s and changed music history!
Like a Prayer - Madonna

Madonna's Like a Prayer video, directed by Mary Lambert, features controversial religious imagery and themes of racial unity. The video combines narrative and performance elements to address social and spiritual issues.

Not a big fan of her or pop music in general, but credit where credit is due. Clever concept.
Jesus of Suburbia - Green Day

Green Day's Jesus of Suburbia video, directed by Samuel Bayer, is a mini-movie that tells the story of a disaffected youth named Jimmy. The video combines narrative scenes with the band's performance, reflecting themes of rebellion and disillusionment.

This is definitely the best music video of all time! This music video is about 11 minutes, and you feel like you are watching a movie. And Avenged Sevenfold's Seize the Day is also awesome!

Jesus of Suburbia is the only music video up here that has meaning. Thriller and Smooth Criminal are okay, but it's just some silly scenario.

Amazing. It's not on the top for one reason: the rest of the voters haven't seen this.
Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

Directed by Floria Sigismondi, Mirrors by Justin Timberlake depicts a multi-generational love story. The video features symbolic imagery and reflective surfaces to convey themes of love and memory.

The powerful video shows an elderly lady (supposed to represent JT's grandmother) sinking into her nostalgic memories of falling in love with her husband who passed away, as she reaches out to feel his ghostly presence. It perfectly complements the beautiful song.
Freak On a Leash - Korn

Korn's Freak On a Leash, directed by Todd McFarlane, combines animated and live-action sequences to depict a bullet's destructive journey. The video explores themes of violence and loss of innocence.

Legendary video by a legendary band. This band helps people deal with the dark side of life.
Waiting for the End - Linkin Park

Waiting for the End by Linkin Park, directed by Joe Hahn, features the band performing in a minimalist, digital landscape with intricate visual effects. The video emphasizes themes of transformation and resilience.

One of my all-time favorites, Linkin Park has produced heaps of songs, all just as good as the rest!

Best music video. Thriller is overrated in my opinion.
Stan - Eminem

Directed by Dr. Dre and Philip Atwell, Stan tells the story of an obsessed fan through a series of narrative vignettes. The video features Dido and highlights themes of fame, obsession, and mental instability.

Why is this so low? This is my favorite music video, other than Thriller. I want to find out who ranks these things so low. No one knows music these days.

Are you kidding me? Lady Gaga is better than this legend? This is the best music video I've ever seen. And the way it tells the story is far better than Madonna or Lady Gaga.

Awesome song, best video. I think it must be in the top three, at least.
Remember the Time - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's Remember the Time, directed by John Singleton, is set in ancient Egypt and features elaborate dance sequences and visual effects. The video includes appearances by Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson.

Now, I don't mean to say that this should be in 1st position, but this should surely be in the top 10 because it's really very good. Please watch it if you haven't, and I'm sure that you'll love it.

This should be in the top 10! Even top 5! Yeah, the acting is whack, but the rest, from the song to the choreography, the storyline, the costumes. Perfect!
Applause - Lady Gaga

This video is not the best of Gaga, but it has a message for all the fans.