From sci-fi spectacles to full-blown Hollywood productions, music videos have long been more than just promotional clips — they’re statements of style, ambition, and, yes, budget. With costs reaching into the millions, these visual extravaganzas pushed creative boundaries and bank accounts alike. As of 2025, Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s Scream still leads the list, though other icons like Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, and Coldplay aren’t far behind.
Here’s a look at the ten most expensive music videos ever made, and what made them so legendary.
“Scream” – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
Estimated cost: $7,000,000 (1995)
Director: Mark Romanek
Two icons, one futuristic set, and a whole lot of attitude — Scream broke records and boundaries, and remains the gold standard for big-budget videos.
“Die Another Day” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $6,100,000 (2002)
Director: Traktor
Bond-worthy visuals and full-on espionage aesthetics made this action-packed video one of Madonna’s most ambitious visual efforts.
“Express Yourself” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1989)
Director: David Fincher
A dystopian dreamscape inspired by Metropolis, this video cemented Madonna’s reputation as pop’s most visionary trendsetter.
“Bedtime Story” – Madonna
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1995)
Director: Mark Romanek
Ethereal, experimental, and visually hypnotic — this one feels more like an art installation than a video. Pure dream logic on screen.
“Estranged” – Guns N’ Roses
Estimated cost: $5,000,000 (1993)
Director: Andy Morahan
From dolphins to aircraft carriers, this sweeping epic blurred the line between music video and rock opera.
“Black or White” – Michael Jackson
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (1991)
Director: John Landis
This genre-defying, morph-heavy production wasn’t just expensive — it was a cultural event. It premiered in 27 countries simultaneously.
“You Rock My World” – Michael Jackson
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (2001)
Director: Paul Hunter
With cinematic ambition and an all-star cast, this video delivered drama, dance, and every dollar’s worth of spectacle.
“Make Me Like You” – Gwen Stefani
Estimated cost: $4,000,000 (2016)
Director: Sophie Muller
Filmed live during the Grammys, this video was a logistical miracle. One take. One chance. All glam.
“Feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Coldplay
Estimated cost: $3,548,100 (2024)
Director: Ben Mor
A recent entry, Coldplay’s dreamy production layered lighting, choreography, and cutting-edge visuals into a full-blown sensory experience.
“Cartoon Heroes” – Aqua
Estimated cost: $3,500,000 (2000)
Director: Thomas Masin
This animated adventure brought Y2K-era maximalism to the pop stage, bursting with CGI and cartoon whimsy.
“Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” – Limp Bizkit
Estimated cost: $3,000,000 (2000)
Director: Fred Durst
A music video with helicopters, high-rises, and a lot of attitude — it’s peak nu-metal excess with production values to match.
Other Notable Facts:
- Janet Jackson and Britney Spears each have six videos on the high-budget list.
- Madonna appears five times — three of those in the top five.
- Michael Jackson also appears five times, including the most expensive of all time.
- Directors Joseph Kahn and Paul Hunter led the charge behind the camera, each with multiple entries.
- Ghosts by Michael Jackson is believed to have cost $15 million, making it possibly the most expensive of all time, though it’s not always listed due to its classification as a short film.