Music videos create entire worlds in just a few minutes. Some are joyful, some are powerful, and some are pure art. These 20 unforgettable visuals continue to shine—across decades, genres, and generations.
A-ha – Take On Me (1985)
Hand-drawn animation meets live action in a romantic, rollercoaster daydream. It’s the kind of video that turns a catchy song into an unforgettable experience.
Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008)
Minimalist set, maximalist impact. The precision, power, and iconic hand flick changed pop choreography forever.
Bjork – All Is Full of Love (1999)
Two androids falling in love in a sterile lab. With futuristic visuals and soft wonder, it’s Björk at her most visionary.
Bob Dylan – Subterranean Homesick Blues (1965)
Flip cards, alleyway, no edits—Dylan created the lyric video decades before it had a name. Pure DIY poetry.
Bronski Beat – Smalltown Boy (1984)
A tender, courageous story of a gay teen leaving home. This video gave hope, visibility, and a synth-pop soundtrack to resilience.
Busta Rhymes – Gimme Some More (1998)
Hyper-speed camera cuts, surreal visuals, and cartoon energy that turned hip-hop into a Saturday morning fever dream.
Childish Gambino – This Is America (2018)
Layered with symbolism and raw emotion, this video sparked endless conversation. Every frame is a statement.
Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1983)
A parade of joy, fashion, and freedom. Cyndi turned a bedroom into a global party with heart and sequins.
David Bowie – Ashes to Ashes (1980)
Clown suits, beach scenes, and eerie beauty. Bowie’s visual language opened the door for decades of experimental art-pop.
George Michael – Freedom! ’90 (1990)
No lip-syncing, no band—just supermodels in a warehouse. This was rebellion with style, set to one of George’s fiercest tracks.
Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation (1989)
Military-style precision and fierce unity. Janet built a nation of dancers and dreamers, one beat at a time.
Kendrick Lamar – Alright (2015)
Hovering above traffic, wrapped in meaning. This modern classic is part music video, part protest anthem, part spiritual vision.
Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (2009)
White latex, burning beds, and monster claws. Gaga’s theatre of pop reached a thrilling, fashion-forward peak.
Madonna – Vogue (1990)
Striking poses and paying homage to Black and Latinx ballroom culture, Madonna brought underground beauty to the main stage.
Missy Elliott – The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) (1997)
Shiny suits, fish-eye lenses, and gravity-defying swagger. Missy built a futuristic playground and invited the world in.
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)
Grunge meets cheerleaders and chaos in a high school gym. This video lit the match that sparked a musical revolution.
OutKast – Hey Ya! (2003)
A technicolor throwback to The Beatles on Ed Sullivan—except with André 3000 playing every member. Pure joy in every pixel.
Prince – Kiss (1986)
One mic, one spotlight, endless charisma. Prince made simplicity magnetic, with every twist, strut, and smirk.
R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts (1993)
A traffic jam turns into a silent symphony of inner thoughts. Gentle, powerful, and deeply human.
Sinead O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U (1990)
One face, one tear, and a world of emotion. Sinead made vulnerability stronger than any special effect.