If Oscars were handed out for music videos, the nominees would look very different from the usual Hollywood roll call. Some videos are more than just promos—they’re tiny movies, packed with storylines, drama, and unforgettable visuals. Here are 11 that would absolutely deserve a golden statue.
Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”
Shot in a back alley with cue cards flipping in sync with the lyrics, Dylan made a groundbreaking video without even singing. It’s raw, clever, and basically invented the lyric video decades before YouTube did.
The Beatles – “Penny Lane”
Colorful, surreal, and full of quick-cut whimsy, this clip feels like a short film from the heart of psychedelia. It captures the dreamlike magic of the era and makes a simple street feel like a wonderland.
David Bowie – “Ashes to Ashes”
With its eerie imagery and surreal costumes, this video looks like a moving art exhibit. Bowie brought high-concept storytelling to MTV before MTV even knew what to do with it.
Bruce Springsteen – “I’m on Fire”
Sparse, moody, and cinematic, the Boss plays a lonely mechanic longing for connection. It’s a quiet performance with the pacing of an indie film, and it leaves just enough unsaid to stay haunting.
Madonna – “Like a Prayer”
A controversial mix of religious iconography, social commentary, and fiery imagery, this video hit harder than many feature films. It proved a pop video could stir conversation far beyond the charts.
Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
This is basically a horror short film with music, choreography, and more zombies than a drive-in double feature. Directed by John Landis, it blurred the line between video and cinema forever.
Prince – “When Doves Cry”
Dramatic lighting, purple haze, and an unforgettable bathtub scene—it’s pure Prince. The visual intensity matches the emotional storm of the song, creating a video that feels operatic in scope.
Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
That stark, angular spotlight shot of the band singing in unison? Pure cinema. It turned a complex rock suite into one of the most iconic visuals in music history.
R.E.M. – “Losing My Religion”
Borrowing from Renaissance paintings and surrealist film, this video is as rich in symbolism as it is in emotion. Every frame feels crafted like a scene in a grand epic.
Sinead O’Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U”
One close-up, one tear, and the world stood still. Stripped of artifice, this video proves that the most powerful cinema can come from a single face and a raw performance.
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well: The Short Film”
Blurring the line between video and featurette, it runs like a heart-wrenching indie drama. With narrative arcs, strong acting, and cinematic direction, it could slip right into Sundance.