Best music videos of the 80s

This nearly 14-minute 'mini-movie' redefined the music video industry with its intricate choreography, groundbreaking special effects, and captivating horror storyline. It is consistently hailed as the greatest music video ever made and remains a touchstone for innovation and influence.

Set against the romantic backdrop of Venice, Italy, the video features Madonna in her iconic wedding dress outfit, establishing her as a pop icon. This video epitomized the provocative and playful spirit of the 1980s, stirring controversy and conversation that fueled Madonna's rise to superstardom.

Directed by Wayne Isham, the video combines behind-the-scenes footage with a live performance, using innovative harnesses to simulate flying above the crowd. Its dynamic visuals and powerful stage presence helped make the song a global anthem and played a crucial role in Bon Jovi's rise to superstardom.

Shot in Sri Lanka, this cinematic video features lead singer Simon Le Bon pursuing a 'tiger-like woman' through the jungle, with iconic imagery like his emergence from a lagoon. It was one of the earliest 80s videos to stand out and receive heavy rotation on MTV, significantly contributing to Duran Duran's rise.

Directed by David Mallet, the video features a dark, surreal wedding ceremony that complemented the song's rebellious tone, with stark contrasts and symbolic imagery. Its gothic style influenced countless other rock visuals and helped solidify Billy Idol's place as a leading figure in rock and new wave.

This video famously combines live-action footage with rotoscoped animation, creating a romantic and adventurous narrative. It was lightyears ahead of its time, pushing the boundaries of animation and live-action integration, and still looks technologically advanced today.

Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, the video features groundbreaking stop-motion animation, claymation, and pixelation, creating a visually dazzling and surreal experience. It is a landmark achievement, winning a record nine MTV Video Music Awards, demonstrating how music videos could be serious works of art.

This video stirred significant controversy with its religious imagery, including burning crosses and Madonna kissing a Black saint, leading to protests and a lost Pepsi campaign. Despite the controversy, it received critical acclaim and won the Viewer's Choice category at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, remembered for its provocative nature.

The video features a continuous opening shot and a mostly-purple set, with Prince provocatively emerging from a bathtub. Prince flawlessly used music videos to solidify his public image and aura, with this steamy visual selling 'Prince' himself.

This video famously broke down racial and genre barriers by depicting the hip-hop group Run-DMC and rock band Aerosmith literally breaking down a wall between them. It played a vital role in introducing hip-hop to a broader audience and is widely credited with helping to mainstream rap music.

The video features Cyndi Lauper parading through the Lower East Side with friends, dancing and letting go of their cares. It perfectly encapsulates the pop scene of the 80s and is seen as a statement about women wanting to be treated equally, all while showcasing iconic 80s hair and fashion.

The video features the band members in drag, parodying the British soap opera *Coronation Street*, with Freddie Mercury famously vacuuming in a housewife costume. Freddie Mercury's portrayal is considered one of the best costumes in a music video, and the video is praised for its humor and theatricality.

This video was groundbreaking for its early use of computer animation, featuring animated characters working in an appliance store and interacting with live-action footage of the band. It was a visually innovative video that received heavy rotation on MTV and is considered a defining example of early computer graphics in music videos.

The video capitalizes on the 80s fitness craze, showing Olivia Newton-John in workout attire, transforming men into 'beefcakes.' It's a memorable video that perfectly captured the fitness trend of the decade and turned a sexually suggestive song into a workout anthem.

The video features George Michael in his iconic leather jacket, sunglasses, and denim, playing a guitar in a diner setting. It's a defining video that cemented George Michael's solo image and is recognized for its simple yet effective styling and charisma.

Shot entirely in black and white, the video features Janet Jackson and her dancers in military-like uniforms performing hypnotic, precise choreography. It's celebrated for its sophisticated choreography and its ability to emote the solemnity of the social injustice Janet Jackson sings about, making it one of the best music videos of the 80s.