11 Music Videos That Changed Pop Culture Forever

Music videos have always been more than just visuals to go along with a song. They shape trends, spark conversations, and influence how people see music and artists. Some videos left such an impact that they became cultural moments on their own. These pieces of art brought together fashion, storytelling, and performance in unforgettable ways.

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Michael Jackson – Thriller

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is one of the most influential music videos in history. Released in 1983, it combined music with a short horror film style. Directed by John Landis, the video featured professional choreography and a storyline that felt cinematic. It was a turning point that showed music videos could be large-scale productions.

The impact of Thriller was massive, with its premiere becoming a cultural event. Its dance sequences are still studied and performed today. The video also helped MTV grow into a powerful platform. Jackson set a new standard for what music videos could achieve.

Madonna – Like a Prayer

Madonna’s Like a Prayer video from 1989 stirred debate and conversation worldwide. It featured powerful imagery, including religious symbols mixed with social commentary. The video pushed boundaries and challenged norms in mainstream music. It highlighted Madonna’s ability to use visuals to spark dialogue.

The controversy surrounding the video only added to its fame. Despite pushback from certain groups, it gained heavy rotation on television. It reinforced Madonna’s reputation as a pop star unafraid of risk. The video remains a reference point for discussions about music and art.

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

The video for Smells Like Teen Spirit captured the essence of early 1990s grunge culture. It was filmed in a high school gym, reflecting rebellion and raw energy. The imagery of cheerleaders with anarchy symbols became iconic. Nirvana’s music and this video pushed alternative rock into the mainstream.

The video resonated with disaffected youth around the world. Its stripped-down look made it stand apart from glossy pop productions. MTV played it heavily, helping the band reach global recognition. It marked the arrival of grunge as a cultural force.

Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time

Britney Spears’ debut video introduced her to the world in 1998. Set in a high school, it featured her wearing the now-famous schoolgirl outfit. The video was catchy, youthful, and visually memorable. It launched her career as a global pop star.

The imagery became one of the most recognizable in late 1990s pop culture. Fans embraced the school setting and dance routine. MTV gave the video heavy airplay, boosting Spears into stardom. It remains one of the most replayed videos from its era.

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance

Bad Romance by Lady Gaga arrived in 2009 with a striking visual presentation. The futuristic costumes, bold choreography, and dramatic sets made it unforgettable. Gaga used the video to create a theatrical world around her music. Its imagery blended fashion with performance in a unique way.

The video quickly became a fan favorite on YouTube. It showcased Gaga’s ability to merge art and pop music. The costumes inspired fashion discussions and trends. Bad Romance solidified Gaga’s image as an artist with strong visual creativity.

A-ha – Take On Me

A-ha’s Take On Me stood out for its innovative animation style. Released in 1985, it combined live action with pencil-sketch animation. The video told a love story that crossed between fantasy and reality. It won awards and became instantly memorable.

The animation technique, called rotoscoping, was time-consuming but effective. It gave the video a hand-drawn look that was unique at the time. The song and video together helped A-ha reach international success. It remains one of the most recognizable videos of the 1980s.

Sinead O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U

Sinead O’Connor’s video for Nothing Compares 2 U in 1990 was remarkably simple. It featured mostly close-up shots of her singing directly to the camera. The raw emotion in her expression became the video’s defining feature. It showed that a powerful performance could carry an entire production.

The emotional honesty connected with audiences worldwide. The video highlighted O’Connor’s unique presence and vocal strength. It was a departure from heavily produced visuals of the era. This simplicity made the video unforgettable and widely praised.

OK Go – Here It Goes Again

OK Go’s Here It Goes Again became famous for its treadmill choreography. Released in 2006, the video featured the band performing a carefully timed routine. It was filmed in one continuous take, adding to the charm. The concept was simple but highly effective.

The video became an early viral hit on YouTube. Fans were impressed by the creativity and precision of the performance. It proved that an idea did not need a large budget to succeed. The video helped OK Go stand out in the music scene.

Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation video from 1989 carried strong visuals and choreography. The black and white aesthetic gave it a serious tone. The military-style dance routines became iconic. It tied into the album’s themes of unity and social awareness.

The video inspired countless dancers and performers. Jackson’s precise movements set a standard in pop choreography. It remains a reference for stage productions and music video directors. Rhythm Nation is considered one of Jackson’s most defining works.

Guns N’ Roses – November Rain

The video for November Rain released in 1992 was one of the most expensive of its time. It featured cinematic storytelling, including a dramatic wedding scene. The sweeping visuals matched the epic length of the song. The production value made it stand out in the rock genre.

The video became a staple on MTV and gained long-term popularity online. Its grand scale mirrored the band’s ambitions. Fans still debate the meaning of its storyline. November Rain showed how rock videos could be as dramatic as films.

Missy Elliott – The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)

Missy Elliott’s The Rain video from 1997 broke away from standard hip hop visuals. Her futuristic outfits, including the inflated trash bag suit, became unforgettable. Directed by Hype Williams, the video used fisheye lenses and surreal effects. It introduced a fresh style to mainstream hip hop videos.

The visuals helped establish Missy Elliott as a creative force in the industry. The video influenced a generation of artists who followed her. Its originality still gets referenced today in discussions of music video history. The Rain remains a landmark in hip hop culture.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.