25 Most Iconic Music Videos From The ’80s That Defined The Decade
The 1980s didn’t just change music—it turned music videos into an electrifying art form that redefined pop culture forever. This was the decade when MTV burst onto the scene, transforming how we experienced music.
Artists didn’t just sing their songs; they told stories, created visual masterpieces, and built entire worlds in just a few minutes. From the jaw-dropping animation of Take On Me to the spine-chilling brilliance of Thriller, these weren’t just videos—they were cultural phenomena.
Wild fashion, groundbreaking special effects, and dance moves that became legendary all cemented the ’80s as the golden age of music videos. Whether it was Madonna’s rebellious style, Prince’s magnetic presence, or David Bowie’s surreal visuals, every frame of these classics set trends that still inspire today’s artists.
So, let’s take a neon-lit trip down memory lane and revisit 25 of the most iconic, unforgettable, and era-defining music videos that made the 1980s truly legendary!
1. Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1983)
Considered the holy grail of music videos, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is a 14-minute horror movie that revolutionized the genre.
The king of pop, MJ, donned a now-iconic red jacket and took fans on a spine-chilling journey with dancing zombies and unforgettable choreography. The video’s cinematic approach, directed by John Landis, broke new ground and set a high bar for music video production.
Its groundbreaking special effects and storytelling captivated audiences, turning music videos into an art form in their own right. This spine-tingling masterpiece remains a timeless classic, continually referenced in pop culture.
2. A-ha – “Take On Me” (1985)
A-ha’s “Take On Me” is a groundbreaking masterpiece that mixed live-action with pencil-sketch animation, creating a unique visual experience.
The Norwegian band became MTV superstars overnight as the video showcased their innovative approach to storytelling. Fans were mesmerized by the seamless transition between the animated world and reality, with lead singer Morten Harket’s earnest expressions drawing viewers into the narrative.
The video’s creative ingenuity was ahead of its time, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. With its catchy tune and unforgettable visuals, “Take On Me” remains a beloved classic of the ’80s.
3. Madonna – “Like a Virgin” (1984)
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” video took fans on a Venetian adventure, where the pop icon danced on a gondola in a wedding dress.
This video cemented Madonna as the Queen of Pop, combining romantic imagery with a rebellious spirit. The juxtaposition of innocence and sensuality created a captivating narrative that resonated with viewers worldwide.
Her bold fashion choices and charismatic presence made the video a visual spectacle, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon. The video’s blend of romance and rebellion captured the essence of the ’80s, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
4. Prince – “When Doves Cry” (1984)
Prince’s “When Doves Cry” is a stripped-down masterpiece filled with intense close-ups and purple vibes, showcasing the artist’s unmatched magnetism.
The video’s minimalistic approach allowed Prince’s raw emotion and charisma to take center stage, creating a powerful visual narrative. His enigmatic presence and artistic vision captivated viewers, making the video a standout piece of art.
The video’s haunting visuals and unique style left a lasting impression, further establishing Prince as a musical genius. “When Doves Cry” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its innovative approach and emotional depth.
5. David Bowie – “Ashes to Ashes” (1980)
David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes” video is an artistic landmark, featuring psychedelic visuals and a creepy Pierrot clown costume.
The video’s surreal imagery and avant-garde style pushed creative boundaries, showcasing Bowie’s artistic genius. His enigmatic presence and haunting visuals created a mesmerizing experience that captivated audiences.
The video’s innovative approach and unique style made it a standout piece of art, further solidifying Bowie’s status as a music and fashion icon. “Ashes to Ashes” remains a celebrated classic, revered for its artistic brilliance and groundbreaking visual storytelling.
6. Duran Duran – “Rio” (1982)
Duran Duran’s “Rio” video is a luxurious blend of new wave music and high fashion, featuring yachts, beaches, and stylish suits.
The video’s glamorous aesthetic and exotic setting created a visual feast that captivated fans worldwide. The band’s charismatic presence and stylish flair made the video an iconic representation of the ’80s music scene.
With its vibrant visuals and catchy tune, “Rio” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and style. The video’s blend of music and fashion set a new standard, inspiring a generation of artists and fans alike.
7. Queen – “Radio Ga Ga” (1984)
Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” video is a love letter to classic cinema, featuring Metropolis-inspired visuals and retro-futuristic themes.
Freddie Mercury’s charismatic presence and powerful vocals created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans worldwide. The video’s blend of classic film imagery and modern technology set a new standard for music videos, showcasing Queen’s creative genius.
With its innovative visuals and timeless music, “Radio Ga Ga” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its artistic brilliance and cultural impact. The video’s homage to cinema history left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists.
8. Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)
Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” video is a colorful feminist anthem that turned her into an ’80s pop icon.
The video’s vibrant visuals and playful narrative created a joyful experience that resonated with audiences worldwide. Cyndi’s charismatic presence and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and female empowerment.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact.
9. Peter Gabriel – “Sledgehammer” (1986)
Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” is a visual effects masterpiece, featuring stop-motion animation, claymation, and surreal visuals.
The video’s innovative approach and creative storytelling captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Peter’s charismatic performance and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
The video’s groundbreaking visual effects and catchy tune left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Sledgehammer” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
10. Guns N’ Roses – “Sweet Child o’ Mine” (1988)
Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine” is a simple, black-and-white rock video that lets Slash’s guitar and Axl’s wailing vocals do all the talking.
The video’s raw energy and charismatic performances captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. The band’s powerful presence and iconic style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll.
With its timeless music and unforgettable visuals, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its raw authenticity and cultural impact. The video’s simplicity and emotional depth continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
11. Billy Idol – “White Wedding” (1982)
Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” video is a gothic, dramatic masterpiece filled with pure rockstar energy. The video’s dark aesthetic and intense narrative captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic.
Billy’s charismatic presence and edgy style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his unique artistic vision. The video’s bold visuals and powerful music left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists.
“White Wedding” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence. The video’s blend of gothic themes and rock music set a new standard, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
12. Janet Jackson – “Rhythm Nation” (1989)
Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” video is a high-energy dance extravaganza that showcased her powerful presence and choreography skills.
The video’s military-style attire and futuristic setting created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans worldwide. Janet’s charismatic performance and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and social change.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves. “Rhythm Nation” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact.
13. The Police – “Every Breath You Take” (1983)
The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” video is a haunting masterpiece filled with black-and-white visuals and obsessive themes.
The video’s minimalist approach and emotional depth captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Sting’s enigmatic presence and powerful vocals made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
The video’s haunting visuals and timeless music left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Every Breath You Take” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
14. Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (1983)
Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” video is a surreal and futuristic masterpiece featuring Annie Lennox in an orange buzzcut.
The video’s avant-garde style and unique narrative captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Annie’s charismatic presence and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing her artistic brilliance.
The video’s surreal visuals and catchy tune left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
15. Dire Straits – “Money for Nothing” (1985)
Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” is one of the first fully CGI music videos, featuring animated construction workers rocking out.
The video’s groundbreaking visual effects and catchy tune captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. The band’s innovative approach and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing their artistic brilliance.
The video’s colorful graphics and futuristic setting left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Money for Nothing” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
16. Bruce Springsteen – “Dancing in the Dark” (1984)
Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” video became legendary the moment The Boss pulled a young Courtney Cox onto the stage to dance.
The video’s high-energy concert setting and charismatic performance captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Bruce’s powerful presence and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Dancing in the Dark” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
17. Madonna – “Material Girl” (1985)
Madonna’s “Material Girl” video is a Marilyn Monroe-inspired masterpiece that turned her into the ultimate pop diva.
The video’s glamorous aesthetic and extravagant setting created a visual feast that captivated fans worldwide. Madonna’s charismatic presence and stylish flair made the video an iconic representation of the ’80s music scene.
With its vibrant visuals and catchy tune, “Material Girl” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and style. The video’s blend of music and fashion set a new standard, inspiring a generation of artists and fans alike.
18. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ on a Prayer” (1986)
Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” video is a high-energy rock extravaganza that showcased the band’s dynamic performance and charismatic presence.
The video’s concert footage and aerial shots created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans worldwide. Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful vocals and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves. “Livin’ on a Prayer” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact.
19. Michael Jackson – “Bad” (1987)
Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video is an iconic masterpiece that showcased his unparalleled talent and unique style. The video’s subway station setting and epic dance showdown created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans worldwide.
MJ’s charismatic presence and powerful performance made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and artistic expression. The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves.
“Bad” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
20. Phil Collins – “In the Air Tonight” (1981)
Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” video is a moody, mysterious masterpiece that builds up to the most famous drum break in history.
The video’s atmospheric vibe and emotional depth captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Phil’s enigmatic presence and powerful vocals made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
The video’s haunting visuals and timeless music left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “In the Air Tonight” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
21. Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It” video is a vibrant urban masterpiece that showcased her charismatic performance and unique style.
The video’s New York City setting and dynamic narrative captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. Tina’s powerful presence and infectious energy made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and artistic expression.
The video’s catchy tune and timeless music left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact.
22. Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1984)
Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” video is the epitome of ’80s extravagance, featuring neon, ridiculous dancing, and “CHOOSE LIFE” T-shirts.
The video’s playful and energetic vibe captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. George Michael’s charismatic presence and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
23. George Michael – “Faith” (1987)
George Michael’s “Faith” video is an effortlessly cool masterpiece that showcased his unique style and charismatic presence.
The video’s leather jacket, tight jeans, and jukebox head-bop created a captivating narrative that resonated with fans worldwide. George’s powerful performance and stylish flair made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and artistic expression.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves. “Faith” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.
24. Beastie Boys – “Fight for Your Right (To Party)” (1986)
Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right (To Party)” video is a wild party anthem that showcased their rebellious spirit and carefree attitude.
The video’s chaotic house party scene and energetic performance captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. The band’s charismatic presence and unique style made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and youthful exuberance.
The video’s infectious energy and catchy tune made it an instant hit, inspiring countless fans to embrace their true selves. “Fight for Your Right (To Party)” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its positive message and cultural impact.
25. A Flock of Seagulls – “I Ran (So Far Away)” (1982)
A Flock of Seagulls’ “I Ran (So Far Away)” video is a new wave masterpiece that showcased their unique style and futuristic vision.
The video’s laser beams, sci-fi vibes, and iconic hair captivated audiences, turning it into an instant classic. The band’s charismatic presence and innovative approach made the video a standout piece of art, celebrating individuality and artistic expression.
The video’s surreal visuals and catchy tune left a lasting impression, inspiring future generations of artists. “I Ran (So Far Away)” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its innovation and creativity, continually referenced in pop culture for its artistic excellence.