While the core competencies of being part of a band primarily revolve around music composition and performance, a crucial and often underestimated element of the role is the art of music video production. Crafting a compelling music video allows artists to visually convey the emotional depth and themes embedded within their songs, creating a lasting impression on viewers. When executed effectively, music videos serve as a powerful extension of the music itself, elevating the overall artistic experience.

To enhance your own video-making skills, it can be incredibly beneficial to seek inspiration from the works of accomplished cinematographers, directors, and actors. In the curated list below titled 17 Rock Music Videos That Skillfully Reference Movies or TV Shows, you will discover numerous references to beloved cinematic classics that can ignite your creativity.

1. “One,” Metallica
From: …And Justice for All (1988)
Movie: Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

Remarkably, “One” marks the inaugural music video created by Metallica. In a 1989 interview, Lars Ulrich revealed, “We just kind of held off until the right idea came along, and finally the right idea came along for this song ‘One’.” The video incorporates impactful clips from the 1971 anti-war film Johnny Got His Gun, which poignantly illustrates the harrowing story of a critically injured soldier deprived of nearly all his limbs, as well as his ability to communicate or move. This visual narrative powerfully complements the song’s profound themes of suffering and isolation.

2. “The Universal,” Blur
From: The Great Escape (1995)
Movie: A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Damon Albarn, sporting dark eyeliner, fully embodies the character of Alex DeLarge from the iconic 1971 film A Clockwork Orange in Blur’s video for “The Universal.” This captivating music video pays homage to Stanley Kubrick’s renowned film, with Albarn’s bandmates portraying Alex’s entourage of “droogs” as they perform in a surreal “milk bar.” The integration of cinematic elements contributes to a visually striking and memorable experience that resonates with fans.

3. “Everlong,” Foo Fighters
From: The Colour and the Shape (1997)
Movie: The Evil Dead (1981)

Dave Grohl adeptly utilizes a reference from a horror classic in the music video for “Everlong.” The Foo Fighters drew inspiration from Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, resulting in a video that garnered a nomination for Best Rock Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. “Everybody thinks it’s the best video we’ve ever made,” Grohl shared in the 2004 documentary I’ve Been Twelve Forever, highlighting the work of director Michel Gondry. “To this day, we’ve tried to make videos that can top that one, and I don’t think we’ll ever do it (unless we make another video with Michel.)”

4. “Material Girl,” Madonna
From: Like a Virgin (1984)
Movie: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

The allure of two blonde icons is beautifully captured in Madonna’s music video for “Material Girl,” where she portrays both herself and the legendary Marilyn Monroe from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Dressed in a striking hot pink gown adorned with extravagant jewelry, Madonna reflects on the impact of Monroe’s persona, stating, “Marilyn was made into something not human in a way, and I can relate to that.” The video brilliantly explores themes of female sexuality and societal obsession, making it a memorable classic.

5. “Tonight, Tonight,” Smashing Pumpkins
From: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995)
Movie: A Trip to the Moon (1902)

At first glance, one might not associate a silent film with music video inspiration, yet Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” does just that by drawing from Georges Méliès’s groundbreaking 1902 silent film A Trip to the Moon. The video portrays a group of astronauts embarking on an extraordinary journey into outer space—an idea that was relatively commonplace in 1995 but revolutionary in 1902. Notably, it features the talents of Jill Talley and Tom Kenny, who is famously known as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants.

6. “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers
From: Hot Fuss (2004)
Movie: Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Interestingly, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” has not just one, but two music videos. The initial video was filmed in Staten Island, during a time when the band was unaware of the song’s impending success. Consequently, a second, higher-budget video was produced in Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from the 2001 film Moulin Rouge!. This strategic decision proved to be impressive, as it ultimately earned the Killers an MTV VMA in 2005 for Best New Artist in a Video, solidifying their place in music history.

7. “Buddy Holly,” Weezer
From: Weezer (1994)
TV Show: Happy Days (1974-84)

Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” takes its cues not from a film, but rather from the iconic TV series Happy Days. Filmed in a single day, the video showcases the band performing at Arnold’s Drive-In, the show’s famous hangout spot. It also features cameos from original cast members Al Molinaro (Al Delvecchio) and Anson Williams (Potsie). Rivers Cuomo candidly stated in a 1997 interview with Alternative Press, “It’s my least favorite of all the videos we’ve done… I’m extremely grateful to it. But it has nothing to do with me.” This unique perspective provides insight into the band’s creative process.

8. “Hounds of Love,” Kate Bush
From: Hounds of Love (1985)
Movie: The 39 Steps (1935)

In her music video for “Hounds of Love,” Kate Bush aimed for a cinematic “short film” approach, drawing inspiration from the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. In a reflection on her creative journey, Bush shared, “Paddy [Bush’s brother] inspired me into a 39 Steps theme, and for the two-three weeks over Christmas my life became this third video.” The project posed organizational challenges due to holiday festivities, but it also allowed her to collaborate with a talented crew who were available during the quieter Christmas season. An intriguing detail for viewers is the Hitchcock lookalike who makes a brief appearance in the video.

9. “Walking on Broken Glass,” Annie Lennox
From: Diva (1992)
Movie: Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

In her visually stunning music video for “Walking on Broken Glass,” Annie Lennox channels the essence of the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons. Joined by acclaimed actors John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie, Lennox’s performance encapsulates the period’s aesthetic. The inspiration for the video stemmed from Lennox’s admiration for Malkovich’s captivating portrayal in the film, leading to a rich visual narrative that intertwines music and cinema.

10. “Stacy’s Mom,” Fountains of Wayne
From: Welcome Interstate Managers (2003)
Movie: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

In the music video for “Stacy’s Mom,” Fountains of Wayne initially sought to feature Ric Ocasek from the Cars, but he either declined or did not respond. Regardless, the Cars were still represented in the video through clever nods, such as a license plate reading “I <3 Ric” and a child dressed as a mini version of Ocasek. The video also features a memorable scene of Stacy’s mom dramatically emerging from the pool in a revealing swimsuit, paying homage to the classic 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which famously featured the Cars’ “Moving in Stereo.”

11. “Dope Hat,” Marilyn Manson
From: Portrait of an American Family (1994)
Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Marilyn Manson’s “Dope Hat” might seem an unlikely homage to a children’s classic, yet it draws heavily from the whimsical world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). The music video’s opening features a vibrant title card decorated with colorful candy and a top hat, setting a playful tone. As the video unfolds, viewers are treated to surreal scenes reminiscent of the film, including a river of bloody chocolate and Oompa Loompa-like characters, merging the innocent with the macabre.

12. “Show Me How to Live,” Audioslave
From: Audioslave (2002)
Movie: Vanishing Point (1971)

Similar to Metallica’s “One,” Audioslave’s “Show Me How to Live” showcases the band interspersed with clips from the 1971 film Vanishing Point, featuring notable actors Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, and Dean Jagger. Chris Cornell takes the wheel of a striking white muscle car, which dramatically explodes in a fiery finale, amplifying the song’s themes of rebellion and existential inquiry.

13. “Last Cup of Sorrow,” Faith No More
From: Album of the Year (1997)
Movie: Vertigo (1958)

Joseph Kahn, the visionary director behind Faith No More’s “Last Cup of Sorrow,” expressed his fascination with Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, noting its inherent cinematic qualities. “I always thought [Hitchcock’s] Vertigo had an interesting music video feel to it because of the [rich graphics] in the film,” he explained to Billboard in 1997. The concept of Mike Patton embodying Jimmy Stewart adds a layer of humor and subversion, blending Hitchcock’s classic narrative with a distinctly 90s aesthetic.

14. “Believe,” Lenny Kravitz
From: Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993)
Movie: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Lenny Kravitz’s music video for “Believe” boldly references Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Featuring striking visuals and a futuristic aesthetic, the video was directed by Michel Gondry, who also helmed Foo Fighters’ “Everlong.” The captivating imagery and thematic elements resonate profoundly with the song’s exploration of faith and existence.

15. “Spit It Out,” Slipknot
From: Slipknot (1999)
Movie: The Shining (1980)

It’s evident that horror films have a significant influence on music videos, as demonstrated by Slipknot’s “Spit It Out,” which draws inspiration from the chilling classic The Shining (1980). Each band member adopts a specific character from the film, with Joey Jordison portraying Danny Torrance, Shawn Crahan and Chris Fehn embodying the eerie twins, and Corey Taylor taking on the role of Jack Torrance. This intense and visually striking video ultimately faced censorship, as it was banned from MTV due to its graphic content.

16. “Otherside,” Red Hot Chili Peppers
From: Californication (1999)
Movie: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

The music video for Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Otherside” is an immersive experience that transports viewers into the realm of German Expressionism, drawing inspiration from Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a seminal work in silent film history. The video evokes a dreamlike quality reminiscent of Tim Burton’s aesthetic while incorporating bold Cubist elements, creating a visually arresting narrative that captivates audiences.

17. “Love Dies Young,” Foo Fighters
From: Medicine at Midnight (2021)
Movie: Caddyshack (1980)

The music video for Foo Fighters’ “Love Dies Young” opens with a cameo from the talented Jason Sudeikis and concludes with a playful homage to the beloved classic Caddyshack. The clever integration of humor and nostalgia offers a delightful viewing experience that resonates with fans of both the band and the film.