When MTV made its groundbreaking debut in 1981, it heralded a transformative era for music videos, fundamentally altering how artists connected with their audiences. This revolutionary platform allowed musicians to express their creativity visually, turning songs into multi-sensory experiences. Suddenly, music was no longer just about sound; the visuals became equally, if not more, important. The combination of captivating images and catchy melodies created a new art form that captivated millions of viewers worldwide.

Some bands eagerly embraced this new medium, diving into the music video revolution, while others took time to adapt. Regardless of their initial reaction, MTV’s profound impact on the music industry was undeniable, shaping the careers of countless artists and resonating with generations of fans.

READ MORE: Discover Rock’s 40 Biggest MTV Moments

As the significance of music videos became increasingly apparent, artists and record labels began to pour resources into crafting unforgettable clips. Icons like ZZ Top, Tom Petty, The Police, Peter Gabriel, and Prince produced timeless visuals that are still celebrated today. In this article, we take a closer look and rank the Top 30 music videos from the vibrant decade of the 1980s.

30. Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
Rebellion is an integral component of rock music, and one of its classic themes is the youthful defiance against authority figures. Twisted Sister encapsulates this sentiment perfectly in their 1984 music video for “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” The clip features Mark Metcalf, known for his role as Douglas C. Niedermeyer in Animal House, delivering an intense reprimand to his son. The teenager’s response is a powerful declaration of his desire to rock, culminating in a guitar riff so electrifying that it launches his father right out the window. This pivotal moment transforms the boy into Dee Snider, complete with his iconic Stay Hungry look, including wild crimped hair and makeup. While it may be considered cheesy by today’s standards, it perfectly captured the exuberance of the ‘80s!

29. Mötley Crüe, “Home Sweet Home”
Mötley Crüe was known for their provocative and often over-the-top visuals in the ‘80s (just take a look at their infamous “Girls, Girls, Girls” video). However, it is their poignant clip for “Home Sweet Home” that earns a spot on our list. The video opens with each band member responding to phone calls with an enthusiastic “I’m on my way!” The rest of the footage is a heartfelt montage from their extensive touring, showcasing electrifying live performances and candid backstage moments that highlight the band’s dedication and hard work—a rarely seen side of the Crüe that endeared them to fans.

28. B-52s, “Love Shack”
The vibrant and whimsical music video for “Love Shack,” released in 1989, perfectly embodies the essence of the B-52s, one of the most flamboyant and colorful bands of the decade. In the video, the band cruises in a classic convertible, arriving at “Shaque Damour.” Inside, they lead an exuberant dance party filled with fluorescent outfits, an abundance of cocktails, and a surprise appearance by a pre-fame RuPaul. The joyous atmosphere and infectious energy of the clip encapsulate the spirit of the era, making it an unforgettable visual experience.

27. Billy Idol, “White Wedding”
For many, the iconic image of Billy Idol in “White Wedding”—shirtless with his striking bleach-blonde hair, rosary, and leather gloves—immediately comes to mind when his name is mentioned. This music video was a definitive statement of Idol’s influence on the ‘80s, blending punk and goth aesthetics to create a unique visual identity. The eerie wedding setting is complemented by leather-clad dancers and a dramatic motorcycle crash through stained glass, adding layers of intrigue to this classic video.

26. Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”
The bizarre imagery in Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” raises questions, such as, how did a cow end up in the boardroom? Why is Dave Stewart playing the cello in a song that clearly doesn’t feature it? The deeper meaning may elude us, but one undeniable aspect is the commanding presence of Annie Lennox. Dressed in a sharp suit and sporting striking short red hair, she became an androgynous icon with the release of the clip. “We wanted our visual statements to be strong and powerful,” Lennox recalled. “I aimed to counter the clichéd image of female singers by presenting myself as strong and equal to my male counterpart, Dave.”

25. George Michael, “Faith”
In the iconic 1987 video for “Faith,” George Michael unveiled a fresh, distinctive look, complete with stubble, aviator sunglasses, blue jeans, and a leather jacket, embodying a modern twist on classic ’50s rock style. His dance moves in the “Faith” video were reminiscent of Elvis Presley, as he confidently gyrated through the tune. The single soared to No. 1, and the accompanying video played a crucial role in Michael’s transformation from pop sensation to a formidable rock artist.

24. Def Leppard, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”
Def Leppard produced two versions of the iconic 1987 hit “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” but the U.S. version, which we focus on here, became a staple on MTV. This performance piece captures the electrifying energy of Def Leppard’s concerts, while black and white backstage footage offers a glimpse into the band’s preparations before taking the stage, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work that goes into their performances.

23. Blondie, “Rapture”
Few artists in the ‘80s matched the magnetic appeal of Debbie Harry. Whether she was onstage or in front of the camera, the frontwoman of Blondie radiated effortless charisma. It’s no surprise that the 1981 music video for “Rapture” focused heavily on her. In the video, Harry showcases her dance moves before wandering through Manhattan’s East Village, encountering graffiti artists, a Native American, Uncle Sam, and a child ballet dancer. A figure in a white suit and top hat, referred to in the lyrics as the “man from Mars,” makes recurring appearances, while hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy and renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat also make cameos—if viewers can tear their eyes away from Harry.

22. Poison, “Nothin’ But a Good Time”
We’ve all experienced the grind of a tedious, low-paying job. In the music video for “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” when the boss comes in barking orders, the protagonist kicks down a door to reveal Poison rocking out to one of their biggest hits. Much like the exuberance of the song itself, the video is not meant to be high art but instead celebrates the irrepressible fun of rock and roll, which made it an instant favorite on MTV.

21. Genesis, “Land of Confusion”
The 1986 music video for “Land of Confusion” can be perceived as either brilliant or nightmarish, depending on one’s perspective. Regardless, its memorability is unquestionable, earning it a spot at No. 21 on our list. The song critiques global leadership during the Cold War, prompting Genesis to opt for a unique approach by featuring puppets—lots of them. More than 60 puppets were created for the video, each costing around $10,000. Alongside band members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks as puppets, numerous notable figures from the era also made appearances, including politicians like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as pop icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. The end result was a video that was unforgettable, whether you wanted it to be or not.

20. Queen + David Bowie, “Under Pressure”
For music enthusiasts, a collaboration between Queen and David Bowie—two of the biggest names in rock history—was already compelling. The music video for “Under Pressure,” however, took a surprising turn by featuring none of the musicians themselves. Due to touring commitments, director David Mallet crafted a video entirely from stock footage and classic film clips. The juxtaposition of scenes depicting societal pressures, explosions, and political unrest with clips of jubilant concertgoers and moments of romance created a powerful visual commentary. This unique approach established the video as one of the defining visuals of the ‘80s.

19. Metallica, “One”
Until 1989, Metallica had avoided music videos entirely. However, everything changed with “One” and its hauntingly impactful video. The band chose to draw upon the song’s themes of war by incorporating scenes from the 1971 film Johnny Get Your Gun. This footage was seamlessly interspersed with black and white clips of the band performing in a warehouse, creating a compelling cinematic effect. Directors Bill Pope and Michael Salomon employed numerous close-up shots of the band members, showcasing their impressive musical talents. The result was a powerful and memorable debut for Metallica in the world of music videos.

18. Buggles, “Video Killed the Radio Star”
The Buggles hold a unique place in pop culture history as their music video for “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the very first video to air on MTV. The song’s title and theme were perfectly aligned with this groundbreaking moment in music history, yet many overlook the quirky and eccentric nature of the video itself. Filmed two years before MTV’s launch, the clip features the band performing in a futuristic laboratory, alongside a spandex-clad, metallic-haired woman dancing in a clear cylindrical case, making it a memorable visual experience.

17. Whitesnake, “Here I Go Again”
In an era dominated by video vixens, none were more celebrated than Tawny Kitaen. Her appearance in the 1987 music video for Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” became so iconic that it overshadowed the band itself. Anyone who watched MTV during that time will undoubtedly remember Kitaen, dressed in white, sensually writhing on top of two Jaguar cars. The remainder of the video, showcasing the band performing the song, seemed almost secondary to her captivating presence.

16. Aerosmith and Run-DMC, “Walk This Way”
Originally released by Aerosmith in 1977, “Walk This Way” experienced a renaissance in 1986 with a new rendition featuring rap group Run-DMC. This collaboration not only introduced hip-hop to mainstream audiences but also made the music video a fixture on MTV. “Do you want to do this video of you guys playing, and then you break down a wall to be side by side?” guitarist Joe Perry recalled being asked. “We said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ It was remarkable because it truly broke down barriers. At the time, there were hardly any minority acts on MTV, except for Michael Jackson. We opened doors, and I’m proud of that. While we didn’t plan it, I’m just glad it was Aerosmith and Run-DMC that did it.”

15. Robert Palmer, “Addicted to Love”
Although Robert Palmer was the mastermind behind “Addicted to Love,” the accompanying video gained fame primarily due to the striking presence of the five models backing him. Dressed identically in black outfits with pale makeup, dark hair, and bright red lipstick, they swayed to the music while maintaining stoic expressions throughout the performance. This unique contrast between the lively music and the impassive models contributed to the video’s massive popularity, leading to countless parodies in the years that followed, including a memorable homage in the film Love Actually.

14. Guns N’ Roses, “Welcome to the Jungle”
The music video for “Welcome to the Jungle” begins with Axl Rose portraying a bright-eyed newcomer arriving in the bustling city. As he descends into the darker aspects of urban life, he transforms into a hardened street punk by the video’s end. Notably, the video faced initial rejection from MTV until label head David Geffen negotiated for it to air once at 5 AM on a Sunday. Despite the odd time slot, the response was electric, leading to “Welcome to the Jungle” quickly entering MTV’s regular rotation, propelling Guns N’ Roses to unprecedented heights of fame.

13. Van Halen, “Hot for Teacher”
Van Halen embraced their playful side in this 1984 music video, set in an elementary school. The campy clip follows Waldo, a classic nerd in a bowtie, who seems overwhelmed by his surroundings. Notably, child versions of all four Van Halen members appear, cheering on teachers who shed their modest attire to become bikini models. The real Van Halen also makes appearances, showcasing their dynamic performance style while donning matching tuxedos and executing choreographed dance moves.

12. The Police, “Every Breath You Take”
The music video for “Every Breath You Take” became a staple on MTV in 1983 due to its striking black-and-white aesthetic. This minimalist approach stood in stark contrast to the vibrant and flashy videos dominating the network at the time. The Police allowed the emotive power of the song to take center stage, while the crisp cinematography by Daniel Pearl amplified the song’s emotional resonance. The video became one of MTV’s earliest mainstays, and its popularity has remained strong over the decades, achieving recognition for over a billion streams on YouTube in 2022.

11. INXS, “Need You Tonight”
The 1987 music video for “Need You Tonight” famously combines live action with animation, helping to catapult INXS into a new level of fame. The video utilized a distinctive visual technique where 35mm film was cut, photocopied, and re-layered over the original footage, creating a unique aesthetic that captivated audiences. The song itself became a chart-topping hit globally, while the innovative music video won five awards at the 1988 VMAs, including the coveted Video of the Year.

10. Duran Duran, “Hungry Like the Wolf”
“Indiana Jones is horny and wants to get laid” is how Andy Taylor humorously summarized Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” music video, and it captures the essence perfectly. Filmed in Sri Lanka, the clip features the band navigating vibrant local markets before venturing into the jungle. Meanwhile, model Sheila Ming plays a mysterious woman who engages in a sensual chase with frontman Simon Le Bon. This exotic and adventurous video captivated viewers and significantly enhanced Duran Duran’s international popularity.

9. Prince, “When Doves Cry”
Given Prince’s insistence on maintaining creative control over his artistic output, his decision to direct the music video for “When Doves Cry” himself comes as no surprise. He enhanced the visual narrative by incorporating footage from the film Purple Rain along with new material. The opening sequence, featuring doves emerging from double doors to reveal Prince in a bathtub, stands out as one of the defining images of the ‘80s, showcasing his unique artistry.

8. Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”
Few stars of the ‘80s matched the infectious charm of Cyndi Lauper. With her distinctive fashion and vibrant personality, Lauper emerged as one of the era’s most influential pop culture icons. The music video for her 1983 hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” was produced on a modest budget of $35,000, with many cast members volunteering their time. Nevertheless, the video’s buoyant energy resonated with audiences around the world, securing its status as one of the most recognizable videos of the decade. Notably, the appearance of professional wrestling legend Captain Lou Albano, who portrayed Lauper’s father, added a delightful touch to the clip.

7. Dire Straits, “Money for Nothing”
When reflecting on Dire Straits’ 1985 music video for “Money for Nothing,” it’s amusing to compare it to modern creations that utilize cutting-edge technology. However, during the Reagan years, this video was a groundbreaking showcase of computer animation, depicting the story of men envying rock stars as chronicled in the song’s lyrics. The video quickly became one of the most popular in MTV history, with the refrain of “I want my MTV” adding to its widespread appeal.

6. Van Halen, “Jump”
Unlike other entries on this list that dazzled with elaborate storytelling or effects, Van Halen’s 1985 music video for “Jump” resonated with viewers due to the sheer charisma of its band members. The video is a straightforward performance piece, showcasing the group energetically rocking through their catchy hit. Each member shines in their own way: David Lee Roth exudes swagger while dancing and singing, Eddie Van Halen beams with joy on guitar and keyboard, and Alex Van Halen delivers the backbeat effortlessly, all while Michael Anthony appears to be having the time of his life. The director, Pete Angelus, noted, “‘Jump’ was really about personality. We aimed to capture their genuine interactions in a relaxed setting, allowing their personalities to shine through.”

5. ZZ Top, “Sharp Dressed Man”
Few bands embraced the music video revolution as effectively as ZZ Top. While the Texas trio already enjoyed popularity, their explosion on MTV propelled them to new heights of fame and fortune. Three key elements contributed to ZZ Top’s mystique: their iconic beards, their iconic hot rod, which frequently appeared in videos and on the cover of their album Eliminator, and the trio of women known as the Eliminator girls, who featured in several successful videos. We could have easily championed “Gimme All Your Lovin’” or “Legs” for this spot, but we chose “Sharp Dressed Man” for its engaging narrative of a humble valet transformed into a suave gentleman through the magic of ZZ Top.

4. Tom Petty, “Don’t Come Around Here No More”
The emergence of the music video era positioned Tom Petty as an unexpected MTV star. While rock fans were already aware of his exceptional songwriting abilities, his willingness to embrace the medium and push the creative boundaries of music videos introduced him to a new audience. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” stands out as Petty’s most memorable visual, a surreal, Alice in Wonderland-inspired piece in which he portrays the Mad Hatter. The video sparked controversy, particularly the ending where Alice morphs into a cake that Petty consumes. Tipper Gore, who famously founded the Parents Music Resource Center, was deeply disturbed by the scene. “Apparently, Tipper’s daughter saw that scene and freaked out — and then Mom started taking notice of what was happening on MTV. I was shocked to be cited for promoting cannibalism by a parents/teachers group,” recalled director Jeff Stein. “I thought, ‘Well, this has to be a career high, if you can bring back cannibalism as a fad!’”

3. Talking Heads, “Once in a Lifetime”
While Toni Basil may be best known for her cheerleader-esque hit “Mickey,” she was also a talented choreographer and music video director. Collaborating with David Byrne of Talking Heads, Basil helped to create the iconic 1981 video for “Once in a Lifetime.” In this visually arresting clip, Byrne dances and moves in front of a blue screen, which intermittently displays footage of tribal dancers or multiple versions of himself. The intentionally low image quality adds a DIY feel that enhances the artistic expression of the piece.

2. Peter Gabriel, “Sledgehammer”
One of the most acclaimed music videos in history, Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” stands as a testament to innovative visual storytelling. The clip features a mesmerizing blend of stop motion, claymation, and pixilation, taking an excruciatingly long time to produce. Gabriel spent 16 hours lying beneath a sheet of glass as each frame was meticulously shot. Whether it’s the whimsical train circling his head,