1. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
There was simply nothing like “Thriller” when it premiered, and honestly, there still isn’t. The mix of horror, humor and jaw dropping choreography made it feel more like a mini blockbuster than a music video. Kids who were too scared to watch it still peeked through their fingers because it was the video everyone talked about. And no one could escape that iconic red jacket or the way the dance instantly became playground currency.
The production quality set a brand new bar for what artists could do on MTV. Suddenly, videos weren’t just promo clips, they were events. Directors, makeup artists and choreographers became household names because of it. And MTV realized it wasn’t just playing videos any longer, it was shaping pop culture in real time.
2. “Take On Me” by A-ha
When A-ha blended pencil sketch animation with live action, it felt like someone had cracked open a comic book and brought it to life. The rotoscoped look was unlike anything viewers had seen before, and it kept people glued to MTV waiting for the next airing. The storyline of a girl being pulled into a sketch world added that dreamy adventure feel. And the moment Morten Harket bursts through the panels is still one of the most memorable shots of the decade.
This video proved that innovative visual storytelling could launch a band to global fame almost overnight. It wasn’t just about the song, it was about the experience of watching it unfold. MTV replayed it endlessly because audiences couldn’t get enough. It became one of the channel’s most defining examples of creativity meeting technology.
3. “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
“Sledgehammer” was a stop motion fever dream in the best way possible. Claymation, dancing chickens and surreal transformations were everywhere, and each frame felt like a visual experiment. Peter Gabriel let directors use his face as the canvas, and the result was weird, delightful and totally groundbreaking. Kids who didn’t even know the song would stop flipping channels just to see what happened next.
For MTV, it marked a moment where artistry took center stage. It showed that a music video could be playful, technical and deeply imaginative. The sheer amount of work behind the scenes impressed viewers and critics alike. And its record number of MTV Video Music Awards proved that creativity could triumph over traditional glitz.
4. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
This video felt like a joyous burst of color compared to the more serious rock visuals at the time. Lauper’s personality absolutely sparkled, bringing an inclusive, let loose energy that resonated with young viewers. The casting of real family members added authenticity, making it feel like a celebration instead of a performance. And it put Lauper’s playful style front and center, which set her apart instantly.
It also helped shape MTV’s early identity as a place where individuality mattered. Teens saw themselves in Lauper’s carefree defiance. The video invited anyone watching to join in the fun rather than just spectate. And its upbeat vibe helped broaden who and what MTV showcased in its rotation.
5. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
“Beat It” stood out because it blended cinematic storytelling with sharp choreography in a gritty, street level setting. The dance fight between rival gangs became instantly iconic. Michael Jackson managed to make the video tough and theatrical all at once. And the whole thing played out like a short film with attitude.
For MTV, it was another moment that helped diversify the channel’s lineup. Jackson’s success pushed the network to feature more artists of color. It also elevated the idea that music videos could carry strong narratives. And it proved that dance could be just as compelling as special effects.
6. “Like a Virgin” by Madonna
Madonna’s gondola ride through Venice became an era defining moment. The mix of innocence, glamour and controversy made it impossible to ignore. She was clearly crafting a persona and inviting the world to watch in real time. And her bold fashion choices helped cement her reputation as a trendsetter with no interest in playing it safe.
MTV quickly discovered Madonna was pure ratings magic. Every outfit, gesture and close up helped shape her image as one of the ’80s biggest icons. The video helped the channel lean into star driven storytelling. And it showed how visual branding could skyrocket an artist’s influence.
7. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
The CGI in this video may look primitive today, but in the mid ’80s it was mind blowing. Watching computer animated characters move around a neon soaked world felt futuristic. And the clever satire about MTV culture added a wink that fans appreciated. The cameo from Sting didn’t hurt either.
For MTV, it became almost meta, since the lyric “I want my MTV” turned into an unofficial anthem. The video highlighted how intertwined the network and musicians had become. It also proved that animation had a place in rock visuals. And the tech forward approach inspired other artists to experiment.
8. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
This video showed that authenticity could carry just as much impact as flashy effects. The raw rehearsal room setting made the band feel accessible, like viewers were getting a backstage pass. Axl Rose’s presence and Slash’s guitar work gave it that compelling mix of vulnerability and swagger. And the lack of overproduction happened to make it timeless.
MTV couldn’t get enough of it because it showcased rock at its most real. It helped usher in a wave of stripped down videos focused on music over spectacle. The band’s charisma made the network lean harder into emerging hard rock acts. And fans responded by giving it constant request line love.
9. “When Doves Cry” by Prince
Prince’s artistic vision was always ahead of the curve, and this video proved it again. The saturated colors, mirrored imagery and intense close ups created an atmosphere more than a storyline. It felt sensual, mysterious and deeply personal. And the bathtub sequence became one of the most discussed visuals of the year.
MTV recognized immediately that Prince wasn’t just another pop star, he was building a visual world. The video helped expand the channel’s aesthetic palette. It encouraged more experimental, conceptual imagery from other artists. And it highlighted just how influential Prince would become throughout the decade.
10. “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
This one mixed playful choreography with a cheeky sense of humor. People from all walks of life doing the famous dance move made the video feel inclusive and fun. The band’s energy and expressions added to its charm. And the quick cut edits kept everything moving at a breezy pace.
Fans loved seeing something lighthearted that didn’t take itself too seriously. MTV leaned into its campy vibe because it was such a crowd pleaser. It helped fuel the song’s meteoric rise on the charts. And it showed that simple concepts could become cultural moments when done right.
11. “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake
Between the convertible, the open road and Tawny Kitaen’s unforgettable car top choreography, this video became a hard rock staple. It was dramatic, glamorous and delightfully over the top. Kitaen’s star making performance made her an instant MTV icon. And the band’s soaring ballad matched the visual intensity.
For MTV, this was prime ’80s rock energy. It helped define the era of big hair, big emotions and even bigger music video moments. The video became one of the network’s most replayed rock clips. And it cemented the idea that visuals could turn a song into a full blown phenomenon.
12. “Material Girl” by Madonna
Inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” routine, this video put Madonna’s theatrical side front and center. The pink dress, the dancers and the old Hollywood glamor made it instantly recognizable. Madonna used the setting to explore both satire and style. And the homage introduced younger viewers to a classic piece of film history.
MTV aired it constantly because it merged nostalgia with modern pop. It showcased how music videos could tap into cultural references and still feel fresh. It strengthened Madonna’s image as a master of reinvention. And it proved that videos could build mythology around an artist.
13. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Shot in black and white, this video felt elegant and haunting. The stark set design and soft lighting created an atmosphere that matched the song’s mood perfectly. Sting’s serious performance added emotional weight. And the simplicity made every detail feel sharper and more deliberate.
For MTV, it demonstrated that not every influential video had to be flashy. A minimalist approach could be just as memorable when done with intention. It became one of the network’s most requested clips for months. And it helped reinforce the idea that visual tone could enhance the emotional impact of a song.
