The 1980s were the dawn of the music video era, thanks to the rise of MTV. Artists took full advantage of the medium to create elaborate, colorful, and sometimes bizarre visual spectacles to accompany their songs. While many of these videos are beloved classics, some of them—despite their charm—feel hilariously outdated today. From questionable effects to campy costumes, let’s take a look at 12 iconic ’80s music videos that look completely dated now.
1. “Take On Me” – A-ha (1985)
A-ha’s Take On Me is one of the most iconic music videos of the ’80s, blending live-action with rotoscope animation to tell a love story between a girl and a comic book hero. At the time, the hand-drawn effect was groundbreaking, and the song’s infectious energy made it a massive hit.
Today, the video’s effects, while still charming, feel more like an art-school experiment than cutting-edge technology. The cheesy dramatics of the storyline, paired with the exaggerated expressions of the band members, give it an almost parody-like quality. That said, it remains a nostalgic masterpiece, even if its technology is firmly stuck in the ’80s.
2. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson (1983)
Thriller was a game-changer, with its nearly 14-minute runtime and cinematic approach. The zombie-themed choreography and werewolf transformation were mesmerizing in 1983, and it set the standard for ambitious music videos.
While it’s still celebrated for its cultural impact, the special effects—especially the werewolf makeup and the dated film grain—feel less frightening and more amusing by today’s standards. The campy horror vibe is part of its charm, but younger viewers might find it more silly than spooky.
3. “You Might Think” – The Cars (1984)
The Cars’ You Might Think was one of the first music videos to embrace computer-generated imagery (CGI). The surreal visuals include lead singer Ric Ocasek appearing as a fly, a giant lipstick tube, and even a bathtub inhabitant, chasing a woman in increasingly absurd scenarios.
Though it won MTV’s first-ever Video of the Year award, the CGI looks laughably clunky by today’s standards. What once felt innovative now feels like something out of a retro video game, but it’s still a fun relic of the era’s creative experimentation.
4. “Rock Me Amadeus” – Falco (1985)
Falco’s Rock Me Amadeus combined powdered wigs, 18th-century aesthetics, and neon lights to create a bizarre mashup of historical and modern themes. The video leaned heavily into theatricality, with its wild costumes and dramatic flair.
Today, the mix of historical and futuristic visuals comes across as more campy than cutting-edge. The dated production value and over-the-top dramatics make it feel like a low-budget period piece, but that’s part of why fans still love it.
5. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister (1984)
Twisted Sister’s rebellious anthem was paired with a chaotic video about a kid standing up to his strict father. The exaggerated acting, cartoonish violence, and transformation into a glam-metal band were perfect for the era’s rebellious spirit.
While it captured the youthful angst of the ’80s, the slapstick comedy and over-the-top theatrics look incredibly dated now. The heavy use of spandex, makeup, and ridiculous facial expressions makes it hard not to laugh—but that’s also what makes it so fun.
6. “Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats (1983)
This video took viewers on a medieval fantasy adventure, complete with jesters, maypoles, and villagers dancing in a field. The surreal juxtaposition of a synth-pop anthem and medieval imagery made it stand out at the time.
Looking back, the low-budget costumes and cheesy choreography feel more like a high school play than a professional music video. It’s endearing in its weirdness, but it’s impossible to watch now without cringing at the earnest absurdity.
7. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler (1983)
This melodramatic video featured gothic imagery, flowing curtains, angelic choirboys, and even glowing-eyed dancers. It matched the song’s intense emotions but took the drama to such extremes that it bordered on parody.
Watching it now, the overuse of slow-motion, theatrical poses, and inexplicable special effects feels like a campy fever dream. It’s a quintessential ’80s video, but its heavy-handed symbolism and relentless seriousness make it hilariously over-the-top by modern standards.
8. “Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits (1985)
Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing was revolutionary for its use of early CGI, depicting blocky, pixelated construction workers singing the song’s lyrics. At the time, it was considered state-of-the-art technology.
Today, the animation looks like a pre-alpha version of a video game, and the stiff, awkward movement of the characters is hard not to laugh at. While the song remains a classic, the video serves as a reminder of how far computer animation has come since the ’80s.
9. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Cyndi Lauper’s iconic video was a colorful celebration of independence and fun, featuring her wild outfits, quirky dance moves, and a cast of eccentric characters, including her real-life mom.
While the energy and charm are timeless, the video’s low-budget aesthetic and over-the-top wackiness feel unmistakably ’80s. From the exaggerated acting to the bright, clashing colors, it’s a joyous time capsule of the decade’s playful spirit.
10. “Sledgehammer” – Peter Gabriel (1986)
This groundbreaking video used stop-motion animation and claymation to create a surreal, ever-changing visual feast. From dancing raw chickens to a talking fruit face, Sledgehammer was a creative marvel in its time.
While it’s still impressive for its artistry, the stop-motion effects feel clunky and dated compared to today’s sleek animation. It’s undeniably creative, but watching it now feels like stepping into an ’80s art class project—brilliant but clearly of its time.
11. “Whip It” – Devo (1980)
Devo’s Whip It was as bizarre as it was catchy, featuring the band in their iconic red energy domes, whipping random objects, and overseeing surreal scenes on a ranch. It perfectly encapsulated the band’s quirky, offbeat aesthetic.
Looking back, the video’s randomness and stiff performances feel more absurd than edgy. The low production value and eccentric humor make it both a cult favorite and a prime example of how wonderfully weird the ’80s could be.
12. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” – Wham! (1984)
Wham!’s feel-good anthem came with a video filled with neon colors, carefree dancing, and those infamous “CHOOSE LIFE” T-shirts. It radiated joy and optimism, perfectly matching the song’s upbeat energy.
While it’s still a fun watch, the visuals scream ’80s excess, from the flashy fashion to the cheesy freeze-frame smiles. It’s a delightful relic of its time, but everything about it—from the hair to the set design—feels firmly rooted in the decade.
These music videos were revolutionary in their day, shaping the MTV era and becoming pop culture staples. While their technology and aesthetics may seem outdated now, their charm and creativity remain timeless. Which of these do you remember, and which ones still make you smile? Let’s celebrate the wonderfully outrageous visuals that defined the ’80s music scene.
