1. “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel
If there was ever a music video that felt like pure art, it was Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer.” With its mix of stop-motion claymation, quirky dance moves, and surreal imagery, it became one of the most visually striking videos of the decade. MTV played it nonstop, and for good reason—it showed what could happen when music met cutting-edge creativity. Yet these days, people talk about the song more than the video itself.
Watching it now, you can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship. Every frame is carefully pieced together, creating a hypnotic effect that still feels fresh. Gabriel’s face morphing into fruits and animals might seem bizarre, but it fits perfectly with the playful spirit of the era. This video is proof that the ’80s were about pushing limits and having fun doing it.
2. “Take On Me” by a-ha
This video was everywhere in 1985, but younger fans may not realize just how groundbreaking it was. Combining live action with pencil-sketch animation, “Take On Me” told a romantic story of a girl pulled into a comic book world. It wasn’t just eye-catching, it felt magical, like a short film you wanted to watch over and over.
The band’s performance gave the video emotional weight, making the fantasy world feel real. That mix of heartfelt acting and innovative animation set a new standard for music videos. Even today, it looks like something out of a modern graphic novel. Revisiting it reminds us why it’s one of the ’80s’ true treasures.
3. “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
This quirky video featured prancing villagers, medieval costumes, and a maypole dance in the middle of a field. It didn’t make a lot of sense, but that was part of the charm. The song itself was playful, and the video leaned into that oddball energy with full commitment.
The carefree spirit is infectious, and it’s hard not to smile at the sheer weirdness of it all. It captured the sense of freedom that defined much of ’80s pop culture. It wasn’t trying to be sleek or polished, it was simply fun. That’s what makes it worth another watch today.
4. “Land of Confusion” by Genesis
The puppets in this video are impossible to forget once you’ve seen them. Featuring caricatured versions of politicians and celebrities, it was like a satirical sketch show set to music. Genesis used humor and surreal imagery to comment on the state of the world, which made it more than just entertainment.
The combination of biting parody and rock energy hit a cultural nerve at the time. Watching it now, it feels like both a time capsule and a reminder of how fearless music videos could be. It was wild, unsettling, and hilarious all at once. Few bands have dared to make something this bold since.
5. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive
Pete Burns’ larger-than-life presence practically defines this video. With an eye-popping eyepatch, dramatic makeup, and plenty of attitude, he commanded every frame. The band’s spinning set and flamboyant styling gave it a theatrical feel that matched the pulsing beat of the song.
It was campy, unapologetic, and very ’80s in the best way. Burns blurred lines of gender expression long before it was widely discussed, making the video quietly revolutionary. It wasn’t just a dance track, it was a statement of self-expression. That boldness deserves to be celebrated all over again.
6. “Our House” by Madness
This video is a little slice of everyday life with a comedic twist. Madness played multiple roles, from suburban dads to mischievous kids, capturing the chaos of family living. The quick cuts and lighthearted storytelling turned it into more than just a backdrop for the song.
It’s one of those videos that feels relatable even if it’s exaggerated. Everyone recognizes the lovable messiness of a household that never quite stays quiet. The band’s goofy charm makes it a joy to watch. It’s a perfect reminder of how music videos could be both silly and heartwarming.
7. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Few videos embody the playful spirit of the ’80s better than this one. Cyndi Lauper’s vibrant personality jumps off the screen as she dances through the streets with her friends. The video also features her real-life mom, adding a personal touch that fans adored.
The costumes, colors, and choreography make it impossible not to smile. It’s the kind of video that makes you want to join in the fun. Lauper proved that music videos didn’t need to be complicated—they just needed to feel joyful. It still has that infectious energy today.
8. “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
This video was a cultural moment when it first aired, with its parade of people trying the famous Egyptian walk. It mixed footage of the band with scenes of everyday folks dancing, giving it a playful and communal feel. The song’s quirky beat made the silliness even better.
Looking back, it’s pure ’80s fun, even if some parts now feel dated. What stands out most is The Bangles’ charisma, especially Susanna Hoffs’ famous side-eye glance into the camera. That one look practically turned her into a star. The video remains a fun piece of nostalgia.
9. “Rio” by Duran Duran
Nobody did glamorous excess like Duran Duran in the ’80s. “Rio” gave fans scenes of yachts, beaches, and colorful suits that screamed luxury and escapism. It looked like a fashion spread set to music, perfectly capturing the decade’s love of style and excess.
The video turned the band into icons of cool, blending pop hooks with movie-worthy visuals. It made you want to be part of their glamorous world, even if it was pure fantasy. It’s easy to see why MTV loved it. Today, it still feels like a postcard from a stylish, carefree era.
10. “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer’s video was simple but unforgettable. He stood in front of a band of identical, stoic women dressed in black, playing instruments with blank expressions. That stark visual contrasted perfectly with the sultry energy of the song.
The minimalist concept made it one of the most iconic videos of the decade. It’s been parodied countless times, but the original still feels sharp. Palmer’s cool demeanor gave the video an edge that stuck with viewers. Revisiting it is like watching a pop culture blueprint.
11. “Down Under” by Men at Work
This video doubled as a love letter to Australia. With shots of kangaroos, outback landscapes, and plenty of humor, it introduced international audiences to the band’s playful side. The quirky antics made the song even more memorable.
The spirit of the video is laid-back and cheeky, much like the track itself. It shows how a video can capture the personality of both a band and a country. Even decades later, it’s hard not to feel the fun energy. It’s a perfect time capsule of early MTV culture.
12. “She Blinded Me with Science” by Thomas Dolby
Science has never looked as wacky as it does in this video. With mad scientist vibes, random shouts of “Science!,” and over-the-top antics, it was impossible not to laugh. Dolby leaned into the absurdity and made it work.
The visuals matched the eccentric charm of the song. Watching it now, it feels like a goofy short film with a great soundtrack. It’s clever, nerdy, and oddly stylish in its own way. That’s why it deserves another round of appreciation.
13. “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran
Set in Sri Lanka, this video felt like a mini adventure movie. The band chased through jungles, bazaars, and exotic streets, giving the whole thing a cinematic feel. It was daring and stylish, making Duran Duran seem larger than life.
The imagery is over the top, but that’s what makes it fun. Simon Le Bon’s dramatic pursuit through the jungle added a sense of danger and intrigue. At the time, it stood out from simpler performance videos. It still feels like pure MTV gold.
14. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes
This video was surreal and a little unsettling, featuring strange imagery of animals, transformations, and dreamlike sequences. It fit the progressive rock vibe of Yes while also trying something different from typical pop videos.
The unpredictability made it fascinating, even if it left some viewers scratching their heads. It’s the kind of video you had to watch more than once just to catch everything. That daring, experimental quality made it special. Revisiting it now shows how fearless bands were in the ’80s.
15. “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads
Talking Heads were masters of making the unusual feel normal, and this video is no exception. With quirky visuals, oddball choreography, and David Byrne’s unmistakable presence, it stood out immediately. It didn’t explain itself, and that was the point.
The video captured the band’s offbeat creativity perfectly. It feels spontaneous, almost like a dream you can’t fully describe but remember vividly. That unpredictability is what makes it memorable. It’s a reminder of just how inventive the ’80s music scene could be.
16. “We Got the Beat” by The Go-Go’s
The Go-Go’s video was youthful energy bottled up in a few minutes. It showed the band rocking out with carefree spirit, reflecting the fun and freedom of their music. With its mix of live performance shots and playful edits, it felt authentic and unpolished in the best way.
It wasn’t about glamour, it was about attitude. The Go-Go’s proved that you didn’t need flashy effects to make a great video—you just needed personality. Watching it now feels like hanging out with old friends. It’s the perfect reminder of why the ’80s loved them so much.
