1. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
The night this premiered, it felt less like a music video and more like a pop culture event. People talked about the zombies, the red jacket, and that unmistakable Vincent Price narration for weeks. MTV treated it like a mini movie, not just a clip between songs. Even kids who were terrified still watched through their fingers.
It completely reset expectations for what a music video could be. Artists suddenly felt pressure to go bigger, longer, and more cinematic. You did not just watch it once, you rewatched it with friends. Decades later, it still feels untouchable.
2. “Take On Me” – a-ha
At first, it was the song that hooked people, but the video made it legendary. That pencil sketch animation felt magical in a way nothing else on MTV did at the time. Viewers were fascinated by how it blended fantasy and real life so smoothly. It felt romantic without being corny.
MTV played it constantly, and nobody complained. The video turned a-ha into stars almost overnight. People talked about the animation just as much as the chorus. It became the visual shorthand for ’80s creativity.
3. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna
This video instantly sparked debate, and that was part of its power. Madonna strolling through Venice in a wedding dress felt daring and provocative. Parents raised eyebrows while teens leaned in closer. Everyone had an opinion, whether they liked it or not.
The imagery became iconic almost immediately. Madonna knew how to use MTV to control the conversation. The video cemented her reputation as someone who pushed boundaries on purpose. It was impossible to ignore.
4. “Sledgehammer” – Peter Gabriel
Viewers were completely mesmerized by the stop motion animation. The melting faces, dancing chickens, and surreal visuals felt like nothing else on television. People talked about how strange it was in the best possible way. It looked like art sneaking into pop culture.
The video proved experimentation could go mainstream. Gabriel leaned fully into creativity and trusted the audience to come along. It won awards and stayed in rotation for years. Even casual viewers remembered it instantly.
5. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
This video felt like pure joy bursting out of the screen. Lauper’s personality made everything feel spontaneous and fun. People loved that it did not take itself too seriously. It looked like a party anyone could join.
It also quietly sent a message about independence and self expression. Lauper’s style became instantly recognizable. The video made the song feel even bigger and brighter. It remains one of the happiest moments of the decade.
6. “When Doves Cry” – Prince
Prince stripped things down visually, and the result was unforgettable. The close ups and stark imagery made viewers uncomfortable in a compelling way. People talked about how different it felt from flashy videos dominating MTV. It was intense and intimate.
The video matched the emotional weight of the song perfectly. Prince refused to follow trends or expectations. Fans watched it repeatedly trying to decode its meaning. It proved that less could truly be more.
7. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Eurythmics
Annie Lennox’s look alone stopped people mid channel flip. The cold, industrial setting felt futuristic and unsettling. Viewers talked about how bold and strange it all seemed. It did not look like pop music was supposed to look.
The video helped redefine what a front person could look like. Lennox’s confidence made everything click. The visuals matched the hypnotic tone of the song. It left a lasting impression that went far beyond MTV.
8. “Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran
This video felt like a mini adventure movie. The jungle setting and cinematic storytelling pulled viewers in immediately. People loved the sense of danger and romance mixed together. It felt larger than life.
Duran Duran became synonymous with stylish videos because of moments like this. MTV helped turn them into global stars. Fans talked about the storyline as much as the song. It set the bar for travel heavy music videos.
9. “Material Girl” – Madonna
Everyone recognized the Marilyn Monroe homage instantly. Madonna leaned fully into old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. People debated whether it was satire or celebration. Either way, it was unforgettable.
The video reinforced Madonna’s control over her image. It was glossy, playful, and perfectly calculated. Viewers quoted it, referenced it, and copied the look. It became shorthand for ’80s excess.
10. “Walk Like an Egyptian” – The Bangles
This video was weird in a way that worked. The exaggerated poses and cartoonish energy made it impossible not to watch. People laughed, danced along, and tried to copy the moves. It felt silly without being dumb.
MTV loved it, and so did audiences. The visuals made the song even more catchy. Everyone knew exactly what you meant when you mentioned it. It was pure pop fun.
11. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police
At first glance, the video seemed simple and understated. The black and white visuals gave it a moody, serious tone. People talked about how different it felt from more colorful clips. It made viewers focus on the emotion.
The video added a layer of intensity to the song. It felt intimate and slightly unsettling. Fans interpreted it in all kinds of ways. Its restraint made it memorable.
12. “Money for Nothing” – Dire Straits
The computer animation alone was enough to get people talking. At the time, it looked futuristic and cutting edge. Viewers were fascinated by how digital it felt. It stood out immediately on MTV.
The video became inseparable from the song itself. It even helped define the look of early MTV culture. People remembered the visuals long after the first watch. It felt like a glimpse into the future.
13. “The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats
This one confused people in the best way possible. The medieval costumes and bizarre village scenes sparked endless questions. Viewers debated what it all meant. No one forgot it.
The video made the song even more memorable. Its oddness worked in its favor. MTV embraced it fully. It became a visual classic because it refused to make sense.
14. “Land of Confusion” – Genesis
The puppet imagery shocked viewers when it first aired. Seeing political figures turned into caricatures felt bold and risky. People talked about it at school and at work. It was not subtle at all.
The video matched the song’s frustration and urgency. It showed how music videos could comment on real world issues. Genesis leaned into satire fearlessly. It left a lasting impression.
15. “Faith” – George Michael
Compared to flashy productions, this video felt almost minimal. George Michael’s quiet confidence carried every frame. People talked about how little actually happened, and how effective that was. It felt intimate and personal.
The simplicity made the song feel stronger. Viewers focused entirely on the performance. The video helped redefine his solo image. Sometimes understatement said everything.
16. “I Want My MTV” – Dire Straits
This video felt like a love letter to the network itself. It was playful, self aware, and packed with attitude. Viewers loved the inside jokes and animated segments. It felt like MTV celebrating its own power.
The clip became instantly quotable. It blurred the line between commercial and music video. People talked about it as much as the song. It perfectly captured the spirit of the era.
