1. David Bowie and Mick Jagger – “Dancing in the Street”
On paper, two rock legends covering a Motown classic sounds like a dream. In reality, the video looks like two uncles who had too much punch at a wedding reception. Bowie is prancing in brightly colored silks while Jagger stomps around in neon pants, and it all feels more like a parody skit than a serious performance. The awkward choreography, exaggerated lip-syncing, and random street shots made it unintentionally hilarious.
Fans love the campy chaos now, but in ’85 this was supposed to be cool. Instead, it ended up more like a fever dream of fashion misfires and overacting. The charity single raised money, which is great, but the video is burned into pop culture for being so over-the-top. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that not every collaboration needs a music video.
2. Billy Squier – “Rock Me Tonite”
Billy Squier had a career full of promise until this video hit MTV. It shows him rolling around in satin sheets, prancing awkwardly, and doing interpretive dances in a pastel-colored room. Instead of looking edgy or sensual, it came across like an unintentional comedy sketch. Critics and fans alike point to this as the video that derailed his career.
It’s wild how one badly executed idea could tank a rock star’s momentum. MTV replayed it constantly, and people couldn’t stop talking about how strange and uncomfortable it was. The song itself is catchy, but the visuals ruined it for many. Today, it’s remembered as a “so bad it’s good” moment in music history.
3. Journey – “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”
Journey is one of the most beloved rock bands of the ’80s, but their video for “Separate Ways” is infamous. The band is seen performing on a dock, but without actual instruments—just air-guitaring and air-drumming to the track. At one point, they break into synchronized movements that feel more like a pep rally routine than rock and roll.
The attempt to make it moody and artsy didn’t land. Instead, it made viewers laugh at the absurd seriousness of it all. Steve Perry sings passionately into the camera, but the miming makes it unintentionally funny. It’s become a cult favorite for fans who enjoy pointing out how odd it all looks.
4. Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
The song is dramatic, haunting, and unforgettable, but the video? Completely bonkers. Bonnie wanders through a gothic mansion filled with glowing-eyed choirboys, fencing athletes, and random dancers in billowing costumes. It’s like a mash-up of every bizarre dream sequence rolled into four minutes.
The imagery has no clear storyline, and yet it tries to be intensely emotional. It’s easy to see why it left viewers scratching their heads. Despite the confusion, it perfectly captures the wild, anything-goes creativity of the ’80s. It might not make sense, but it’s iconic for that very reason.
5. Lionel Richie – “Hello”
This video is remembered not just for its cheesy sentiment but for the clay bust. Lionel Richie spends the video pining after a blind art student who sculpts his head out of clay. The problem is, the sculpture looks nothing like him. In fact, it’s become a running joke in pop culture.
The video tries hard to be romantic and heartfelt, but the unintentionally funny statue steals the show. While the song is a classic ballad, the visuals made it memorable for all the wrong reasons. It’s sweet, yes, but also just plain strange.
6. Kajagoogoo – “Too Shy”
This video screams early MTV awkwardness. The band appears in a grimy nightclub while people dance in odd, disconnected ways. Between the mullets, glittery outfits, and random close-ups, it feels like someone stitched together leftover footage from five different videos.
The song itself was a huge hit, but the video looks dated in the strangest ways. It’s flashy without really saying anything, which was pretty common at the time. Still, the odd vibe makes it one of those unforgettable ’80s artifacts.
7. Falco – “Rock Me Amadeus”
Falco’s tribute to Mozart is a great dance track, but the video looks like a costumed fever dream. One moment he’s dressed like an Austrian aristocrat, the next he’s surrounded by leather-clad bikers. The clash of imagery is so jarring that it almost feels like two different videos smashed together.
The idea was to bridge past and present, but it ended up more confusing than clever. Still, it captured attention with its sheer weirdness. Even now, it’s remembered more for the wild visuals than the actual lyrics.
8. Wang Chung – “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
This one is notorious for its strobe-like editing. The constant jump cuts and flashing images were so intense that some broadcasters actually banned it, worried it could cause seizures. Instead of fun, it left viewers dizzy and disoriented.
It was meant to be high-energy and visually groundbreaking, but it went a little too far. Watching it today feels like being trapped in a glitchy computer simulation. The song is still a party anthem, but the video is unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
9. Billy Idol – “Dancing with Myself”
This video has Billy Idol strutting around in a post-apocalyptic city surrounded by zombies. At first glance, it sounds like a cool concept, but the execution is clunky. The zombies look more like people in leftover Halloween costumes than actual undead.
Idol’s charisma saves it from total disaster, but the set and effects just don’t hold up. Instead of scary or edgy, it looks campy and awkward. Still, it cemented Idol’s rebellious image, even if the visuals didn’t exactly scream “cool.”
10. Wham! – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”
This video is pure neon chaos. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley bop around in oversized “Choose Life” shirts, surrounded by screaming fans in equally loud outfits. It’s a sugar rush of colors, dancing, and random shots of people clapping wildly.
While it captures the carefree vibe of the ’80s, it also feels a bit ridiculous. The exaggerated cheerfulness makes it almost too much to handle. It’s fun, sure, but undeniably strange in its over-the-top presentation.
11. Toto – “Africa”
The song is timeless, but the video has puzzled fans for decades. It features the band playing in a library while a mysterious man searches for a book. Random artifacts, tribal imagery, and even a globe thrown into flames appear, none of which really make sense with the lyrics.
The attempt at symbolic storytelling comes off muddled instead of profound. Still, it adds to the mystique of the track. People love the song, but the video lives in a category of strange all its own.
12. Devo – “Whip It”
Devo was already known for their weird aesthetic, but “Whip It” took it to a new level. The video shows the band performing in matching outfits while “whipping” various objects, including a woman’s clothes. The imagery is bizarre and a little uncomfortable to watch now.
It was supposed to be satirical, but many viewers just saw it as strange and unsettling. Between the hats, robotic movements, and odd scenarios, it became one of the most eccentric videos of the decade. Whether you loved it or hated it, you couldn’t forget it.
13. Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
David Byrne’s jerky, awkward dance moves made this video instantly stand out. Dressed in a big suit, he moves like a marionette while psychedelic backgrounds swirl behind him. It’s artsy, experimental, and just plain weird to watch.
The video didn’t make much sense, but Byrne’s strange energy carried it. Fans still imitate his movements to this day. It’s one of those rare cases where “strange” actually turned into something iconic.
14. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – “Relax”
This video was so bizarre it ended up being banned by MTV for a time. Set in what looks like an underground club, it features surreal imagery, leather-clad dancers, and random flashes of chaos. It was provocative and confusing all at once.
While it worked as a shock tactic, it left many viewers wondering what they had just watched. The controversy only fueled the song’s popularity. Even now, it’s remembered as one of the strangest and most over-the-top videos of the ’80s.
