20 Iconic Music Videos from the '80s That Still Rock (2024)

These stand the test of time.

The 1980s were a very special time for both music and music videos. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, and A-ha channeled their creativity into making groundbreaking videos that are iconic even today. These videos perfectly represent the aesthetic and unique styles of the time period, and it helps that the songs still stand up today. Here are 20 music videos from the 1980s that still rock.

When Doves Cry (1984) by Prince proved yet again why he was one of the most iconic performers of the 80s and 90s. The video is known for emotional imagery and themes.

A-ha used animation for the iconic Take On Me (1985) music video. The creativity of the video stands up today.

Can 1983's Thriller even be called a music video? Over 30 minutes long, the groundbreaking horror video from Michael Jackson raised the standard for music videos permanently.

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation (1989) was iconic then and now. The post-apocalyptic setting was creative, plus it was black and white.

How Will I Know by Whitney Houston (1985) is still such a fun, upbeat video and song. The video shows Houston dancing around a brightly colored set with backup dancers.

Money For Nothing from Dire Straits (1985) has an instantly recognizable music video. The use of early 3d computer animation was groundbreaking for the time.

Michael Jackson's Billie Jean (1983) is one of his most famous songs and videos. This was the first time Jackson debuted his leather suit/bow tie look.

Valen Halen's Jump (1984) music video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards. The video is footage of the band performing.

Pour Some Sugar on Me (1987) is one of Def Leppard's biggest hits. The original video took place in an Irish country house.

Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer (1986) was groundbreaking with its use of claymation. It was shot and edited in just one week.

Wanted Dead or Alive (1986) by Bon Jovi was another music video that had a strong narrative element. We love all the concert footage!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1983) by Cyndi Lauper was a huge hit, and the video helped. Lauper's style became legendary.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) from Eurythmics (1983) has a memorably strange music video. The visuals perfectly fit the lyrics of the song.

In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins (1981) had a music video that perfectly matched the tone of the song. Heavy and atmospheric, the video is still relevant today.

Tina Turner's What's Love Got to Do with It (1984) is iconic for more than one reason. Not only was it her comeback, but the video of her performing showed how incredible her stage presence was.

George Michael's video for Faith (1987) was a huge deal at the time. The classic Michael look of aviators, leather jacket, and jeans is cemented in 80s music fashion history.

Billy Idol's White Wedding (1982) is the epitome of 80s music video style. The video's gothic look helped cement Idol's rebellious 1970s punk image.

Madonna's Material Girl (1985) was an incredibly glamorous production. Channeling Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the video still stands up today.

David Bowie's Ashes to Ashes (1980) had a unique, avant-garde video. The surreal tone perfectly matched the lyrics.

Duran Duran's Hungry Like the Wolf (1982) is another music video that had a cinematic edge to it. Big and adventurous, its use of exotic locations made it feel like a big 80s adventure movie.

Ferozan Mast

Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience. Readmore