Top 10 Best Lady Gaga Music Videos

As one of Gaga’s first music videos, “Poker Face” much simpler and more mainstream than her later work. The dancing, mansion setting, and extravagant pools aren’t much different from other pop stars’ videos. Still, there are many signs that this is a Gaga original. We first see her emerge wearing a black, spiky outfit, and a mask like a disco ball. There’s also her blue cut-out bodysuit, and that trademark hair bow. While “Poker Face” doesn’t look like her future videos, it’s a good indicator of things to come. The video went on to receive four nominations at the 2009 MTV VMAs, the first of many for Mother Monster.

Fast-forward to 2013. Gaga’s a musical powerhouse, and an inspiration to millions of Little Monsters. “Applause” is her tribute to her loyal fans, and the video shows Gaga’s artistic side in full force. Her outfits include a simple black bodysuit, hand-shaped lingerie, and the classic seashell bikini. She even has her head on a swan’s body. These all represent Gaga’s personal and professional evolution, and how her fans help her to keep going. With its German Expressionist and Andy Warhol influences, “Applause” was a hit with Little Monsters and critics alike. It was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2013 YouTube Music Awards.

“Born This Way” is one of Gaga’s most memorable music videos, and for many reasons. The song and video for “Born This Way” drew comparisons to Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” which caused a bit of controversy. That being said, “Born This Way” is a video that only Gaga could pull off. There’s surrealism, Zombie Boy, and Gaga wearing horns. She also gives birth to an alien race, literally making her Mother Monster. The video is typical of Gaga’s more recent work, clocking in at over seven minutes and with an intricate storyline. Partly due to its theme of self-acceptance, “Born This Way” won Best Female Video and Best Video with a Message at the 2011 VMAs.

Gaga was raised Catholic, so it’s no surprise that faith has heavily influenced her music. The video for “Alejandro” is an example, and a very provocative one. Besides the sexually charged scenes, Gaga also wears a red latex nun’s habit, and even swallows rosary beads. The Catholic League criticized Gaga’s use of religious imagery, and Katy Perry wrote a cryptic tweet about “blasphemy as entertainment,” allegedly in response to “Alejandro.” Still, there’s no denying the video’s merits. It features a Cabaret-style dance routine and a gun bra. Despite the controversy – or maybe because of it – “Alejandro” is one of Gaga’s more intriguing videos.

#6: “Judas” Born This Way (2011)

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This video once again references Gaga’s Catholic background. This time, she plays Mary Magdalene, with Jesus and his disciples as bikers. The video is a modern retelling of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, but it also sees Gaga falling for the titular bad-boy. “Judas” is rife with religious imagery, including foot washing, Jesus’ crown of thorns, and the Sacred Heart on Gaga’s top. It’s beautiful to watch too, with bright colours and flawless choreography. Like “Alejandro,” the Catholic League also criticized “Judas,” but the video was nowhere near as divisive. “Judas” won Lady Gaga the Best International Video Artist at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards, and was nominated twice at the 2011 VMAs, for Best Art Direction and Best Choreography.

#5: “G.U.Y. – An ARTPOP Film” ARTPOP (2013)

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What’s unique about this music video is that it’s actually four music videos in one – “ARTPOP,” “Venus,” “G.U.Y.” and “Manicure.” This makes it especially long – almost twelve minutes – and it shows a reborn Gaga getting even with her corporate attackers. Since this is a Gaga video, it has plenty of what we’ve come to expect: elaborate costumes and sets, backup dancers, and sexuality. But there are some surprises along the way too, including the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Minecraft, and the resurrected bodies of Jesus, Michael Jackson and Gandhi. For these reasons, “G.U.Y.” is just as fun to watch as it is creative.

Gaga herself directed this autobiographical music video, which is her longest at almost 14 minutes. “Marry the Night” metaphorically details Gaga being dropped from Def Jam and later signed to Interscope Records. This is arguably Gaga’s most cinematic video, with innovative camera movements, flaming cars, and her own voiceover tying everything together. It’s also one of her most chic, including designs from Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Stéphane Rolland. There are stripped down elements too, including dance routines in a studio and on the street. Whether she’s in a hospital bed or dyeing her hair in the tub, “Marry the Night” is a deep look into the mind of Mother Monster.

Aside from her duets with Tony Bennett, Gaga mostly performs solo. “Telephone” is a notable exception to the rule, since the song and video feature another showstopper – Queen Bey! The music video doubles as a short film, following Gaga and Beyoncé as they poison customers at a diner and then go on the run. It also features some of Gaga’s most famous looks, including the caution tape outfit, soda can hair rollers, and an American flag bikini. The video received three nominations at the 2010 VMAs, including Video of the Year. Equal parts Thelma and Louise and Quentin Tarantino, “Telephone” is fun from start to finish.

#2: “Paparazzi” The Fame (2008)

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“Paparazzi”’s music video is Gaga’s first short film, and a prequel to Telephone. A commentary on celebrity culture, fame, and stalking, the video sees Gaga getting back at her boyfriend – Swedish hunk Alexander Skarsgård – after he tries to kill her. Even though this is one of her earliest music videos, the usual Gaga elements are all there: a flair for the dramatic, avant-garde costumes, and a gripping storyline. In a nod to the German sci-fi classic film “Metropolis”, she also wears a metallic bodysuit. The video led to Gaga’s first Moonman at the 2009 VMAs, for Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects. “Paparazzi” isn’t just a music video; it’s also a work of art. Before we get to our #1 Lady Gaga music video, here are some honourable mentions: “Just Dance ft. Colby O’Donis” The Fame (2008) “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” The Fame (2008) “The Edge of Glory” Born This Way (2011) “Yoü and I” Born This Way (2011) “LoveGame” The Fame (2008)

#1: “Bad Romance” The Fame Monster (2009)

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It’s only fitting that one of Gaga’s most popular songs gets a popular music video. “Bad Romance” is Gaga’s most watched video on YouTube, with over 700 million views. In one of her more unusual storylines, Gaga is sold to the Russian mob, seducing and dancing her way to safety. Among other looks, she wears the gun bra and her iconic Alien shoes. The choreography is also top-notch, and similar in some ways to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. “Bad Romance” won seven awards at the 2010 VMAs, including Video of the Year, and the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. Years after its release, “Bad Romance” remains a Mother Monster classic. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favourite Lady Gaga music video? For more flashy Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.