Top 20 Music Videos That Defined Our Childhood

Good Charlotte

For any suburban kids that liked to skip school, this video might just be the most accurate of its kind. This track and the accompanying video have universal themes but it’s ultimately about wanting to hang out with friends, be independent, and most importantly having fun. You also get a glimpse into what pop punk and rock fans might have looked like in the 2000s. There’s cars, tattoos, and above all lots of attitude. Younger fans might not understand that it really looked like that. It’s the kind of time capsule that makes you want to ride bikes in your old neighborhood.

Blink-182

We love all of the boy band videos of the 1990s and 2000s, but we also like to make fun of them. Blink-182 take aim at the likes of 98 Degrees and Backstreet Boys with this fantastic parody. The pop punk group hangs out at the beach, meets fans at the airport, and makes fun of the general hysteria surrounding many pop stars. It’s so accurate at certain points that you forget you’re watching a video starring the irreverent trio. Both authentic and hilarious, this video takes fans back to a simpler time while making us fall over laughing.

Vanessa Carlton

Almost everyone loves to belt out a few bars of “A Thousand Miles.” The equally-memorable video gives you a playful journey through Los Angeles. Vanessa Carlton plays the piano, keeping her balance as she’s driven along highways and beaches. It’s full of scenic settings that you’ll want to visit for yourself and the whole concept has a magical quality to it. And Carlton’s fantastic performance really makes it special. The whole video feels like a dream that you don't want to wake up from, providing the perfect visualization of a 2000s radio staple.

NSYNC

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, NSYNC gave pop music a major shakeup and this electrifying video might just be their biggest statement as musicians. As puppets being pulled by strings, the bandmates create one of the indelible images from the boy band era. The choreography includes exciting train chases and a room where the guys dance up the walls. Group members like Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez each fly off the screen in amazing showcases of their talent. “Bye Bye Bye” presents an eclectic group on top of the world, singing and dancing like there’s no tomorrow.

Outkast

For this mega hit, Outkast proivdes a video that’s larger than life. This includes several clones of André 3000 doing their best rendition of “Hey Ya!” It’s full of fun outfits, set design, and a lively crowd. You’ll be as excited as this studio audience by the time it’s all over. It’s a simple idea yet also a genius way of letting the song do all the talking. Sometimes all you need is a straightforward performance, having people focus on the many versions of the talented musician at work. Anyone that lived through the 2000s should watch again to shake it like a Polaroid picture.

Evanescence

In this atmospheric video, singer Amy Lee blurs the line between reality and nightmares, which leads to a death-defying climb outside her apartment. The entire experience is as intense as a psychological horror film. Lee teeters on the edge, making you fear for her character and at the same time almost giving you vertigo. If you have a serious fear of heights, watch this one with extreme caution. The whole story plays out like a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you’re listening to the song or watching along, “Bring Me to Life” grabs you from the first few notes and makes you reconsider everything.

TLC

This R&B girl group has no shortage of iconic videos, including the amazing “Waterfalls.” But their work on “No Scrubs” might exhibit them at the peak of their powers, showing off one of their best songs with striking imagery. This includes a futuristic sci-fi set and some fantastic choreography. We’re not exactly sure where T-Boz, Chilli, and Left Eye are, but we’d like to go there with them. It would also be fun to ride on the swing that Chilli uses. Whether or not you’re singing along, you definitely want to dance along with these icons from the 1990s.

Taylor Swift

In the year 2009, Taylor Swift was already famous and becoming even more so by the minute. Her video for “You Belong with Me” features one of her many iconic stories about love. Swift’s nerdy teenager pines for her neighbor, writing notes to him from her window. It’s a cute image that makes us all remember our first crushes. While the singer hopes that the boy will pay attention to her, she later has a dramatic reunion with him at a dance. It’s the kind of fairy tale romance that we all wished we could’ve had. Full of nostalgic glimpses at our teenage years, this concept captures all the highs and lows of high school.

Christina Aguilera

An inimitable singer, Christina Aguilera performs one of her earliest and best singles in this video, blasting you back to memories of campfires and beach parties. Any love story here is secondary to the beautiful setting, and boy is it entertaining to watch. There’s an easygoing atmosphere that’s a mix of summer fun and nostalgia, contrasting with her other work on a classic like “Dirrty,” which demonstrates an entirely different kind of energy. It’s ultimately a feelgood video, with no shortage of enjoyable dancing. For anyone with fond memories of going to the beach, you’ll watch this and be transported back to your childhood vacations.

Missy Elliott

The beauty of the video for “Work It” is that it blends the wonderful and the bizarre. Characters move forward and reverse, bending time and physics in exciting ways that feel straight out of “The Matrix.” This only makes the action and dance that much more entertaining. Missy Elliott also has to contend with bees at one point, which is wild in adn of itself. Full of surprises, this concept defies description in many fascinating ways. Elliott’s innovative style also highlights the work of many great dancers. Even if you grew up with this song, you’ll be surprised at how this video still breaks the mold.

Avril Lavigne

Within seconds of this video starting, you’re instantly transported back to the 2000s. Avril Lavigne rides a skateboard before hanging out with her pop punk friends. Former alternative kids will love seeing the band performing at a skatepark, while others might enjoy glimpses of the mall. Hijinks ensue as the main group runs around to various stores, plays basketball, and tries on different outfits. The setting and wardrobe alone create a strong nostalgic feeling for a time that seems just like yesterday. Lavigne doesn’t miss a beat, looking confident as she conquers the pop culture landscape.

Backstreet Boys

For any fans of Halloween-themed videos, “Everybody” by the Backstreet Boys has you covered. The boy band finds themselves stranded at a spooky house where all kinds of scary things might be lurking behind any corner. Thankfully for the audience, the frightening imagery gives way to an all-out dance party. There’s also some pretty cool costumes to make it all better. If you like to dress up in October this is exactly the video you want to live inside. Filled with fun energy and nods to horror films, this pop experience is nothing short of entertaining. The boys aren't afraid to switch genres either with their equally fun “Larger Than Life.”

Guns N’ Roses

Despite their hard rock credentials, Guns N’ Roses could also deliver a moving ballad. “November Rain” receives a music video that captures all the melodramatic majesty of the song. From an emotional wedding to a funeral, this story plays out like a huge event with massive stakes. It’s utterly engaging from beginning to end with a sadness lurking underneath. There’s also some spectacular production values here, including the incredible scene involving Slash’s guitar solo. This music video definitely cost a lot of money and the filmmakers ensured that not a cent was wasted.

a-ha

Any 1980s kids that spent time watching MTV will remember this one. “Take On Me” isn’t just a catchy song, it’s also the basis for a truly imaginative video. A woman finds herself whisked away into a hand-drawn dream world with singer Morten Harket. The adventure feels like something out of a fairytale, with the rotoscoping technique delivering on some impressive visuals. It’s still stunning to watch both live-action and animation come together to tell this story. With all of the hard work paying off, the filmmakers craft a beautiful concept that pushes the medium further.

Madonna

In the video for one of her biggest songs, Madonna plays a witness to a crime that results in the wrongful imprisonment of a black man. The powerful storyline uses religious imagery to convey a story about racism, faith, and injustice. It’s also unafraid of telling hard truths about life in America. The artist is at the peak of her talents, delivering an intense performance alongside some memorable and provocative scenes. She appears in front of burning crosses in one of many surprises that force you to think beyond the pop soundtrack. It might be controversial, but it also carries an inspiring message that hopefully continues for new generations of fans.

Eminem feat. Dido

Outspoken and unafraid, Eminem tackles serious issues throughout his catalog. This track in particular reveals the dark side of a fan’s obsession. With the video for “Stan,” the artist delves into thoughts about fame, fandom, and domestic violence. It’s something that’s hard to watch and even harder to look away from. The lead character writes letters to the rapper, but he eventually takes out his aggression by trapping his girlfriend in a trunk. It all points toward a tragic ending that combines compelling drama and an important lesson. Guided by the performer’s impressive lyrics, this story is nothing short of unforgettable. This represents some of his greatest work, while “The Real Slim Shady” reveals that he also has a sense of humor.

Britney Spears

During her original rise to fame, Britney Spears found an incredible way to kick off her solo career. Spears finds herself as a student dancing around a school. In one of her trademark outfits, the singer glides down the hallway and into our hearts. These images helped the artist become an international sensation that would go on to create more classics like “Oops!... I Did It Again.” With some great choreography, she also proves that she’s a formidable dancer. The video then moves into the gymnasium for more maneuvers and dances, keeping the mood light and the entertainment value high. It’s rare that you get to witness a star rise so completely over the course of a few minutes.

Spice Girls

Have you ever wanted to be at a dance party with the Spice Girls? The music video for “Wannabe” lets you do just that, encouraging viewers to join them. Scary, Sporty, Ginger, Baby, and Posh enter a swanky hotel and wreak havoc in the best way possible. It’s a crazy and energetic time that gives each member a chance to show off. From running around to dancing on the stairs, these singers exude a contagious and youthful energy. You can’t help but smile watching the free-spirited bandmates fly around. As the artists ride off into the night, you wish you could follow them to their next wild event.

Nirvana

Inspiring the rebel in all of us, the video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” finds the band at a pep rally. Their music eventually inspires the students to rise up. With the help of grunge, the audience turns the gym into something between a mosh pit and a riot. The moody visuals give band members like Kurt Cobain some iconic looks. With loads of intensity, this concept and music encourages you to break free from conformity. It’s especially satisfying to watch if you never liked going to school assemblies. Cobain’s performance stands out here, letting one of his greatest anthems ring out as he ends it in a glorious close-up.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Group Takes Us to a Well-Designed World of Fun References to the Famous Doll

The R&B Legend Performs in the 1960s & the 1990s in an Innovative, Split-Screen Video

With an American Flag Behind Her, Miley Delivers a Patriotic Tribute at a Drive-In

The Dynamic Trio Take Over a Beach in a Powerful & Stylish Video

A Kid’s Obsession with His Friend’s Mom Turns Into a Funny, Coming of Age Tale

Michael Jackson

It’s the music video that keeps on giving. For many viewers, “Thriller” takes them back to a time when any scary movie terrified them. This seminal work frightens, excites, and entertains all these years later. Director John Landis sends up the horror genre, but also gives Michael Jackson plenty of time to perform. The latter dons zombie makeup and unleashes some iconic choreography. With a cinematic quality to it, this timeless work brings out the kid in all of us. This outperforms even the highs of Jackson’s other efforts like “Beat It.” Even if you didn’t grow up in the 1980s, this engaging video perfectly illustrates the exceptional artistry of that decade.