I know what you’re thinking … “Another list? Jeez!” But, whatever. It’s combining two of the things I like most … music and movies. Growing up in the 80s and on MTV, the channel was always on when I was home. There was something alluring about waiting for your favorite song/video to come on and just watch it in awe. Some you watched because you loved the song, others you watched the video on mute just for the cinematic experience. I don’t even know what MTV airs anymore, since giving up on it in the mid to late 90s. Yes, there are a ton more than this to choose from (hell, David Fincher and Spike Jonze have done more than 100 combined). Here are some of the best/my favorite/random music videos directed by some of the greatest filmmakers out there. Some you might not even have known about.
These are the 100 Greatest Music Videos Directed by Famous Filmmakers.
30. Madonna – Vogue | (1990)
Directed by David Fincher (The Game, Alien 3)
Won three awards at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards out of a total of nine nominations.
Other videos he’s directed: The Hooters – Johnny B; Johnny Hates Jazz – Heart of Gold
29. The Raconteurs – Steady, As She Goes | (2006)
Directed by Jim Jarmusch (Stranger Than Paradise, Dead Man)
Jim Jarmusch & Jack White team up again 3 years after Coffee & Cigarettes for this simple indie video.
Other videos he’s directed: Talking Heads – The Lady Don’t Mind; Big Audio Dynamite – Sightsee MC!
28. Weezer – Perfect Situation | (2006)
Directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man)
Far from the best Weezer video, but I do love me some Elisha Cuthbert.
Other videos he’s directed: Green Day – Waiting; The Wallflowers – When You’re on Top
27. Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity | (1996)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast, Under The Skin)
“Breakthrough Video” of the year.
Other videos he’s directed: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Into My Arms; The Dead Weather, Treat Me Like Your Mother
26. Bad Religion – American Jesus | (1993)
Directed by Gore Verbinski (MouseHunt, Rango)
Did you know Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam sang back up on on this?
Other videos he’s directed: Monster Magnet – Negasonic Teenage Warhead; The Crystal Method – Born Too Slow
25. Air – All I Need | (1998)
Directed by Mike Mills (Thumbsucker, Beginners)
No, not Mike Mills from R.E.M.
Other videos he’s directed: Moby – Run On; Jon Spencer Blues Explosion – 2 Kindsa Love
24. The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 | (1995)
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine, Battle of the Sexes)
Just a fun video of what it was like to be a teen in the 90’s.
Other videos they’ve directed: Extreme – More Than Words; Porno For Pyros – Pets
23. Elvis Costello – Veronica | (1989)
Directed by John Hillcoat (The Road, Triple 9)
“Is it all in that pretty little head of yours?”
Other videos he’s directed: Frente! – Bizarre Love Triangle; Grinderman – Heathen Child
22. Blur – Coffee & TV | (1999)
Directed by Garth Jennings (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Son of Rambow)
Cutest milk carton ever.
Other videos he’s directed: Supergrass – Pumping on Your Stereo; Eels – Last Stop: This Town
21. Michael Jackson – Bad |(1994)
Directed by Martin Scorcese (Taxi Driver, Goodfellas)
An 18 minute short film written by novelist Richard Price and featuring a then mostly-unknown Wesley Snipes.
Other videos he’s directed: None
40-31 | 20-11
What did you think of the selection so far? What are some of your favorite music videos directed by filmmakers?
