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.
80. Afroman – Because I Got High | (2001)
Directed by Kevin Smith (Mallrats, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back)
I was gonna write something here but I forgot … because I got high.
Other videos he’s directed: Stroke 9 – Kick Some Ass
79. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up | (2006)
Directed by Simon West (Con Air, The Expendables 2)
Sorry, not sorry for the Rickroll.
Other videos he’s directed: Mel and Kim – Respectable & Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)
78. Madonna – What It Feels Like for a Girl | (2001)
Directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes)
Back when they were married, Guy Ritchie directed this for his wife.
Other videos he’s directed: None
77. Aerosmith – Jaded | (1992)
Directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine)
Mila Kunis in a Cirque du Soleil-esque video? I’m in.
Other videos he’s directed: Aerosmith – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing; Foreigner – All I Need To Know
76. Hot Chip – I Feel Better | (2010)
Directed by Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy, Shaun of the Dead)
OK he’s not really a director of films, but he has starred in a ton. And his one and only act as director is this video of some band I have never heard of … but shit gets weird.
Other videos he’s directed: None
75. Moby – Bodyrock | (1999)
Directed by Fredrik Bond (Charlie Countryman)
Mostly known for commercials, Fredrik Bond directed this Moby video made from audition tapes. I’m pretty sure Sailor Monsoon is one of the guys in there dancing.
Other videos he’s directed: None
74. Smash Mouth – All Star | (1999)
Directed by McG (This Means War, Terminator: Salvation)
Features cameos by William H. Macy, Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, Paul Reubens, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofalo, Doug Jones, and Dane Cook from the film Mystery Men.
Other videos he’s directed: Smash Mouth – Walking on the Sun; Korn – Got the Life
73. Outkast – Ms. Jackson | (1999)
Directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton, Law Abiding Citizen)
“Ms. Jackson” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.
Other videos he’s directed: Dr. Dre & Ice Cube – Natural Born Killaz; Usher – Call Me a Mack
72. Blur – The Universal | (1995)
Directed by Jonathon Glazer (Birth, Untitled Project in 2020)
In a pseudo A Clockwork Orange vibe, Blur star as the quasi-Droogs.
Other videos he’s directed: Richard Ashcroft – A Song for the Lovers; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Into my Arms
71. The Killers – Bones | (2006)
Directed by Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Batman)
Following the success of their hit album Hot Fuss, The Killers enlisted Tim Burton to do what he does best … create weirdness.
Other videos he’s directed: The Killers – Here With Me; Linkin Park – Powerless
90-81 | 70-61
What did you think of the selection so far? What are some of your favorite music videos directed by filmmakers?
