The 20 Most Expensive Music Videos Of All Time

Music videos have become a crucial component of the music industry, providing a visual representation of the artist’s message and sound. However, creating these videos can be an expensive endeavor. In fact, some music videos have cost millions of dollars to produce.

According to recent research, the 20 most expensive music videos of all time have collectively cost over $135 million to create. This staggering figure highlights just how much money is invested in producing these visual representations. From Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Scream’ video that cost a whopping $12.5 million to Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ at $11 million, these high-budget productions are often visually stunning and memorable for their elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. Let us delve deeper into this list and explore some of the most costly music videos ever made.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Jackson holds the record for most expensive music videos with ‘Scream’, ‘Black or White’, and ‘Bad’, collectively costing over $25 million.
• Madonna is also a top spender on music videos, with ‘Express Yourself’, ‘Die Another Day’, and ‘Bedtime Story’ costing over $29 million combined.
• Other artists who have made expensive music videos include Aqua, MC Hammer, Limp Bizkit, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Puff Daddy, Janet Jackson, and Busta Rhymes.
• High-budget music videos are visually stunning and memorable for their elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects, and are crucial in the music industry for providing a visual representation of the artist’s message and sound.

#1 Scream – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson $12.5 Million

The music video ‘Scream’, featuring Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, holds the record for being one of the most expensive music videos of all time, costing a whopping $12.5 million. The video was released in 1995 and was directed by Mark Romanek, who also directed other notable music videos such as “Closer”by Nine Inch Nails and “Bedtime Story”by Madonna.

‘Scream’ is known for its futuristic and sci-fi elements, which were rare in music videos at the time of its release. The video features Michael and Janet Jackson dressed in white spacesuits while dancing inside a spaceship. The visual effects used in the video were groundbreaking for their time and contributed to the high cost of production. Despite its hefty price tag, ‘Scream’ received critical acclaim and won several awards including Best Dance Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1995.

#2 Black Or White – Michael Jackson $8 Million

Costing $8 million, Michael Jackson’s ‘Black Or White’ video production was a significant investment for its time. Released in 1991, it was directed by John Landis and featured an array of special effects that were groundbreaking for the era. The video showcased Jackson dancing with people from different cultures and races, promoting the message of unity among all people.

The music video opens with a group of Native American dancers performing a traditional dance around a fire. Then, we see Jackson singing and dancing in front of a large screen projecting images from around the world onto his body. Throughout the video, we witness an array of unique visual effects such as morphing faces and buildings, which added to the overall appeal of the production. Despite some criticism over scenes featuring nudity and violence, ‘Black or White’ remains one of Michael Jackson‘s most iconic works as well as one of the most expensive music videos that continues to captivate audiences even today.

#3 Express Yourself – Madonna $11 Million

With a budget of $11 million, Madonna’s ‘Express Yourself’ music video directed by David Fincher in 1989, showcased the singer’s empowering message of female independence and sexuality through striking visuals and elaborate sets. The video was inspired by German expressionist films from the 1920s and featured Madonna as a glamorous Hollywood starlet who breaks free from her oppressive male director. The video also included references to Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, Marilyn Monroe, and Jean Harlow.

The ‘Express Yourself’ music video is significant for numerous reasons. Firstly, it highlights the power of visual storytelling in popular culture. Secondly, it showcases Madonna’s ability to push boundaries both musically and visually. Finally, it reinforces Madonna’s status as a feminist icon who championed female empowerment at a time when women were still fighting for their rights. Overall, this iconic music video continues to inspire musicians and filmmakers alike almost three decades after its initial release.

#4 Bad – Michael Jackson $5.3 Million

While Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ music video directed by Martin Scorsese in 1987 cost $5.3 million, it showcased the singer’s iconic dance moves and featured a narrative about gang violence and redemption that added depth to the visual spectacle. The black and white video was shot on location in New York City, featuring Jackson as a high school student who confronts his former gang leader played by Wesley Snipes. The video marked a departure from Jackson’s previous videos, which were mainly performance-based, as it incorporated elements of storytelling to create an engaging visual experience.

The ‘Bad’ music video was groundbreaking for its time, not only due to its high production value but also because of its incorporation of social commentary into the story. By portraying gang violence and redemption through dance and song, Jackson offered viewers a powerful message about overcoming adversity and making positive change in their communities. The choreography by Michael Peters showcased Jackson’s signature moves while also incorporating group dance sequences that added to the dynamic energy of the piece. Overall, ‘Bad’ remains one of the most iconic music videos ever produced, showcasing both Jackson’s immense talent as well as his commitment to using his art for social good.

#5 Die Another Day – Madonna $9.2 Million

The music video for Madonna’s ‘Die Another Day’ was a highly ambitious production that incorporated advanced special effects and intricate choreography to bring the singer’s vision to life. The video was directed by Traktor, a Swedish collective known for their innovative approach to filmmaking. The team worked closely with Madonna to create a futuristic world filled with sleek, high-tech gadgets and stunning visuals.

One of the most striking elements of the video is its use of special effects. From the opening scene where Madonna appears trapped in a glass box, to the sequence where she battles against herself in an ice palace, the video is filled with mind-bending imagery that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on screen. In addition to these visual feats, ‘Die Another Day‘ also features complex choreography that showcases Madonna’s skills as a dancer. The result is a music video that remains one of her most visually arresting works to date.

#6 Estranged – Guns N’ Roses $9.4 Million

Featuring a narrative that spans over nine minutes and showcases the band’s signature sound, Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Estranged’ music video is a cinematic masterpiece that employs vivid imagery to capture the emotional turmoil of a relationship. The video was directed by Andy Morahan and produced by Tom Fanning and Doug Freeman. It features lead singer Axl Rose as he jumps off a boat into the ocean, swims with dolphins, walks through an aquarium tunnel, and performs on stage with his band.

The production costs for ‘Estranged’ totaled $9.4 million, making it one of the most expensive music videos ever made. The high budget was attributed to its grandiose nature, which included hiring 500 extras for the concert scenes alone. Despite its hefty price tag, fans of Guns N’ Roses have praised the video for its artistic value and captivating story line.

#7 Bedtime Story – Madonna $9 Million

With a production cost of $9 million, Madonna’s ‘Bedtime Story’ music video showcases surrealist imagery and symbolism, taking viewers on a dreamlike journey through the singer’s imagination. Directed by Mark Romanek, the video features Madonna in various surrealistic scenes that are inspired by painter Frida Kahlo and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. The video is known for its highly artistic nature and was praised for its innovative use of special effects.

The music video opens with a shot of Madonna lying in bed while an eye blinks on her forehead. The following scenes feature the singer in various surrealistic settings: she emerges from a tree-like structure and dances with half-human, half-animal creatures; she floats above a pool of milk; and she transforms into a flock of birds. Throughout the video, there are references to art history, including Salvador Dali’s melting clocks and Rene Margritte’s bowler-hatted men. Overall, ‘Bedtime Story‘ stands as one of the most expensive music videos ever made but also as one that pushed visual boundaries in terms of creativity and innovation.

#8 Cartoon Heroes – Aqua $5.6 Million

Aqua’s ‘Cartoon Heroes’ music video, directed by Peder Pedersen, blends live-action footage with animation to create a whimsical world that pays homage to classic cartoons. The video features the Danish-Norwegian band dressed in superhero costumes, dancing and singing in front of an animated cityscape. The use of vibrant colors, exaggerated movements and playful imagery makes the video visually appealing and entertaining.

• Nested bullet point list:
• The use of animation creates a nostalgic feeling for viewers who grew up watching classic cartoons.
• The blending of live-action footage with animation adds depth and dimension to the video.
• Aqua’s performance in superhero costumes adds a fun element to the overall concept.

Overall, ‘Cartoon Heroes’ is not only one of Aqua‘s most popular songs but also one of their most expensive music videos. With its creative concept and execution, it stands as a testament to the power of combining different art forms to produce something truly unique.

#9 2 Legit 2 Quit – MC Hammer $5 Million

Moving on from Aqua’s ‘Cartoon Heroes’, we come across another iconic music video that still holds a place in the hearts of many. MC Hammer‘s ‘2 Legit 2 Quit’ was released in 1991, and it quickly became one of the most expensive music videos ever made at the time, costing $5 million to produce.

The video is a dazzling display of extravagance, featuring an all-star cast that includes James Brown, José Canseco, Willie Mays, Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice. The production features intricate dance routines and elaborate sets that transport viewers into a world of glitz and glamour. It’s not hard to see where the majority of the budget went – with Hammer himself sporting an array of opulent outfits throughout the video. Despite its high cost, ‘2 Legit 2 Quit’ remains as one of Hammer’s most memorable works to date.

#10 Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle) – Limp Bizkit $4.7 Million

The music video for Limp Bizkit’s ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ cost a staggering $4.7 million to produce, making it one of the most high-budget productions in the band’s career. Released in 2000, the video features Fred Durst and his bandmates cruising around on motorcycles and engaging in various stunts while dressed in army gear. The video also includes scenes of real-life military footage and explosions, adding to its overall expensive production value.

To put into perspective just how much money was spent on this music video, here is a comparison table showing some items or services that could be bought with $4.7 million:

Item/Service	Cost
Average American Home	$250,000
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster	$573,966
Private Island in Fiji	$4 Million
Yearly Salary of Professional Athlete LeBron James	$39.2 Million
Production Budget for Indie Film ‘Moonlight’ (2016)	$1.5 Million

Despite its hefty price tag, the music video for ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ proved to be a hit among fans and helped propel Limp Bizkit to even greater levels of success at the time of its release.

#11 Heartbreaker – Mariah Carey, Jay-Z $4.1 Million

Mariah Carey and Jay-Z’s collaboration on the music video for ‘Heartbreaker’ cost $4.1 million, which is more than double the average cost for a music video in 1999. The song was one of Carey’s most successful singles and its accompanying music video played a significant role in its success.

The extravagant production of ‘Heartbreaker’ included an appearance by actor Jerry O’Connell, who plays a character that attempts to win Carey’s heart but ultimately fails due to her love for Jay-Z. The video also features multiple costume changes, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets. Despite the high cost of production, the visual effects used were cutting-edge at the time and helped set new standards for future music videos. Overall, Mariah Carey and Jay-Z’s ‘Heartbreaker’ remains a notable example of how high production costs can result in a visually stunning music video that contributes to commercial success.

#12 Remember The Time – Michael Jackson $3.9 Million

With a budget of $3.9 million, Michael Jackson’s ‘Remember The Time’ music video stands out as one of the most visually stunning and memorable productions in the history of music videos. Directed by John Singleton, the video was set in ancient Egypt and featured impressive visuals that recreated the era with intricate detail.

The video also featured an all-star cast including Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. The attention to detail extended to their costumes which were authentic representations of Egyptian fashion. The iconic dance sequences showcased Jackson’s signature moves alongside a troupe of skilled dancers. Overall, ‘Remember The Time’ remains a testament to Michael Jackson’s impact on pop culture and his dedication to creating visually striking works of art.

• Some noteworthy aspects of Michael Jackson’s ‘Remember The Time’ are:
• The use of ancient Egypt as the setting
• Attention to detail in costume design
• What sets this video apart is its combination of visual spectacle and storytelling.
• It tells a story while showcasing incredible choreography.
• By combining these elements, it creates a truly unforgettable experience for viewers.

#13 It’s All Coming Back To Me Now – Céline Dion $4 Million

Moving on from Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Remember The Time’ music video, we delve into another timeless classic – Céline Dion‘s ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’. Released in 1996, the music video was directed by Nigel Dick and cost a whopping $4 million to produce. The song itself was written by Jim Steinman and features Dion belting out powerful lyrics about love lost and found.

The music video for ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’ is nothing short of epic. Shot in black and white, it features Dion wandering through a grand mansion filled with haunting memories of her past lover. Surrounded by opulence and extravagance, she sings her heart out while flashes of their passionate romance are interspersed throughout the video. The production value is top-notch, with stunning cinematography capturing some truly breathtaking scenes that perfectly complement the song’s emotional intensity. It’s no wonder that this masterpiece comes with such an expensive price tag – every detail was executed flawlessly to create a true work of art.

#14 Make Me Like You – Gwen Stefani $4.6 Million

Directed by Sophie Muller, Gwen Stefani’s ‘Make Me Like You’ music video reportedly cost $4.6 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive music videos ever made. The video features elaborate sets and costume changes that allude to different eras in American pop culture history, including a recreation of the iconic diner from Grease. Despite criticisms of excessive spending on music videos, ‘Make Me Like You’ serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and its ability to elevate a song beyond its audio form.

The production value of ‘Make Me Like You’ is evident in its attention to detail and seamless transitions between scenes. The use of bold colors and playful imagery adds an element of whimsy that complements Stefani’s upbeat vocals and catchy lyrics. While some may argue that such lavish productions are unnecessary for promoting songs in today’s digital age, there is no denying the impact that music videos continue to have on popular culture. By investing heavily in the visual aspect of her artistry, Gwen Stefani has cemented herself as not only a talented musician but also a visionary artist who understands the importance of creating an immersive experience for her audience.

#15 Victory – Puff Daddy Feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes $4.5 Million

The music video for Puff Daddy’s ‘Victory’, featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, reportedly cost $4.5 million and showcased the grandeur and extravagance of hip-hop culture through its use of pyrotechnics, elaborate sets, and high-end fashion. The video opens with a helicopter flying over a cityscape before cutting to Puff Daddy dressed in all-white, rapping atop a giant statue of himself. Here are three elements that make this music video one of the most expensive ever made:

1. Pyrotechnics: Throughout the video, there are numerous explosions and fireworks displays that add to the dramatic effect of the song.
2. Elaborate Sets: From an underground fight club to a massive concert stage, this music video features some of the most intricate sets ever created for a music video.
3. High-End Fashion: With cameos from supermodels Naomi Campbell and Veronica Webb, along with Puff Daddy sporting various designer brands such as Versace and Gucci, this music video is a testament to the opulence often associated with hip-hop culture in the 90s.

#16 Doesn’t Really Matter – Janet Jackson $4.1 Million

Moving on from Puff Daddy’s ‘Victory’, we now delve into Janet Jackson’s music video for ‘Doesn’t Really Matter’ which cost a staggering $4.1 million to produce. The song was written specifically for the soundtrack of the 2000 film ‘Nutty Professor II: The Klumps‘, in which Janet also starred.

The music video itself is a dazzling display of futuristic fashion, vivid colors, and intricate choreography. Directed by Joseph Kahn, it features Janet dancing amidst a backdrop of neon lights and geometric shapes that constantly shift and morph around her. It’s an otherworldly experience that perfectly complements the song’s themes of individuality and nonconformity. Despite being released over two decades ago, this music video still holds up as an innovative and visually stunning piece of art.

#17 Larger Than Life – Backstreet Boys $3.5 Million

With a budget of $3.5 million, the Backstreet Boys‘ music video for ‘Larger Than Life’ takes viewers on an intergalactic journey filled with futuristic spaceships and mesmerizing special effects. Released in 1999, the music video was directed by Joseph Kahn and features the iconic boy band performing their signature dance moves while surrounded by stunning visual effects.

The video’s futuristic theme is highlighted through the use of cutting-edge technology such as motion capture and green screen techniques. Additionally, it features a cameo appearance by science fiction legend Robert Patrick, who played the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. With its visually stunning imagery and high production value, ‘Larger Than Life’ remains one of the most expensive music videos ever made to this day.

#18 Honey – Mariah Carey $3.4 Million

Featuring Mariah Carey in various seductive outfits and settings, the music video for ‘Honey’ boasts a budget of $3.4 million and showcases the singer’s sultry vocals amidst a backdrop of lavish yachts, exotic locations, and high-speed water chases. Directed by Paul Hunter, the video follows Carey as she escapes from a mansion party with her love interest and embarks on an adventure that includes jet skiing through crystal-clear waters and performing dance numbers on deck.

The ‘Honey’ music video is known for its luxurious visuals, which include stunning aerial shots of tropical islands, opulent costumes adorned with jewels, and even cameos from famous actors such as Mekhi Phifer. The video’s glamorous aesthetic effectively complements the song’s lyrics about indulging in life’s pleasures. With such an extravagant production budget, it is no surprise that ‘Honey’ ranks among the most expensive music videos ever made.

#19 November Rain – Guns N’ Roses $2.9 Million

At a cost of $2.9 million, the music video for Guns N’ Roses’ ‘November Rain’ is an epic production that spans over nine minutes and tells a tragic love story featuring Axl Rose as the lead guitarist and Stephanie Seymour as his bride. The video was released in 1992 and was directed by Andy Morahan. It has been hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time, with its sweeping cinematic shots, grandiose orchestration, and powerful performances.

The table below showcases some of the key elements that make this music video such a spectacular production. From its use of special effects to its elaborate set pieces and intricate costumes, every aspect of ‘November Rain’ comes together to create a truly unforgettable viewing experience. This video proves that sometimes it takes a significant investment to produce something truly remarkable and enduring.

Element	Cost
Special Effects	$500,000
Wedding Scene Set Design	$250,000
Orchestral Recording Session	$100,000
Stephanie Seymour’s Wedding Dress	$8,000

#20 What’s It Gonna Be?! – Busta Rhymes Ft. Janet Jackson $3.9 million

The music video for Busta Rhymes‘ collaboration with Janet Jackson, ‘What’s It Gonna Be?!’, is one of the most expensive music videos ever made, costing $3.9 million to produce. The video features a futuristic theme with intricate costumes and impressive visual effects that bring the high-energy vibe of the song to life on screen.

The sets in the video are visually stunning and complement the visual effects perfectly. The use of vibrant colors and lighting creates an engaging atmosphere that draws viewers into the world created by the video. The intricate choreography adds to this immersive experience, making it hard to look away from the screen. Overall, this music video is a testament to how much effort can be put into creating a captivating visual representation of a song.

Most Expensive Music Videos FAQs

Conclusion

The music industry is no stranger to lavish spending, and these 20 music videos are a testament to that fact. From Michael Jackson’s iconic “Scream”video, which cost a whopping $12.5 million, to Guns N’ Roses’ epic “November Rain,”which cost $2.9 million, these videos were all created with the intention of pushing boundaries and creating something truly unforgettable.

It’s clear that for many artists, the music video is just as important as the song itself – it’s an opportunity to tell a story visually and create a lasting impression on viewers. The expense may seem excessive, but when you consider the impact some of these videos have had on pop culture, it’s hard not to see them as worth every penny.

In many ways, these music videos are like works of art – they’re carefully crafted pieces that require immense skill and creativity to bring to life. Just like a painting or sculpture can take years of work and millions of dollars in materials to create, so too can a great music video demand an enormous investment. But when done right, the end result is something truly stunning – something that will be remembered long after the money has been spent. So perhaps there’s something to be said for going big when it comes to creating art – sometimes you need to spend big in order to truly make an impact.