19 Most Expensive Music Videos Ever Filmed
Music videos can be flashy, but some come with a jaw-dropping price tag. These 19 videos broke records for their high costs, with memorable sets, effects, and stars. Find out which videos topped the list.
1. “Scream” by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson (1995)
Cost: $7 million
Topping the list is the iconic “Scream” video by Michael and Janet Jackson. Directed by Mark Romanek, this black-and-white video features futuristic visuals, gravity-defying stunts, and intricate set designs. The cost of CGI, choreography, and special effects pushed the budget to an astounding $7 million, making it the most expensive music video of all time.
2. “Die Another Day” by Madonna (2002)
Cost: $6.1 million
Madonna’s “Die Another Day,” the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, is a cinematic experience in itself. The video, directed by Traktor, features high-intensity action scenes, futuristic technology, and elaborate fight sequences. The production’s scale and the extensive post-production work led to a hefty $6.1 million price tag.
3. “Express Yourself” by Madonna (1989)
Cost: $5 million
Inspired by the 1927 film Metropolis, Madonna’s “Express Yourself” video was a groundbreaking visual feast. Directed by David Fincher, the video featured industrial sets, extravagant costumes, and complex choreography. Its futuristic and empowering themes came with a $5 million bill, making it one of the most expensive videos of its time.
4. “Bedtime Story” by Madonna (1995)
Cost: $5 million
Another entry from Madonna, “Bedtime Story” is a surreal, dream-like video directed by Mark Romanek. The video’s high-concept art direction, elaborate special effects, and avant-garde aesthetic pushed the budget to $5 million. Its ethereal and otherworldly visuals are still considered ahead of their time.
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5. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson (1991)
Cost: $4 million
Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” was more than just a music video—it was a cultural event. Directed by John Landis, it featured groundbreaking morphing technology, vibrant global dance sequences, and even a cameo by Macaulay Culkin. The video’s state-of-the-art special effects and global message justified its $4 million budget.
6. “Estranged” by Guns N’ Roses (1993)
Cost: $4 million
The epic “Estranged” video by Guns N’ Roses is known for its grand scale and emotional depth. Directed by Andy Morahan, it features dramatic ocean rescues, a massive use of helicopters, and high-end CGI. The cinematic quality and intricate story elements made it one of the most expensive rock videos, costing $4 million.
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7. “Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson (1992)
Cost: $4 million
Set in ancient Egypt, Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” is a visually stunning piece directed by John Singleton. With elaborate sets, opulent costumes, and a cast that included Eddie Murphy and Iman, the video became a cultural touchstone. The production’s grandeur resulted in a $4 million cost.
8. “Victory” by Puff Daddy ft. The Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes (1998)
Cost: $2.7 million
“Victory,” directed by Marcus Nispel, is an intense, action-packed video featuring explosions, chase scenes, and a dystopian cityscape. With its Hollywood-style production and star-studded cast, the video’s budget reached $2.7 million, making it one of the most expensive in hip-hop history.
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9. “Too Legit to Quit” by MC Hammer (1991)
Cost: $2.5 million
MC Hammer’s “Too Legit to Quit” is a larger-than-life video that features high-energy choreography, elaborate stage sets, and cameos from celebrities like James Brown. The video’s extensive production and elaborate special effects pushed the budget to $2.5 million.
10. “Make Me Like You” by Gwen Stefani (2016)
Cost: $2.5 million
Gwen Stefani’s “Make Me Like You” was a groundbreaking live music video, filmed in real-time during the 2016 Grammy Awards. Directed by Sophie Muller, the video featured multiple sets, costume changes, and complex choreography, all done live, resulting in a $2.5 million budget.
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11. “Heartbreaker” by Mariah Carey (1999)
Cost: $2.5 million
Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker” video, directed by Brett Ratner, is a fun and flashy production featuring a movie theater brawl, intricate dance numbers, and multiple costume changes. The video’s elaborate sets and high-energy sequences contributed to its $2.5 million cost.
12. “Larger Than Life” by Backstreet Boys (1999)
Cost: $2.1 million
The Backstreet Boys’ “Larger Than Life” video is a futuristic spectacle, with the boy band members portrayed as intergalactic superheroes. Directed by Joseph Kahn, the video’s extensive CGI, special effects, and elaborate sets resulted in a $2.1 million price tag.
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13. “Honey” by Mariah Carey (1997)
Cost: $2.5 million
“Honey” by Mariah Carey, directed by Paul Hunter, is a glamorous, James Bond-inspired adventure. The video features luxurious locations, high-speed chases, and dramatic action scenes, all contributing to its $2.5 million budget.
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14. “Unpretty” by TLC (1999)
Cost: $1.6 million
TLC’s “Unpretty” is a powerful video addressing body image and self-acceptance. Directed by Paul Hunter, it features strong visual storytelling with high-end production values, which pushed the budget to $1.6 million.
15. “Miami” by Will Smith (1998)
Cost: $2 million
Will Smith’s “Miami” video is a vibrant, sun-soaked celebration of the city. Directed by Wayne Isham, the video’s numerous locations, elaborate sets, and high production values led to a $2 million cost.
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16. “The Wild Boys” by Duran Duran (1984)
Cost: $1 million
“The Wild Boys” by Duran Duran was a pioneering video in the 1980s, featuring a dystopian setting, elaborate sets, and special effects. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the ambitious production resulted in a $1 million budget, a significant sum at the time.
17. “What’s It Gonna Be?!” by Busta Rhymes ft. Janet Jackson (1999)
Cost: $2.4 million
“What’s It Gonna Be?!” is a visually striking video that combines futuristic elements with cutting-edge special effects. Directed by Hype Williams, the video’s innovative visuals and high-tech production resulted in a $2.4 million budget.
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18. “Express Yourself” by N.W.A (1988)
Cost: $2 million
N.W.A’s “Express Yourself” was a statement both musically and visually. The video, directed by Peter Damski, featured elaborate sets and bold imagery, contributing to a $2 million budget, making it one of the most expensive rap videos of its time.
19. “Bad” by Michael Jackson (1987)
Cost: $2.2 million
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video is a cinematic experience that features complex choreography and gritty, urban settings. The video’s high production values and Scorsese’s direction pushed the budget to $2.2 million, making it one of the most expensive videos of the 1980s.
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