The Music Videos That Turned Us Into Pop Culture Experts

They defined our youth and gave us all the answers.

Let’s rewind to the ’80s and early ’90s, the golden era of music videos—back when MTV actually stood for Music Television and YouTube wasn’t even a glimmer in anyone’s eye. Music videos weren’t just entertainment; they were events. Watching them felt like being handed a golden ticket into a world where fashion, art, and storytelling collided in gloriously over-the-top ways.

For a generation of latchkey kids and aspiring cool teens, these three-minute masterpieces were our crash course in pop culture. They taught us how to spot trends, mimic dance moves, and quote iconic lines—all while helping us decipher the sometimes-mysterious worlds of our favorite stars.

So grab your neon leg warmers and a bowl of microwave popcorn, because we’re diving into the music videos that didn’t just define our childhoods—they turned us into the pop culture experts we are today.

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1983)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Music Videos Can Be Cinematic Masterpieces

Let’s start with the king. Thriller wasn’t just a music video—it was an event. Directed by John Landis, the 14-minute mini-movie turned every living room into a front-row seat to Hollywood-level storytelling. It had everything: zombies, epic dance sequences, and Michael Jackson’s iconic red leather jacket that instantly became a Halloween costume staple.

Watching Thriller felt like being part of something bigger. It wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural moment. It taught us that music videos could be more than a singer performing—they could tell a story, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impression.

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna (1989)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Art Can Be Provocative

Oh, Madonna. No one pushed buttons quite like her, and Like a Prayer was no exception. This video had it all: burning crosses, statues coming to life, and Madonna dancing in a church choir. It was bold, controversial, and downright unforgettable.

For 80s kids, Like a Prayer wasn’t just a music video—it was a masterclass in the power of art to provoke and spark debate. Madonna taught us that being daring could make you a star, and she inspired a generation to think critically about the intersection of music, religion, and personal expression.

“Take on Me” by A-ha (1985)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Visual Effects Can Be Magical

If you didn’t spend hours trying to recreate the pencil-sketch effect from Take on Me, were you even an 80s kid? A-ha’s groundbreaking video blended live action with animation, creating a love story that felt like stepping into a comic book.

The visuals were mesmerizing, and the song was catchy enough to live in our heads rent-free for decades. It showed us that music videos could push the boundaries of technology and imagination, giving us a glimpse of what was possible when creativity and innovation collided.

“Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel (1986)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Weird Can Be Wonderful

Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer was pure, unfiltered weirdness—and we loved every second of it. The stop-motion animation, claymation, and surreal visuals made it unlike anything we’d ever seen before.

It taught us that being quirky and different wasn’t just okay—it was awesome. Watching Sledgehammer was like stepping into an art museum, except you could dance along and not get yelled at by a security guard.

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (1983)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Fun Is a Statement

Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun was the ultimate anthem for unapologetic joy. The video was a riot of bold colors, quirky characters, and carefree dancing, with Cyndi herself leading the charge in her signature offbeat style.

This wasn’t just a music video—it was a manifesto. It taught us that being yourself, no matter how unconventional, was something to celebrate. Plus, it gave us serious hair goals.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Rebellion Can Redefine Cool

The 90s ushered in a grunge revolution, and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit was its battle cry. The video, set in a grungy high school gym, was chaotic, raw, and full of the rebellious energy that defined the era.

For those of us coming of age in the 90s, it was a crash course in counterculture. Nirvana showed us that being rough around the edges wasn’t just acceptable—it was cool. It made flannel shirts and messy hair a fashion statement and gave us permission to reject perfection in favor of authenticity.

“Vogue” by Madonna (1990)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Glamour Is for Everyone

Madonna strikes again, this time with Vogue. Inspired by the underground ballroom scene and drag culture, the video was a black-and-white homage to old Hollywood glam. It was sophisticated, sultry, and endlessly stylish.

But beyond the glitz, Vogue taught us something deeper: that glamour wasn’t just for the rich and famous. It was for anyone who dared to strike a pose and own their space. Madonna made us feel like stars, even if our red carpets were just the hallways of our middle schools.

“You Might Think” by The Cars (1984)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Music Videos Can Be Playful

The Cars’ You Might Think was a delightful mix of quirky humor and early computer-generated imagery. With its surreal visuals and playful vibe, it stood out as a reminder that music videos didn’t always have to be serious—they could just be fun.

It taught us to embrace whimsy, creativity, and the joy of not taking yourself too seriously. Plus, it gave us a reason to rewatch and catch every zany detail we missed the first time.

“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses (1992)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Drama Is Everything

Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, November Rain was an epic saga of love, loss, and epic guitar solos. With its sweeping cinematography, gothic church wedding, and tragic twists, it felt more like a blockbuster movie than a music video.

For 90s kids, November Rain was proof that music videos could be as dramatic as any soap opera—and we ate it up. It taught us that sometimes, more is more, and there’s no such thing as being too over-the-top when it comes to storytelling.

“Material Girl” by Madonna (1985)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Music Videos Can Pay Homage

Madonna’s Material Girl wasn’t just a music video—it was a playful nod to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend number from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Decked out in pink satin and dripping with diamonds, Madonna oozed charisma as she poked fun at the very idea of materialism.

It taught us that music videos could pay homage to the past while being cheeky and self-aware. And it reminded us that Madonna was a master at reinventing herself while always staying true to her playful spirit.

“Express Yourself” by Madonna (1989)

The Pop Culture Lesson: Empowerment Is Cool

Yes, Madonna is back again—because let’s face it, she ruled the music video game. Express Yourself was a visual feast inspired by Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, complete with industrial sets, sultry choreography, and a message of empowerment.

It taught us to demand what we deserved, whether in love, life, or work. And it made us believe that expressing ourselves—unapologetically and boldly—was the ultimate power move.

The legacy of the music video era

For those of us who grew up glued to MTV, these music videos weren’t just background noise—they were our pop culture education. They shaped how we dressed, danced, and saw the world. They gave us catchphrases, style icons, and stories we still remember decades later.

And while music videos have evolved with the rise of YouTube and TikTok, there’s something magical about the classics. They remind us of a time when a three-minute video could make us feel like we were part of something bigger—part of a cultural revolution unfolding in glorious Technicolor.

So here’s to the music videos that turned us into pop culture experts, one perfectly choreographed dance move at a time. May their legacies (and our VHS tapes) live on forever.

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