The ‘90s noticed music movies elevated to an artwork type.
Within the earlier decade, artists had been primarily targeted on eye-candy – efficiency footage, foolish antics and video vixens had been among the commonest tropes throughout the ‘80s. However the ‘90s noticed an evolution, as rising auteurs acknowledged music movies as a brand new inventive canvas (many administrators from the period went on to profitable function movie careers).
Music movies developed deeper narratives, spectacular manufacturing design and intelligent ideas. Some artists used the platform to raise social consciousness, whereas others took the chance to focus on deeper complexities inside their lyrics.
READ MORE: 30 Best ’80s Music Movies
Under, we’ve ranked the 30 Best Music Movies From the ‘90s, together with such vaunted acts as Weapons N’ Roses, Nirvana, Tom Petty, R.E.M. and 9 Inch Nails.
30. Nirvana, “Coronary heart-Formed Field”
Acclaimed director Anton Corbijn helmed Nirvana’s 1993 music video for “Coronary heart-Formed Field,” mixing his stark, moody model with the band’s restlessly uncooked sound. The clip caught consideration – each optimistic and unfavorable – for its non secular overtones, together with a gaunt, aged half-naked man crucified whereas carrying a Santa hat. The surreal video proved Nirvana wasn’t going to tone down their opinionated and, at occasions, abrasive methods simply because they’d all of the sudden grow to be the largest act on the planet.
29. Rage In opposition to the Machine, “Killing within the Title”
When a track is as incendiary as Rage In opposition to the Machine’s “Killing within the Title,” it may be exhausting to seize its energy in a music video. For this 1992 clip, Peter Gideon, a pal of guitarist Tom Morello, shot footage of the band’s dynamic reside performances at a pair of small Los Angeles golf equipment. By means of a mixture of numerous angles, emotive shut ups and occasional movement management, Gideon was in a position to harness the anger and adrenaline of Rage In opposition to the Machine, which completely echoed “Killing within the Title”’s name to arms.
28. Radiohead, “No Surprises”
“No Surprises” might not be essentially the most well-known track from Radiohead’s 1997 LP OK Pc, however its music video is actually memorable. The clip consists of 1 steady shot of frontman Thom Yorke singing the tune inside a glass, spaceman-like helmet that slowly fills with water. Finally, the singer’s head is totally consumed by liquid, a mirrored image of one of many track’s lyrics which references “a job that slowly kills you.” Other than rushing up a part of the tune after which using movement management later, no particular results had been used to make the clip. Yorke actually did come near drowning at a number of occasions throughout filming.
27. Smashing Pumpkins, “1979”
There’s a particular house film vibe to the Smashing Pumpkins’ music video for “1979”. The clip is washed in nostalgia, as a bunch of associates embark on the sorts of teenaged shenanigans that naively accompany the evolution to maturity. Numerous members of the group are seen attending a home social gathering, embracing younger love and vandalizing a comfort retailer, all intercut with frontman Billy Corgan – because the story’s narrator – wistfully singing behind a automobile.
26. Stone Temple Pilots, “Interstate Love Track”
A black and white silent movie scene opens the music video for Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Track,” as a heartbroken man seems to be thrown out of a citadel by the princess he loves. Because the track kicks in, the photographs change to a purple hue – echoing the title of STP’s 1994 LP. As Scott Weiland and his bandmates carry out the track on an industrial rooftop, the lovelorn man – together with his comically rising lengthy nostril – is seen sprinting and stumbling in an try to outrun his distress.
25. Verve, “Bitter Candy Symphony”
The Verve’s 1997 hit “Bittersweet Symphony” is an ode to the unnerving, irritating and generally tragic occurrences of on a regular basis life. For its music video, frontman Richard Ashcroft is seen strolling by a metropolis road in London, bumping into numerous folks alongside the way in which. Regardless of frequently colliding with fellow pedestrians – and even at one level being accosted by a lady, offended that he stepped onto her automobile – Ashcroft doggedly continues to maintain strolling. The video obtained huge airplay on MTV and was nominated for 3 VMAs. It stays one of many ‘90s most enduring clips, and a timestamp of the Britpop invasion.
24. Fiona Apple, “Felony”
Fiona Apple arrived with thunder on the again of her 1997 debut album Tidal. The third single, “Felony,” proved to be her industrial peak, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Sizzling 100. Its video featured Apple temperamentally sulking in numerous states of undress. Whereas provocative music movies had been nothing new, this wasn’t a case of oversexualized eye-candy. As an alternative, Apple appears at conflict with herself, questioning why she’d use her personal powers of seduction to harm somebody. It’s sensual, harmful and engrossing abruptly.
23. Inexperienced Day, “Basket Case”
When you’re going to make a music video for a track known as “Basket Case,” odds are you’re going to set it in a psychological establishment. Bonus factors to the fellows in Inexperienced Day who demanded they movie in an precise establishment, albeit one which was not in use. The clip was shot within the Agnews Developmental Heart in Santa Clara, California, which reportedly nonetheless had loads of deserted gadgets strewn about its rooms. With inspiration from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Billy Joe Armstrong and the band rock out whereas additionally taking treatment and enduring hallucinations. The video’s oversaturated colours additional improve its surreal nature. The “Basket Case” video was nominated for 9 MTV Video Music Awards in 1995, however left empty handed.
22. Soundgarden, “Black Gap Solar”
One other surreal and perplexing music video – was one thing within the water within the ‘90s? – Soundgarden’s “Black Gap Solar” added an additional factor of ensuing hazard. Within the clip, Chris Cornell and firm carry out amid a suburban city whose inhabitants have distorted, demonic grins on their faces. A plague engulfs the neighborhood because the titular “Black Gap Solar” takes over the sky. Whereas some grins flip to screams, lots of the folks carry on smiling by their very own demise. The result’s a twistedly memorable clip.
21. Oasis, “Wonderwall”
In some methods, the music video for “Wonderwall” was made regardless of Oasis. “I used their conceitedness and ‘fuck you’ angle because the centre of the movie,” director Nigel Dick recalled years later. The black and white clip primarily reveals Noel and Liam Gallagher seated and performing the track in a sparse warehouse setting. Although the hovering monitor is a heartfelt ballad, the Gallaghers’ distinction such emotion within the video by showing irritated to be there. It wasn’t only for present. The brothers had been at one another’s throats throughout filming, and reportedly got here near blows. “They only began yelling at one another out of nothing, actually letting off, Dick recalled. “They had been snarling, effing and blinding for about 90 seconds and I feared one may carry a fist.”
20. Jane’s Habit, “Been Caught Stealing”
There’s one thing charmingly DIY about Jane’s Habit’s music video for “Been Caught Stealing.” The premise is primary sufficient, as members of the band could be seen amongst numerous different characters who’re shoplifting at a small native grocery retailer. However the entire thing seems prefer it was shot on a camcorder by one among Perry Farrell’s artwork college associates (which is just partly correct). Regardless, the clip is a snapshot of the ‘90s, like a time capsule of the period through which it was created.
19. Aerosmith, “Cryin’”
Earlier than cementing her place in ‘90s lore with the movie Clueless, Alicia Silverstone was the eye-catching star of three completely different Aerosmith music movies. The primary – and nonetheless the very best, in our opinion – was 1993’s “Cryin’”. Within the clip, Silverstone performs a teen who catches her boyfriend (performed by Stephen Dorff) dishonest. The incident sends her right into a spiral of riot, main her to get a tattoo and a naval piercing. The video culminates with Silverstone’s character teetering on the sting of a freeway overpass. When the ex-boyfriend arrives, she jumps to her peril – solely to disclose a bungee wire that saves her from loss of life. “Cryin’” was reportedly MTV’s most requested video of 1993.
18. Blind Melon, “No Rain”
Blind Melon’s “No Rain” is a staple of ‘90s rock that continues resonating with listeners greater than 30 years after its launch. In the meantime, its music video is finest remembered for introducing the world to “Bee Woman.” Performed by younger actress Heather DeLoach, the kid is seen faucet dancing in a bee costume throughout a faculty expertise present. She is mocked and laughed at, main her to seek for kindness exterior the college’s partitions. Although initially dismissed by different members of society, she finally finds a heavenly commune of equally dressed dancers, becoming a member of them to joyously have a good time on a grassy inexperienced hillside.
17. David Bowie, “I am Afraid of People”
Most individuals – understandably – don’t know that the unique model of David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid of People” was launched on the soundtrack to Showgirls. The higher identified rendition arrived two years in a while the singer’s LP Earthling. Bowie teamed up with Brian Eno and 9 Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor for the monitor, delivering an industrial tune brimming with stressed power. That very same nervousness could be felt within the track’s music video, as Reznor performs a violent “Johnny” who stalks and torments Bowie all through the piece.
16. Van Halen, “Proper Now”
Hindsight being what it’s, it’s exhausting to label Van Halen’s music video for “Proper Now” as something however tacky. Nonetheless, it was additionally revolutionary, being one of many first examples of a famous person act making a “video with a trigger.” With slides about protected intercourse, local weather change, company greed and the risks of smoking, the “Proper Now” video introduced consideration to lots of the ‘90s greatest societal points. Not everybody was on board with the idea – Sammy Hagar notably thought the video would take away from the track. Nonetheless, “Proper Now” largely earned acclaim, even taking house Video of the 12 months on the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.
15. Radiohead, “Karma Police”
Few ‘90s acts delivered such memorable – and, at occasions, startling – music movies as Radiohead. Their clip for “Karma Police” was maybe essentially the most haunting of all of them. A sedan drives down a desolate highway, stalking and tormenting a person who runs to maintain simply barely forward of the car. A lot of the footage is shot from the perspective of the unseen driver, whereas Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke stoically sings within the backseat. Whereas the working man has been preventing for his life by many of the clip, the tables all of the sudden flip on the finish when he units a gasoline leak on hearth, inflicting the automobile to grow to be engulfed in flames. Director Jonathan Glazer took house the VMA for Greatest Path because of his work on the unforgettable clip.
14. Aerosmith, “Livin’ on the Edge”
What’s the connection between a roving gang of catholic schoolgirls, teenage bullying, gun play, auto theft, cross-dressing, full-frontal nudity, a practice headed in direction of Joe Perry and Steven Tyler adorned like a turkey? We do not know. However by some means, Aerosmith introduced all of those components collectively of their music video for “Livin on the Edge”. The result’s head-scratching, however actually memorable.
13. The Treatment, “Friday I am in Love”
We’re assuming all of you might be acquainted with the work of Georges Méliès, so that you already know the Treatment’s 1992 music video for “Friday I’m in Love” was impressed by the influential French silent filmmaker. The clip finds Robert Smith and firm playing around on a soundstage, with numerous backdrops, props and film extras chaotically coming and going all through the piece. The video for “Friday I’ in Love” earned heavy rotation on MTV and took house the Worldwide Viewer’s Alternative Award on the 1992 VMAs.
12. George Michael, “Freedom! ’90”
Exhausted by being below the watchful eye of the media, George Michael determined within the early ‘90s that he not needed to take part in picture classes or music movies. So when it got here time to give you an idea for his single “Freedom! ‘90” Michael recommended a bevy of supermodels take his place. Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford – all of whom had appeared on a well-known Vogue cowl – starred within the clip, lip synching to Michael’s track. Helmed by David Fincher – who would later grow to be a extremely regarded Hollywood director – “Freedom! 90”’s music video was cinematic and daring. Reasonably than making the fashions intercourse objects – as was widespread on MTV on the time – the ladies had been robust and empowered, but nonetheless sensual. It stays a landmark clip from the last decade.
11. Metallica, “Enter Sandman”
Metallica harnessed childhood fears for his or her traditional 1991 tune “Enter Sandman”. Its accompanying music video constructed on these themes as a younger boy suffers by nightmarish visions all through the piece. The video additionally utilized strobe-like flickering, including a surreal and disturbing factor to the photographs on display. “Enter Sandman” gained Greatest Onerous Rock Video on the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, one among three nominations they’d that yr.
10. Pearl Jam, “Jeremy”
Many followers don’t notice that the well-known music video for “Jeremy” was truly the second made for the track. Pearl Jam initially enlisted rock photographer Chris Cuffaro to helm the undertaking, however after initially filming his thought, the band’s label urged them to go in a distinct course. Mark Pellington directed what would grow to be Pearl Jam’s most iconic video, a robust narrative that chronicled an adolescent bullied to the purpose of suicide. Controversial upon its launch, the clip needed to be edited in an effort to air on MTV. Nonetheless, if gained 4 VMAs and stays an agonizingly memorable piece.
9. Crimson Sizzling Chili Peppers, “Give It Away”
The music video for Crimson Sizzling Chili Peppers’ 1991 single “Give It Away” is each tribal and futuristic. Within the clip, the band is seen writhing, dancing and gyrating whereas performing the track in an expansive desert setting. Every of the rockers is roofed in silver paint, however the video is shot in black and white, giving the entire thing a chrome-like look. Frequent digital camera actions add to the otherworldly sensation. Total, viewers are left feeling like they’re watching some type of alien species captured on one other planet.
8. Weezer, “Buddy Holly”
For Weezer’s music video for “Buddy Holly,” viewers are transported again in time to Arnold’s, the well-known diner from the traditional TV sequence Completely happy Days. Characters like Richie and the Fonz are seen having fun with the efficiency, whereas different 1950’s youngsters proceed to bop to the tune. As of late, a video like this could have been created utilizing AI and pc results. Nonetheless director Spike Jonze and his workforce delivered the memorable clip by using old-school filmaking and enhancing methods.
7. R.E.M., “Dropping My Faith”
R.E.M.’s music video for “Dropping My Faith” is a visually beautiful piece of labor. All through the clip, unfavorable area is used to focus on the track’s sense of isolation. It’s a stylistic alternative extra generally present in oil work than in music movies, nevertheless it works to perfection right here. Dramatic lighting, non secular imagery and evocative visible additional increase the clip’s inventive benefit. Directed by Indian filmmaker Tarsem Singh, “Dropping My Faith” grew to become an MTV mainstay. It took house six VMAs in 1991, together with the award for Video of the 12 months.
6. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “Mary Jane’s Final Dance”
The video for “Mary Jane’s Final Dance” finds Tom Petty working in a morgue the place he falls in love with a ravishing corpse, performed by Kim Basinger. Like a morbidly romantic model of Weekend at Bernie’s, Petty brings the physique house and proceeds to behave as if the lady continues to be alive. They watch TV, take pleasure in a banquet dinner and even dance collectively, all whereas the lady lies lifelessly in Petty’s arms. He then takes the physique to the ocean and sends it out to sea, solely to have the lady open her eyes within the remaining moments of the clip. “Mary Jane’s Final Dance” earned heavy rotation on MTV, persevering with Petty’s sizzling streak with standard movies. It gained the MTV Video Music Award for Greatest Male Video in 1994, the ultimate VMA of Petty’s profession.
5. Beastie Boys, “Sabotage”
Even many years after its launch, there’s one thing that’s undeniably pleasurable concerning the Beastie Boys’ music video for “Sabotage.” Listed below are Advert Rock, Mike D and MCA donning aviator sun shades and ridiculous mustaches as they roll out in town like a trio of ’70s cops. From kicking down doorways, to climbing fences, to getting in a foot race, to scarfing down donuts, the trio make their absurd recreation of costume up really feel extremely enjoyable.
4. Sinéad O’Connor, “Nothing Compares 2 U”
Whereas different entries on our listing are notable for his or her complexity, Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” video is notable for its good simplicity. The clip is basically a closeup of the Irish singer set towards a black backdrop, performing the tune. Her feelings are palpable all through the piece, a mirrored image of the load of the track. At one level, O’Connor even begins to cry, an unscripted second she later revealed was the results of pondering of her useless mom whereas she carried out. Loads of different ‘90s movies featured louder bells and whistles, however none carried extra earnest vulnerability than “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
3. Weapons ‘N Roses, “November Rain”
The music video for Weapons N’ Roses’ “November Rain” ranks among the many most grandiose and costly ever produced. The cinematic clip tells the story of a rock star (Axl Rose) whose spouse commits suicide following his fixed dishonest. We see highlights of their relationship – together with the marriage interrupted by a sudden thunderstorm – interspersed with scenes of the lady’s funeral and GNR efficiency clips. The entire thing performs extra like a function movie than a music video, with spectacular manufacturing design and cinematography. Many memorable moments stand out, together with Slash’s iconic guitar solo standing exterior a rural church. “November Rain” is without doubt one of the hottest music movies in historical past. It surpassed a billion YouTube views in 2018, the primary rock video to ever obtain the milestone.
2. 9 Inch Nails, “Nearer”
9 Inch Nails’ sadomasochistic music video for “Nearer” was initially so disturbing that MTV executives refused to indicate it on their community. However, as the economic rock pioneers grew to become too standard to disregard, an edited model of the clip was given airtime. Among the many video’s haunting imagery: A unadorned lady with a crucifix, a chained up monkey, a severed pig’s head and frontman Trent Reznor suspended within the air. The sinister video was controversial, but in addition vastly standard. Greater than a decade after its launch, VH1 named it No. 1 on their listing of Best Music Movies of All Time.
1. Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
It’s essentially the most iconic music video of the ‘90s and is within the dialog for biggest rock video ever made. Nirvana’s clip for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” gave a visible to the grunge motion which had taken over the world. The video is so iconic that even informal music followers can acknowledge it by a single body. But even should you took the band away, the cheerleaders, the janitor and the highschool setting, followers would nonetheless be capable of establish the clip by its eerie yellow glow. When such distinct traits are identifiable generations after launch, you realize you’re speaking about timeless artwork.
Prime 100 ’90s Rock Albums
Any dialogue of the Prime 100 ’90s Rock Albums should embody some grunge, and this one is not any completely different.
Gallery Credit score: UCR Workers
