We take a look at 10 of the most expensive music videos ever made, with production budgets in the staggering millions of dollars.

Music videos have come a long way since the arrival of MTV in the 1980s. Back then, music videos were a novelty, but today they are an integral part of the music industry, helping artists to Reach a wider audience and create a visual representation of your music.

Today, music videos are an integral part of the music industry, providing a visual representation of the artist’s lyrics, message, and sometimes ego. With technology on the rise, music videos have become more elaborate and visually striking, resulting in a significant increase in production costs. Some of the most expensive music videos ever made have pushed the boundaries of creativity, production values, and special effects.

Today we’re going to take a look at 10 of those boundary-pushing music videos, but first a few rules:

• Our list today is limited to one entry per artist; otherwise the top 10 would be mostly Michael Jackson and Madonna videos.
• Music video budgets are adjusted for inflation and in USD for comparison purposes.

Now, let’s take a look at ten of the most expensive music videos ever made.

1. Shout by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson – $12.5 million

Shout it was a highly stylized and futuristic video, featuring the two most famous Jacksons in high-tech suits, in a sci-fi setting, surrounded by cutting-edge special effects and sound design. The Mark Romanek-directed music video cost approximately $7 million at the time. However, what really boggles the mind is how bad the special effects are for such a high budget, it just goes to show how far CGI has come in the last 30 years.

2. estranged for Guns N’ Roses – $9.4 million

estranged by Guns N’ Roses was a visually stunning music video, with elaborate sets, special effects and intricate choreography. The video, directed by Andy Morahan, cost approximately $5 million at the time, which is probably enough to buy a small island and declare Guns N’ Roses as its official rulers.

3. die another day by Madonna – $9.1 million

of madonna die another day The video was a high-tech, high-production extravaganza that would make James Bond jealous. Directed by Traktor, the video cost a staggering $6.1 million at the time and features Madonna in a futuristic setting, surrounded by special effects and cutting-edge technology. Basically, it was like watching a science fiction movie with Madonna in the lead.

4. cartoon heroes for Aqua – $5.5 million

cartoon heroes from Aqua was such a colorful video that it made unicorn fur look boring. Budgeted at $3.5 million at the time, the video was a whimsical and fun production that was filled with animation and special effects. It was like watching a cartoon come to life, with the band as stars.

5. 2 Legitimate 2 Exit by MC Hammer – $4.9 million

2 Legitimate 2 Exit it was a video with so much energy that it could have energized a small town. With a budget of $2.5 million in 1991, MC Hammer brought his unique style and impressive choreography to life, surrounded by special effects that were out of this world. This video was a true showcase of MC Hammer’s showmanship and over-the-top personality.

6. Rollin’ (air attack vehicle) for Limp Bizkit – $4.6 million

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Fred Durst was rightfully awarded $3 million and the director’s chair for one of the biggest-budget music videos of all time (we’ll really miss the 2000s). The music video for Rollin’ (air attack vehicle) by Limp Bizkit presents the band in an energetic presentation, surrounded by special effects and elaborate sets.

7. make me like you by Gwen Stefani – $4.5 million

The 2016 music video make me like you Gwen Stefani’s was a highly inventive production, directed by Sophie Muller. The video, which cost approximately $4 million (which is the equivalent of $4.5 million in today’s money because recent inflation sucks so much), was shot in real time, with Stefani performing the song and changing her clothes multiple times, creating a visually stunning and dynamic accompaniment of the song.

8. Victory for Puff Daddy (with The Notorious BIG and Busta Rhymes) – $4.4 million

Puff Daddy’s “Victory” (with The Notorious BIG and Busta Rhymes) was a big-budget production, costing an estimated $2.7 million at the time. Directed by Marcus Nispel, the video features Puff Daddy, The Notorious BIG and Busta Rhymes in a high-end, edgy setting, surrounded by beautiful women and fancy cars. It was like watching a music video and a car commercial all rolled into one.

9. heartbreaker by Mariah Carey (with Jay-Z) – $4 million

Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker” was such a lavish video that it made it seem like the royal family was on a budget. Directed by Brett Ratner, the video cost $2.5 million in 1999 and features Carey surrounded by designer clothes, high-end jewelry, and expensive cars. It was a true showcase of Carey’s diva status and her over-the-top lifestyle.

10 It’s all coming back to me now for Celine Dion – $4 million

It’s all coming back to me now by Celine Dion was such an epic video that made The Lord of the rings looks like a short film Directed by Peter Arnell, the video cost $2 million to make and features Dion in a beautifully crafted dramatic setting, surrounded by special effects and elaborate scenery. However, it seems like most of the video’s budget went into the tonally stunted and unintentionally hilarious motorcycle accident scene at the beginning of the video.