Some music videos captivate audiences with stunning visuals that perfectly complement the song they represent. Others… well, not so much. Sometimes a music video becomes infamous for all the wrong reasons, overshadowing even the music it was meant to boost. Today, we’re taking a deep (and cringeworthy) look at some of the worst music videos of all time.
But what earns a music video a spot on this list? Poor production quality, confusing imagery, or even controversial content are all culprits. These questionable visuals leave us scratching our heads and wondering, “What were they thinking?”
Without further ado, here are the “gems” of the worst music video catalog.
1. “We Built This City” by Starship
Why It’s Worth the Title
Cheesy doesn’t even begin to cover it. “We Built This City” is often called one of the most irritating and overly simplistic music videos of the ‘80s. From its flashy, low-budget graphics to its perplexing shots of people wandering aimlessly, this video feels more like a fever dream than an anthem to city building.
Visual style: Random imagery, like people trapped inside a jukebox, makes it hard to take the song seriously. On top of that? Starship’s awkward on-camera moments make this feel more like amateur karaoke than professional artistry.
Verdict: Over-the-top visuals fail to match the energy (or intention) of the track, making for an excruciating experience.
2. “The Day the World Went Away” by Nine Inch Nails
Why It Missed the Mark
Nine Inch Nails is known for pushing boundaries, but this eerie, disturbing video was a swing and a big miss. While the intention might have been to provoke thought, the storyline and execution left fans feeling uncomfortably disoriented.
Visual style: The shaky, grainy film combined with random post-apocalyptic imagery doesn’t fit the hauntingly melodic tone of the song. Instead, it entangles viewers in chaos. Though Trent Reznor has always embraced unconventional storytelling, this effort veers into downright confusion.
Verdict: Ambitious, but ultimately an uninspired visual mess.
3. “Hot in Herre” by Nelly
Why It’s Forgettably Cliché
Whenever someone mentions 2000s music videos, “Hot in Herre” comes to mind—for reasons that are far from flattering. Nelly’s chart-topping song was overshadowed by its trope-heavy visuals, which leaned absurdly on overly sexualized portrayals and stale party scenes.
Visual style: Imagine every music video stereotype from the early 2000s and cram them together. Women dancing in minimal clothing, awkward close-ups of Nelly sweating, and a scripted house party straight out of a commercial equals a formulaic disaster.
Verdict: A tired cliché of its era that fails to hold lasting appeal.
4. “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell Williams
Why It Sparked Backlash
Sometimes a music video isn’t just bad because of cheesy effects or a lack of creativity. The video for “Blurred Lines” took things to another level by being downright offensive.
Visual style: Centered on scantily clad women wandering aimlessly while Robin Thicke, T.I., and Pharrell gaze at them with almost predatory expressions, the video feels uncomfortable and blatantly objectifying. While the beat was infectious, the controversial premise drew widespread criticism across the board.
Verdict: Provoked outrage, not admiration. A prime example of tone deafness.
Why Do “Bad” Music Videos Matter?
Bad music videos persist in the collective memory of pop culture for various reasons. Whether they’re laughably low-budget, questionably executed, or downright offensive, these music videos highlight how critical visuals are in storytelling. Music videos have the power to elevate a song but, if done poorly, can diminish the listener’s experience entirely.
We’re left with a valuable lesson for artists and directors alike: the visuals should amplify the music—not turn audiences away.
Do you have any cringeworthy music videos you think should be added to this list? Share your picks in the comments below!
