Music Videos That Moved Pop Culture Forward

As powerful as many songs are on their own, their impact is further amplified when paired with a moment-making music video. Over the decades, countless visuals have captured the public imagination, shaping how pop culture looks, moves, and remembers its biggest turning points.

Here are some of the most memorable music videos by male artists that helped define and shape pop culture.

Thriller – Michael Jackson (1982)

As the King of Pop, Michael Jackson set an unmatched standard with Thriller, a work that remains inseparable from pop culture history. Beyond its enduring association with Halloween, the video’s cinematic scale, infectious beat, and Michael’s unmistakable swagger turned it into a cultural landmark.

With its electrifying choreography, gripping storytelling, and legendary fashion, Thriller secured its place among the most iconic music videos ever made. Having such a high cultural impact, it ultimately became a barometer on what makes a memorable music video.

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley (1987)

While now inseparable from its status as an internet meme, Never Gonna Give You Up remains one of the most recognizable music videos (and songs) of all time. Introduced in 1987 as a feel-good pop song, Rick’s carefree charm, earnest performance, and unmistakable visuals played a key role in cementing the song as a lasting pop culture touchstone that continues to resonate across generations.

I Want it That Way – Backstreet Boys (1999)

One of the defining hits of the 1990s, I want it That Way presented the Backstreet Boys at the height of their classic boy band appeal. Each member brought individuality to the group’s coordinated black looks, later transitioning into all white ensembles that emphasized unity and polish. The video captured the era’s ideal of pop stardom through style, sincerity, and choreography.

As one of pop-culture’s most notable moments, the music video’s simple yet charismatic appeal helped shape the blueprint for the next generation of popular boy bands including *NSYNC and One Direction.

Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2015)

One of the most recognizable songs of the 2010s with two Grammy awards and an inclusion on Rolling Stone’s “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, Uptown Funk was driven by Bruno’s electric presence paired with the single’s artistic relevance. The video mirrored the track’s infectious energy, driven by sharp choreography, bold style, and playful swagger. Its uplifting narrative and rhythmic confidence helped cement it as a defining visual of the decade.

Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles (2019)

Another standout of the pandemic period, Watermelon Sugar dedicated its music video to the concept of touching: a timely idea, given the period in which the video was released. Set against sunlit seaside scenes and vibrant greenery, Harry appeared in playful summer looks paired with equally vibrant sunglasses.

With the lively setting, Harry is seen enjoying the sunny atmosphere as everyone present celebrated the moment together in a close and intimate proximity. Serving as a look back at the luxury from before the music video’s release, the video sent a reminder of the joy made with human connections and physical interactions.

Dynamite – BTS (2020)

Dynamite became one of the defining anthems of the pandemic era, breaking records with nearly 100 million views in its first 24 hours. The video allowed each member to shine without overshadowing the others and reflects the group’s collective strength. Bright, playful, and energetic, it showcased BTS’s signature charisma, reinforcing their global pop dominance.

From the memorable choreography, the well-synchronized dance, to the video’s energizing cinematic appeal, it’s unquestionable how the 2020 hit became a record-breaking release, smashing YouTube records by notching 101 million views in its first 24 hours (the most ever at the time and the first video to cross 100 million in a single day.)