10 Most Expensive Music Videos of All Time

Michael and Janet Jackson's "Scream" holds the record for the most expensive music video ever made, costing $7 million. Madonna's many music videos cost approximately the same amount.

1. Scream - Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson: 7 million USD(watch video)

Scream was released in 1995 amid the media spotlight of Michael Jackson with allegations of child molestation. The music video was nominated for a Grammy and remains the most expensive music video ever made, costing $7 million. Directed by Mark Romanek, the video premiered on MTV and BET and attracted 64 million viewers.

The nearly five-minute video was shot in black and white, with the idea that Michael and Janet live on a large spaceship. The three art directors, Richard Berg, Jeff Hall and Martin Mervel, created various sets to represent the spaceship. The music video is also said to use the most modern special effects at the time to serve the idea.

In addition to being the most expensive music video, it is also one of the most influential videos of all time thanks to its stylish design, captivating choreography, and the Jackson brothers' top vocals and acting. The video, choreographed by Travis Payne, LaVelle Smith Jnr, Tina Landon, and Sacha Lucashenko, won the award for best choreography at the 1995 MTV Awards.

2. Die Another Day - Madonna: 6 million USD(watch video)

The song Die Another Day was recorded for the 2002 James Bond action film of the same name. The music video, which was made as an action film, is said to be inspired by the film itself. The video, directed by Traktor, depicts Madonna as a prisoner undergoing severe torture and her battle between the forces of good and evil within herself.

The post-production and visual effects were heavily invested in by Moving Picture Company in London, England. They used "invisble" techniques for the fight scenes, allowing Madonna to play two characters at once.

3. Express Yourself - Madonna: 5 million USD

Madonna is considered a star who "spends a lot" on music videos. The MV Express Yourself was released in 1989, directed by David Fincher, cost 5 million USD. The video is set in a city full of skyscrapers and train stations. Madonna plays a sadist, surrounded by a series of men who appear to be her employees. One of the men is played by model Cameron Alborzian. The video is remembered for its feminist message but also received criticism for Madonna's sexual image.

The single "Express Yourself" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the "Queen of Pop's" most famous songs.

4. Bedtime Story - Madonna: 5 million USD(watch video)

For her 1995 single Bedtime Story, the singer released a multi-effects music video directed by Mark Romanek. The music video also cost over $5 million and was inspired by surrealist artists such as Leonara Carrington and Remedios Varo.

5. Black or White - Michael Jackson combined LTB: 4 million USD(watch video)

Michael Jackson in the MV "Black or White".

The music video for Black or White was released in 1991 and achieved the highest viewership ratings when it aired on MTV, BET, VH1 and Fox at that time. The music video was directed by John Landis (who also made the Thriller music video), cost $4 million and starred Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, George Wendt. The music video caused controversy due to scenes of Michael Jackson touching sensitive parts, destroying cars...

6. Estranged - Guns N' Roses: $4 million(watch video)

Estranged is the third single in Guns N Roses' hit trilogy, which included Don't Cry and November Rain. Estranged was released in 1993 with a music video directed by Del James that cost nearly $4 million.

The nearly 10-minute video is about a breakup. The sad music video was released at the same time as the lead singer - Axl Rose - and model Stephanie Seymour's love story broke down. The video features many spectacular scenes including suicide jumping off a bridge, helicopter rescue at sea, whales... Interspersed with scenes of the group's performances.

7. Victory - Puff Daddy: 3 million USD(watch video)

The song Victory, released in 1997, marked Puff's last collaboration with rapper The Notorious BIG before the rapper's death. The music video, directed by Marcus Nispel, cost $3 million and featured guest appearances by Danny DeVito, Dennis Hopper, and Busta Rhymes. The video is set in 3002 AD, and features Puff Daddy being chased by armed police. The Notorious BIG did not appear in the music video because he had passed away at the time of filming.

8. 2 Legit 2 Quit - MC Hammer: 2.5 million USD(watch video)

The single “2 Legit 2 Quit” was a hit since its release in 1991, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The video, directed by Rupert Wainwright, was 15 minutes long and cost over $2.5 million. The video featured a star-studded cast, including several famous athletes.

9. Heartbreaker - Mariah Carey featuring Jay-Z: 2.5 million USD(watch video)

Heartbreaker was released in 1999 and is one of Mariah Carey's most famous singles, featuring rapper Jay-Z. She invested $2.5 million to make the video, directed by Brett Ratner. In the video, Jerry O'Connell plays Mariah Carey's boyfriend, who she catches with another woman at the cinema. Director Brett Ratner took inspiration from the movies Grease and Enter the Dragon, giving the video a vintage feel.

10. Doesn't Really Matter - Janet Jackson: 2.5 million USD(watch video)

Doesn't Really Matter was released in 2000 for the Nutty Professor II soundtrack. The music video was directed by Joseph Kahn and featured a Japanese theme, which was not yet a popular trend in American music video culture at the time. The video showed off the novelty of filming techniques at the time.

According to VNE