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 (over 150 billion VND). Many of Madonna's music videos have cost roughly the same amount.

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

"Scream" was released in 1995 amidst Michael Jackson's media attention over allegations of child sexual abuse. The music video was nominated for a Grammy and remains to this day the most expensive music video ever produced – costing $7 million. Directed by Mark Romanek, the video's premiere on MTV and BET attracted 64 million viewers.

The nearly five-minute video, shot in black and white, depicts Michael and Janet living on a large spaceship. Art directors Richard Berg, Jeff Hall, and Martin Mervel created various settings to represent the spaceship's environment. The music video is also said to have utilized the most advanced special effects available at the time to support the concept.

Besides being the most expensive music video, it's also one of the most influential videos of all time thanks to its stylish design, captivating choreography, and the outstanding vocals and acting of the Jackson brothers. Choreographed by Travis Payne, LaVelle Smith Jnr, Tina Landon, and Sacha Lucashenko, the video won the award for Best Choreography at the 1995 MTV Awards.

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

The song "Die Another Day" was recorded for the 2002 James Bond action film of the same name. The music video, filmed like an action movie, is believed to be inspired by the film itself. Directed by Traktor, the video portrays Madonna as a prisoner enduring brutal torture and her struggle between the forces of good and evil within herself.

The post-production and visual effects were heavily invested in, handled by Moving Picture, a company based in London, England. They used "invisible" special effects for the fight scenes, allowing Madonna to play two characters simultaneously.

3. Express Yourself - Madonna: 5 million USD

Madonna is considered a star who "spends big" on music videos. Her 1989 music video, "Express Yourself," directed by David Fincher, cost $5 million. The video is set in a city full of skyscrapers and train stations. Madonna plays a sadomasochist, surrounded by a group of men who appear to be her workers. One of the roles is played by model Cameron Alborzian. The music video is remembered for its feminist message but also received much criticism for Madonna's suggestive imagery.

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

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

With her 1995 single "Bedtime Story," the singer released a multi-effects music video directed by Mark Romanek. The music video also had a budget of over $5 million, drawing inspiration from surrealist painters such as Leonardo Carrington and Remedios Varo.

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

Michael Jackson in the MV "Black or White".

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

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

Estranged was the third single in Guns N Roses' hit trilogy, which also included Don't Cry and November Rain. Released in 1993, Estranged was accompanied by a music video directed by Del James, which was valued at nearly $4 million.

The nearly 10-minute video, themed around a breakup, features a melancholic tone and coincided with the breakup of lead singer Axl Rose's relationship with model Stephanie Seymour. The video includes spectacular scenes such as suicide jumps, helicopter rescues at sea, and whale pods. Interspersed throughout are scenes from the band's performances.

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

The song "Victory," released in 1997, marked Puff Daddy's final collaboration with rapper The Notorious BIG before the latter's death. The music video, directed by Marcus Nispel and costing $3 million, featured guest appearances by Danny DeVito, Dennis Hopper, and Busta Rhymes. Set in 3002 AD, the video shows Puff Daddy being chased by armed police officers. The Notorious BIG did not appear in the music video as he had already passed away at the time of filming.

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

The single "2 Legit 2 Quit" was a hit from its release in 1991, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video, directed by Rupert Wainwright, is 15 minutes long and cost over $2.5 million. The video is notable for its star-studded guest appearances, including many famous track and field athletes.

9. Heartbreaker - Mariah Carey and Jay-Z: $2.5 million(watch video)

Heartbreaker, released in 1999, is one of Mariah Carey's most famous singles, a collaboration with rapper Jay-Z. She invested $2.5 million in the music video, directed by Brett Ratner. In the video, Jerry O'Connell plays Mariah Carey's boyfriend, whom she catches dating another woman at the movie theater. Director Brett Ratner drew inspiration from the films 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 as part of the soundtrack album for Nutty Professor II. The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, featured a Japanese theme, which wasn't a popular trend in American music video culture at the time. The video showcased the innovative filmmaking technology used then.

According to VNE