Spanning many different genres,the cost of some of the most expensive music videos of all time is unbelievable. Even before theMTV Generation played a huge role in the industry, creating attention-grabbing videos was something that contributed to musicians' success. Many artists will truly stop at nothing to ensure they get this form of promotion right.
Occasionally, the main highlight of the production is whenanother musician is brought in for a cameo. This can create unforgettable scenes, helping both gain publicity. In other cases,top actors are brought in to enhance the videos' reach. You never know what you’ll get, butthese most expensive videos take it further than ever before.
These span some of the biggest artists in music, as they promoted songs that became massive hits. Additionally, the many genres represented show that the desire to spare no expense to create something memorable is universal. Maybe some new videos will climb up the list someday, but for now,these productions represent music history.
10Celine Dion - It’s All Coming Back To Me Now: 2,300,000
This Is One Way To Make A Standout Version
There is a lengthy history behind the song “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” This tune was written by composer Jim Steinman and originally didn’t go to Céline Dion. However, she would finally get her chance to record it for her 1996 album,Falling into You. She didn’t disappoint, asthe song reached number two on theBillboard200.
The music video, costing 2.3 million dollars, helped make her version shine.
Of course, her voice alone was enough to make the song stand out, but she didn’t stop there. The music video, costing 2.3 million dollars, helped make her version shine. The video was filmed over a few days in the Czech Republic. Each passing hourbecame increasingly expensive. They released two versions, with the longest being nearly eight minutes.
9Mariah Carey & Jay-z - Heartbreaker: 2,500,000
This Was The Meeting Of Two Megastars
In 1999, two of the biggest superstars teamed up as Mariah Carey had Jay-Z join her for the song “Heartbreaker.” The song was a sensation, placing on 11 U.S. charts, including a first-place finish on theBillboardHot 100.Adding to the tune’s uniqueness was the music video, which became such a big production that it was even documented.
The creation of the videowas part of the MTV show,Making the Video. Perhaps the biggest difficulty was the contractual obligations that kept Jay-Z from appearing, which was something they had to work around. However, actor Jerry O’Connell starred in it. Everything else filmed at the Los Angeles Theater went well, including the animated video made for the screen.
8MC Hammer - 2 Legit 2 Quit: 2,500,000
The Pay-Off Was Worth The Price
The first single from MC Hammer’s fourth studio album brought the hip-hop star a lot of notoriety. Not only did “2 Legit 2 Quit” bring him success on the radio, but the music video also made a major impact. The plot follows a breaking news story that sees MC Hammer quitting the music business. From there,things take a turn.
In this video, many celebrities can be seen. Jim Belushi plays the first crucial role as the newscaster reporting his decision. Various celebrities give their opinions, including Queen Latifah. The most important role throughout the 15 minutes is played by James Brown,who gets MC Hammer back on a quest for a Michael Jackson relic.
7Limp Bizkit - Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle): 3,000,000
Metal Can Be Expensive Too
While there are many varying opinions on metal, it’s just as cherished as any other genre. The artists strive to make it grandiose, which was achieved by Limp Bizkit in 2000. As a defining sound of nu metal,the band took their song “Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)” to the next levelwith a production budget hitting three million dollars.
The video begins with actors Ben Stiller and Stephen Dorffapproaching in an expensive car before tossing the keys to Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst. Instead of parking the car, Durst takes it for a joyride. Along with seeing him eventually pick up the band, they’re also seen performing the tune, with Durst having close-up shots in a disco-themed room.
6Aqua - Cartoon Heroes: 3,500,000
They Were On A Roll
Perhaps best known for the song “Barbie Girl,” Aqua quickly made their mark after releasing their first album in 1997. Following this,the group did their best to build on their success in 2000. One of the biggest songs from their second record was “Cartoon Heroes,” which was also the lead single, giving it an important role in the promotion.
To help the song reach a greater audience, they poured everything they had into the music video.
To help the song reach a greater audience, they poured everything they had into the music video. In it, the group is called from space to help battle a one-eyed monster that has risen from the sea. They bravely take on the mission,going into the sea to conquer the monster that terrifies the residents of the planet.
5Coldplay - Feelslikeimfallinginlove: 3,548,100
They Know How To Make Headlines
For a long time, Coldplay has been making history as a band. From well-known songs to the biggest concert tours to even memes,they never fall short of making an impact. With the band commenting that their journey of creating new music could be ending, they are stopping at nothing to ensure they have a lasting impact.
In 2024, with the music video for the song “FeelsLikeI’mFallingInLove,” they spared no expense. The journey that is captured throughout is the song being recited in American Sign Language. It culminates with a tremendous visual of the band performing the tune. It was a great way to promote itwhile also bringing awareness during a month dedicated to it.
4Gwen Stefani - Make Me Like You: 4,000,000
Gwen Has Conquered Pop
Before Gwen Stefani was a successful solo artist, she was a member of No Doubt. However, in the years that she has ventured out on her own,she has done a little bit of everything to establish her brand. Her third studio album arrived in 2016, with one of the prominent songs being “Make Me Like You,” a track that served as the second single.
While the song was praised for its radio-friendly vibe, this wasn’t the only attribute it became known for. The music video,which cost four million dollars, was shot during the live broadcast of the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. To have the airtime that the video received, it cost another eight million dollars, bringing a total investment of twelve million between production and promotion.
3Guns N’ Roses - Estranged: 5,000,000
You Can’t Put A Price On Rock And Roll
When it comes to rock and roll, one of the most revered bands is Guns N' Roses. They burst onto the scene in 1987 with their debut record,Appetite for Destruction, quickly making a name for themselves. When 1991 came around,one of their releases was their fourth album. This had 14 legendary tracks, including “Civil War” and “Estranged.”
With an estimated budget of four million, the band reportedly went over that, spending roughly five million dollars to create the music video for “Estranged.“This was yet another legendary video for them directed by Andy Morahan, who also directed “November Rain,” among others. It featured them performing live, and in various other locations, including some epic water scenes.
2Madonna - Die Another Day: 6,100,000
There’s No Cost Too Much For A Madonna Video
Madonna is no stranger to creating memorable music videos. After all, some of her earliest work helped her achieve early success on platforms such as MTV. When it comes to expenses, she has never been afraid to have a big budget. With two videos costing five million dollars,her most expensive went for 6.1 million dollars.
Since it was used for the James Bond movie of the same name, the music video followed a similar premise.
This production was done for the song “Die Another Day,” which premiered in 2002. Since it was used for the James Bond movie of the same name, the music video followed a similar premise. In this, Madonna portrays a secret agent. Some of the most expensive aspects ended up beingthe special effects needed to enhance the video.
1Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson - Scream: 7,000,000
This Was A Family Project
At seven million dollars, the most expensive production for a music video belongs to two members of the Jackson family:Michael and Janet. Both had successful solo careers, with Janet still continuing. As for Michael, a memorable moment in his legacy was collaborating with Janet on the song “Scream” for his 1995 record,HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.
This video, which lasts just under five minutes, involved extensive planning, including a well-thought-out 13-piece set that was constructed. The video essentially features Michael and Janet performing the song in a spaceship. There was considerable noise surrounding the tune and its meaning, but the main point was two siblings being able to create art together.
