Most Expensive Music Videos of All Time: Top 10 Breakdown
CHICAGO – Music videos have always been an art form — but some of them also happen to be bank-breaking cinematic spectacles. Whether built on sci-fi dreams, CGI-heavy visuals, or Grammy-night logistics, these iconic productions turned music promotion into million-dollar experiences.
As of 2025, the most expensive music video ever made remains “Scream” by Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson, clocking in at an eye-watering $7 million.
Let’s break down the top 10 most expensive music videos ever made and what makes them unforgettable.
1. “Scream” – Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson
- Estimated cost: $7,000,000
- Director: Mark Romanek
A futuristic set, powerful choreography, and groundbreaking effects made this 1995 release the gold standard of big-budget music videos. Even nearly 30 years later, it’s still unrivaled in ambition and production scale.
2. “Die Another Day” – Madonna
- Estimated cost: $6,100,000
- Director: Traktor
This James Bond theme video delivered espionage aesthetics, special effects, and cinematic action. It’s one of Madonna’s most extravagant productions and a perfect fit for the Bond universe.
3. “Express Yourself” – Madonna
- Estimated cost: $5,000,000
- Director: David Fincher
Inspired by Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, this 1989 video is both dystopian and feminist, packed with surreal set design and lavish costuming that set a new benchmark in pop visuals.
4. “Bedtime Story” – Madonna
- Estimated cost: $5,000,000
- Director: Mark Romanek
A trippy and experimental video that blurred the line between music and visual art, earning its place as one of the most unique — and expensive — music videos ever produced.
5. “Estranged” – Guns N’ Roses
- Estimated cost: $5,000,000
- Director: Andy Morahan
Think dolphins, helicopters, oil tankers — this was a rock epic that rivaled blockbuster movies in scope, pushing the band’s visual storytelling to the max.
6. “Black or White” – Michael Jackson
- Estimated cost: $4,000,000
- Director: John Landis
Premiered in 27 countries at once, this genre-bending video famously used digital morphing technology and featured cameos from Macaulay Culkin and more.
7. “You Rock My World” – Michael Jackson
- Estimated cost: $4,000,000
- Director: Paul Hunter
With guest stars like Marlon Brando and a plot-driven dance showdown, this was more of a short film than a video — and every penny is visible on screen.
8. “Make Me Like You” – Gwen Stefani
- Estimated cost: $4,000,000
- Director: Sophie Muller
This 2016 video was filmed live — yes, live — during a Grammy commercial break. The one-take performance was a daring move that paid off in buzz and brilliance.
9. “Feelslikeimfallinginlove” – Coldplay
- Estimated cost: $3,548,100
- Director: Ben Mor
Released in 2024, this dreamy production featured cutting-edge visuals, intimate choreography, and high-concept lighting — a sensory overload in the best way.
10. “Cartoon Heroes” – Aqua
- Estimated cost: $3,500,000
- Director: Thomas Masin
This Y2K-era classic leaned into CGI and camp, delivering a hyper-colorful, animated adventure that matched the bubblegum-pop energy of Aqua’s heyday.
Bonus: What About “Ghosts”?
While not officially included on most lists due to its classification as a short film, Michael Jackson’s “Ghosts” reportedly cost $15 million, making it possibly the most expensive music video-related project ever.
Trends Behind the Price Tags
- Repeat artists: Madonna and Michael Jackson dominate the list, each with multiple entries.
- Directors: Visionaries like Mark Romanek, David Fincher, and Paul Hunter played a major role in inflating production budgets by pushing creative boundaries.
- Legacy impact: These videos didn’t just wow audiences — they helped define eras in music and visual storytelling.
What’s Your Favorite Over-the-Top Music Video?
Which high-budget music video do you think was worth every dollar? Or is there a recent video you think could crack this list in the future? Let us know in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.