10 Cringiest Music Videos From The 1980s

As we explore some of the most embarrassing and outrageous music videos from MTV’s heyday, get ready for an exciting trip down memory lane. We got enormous hair, daring clothes, and some really cheesy images from the 1980s—often in a single film. These clips, which feature bizarre dance techniques and cheap special effects, perfectly represent the decade’s wild charm (and mayhem). These moments, which feature legendary performers like David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Elton John, KISS, and Hall & Oates, demonstrate that even legendary musicians made some comically poor on-camera choices.

1. “Obsession” (1984) – Animotion
“Obsession” might sound sultry with its slick synth-pop beat, but the video is more awkward than alluring. Vocalists Astrid Plane and Bill Wadhams spend most of it lip-syncing and stiffly dancing next to each other—like they’re trying not to bump elbows. The real action comes in random scenes where the band shows up in wild costumes, from Cleopatra to a genie at a pool party. It’s all colorful and chaotic, but surprisingly lacking in actual sex appeal. Still, MTV played it nonstop, helping turn the song into a hit. Today, both the track and video are ‘80s icons—remembered more for their campy charm than for any actual obsession.

2. “I’m Still Standing” (1983) – Elton John
Shot on the sunny French Riviera and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, the video for “I’m Still Standing” had all the makings of a hit. And it definitely made a splash—literally, when a camera fell into the water. With Elton John strutting through the scenes in a cane-heavy walk that replaced more ambitious choreography, the video leans more quirky than polished. Meanwhile, backup dancers in wild body paint and flashy costumes steal focus in the most chaotic way. The whole thing feels like a colorful whirlwind, but over time, it’s also been seen as a bold, if unspoken, nod to Elton’s sexuality. Love it or cringe at it—it’s hard to forget.

3. “We Built This City” (1985) – Starship
Often ranked among the worst songs ever, it’s no shock that the music video for Starship’s “We Built This City” is just as cringeworthy. The band appears superimposed over footage of people running through towns and big American cities, but the visuals are messy and dated—even for the ‘80s. The editing is chaotic, the symbolism heavy-handed (think Lincoln Memorial meets Vegas glitz), and the band themselves barely look interested. Grace Slick, looking visibly unenthused, later called out the song herself. Still, if you’re looking for the ultimate corporate-sponsored “anti-corporate” anthem wrapped in neon camp, this video delivers—just maybe not in the way it was meant to.

4. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1982) – Taco
Taco’s synth-pop take on the Irving Berlin classic clashed hard with its music video—and not in a good way. The visuals are a confusing mash-up of fancy outfits, street scenes, and odd effects, all tied together with a weird vaudeville vibe. But the real controversy came from the original cut, which included backup dancers in blackface—a misguided nod to outdated stage traditions. Unsurprisingly, most networks refused to air it, opting for an edited version that cut out most (but not all) of those scenes. That awkward alternate version is what most people remember—and mock—today. As far as ‘80s videos go, it’s a textbook example of what not to do.

5. “You Make My Dreams” (1981) – Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates may have delivered one of the most feel-good songs of the ’80s, but the video for “You Make My Dreams” feels more like a strange rehearsal than a finished product. Set against a plain black backdrop, the duo awkwardly fake-jam and bounce around with over-the-top enthusiasm. The minimal setup and bizarre energy make the whole thing feel oddly dreamlike—just not in the way you’d expect. Director Jay Dubin seemed to go for a “let the music speak for itself” vibe, but the result is more distracting than charming. Thankfully, they added a bit more effort in later videos like “Private Eyes” and “I Can’t Go for That.”

6. “Real American” (1985) – Rick Derringer
Leave it to the World Wrestling Federation to crank the patriotism up to 11 with “Real American,” Rick Derringer’s over-the-top anthem featured on The Wrestling Album. The video stars none other than Hulk Hogan, flexing his muscles in the ring while waving a too-small American flag guitar. The rest is a jumbled mix of random patriotic clips and cheesy editing that screams ‘80s excess. While it mostly faded into obscurity, the video’s corny charm has earned it cult status online. These days, Hogan’s once-goofy patriotism feels more intense than nostalgic—but Derringer’s track still brings the laughs. If nothing else, it’s a hilarious time capsule from wrestling’s wildest era.

7. “Lick It Up” (1983) – KISS
KISS ditching the face paint was a big moment—but the video for “Lick It Up” didn’t exactly stick the landing. Instead of leaning into a bold new era, the band spends the first half awkwardly posing and strutting around like they just discovered mirrors. Then comes the chaos: a flashy, over-edited concert scene set in what looks like the ruins of a low-budget Mad Max movie, complete with scantily-clad women and explosions. It’s pure ’80s excess, but without the charm. While the “Unmasked” era did bring KISS a commercial comeback, this video feels more like a parody than a power move. Let’s just say it left fans with more cringe than rock ‘n’ roll.

8. “Rock Me Tonite” (1984) – Billy Squier
By 1984, Billy Squier was riding high as one of the last big-name hard rockers—until the “Rock Me Tonite” video came along. The song was a hit, but the video? Not so much. Instead of a cool concert vibe, fans got Squier twirling and writhing around a pastel-colored bedroom in what looked like a glam-rock fever dream. His original vision—prepping for a show with fans—was scrapped last minute, and choreographer Kenny Ortega rushed together the now-infamous version to meet MTV’s deadline. The result? Crushed ticket sales and a major blow to Squier’s rockstar image. While his music still holds up, the video remains a cautionary tale of style over substance.

9. “Abracadabra” (1982) – Steve Miller Band
With the Steve Miller Band on tour during production, the video for “Abracadabra” had to rely on some visual sleight of hand—and the result is a wild, messy ride. Director Peter Conn clearly went all-in on flashy effects, but not so much on story or coherence. What we got was a chaotic mash-up of magicians, dancers, and trippy early computer graphics. The cast looks lost amid the swirling colors and fast cuts, and the whole thing feels more like a tech demo than a music video. While the visuals haven’t aged well, there’s a certain charm in its over-the-top weirdness. It’s a reminder that in showbiz, all style and no substance can still make a lasting impression.

10. “Dancing in the Street” (1985) – David Bowie & Mick Jagger
David Bowie and Mick Jagger teaming up to cover a ’60s classic sounds like a win—and the fact that proceeds went to charity made it even better. But the music video? Let’s just say it didn’t exactly match their star power. With what looked like zero budget, the two legends prance, strut, and flail around empty London streets in what feels more like a rehearsal than a finished product. Despite its big Live Aid push, fans weren’t buying it. The awkward energy, campy choreography, and strange hints of chemistry between the two only added to the confusion. Fun for a good cause, sure—but it’s pure ’80s cringe in the best (and worst) way.