10 ’80s Music Videos with Awful Green Screen Effects

The 1980s were a time of experimentation in music and visual storytelling. With green screen technology becoming more accessible, artists incorporated it into their music videos. While some results were groundbreaking, others have aged poorly, leaving us with charmingly awkward visuals that feel more humorous than innovative today.

1. “Dancing in the Street” by Mick Jagger and David Bowie

Mick Jagger and David Bowie’s duet became iconic, but the green screen effects in the video were less than stellar. The two singers appear in front of mismatched and unrealistic backgrounds that fail to add any depth.

Despite their dynamic energy, the awkward effects distract viewers, making the visuals feel hastily put together. This video exemplifies how overambition with limited technology often backfired during the era.

2. “You Might Think” by The Cars

This video tried to push creative boundaries, featuring lead singer Ric Ocasek interacting with bizarre animations. However, the green screen’s rough edges make the illusions unconvincing.

While praised for its imaginative concept, the poor integration of live action and effects hasn’t aged well. The video feels more like a quirky relic than a visual masterpiece.

3. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

This dramatic ballad features a video filled with surreal imagery, much of it achieved with green screen. Unfortunately, the effects often appear blurry and inconsistent, detracting from the song’s emotional impact.

Flying figures and glowing-eyed schoolboys feel more comical than haunting. The ambitious use of effects highlighted the limitations of the era’s technology.

4. “Rock Me Tonight” by Billy Squier

Billy Squier’s attempt at an expressive and theatrical video suffers from odd green screen moments. These sequences awkwardly overlay abstract imagery that fails to connect with the music.

Critics often cite this video as an example of how poorly executed visuals can impact an artist’s credibility. The green screen only adds to its infamous reputation.

5. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes

This progressive rock video features abstract visuals, including animals and cityscapes, blended with green screen effects. The transitions are abrupt, and the visuals often clash with the song’s tone.

While the video aimed for an artsy vibe, the lack of polish in the effects undermines its impact. It remains an ambitious but flawed effort.

6. “We Built This City” by Starship

The video’s green screen segments place the band in front of a cartoonish cityscape. The clunky effects make the futuristic vision look cheap and unconvincing.

Despite the song’s success, the video’s amateurish visuals became a symbol of ‘80s excess. The green screen work, in particular, feels more distracting than innovative.

7. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John

Elton John’s energetic performance is accompanied by green screen visuals that place him in surreal and colorful settings. Unfortunately, the execution lacks precision, making the imagery feel out of sync.

The video’s playful concept is overshadowed by the unpolished effects, which struggle to blend Elton’s performance with the digital backgrounds.

8. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles

While revolutionary for its time, this video’s green screen effects are undeniably primitive. Floating televisions and other digital overlays feel choppy and poorly integrated.

As one of the first videos played on MTV, it’s a nostalgic milestone, but its visuals highlight the experimental nature of early green screen technology.

9. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!

This bright and bubbly video features green screen moments that place the duo in front of glowing, animated backgrounds. The effects’ simplicity doesn’t match the song’s vibrant energy.

While fun, the video’s visuals now seem cheesy, showcasing the limitations of budget-friendly green screen technology in creating convincing settings.

10. “She Blinded Me with Science” by Thomas Dolby

Thomas Dolby’s quirky anthem is paired with an equally eccentric video. The green screen effects, which include scientific diagrams and surreal imagery, often feel disjointed and awkwardly layered.

The video’s charm lies in its oddness, but the technical shortcomings make it more of a nostalgic curiosity than a cohesive visual experience.