Remember the days of MTV, when watching a music video felt like a big event? The 1980s gave us some truly iconic looks and sounds! But trying to pick just 80 of the best music videos from that decade can feel impossible. Where do you even start when there are so many great songs and amazing visuals?
It’s tough to narrow down decades of creativity. You might worry about leaving out a classic or picking something that doesn’t truly represent the era. We understand that struggle! That’s why we dove deep into the archives to create a definitive list.
By reading on, you will discover a curated list of 80 must-see music videos that defined the 80s. Get ready to relive the fashion, the technology, and the pure fun of 80s music television. Let’s jump right into the ultimate 80s music video countdown!
Top 80 Music Videos Recommendations
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan (Actors)
- Lucy McCutcheon (Director) - Lucy McCutcheon (Writer) - Brian Aebech (Producer)
- (Playback Language)
- 80GB MP3 Player: Offline Playback via Larkplayer. Beyond online music and video streaming, this MP4 player supports offline playback through the built-in Larkplayer app. You can download music or video files from your PC to the 80GB player (2GB RAM + 16GB ROM + 64GB card), and it supports multiple music formats (MP3, OGG, FLAC, AAC, WAV, WMA, APE)—enjoy your music anytime, even without a network.
- 4" 1080P HD Screen: The streaming MP4 player is fitted with a 4-inch 1080P HD full-color screen, enabling direct online or offline playback of 720P and 1080P videos. It supports a wide range of video formats including RM, RMVB, FLV, MP4, DAT, MKV, MPG, MOV, TS—no format conversion required, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience.
- 2000mAh Battery: 35H Music Playback & 3-5 Months Standby. This smart MP3 player is equipped with a 2000mAh Type-C rechargeable battery. After a full charge, it supports up to 40 hours of continuous music playback and an impressive 3–5 months of standby time—your music never stops, and this player brings you even more surprises.
- Smooth Operation: Powered by an advanced CPU processor, this digital audio player runs faster, more smoothly, and without lag for a seamless user experience. It also includes one-key lock screen to prevent accidental touches, and one-key screenshot (by pressing and hold the power button), meeting your diverse usage needs.
- Bluetooth & WiFi: Fast, Stable Connection. Equipped with newly upgraded Bluetooth and WiFi wireless technology, this smart MP3 player connects to your Bluetooth headphones, car stereos, speakers, or mobile phones faster, more stably, and with no delay. It delivers a smooth, reliable data transmission experience, letting you enjoy your favorite music at home, outdoors, or during trips—we understand your needs better.
![Essential Music Videos - Hits of the '80s [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dKf0pgdiL._SL160_.jpg)
![Essential Music Videos - Classic '80s [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HCEFRB9EL._SL160_.jpg)
- Malahy, John (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 10/07/2025 (Publication Date) - Running Press Adult (Publisher)
- Shrink-wrapped
- Audio CD – Audiobook
- English (Publication Language)
- 08/08/2000 (Publication Date) - UMe (Publisher)
- Ultra large memory, massive storage: This MP3 player has 80GB of ultra large memory, which can easily store thousands of high-quality music, meeting the needs of music enthusiasts for massive storage. Whether it's pop music, classical movements, or more, you can store and play them as you wish without worrying about running out of space.
- Exquisite appearance, fashionable and portable: The MP3 adopts a classic 3-inch black design, with a simple and atmospheric appearance and outstanding texture. The compact and lightweight body is easy to carry around, whether it's daily commuting or outdoor sports, it can easily fit into a pocket or backpack, and enjoy music anytime, anywhere.
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology, wireless listening: Built in advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology, stable connection, fast transmission speed, and seamless pairing with various Bluetooth devices. Whether it's wireless headphones or car speakers, they can be easily connected, free from cable constraints, and enjoy the freedom and convenience of wireless music.
- Built in multifunctionality and rich experience: This MP3 player not only plays music, but also supports all formats of video files without the need for conversion (Video Files supports up to 1080P). It also has various practical functions built-in, including FM radio, recording function, e-book reading, etc. Whether listening to real-time broadcasts, recording important meetings, or reading e-books in leisure time, meet diverse entertainment and lifestyle needs.
- High quality speakers, stunning sound effects: The built-in high-quality speakers provide clear and full sound quality, with rich bass and bright treble, bringing an immersive auditory experience. Enjoy stunning music effects without the need for external headphones, suitable for use at home, office, or outdoor gatherings.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Reliving the ’80s Music Video Magic
The 1980s brought us amazing music and unforgettable music videos. Buying a collection or set of these videos lets you relive that awesome era. This guide helps you find the best ’80s music video collection for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for ’80s music videos, certain features really matter. Look closely at what the product offers.
1. Video Quality and Resolution
The original videos were shot on older technology. Better collections use digital cleaning to make them look sharp today. Look for listings that mention HD (High Definition) or remastered quality. Poor quality means blurry pictures and fuzzy sound. High quality brings back the bright colors and clear action.
2. Song Selection and Completeness
Does the set have the songs you remember most? Check the tracklist carefully. Some collections focus only on one genre, like New Wave or Pop. Others offer a wider mix. Make sure the most iconic videos are included.
3. Format Availability
How will you watch these videos? The most common formats today are DVD, Blu-ray, or digital download/streaming. Blu-ray offers the best picture quality if your player supports it. Digital copies offer flexibility for watching on phones or tablets.
4. Bonus Content
Great sets often include extras. These might be behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the artists, or director commentary. This extra stuff makes the purchase much more valuable.
Important Materials (What the Product Is Made Of)
Since we are talking about media, the “material” refers to the physical or digital packaging.
- For Physical Media (DVD/Blu-ray): Check the case quality. Sturdy packaging protects the discs during shipping and storage.
- For Digital Media: The “material” is the file format (like MP4 or MKV). Ensure the files are compatible with your devices.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The presentation of the videos greatly affects how much you enjoy them.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Restoration Work: Professional cleaning of old film stock removes scratches and graininess. This makes the picture look new.
- Original Aspect Ratio: Videos should often be shown in the way they were originally filmed (the aspect ratio). Stretching them to fit modern screens looks wrong.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Transfers: Sometimes, companies rush to put old videos onto new discs. If the transfer process is lazy, the picture will look muddy.
- Heavy Compression: Digital files that are squished too much to save space lose picture detail quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your ’80s video collection.
Party Playback
If you buy these for parties, ease of use is vital. A good menu system lets you jump straight to your favorite hits quickly. Loud, clear audio is necessary for dancing.
Nostalgia Viewing
For personal enjoyment, high visual quality matters most. You want to see the big hair and bright clothes clearly. Having them digitally organized makes finding a specific video simple.
Educational Use
Teachers or students studying pop culture might use these. Complete collections that cover a wide range of artists are best for this purpose.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ’80 Music Videos
Q: Are ’80s music videos better on Blu-ray or DVD?
A: Blu-ray generally offers a much clearer picture than DVD. This is because Blu-ray can hold more data, which keeps the video looking sharp.
Q: Why do some videos look grainy?
A: Many 1980s videos were shot on film or early video tape formats. Graininess is often a result of the original recording material, though good restoration can reduce it.
Q: Can I stream ’80s music videos easily?
A: Yes, many major platforms host thousands of official ’80s videos. Buying a physical set guarantees you own the content without needing a monthly subscription.
Q: What is “aspect ratio” in video?
A: Aspect ratio is the shape of the screen, like how wide versus how tall the picture is. Keeping the original shape means you see the video as the director intended.
Q: Are these collections expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Simple DVD sets are usually cheaper. Large, remastered Blu-ray box sets with rare content cost more money.
Q: Should I worry about music licensing issues?
A: If you buy an officially released product from a major distributor, licensing is handled. Be careful with unknown sellers offering very cheap, complete collections; they might not be legal copies.
Q: What is the best way to clean a scratched DVD?
A: You can buy special disc repair kits. Gentle rubbing with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outward can sometimes fix minor scratches.
Q: Do these collections usually include videos from MTV’s early days?
A: Yes, most comprehensive ’80s sets focus heavily on videos popularized by MTV, as that was the main way people watched them.
Q: Are there region codes I need to worry about for DVDs?
A: Yes, DVDs often have region codes (like Region 1 for North America). Blu-rays are usually less strict, but always check if you buy from another country.
Q: How long does it take to watch a typical 3-disc set?
A: This depends on how many videos are on each disc, but a large 3-disc set could easily offer 6 to 10 hours of total viewing time.