During the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s music videos were the highlight of the music industry, and their importance was recognized through various awards shows that gave credit to the many aspects that go into their production and development—the most famous, of course, being the MTV Video Music Awards. However, since the widespread adoption of music streaming and download services that enable us to listen to newly released music the day it’s available, it’s likely that the glory days of the music video are well behind us. But that doesn’t lessen the value of all those outstanding, ultra-high production value videos put out by artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson over the years. If anything, it just gives us a deeper appreciation for them. And for that reason we’d like to devote this list to some of the most amazing and amazingly expensive music videos that have ever been made.
15. Backstreet Boys – “Larger Than Life” (1999)
When putting together the music video for their hit song “Larger Than Life,” the Backstreet Boys had some pretty big ideas involving a futuristic space setting. And with the help of director Joseph Kahn, as well as over $2 million, they realized that vision in a big way. “Larger Than Life” is essentially the Star Wars of music videos, featuring every sort of science fiction cliche you can imagine, from cryogenic sleep chambers and cybernetic appendages to elaborate mech costumes and laser-filled space combat. Hell, just that one shot of Brian Littrell doing a flip on a hoverboard cost $90,000. We don’t even want to think about how expensive Nick Carter’s breakdancing robots were.