Best Animated Music Videos

Animated music videos have carved a unique place in the music world. They’re not just visually striking; they tell stories, amplify emotions, and bring an artist’s vision to life in a way live-action sometimes can’t. From the psychedelic and surreal to the dark and dreamy, animated music videos transcend the boundaries of imagination. Whether it’s hand-drawn frames, 3D modeling, stop-motion, or rotoscope animation, these artistic mini-films can often be as iconic as the music they accompany.

Let’s explore some of the best animated music videos that have captivated viewers, influenced pop culture, and elevated songs to unforgettable experiences.

Timeless Classics That Defined the Genre

Some animated music videos go beyond fleeting viral fame. These are the ones that defined the genre, shaped how we see music and motion, and stood the test of time.

• “Take On Me” by A-ha
  A brilliant mix of pencil-sketch animation and live action using a technique called rotoscoping. The blend of reality and sketch world was groundbreaking in the ’80s and still feels fresh.
• “Do the Evolution” by Pearl Jam
  Directed by Todd McFarlane, this video takes viewers on a brutally honest journey through human history with comic-style visuals. It’s dark, intense, and unflinching.
• “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead
  Surreal, weird, and unforgettable. Directed by Magnus Carlsson, it features a series of bizarre and unsettling scenes that match the song’s unpredictable structure.
• “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz
  The debut of the world’s most iconic virtual band. This video established the Gorillaz universe with moody, cartoonish visuals that captured their genre-bending sound.
• “Heartless” by Kanye West
  Influenced by Ralph Bakshi’s animation style, this video presents Kanye in a cel-shaded world of heartbreak and introspection. It’s moody, expressive, and very cinematic.
• “Fell in Love with a Girl” by The White Stripes
  A pixelated masterpiece made entirely with LEGO bricks. Directed by Michel Gondry, the stop-motion energy matched the raw garage-rock energy of the song.

Modern Animated Music Videos That Pushed the Envelope

In recent years, animation technology has exploded, and artists are embracing it to experiment further with style, story, and message.

• “Shelter” by Porter Robinson & Madeon
  This anime-style video tells a heart-wrenching sci-fi story in under six minutes. It blends beautiful visuals with emotional depth, created in partnership with A-1 Pictures.
• “My Future” by Billie Eilish
  A dreamy, forest-filled journey through self-love and growth. The hand-drawn style reflects a Studio Ghibli-esque charm, enhancing the ethereal mood of the song.
• “Leave the Door Open” (Animated Version) by Silk Sonic
  A playful, vibrant take on their hit single. Though not the original, the animated version embraces vintage soul flair with smooth motion and warm colors.
• “Easy” by Troye Sivan & Kacey Musgraves (feat. Mark Ronson)
  In its animated edition, this video explores escapism and queer love through glitchy visuals and emotional symbolism.
• “The Wolf” by SIAMES
  A lesser-known gem in the indie-pop world, this video uses a comic noir-style animation with intense fight sequences and emotional undertones.
• “White Noise” by Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge (Animated Version)
  A trippy, layered visual representation of sound and disconnection. It’s sleek, moody, and very rhythm-focused.

Unique Styles and Storytelling in Animation

Some videos stand out not just for the song, but for their brave visual storytelling, unique animation styles, or unexpected presentation.

• “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz
  A masterclass in mood-setting. The animation is gritty, dystopian, and oddly soulful. The contrast of the windmill floating above the industrial city is unforgettable.
• “Me!Me!Me!” by TeddyLoid & daoko
  Not for the faint-hearted, this anime-style video is sensory overload with a storyline critiquing obsession and escapism. It’s chaotic, provocative, and heavily stylized.
• “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits
  One of the earliest music videos to use computer animation. The blocky visuals now feel retro but were revolutionary at the time.
• “Get By” by Delta Heavy
  Stop-motion taken to an extreme. This entire video uses real-world objects and toys to build its narrative, syncing with the heavy bass drops and escalating rhythm.
• “Strobo Pop” by Deichkind
  Think animated pop art meets social commentary. Bold colors, harsh contrasts, and rapid-fire visual gags make this one a wild ride.
• “Technologic” by Daft Punk (Animated Version)
  Though the original is live-action, several animated versions exist that nail the robotic, minimal aesthetic of Daft Punk with moving graphics and pulsating energy.

Table: Animation Style vs. Music Genre

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do artists use animation in music videos?
Animation allows total creative freedom. Artists can express complex emotions, abstract concepts, or fantastical scenarios that would be impossible (or expensive) with live action. It also allows for a strong visual identity, especially useful for virtual bands or conceptual projects.

Are animated music videos more expensive to produce?
It depends. Traditional hand-drawn animation can be time-consuming and expensive, but digital and CGI animation tools have made it more accessible. Costs vary based on style, length, and the studio or animator involved.

What’s the difference between rotoscope and traditional animation?
Rotoscoping involves tracing over real footage frame by frame, giving a hyper-realistic feel. Traditional animation involves creating each frame from scratch without reference footage. Both have their unique appeal and visual impact.

Do animated music videos have better longevity than live-action ones?
Sometimes they do. Animation tends to age more gracefully than live action, which can be tied to fashion, tech, or editing trends. Animation also appeals to broader age groups and global audiences.

Is there a market for independent or fan-made animated music videos?
Absolutely. Many indie animators create unofficial music videos that go viral. Some even get noticed by the artists themselves. Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are full of creative fan-made animations that add new meaning to existing songs.

Conclusion

Animated music videos aren’t just a novelty — they’re an art form that blends sound and sight into a singular experience. Whether they’re used to tell intricate stories, build entire fantasy worlds, or just elevate the mood of a track, these videos stay etched in the minds of viewers long after the song ends. The creative doors they open are limitless. With advancements in technology and the rise of virtual artists, the future of animated music videos looks bright, bold, and wildly inventive.

So the next time you find yourself mesmerized by an animated music video, remember — it’s not just moving pictures, it’s music brought to life in its most imaginative form.