Michael Jackson is arguably the greatest entertainer to ever live. Over the span of four decades, Jackson was an integral figure in pop culture and was globally recognized as an iconic individual in entertainment as well as philanthropic endeavors. Michael loved to entertain and was always willing to go the extra mile and stand out when it came to his craft, finding new and creative ways to push the boundaries on each and every project he worked on. No greater effort showed in his music videos, which he often called “short films,” as there was always a story to be told. In honor of the King of Pop’s upcoming birthday on August 29, here’s a tribute to some of his best short films.
Please note this list is only of personal opinion, and also note that it was extremely hard to narrow this down to a top five list! Let’s face it—almost every Michael Jackson video is good in its own right, which is only a testament to the great artist Michael was.
5 Honorable mentions:
"Billie Jean"
"Beat It"
"Smooth Criminal (Long Version)"
"Black or White"
"Rock With You"
Top 5:
5. "You Rock My World" – This video is special to me because it was the first “new” Michael Jackson video I had the pleasure of actually watching when it came out. Released in 2001 with MJ’s Invincible album, the storyline follows Jackson as he tries to woo a girl in a gangster nightclub and ultimately runs into trouble in the process. Featuring appearances by comedian Chris Tucker and legendary actor Marlon Brando, “You Rock My World” does a great job capturing a mature MJ and showcasing the R&B flavor of the Invincible album. This video would also be one of the last videos made during Jackson’s lifetime. Despite being released over 14 years ago, the video still holds up to current pop culture, showing the longevity of MJ’s art.
4. "They Don’t Care About Us" – Michael never shied away from social issues. “They Don’t Care About Us” is the perfect example of this, touching on deep subjects including race relations and police brutality: two topics that are prominently relevant today. An interesting note is that two versions of a music video were filmed. Both directed by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, the first version—and widely known—showcases Jackson in Brazil in multiple, historic locations. Tthe second version was shot in prison and focused heavily on human rights issues. While being one of Jackson’s most controversial pieces, it shows the depth and message Jackson was trying to communicate to the world: that if we do not learn from our errors, that history could repeat itself
3. "Scream" – One of the most expensive music videos ever made, “Scream” was produced in response to the heavy media scrutiny Jackson was receiving in his lifetime during the early to mid-1990s. Released in 1995, this video and song was also known for another special milestone: Jackson collaborated with his sister, Janet Jackson (an icon in her own right). With these two together, it only proved for a visually appealing and awesome video that could be replayed over and over again, especially in moments of confusion that made you want to “Scream." In the words of Mike and Janet, “Stop pressurin’ me.”
2. "Thriller" – Everyone has seen “Thriller.” Along with “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” they’re all commonly the most well-known videos associated with the King of Pop. A mix of horror film and comedy, “Thriller” is one of the greatest videos of all time. Filmed at a time when airplay for African-American artists received limited to no airtime on MTV, this video (along with the former two listed) broke down major barriers for black artists and allowed for more inclusion on the network. From the opening scene of Jackson transforming into a werewolf, to the iconic “Thriller dance,” this video has stood the test of time and still holds up in popularity today, especially around Halloween time. Showing Michael Jackson at his peak, it’s no wonder it’s remained the classic that it is.
1. "Remember the Time" – My personal favorite video by MJ, the pure elegance and perfection of this video is truly a masterpiece. Set in the times of Ancient Egypt, Jackson is depicted as a wizard who attempts to woo an Egyptian queen (portrayed by model Iman), much to the dissatisfaction of the Pharaoh (played by legendary comedian Eddie Murphy). Featuring an appearance by basketball great Magic Johnson, and directed by John Singleton, "Remember the Time" showcases an elaborate set and features a complex yet awesome Egyptian-style dance number (choreographed by Fatima Robinson). The video is also famous for it being the first on-screen kiss for Jackson. With such grace and beauty, "Remember the Time" effectively sums up how MJ’s legacy will continue to live on, and how we all will “remember” the great artist he was, and forever will be.
And for that, we thank you Michael.
