The MTV music video crushes of the 80s

MTV launched in 1981 and changed everything. For the first time, you didn't just hear a song—you watched it. And some of those videos featured women who made sure you kept watching. These are the ones who stuck with us: the performers, the dancers, the faces in the frame who defined a decade of music and gave us plenty to rewind.

Tina Turner – "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1984)

Tina Turner was 44 when this video dropped, and she owned every frame. Wild hair, legs for days, and an attitude that said she didn't need anyone's permission. The song became a monster hit, and the video made her a MTV staple. She went on to become one of the biggest touring acts of the 80s and beyond, proving that star power doesn't have an expiration date. You can find the video on YouTube and streaming services.

Get it: MTV's Greatest Hits Collection Blu-ray on Amazon (Relive these iconic videos and performances from the decade that defined MTV culture)

Cyndi Lauper – "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1983)

Cyndi brought color, chaos, and genuine joy to MTV. Her eccentric style and infectious energy made the song an instant classic, and she became one of the decade's defining voices. The video's playful vibe matched her personality perfectly. She went on to have a long career in music, acting, and later became known for her advocacy work. Stream it anywhere music videos live.

Annie Lennox – "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (1983)

Annie Lennox and Eurythmics dominated the 80s with a sleek, androgynous look that was pure art. Her voice was haunting, her presence commanding. This video made her a household name—sharp suit, sharp cheekbones, sharp everything. She had staying power through the 80s and beyond, proving that mystery and talent beat everything else. Watch on YouTube or music streaming platforms.

Pat Benatar – "Love Is a Battlefield" (1983)

Pat Benatar was a rock vocalist with serious pipes, and this video showed her in full command. The choreography, the attitude, the strength in her voice—she wasn't there to be looked at, she was there to be heard. She had multiple hits throughout the 80s and built a career on being a real musician first. The video is everywhere online.

Cher – "If I Could Turn Back Time" (1989)

Cher was already a legend by the time this video dropped, and she proved age was irrelevant. The outfit, the confidence, the sheer star power—she commanded the screen like she owned it. The song was a comeback hit, and the video became iconic. Her career continued strong through the 90s and beyond. Find it on YouTube or any major streaming service.

Madonna – "Like a Virgin" (1984)

Madonna understood MTV better than anyone. She wasn't just a singer; she was a visual artist who knew how to create a moment. This video made her a phenomenon and launched a thousand debates about what was acceptable on television. Whether you loved it or hated it, you watched it. She became the biggest pop star of the 80s and arguably the most influential female artist of the era. Stream it anywhere.

Stevie Nicks – "Edge of Seventeen" (1981)

Stevie Nicks brought mystique and rock credibility to MTV. Her flowing scarves, her voice, her presence—she was a rock star in every sense. The song became a classic, and the video showcased her as an artist with depth. She had an incredible solo career after Fleetwood Mac and remained a major touring act. Watch on YouTube or streaming platforms.

Joan Jett – "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" (1982)

Joan Jett was pure rock and roll attitude. Black leather, electric guitar, and zero apologies. The video was simple but powerful, and she proved that women belonged in hard rock. Her career spanned decades, and she remained a touring act and cultural icon. Find it on YouTube or music streaming services.

Bonnie Tyler – "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (1983)

Bonnie Tyler's raspy voice and the over-the-top production of this video made it unforgettable. The song was epic, the video was theatrical, and it became one of the most replayed tracks on MTV. Her career had solid runs in the 80s and beyond. Stream it anywhere music videos are available.

Sade – "Smooth Operator" (1984)

Sade brought sophisticated elegance to MTV. Her smooth voice, her understated style, and her cool confidence made her stand out. The song became a classic, and she built a career on quality over flash. She remained selective about her output and maintained her mystique. Find the video on YouTube or streaming services.

Tawny Kitaen – Ratt videos (1984–1985)

Tawny Kitaen became synonymous with 80s hair metal videos. Her dancing, her presence, and her chemistry with the band made her a fixture on MTV. She appeared in multiple Ratt videos and became a rock video icon. She went on to acting and remained in the public eye. Watch on YouTube or music video platforms.

Chrissie Hynde – "Back on the Chain Gang" (1985, The Pretenders)

Chrissie Hynde was a rock musician with serious credentials. Her songwriting, her voice, and her no-nonsense attitude made her a real artist. The Pretenders were one of the best bands of the era, and she led them with authenticity. She remained active in music and touring throughout her career. Stream it on music platforms.

Quick answers

Why don't I see more 80s music video stars today?

MTV changed. By the 90s, the channel shifted away from music videos, and music videos themselves became less central to how people discovered music. The women who dominated MTV in the 80s went on to other careers—touring, acting, family—and the cultural moment that made music videos a primary art form faded.

Can I watch these videos now?

Most are on YouTube, official streaming services, or music platforms like Spotify. Some are also on DVD compilations of 80s MTV hits if you want the physical media.

Were music videos the only way to see these performances back then?

Pretty much. MTV was the gatekeeper. If you wanted to see your favorite artist perform, you either caught them on MTV, at a concert, or on a TV special. Music videos became an art form in their own right.