15 supremely cinematic music videos that could (and should) be feature films

Not everybody appreciates the art of the music video, but thanks to artists like Ariana Grande, the art form is making a comeback in a big way. Here are some videos of the past that truly feel like short films.

Back in 1979, The Buggles sang about how video killed the radio star and how the onset of new technology was going to change everything. “Video Killed The Radio Star” then became the first music video to air on MTV on August 1, 1981, at 12:01 a.m., and the world of music was forever changed. Over the last three decades, the art of the music video has changed so much, but at its core, it’s always about the music.

Thanks to groundbreaking releases like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, music videos became the hot new thing for artists to promote their new singles. Their popularity has fluctuated over the years, but there have always been resurgences. From artists in the ’90s like Eminem and Madonna to today’s pop stars like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry, so many amazing videos have been released that prove the music video will never die, at least not completely.

Some music videos, though, are more than just a promotional tool for a record label’s latest release. Some artists made their own short films that could literally stand on their own, others made videos so beautiful and intriguing you wish it lasted the full length of a movie. From Michael Jackson all the way to Childish Gambino, with some Gwen Stefani, Big Bang, and Rihanna in between, here are 15 cinematic music videos that could (and should) be feature films.