What is the best Michael Jackson music video of all time?

From the horror-themed spectacle that changed music television forever to protest films and gravity-defying dance sequences, MJ's catalog redefined what a music video could be. Which short film stands as the King's greatest visual masterpiece?

1

Thriller

A 14-minute horror short film directed by John Landis, featuring MJ transforming into a zombie.

2

Billie Jean

The first Michael Jackson video to air on MTV, featuring iconic light-up sidewalk panels.

3

Beat It

A gang-themed video with Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo and choreographed knife fight.

4

Bad

A street gang showdown directed by Martin Scorsese set in New York subway tunnels.

5

Smooth Criminal

A 1930s-themed video featuring MJ's gravity-defying 45-degree lean dance move.

6

Black or White

A racial harmony video debuting face-morphing technology and featuring Macaulay Culkin.

7

Remember the Time

An ancient Egyptian-themed epic starring Eddie Murphy and Magic Johnson.

8

Man in the Mirror

A compilation of real-world events paired with MJ's call for personal change.

9

Scream

The most expensive music video ever made, a futuristic sibling duet with Janet Jackson.

10

Earth Song

An environmental epic showing war and ecological destruction with a powerful visual climax.

11

They Don't Care About Us

A Spike Lee-directed video filmed in Brazil's favelas delivering a protest message.

12

In the Closet

A sultry desert video starring supermodel Naomi Campbell directed by Herb Ritts.

13

You Rock My World

A 1940s-themed video featuring Chris Tucker as MJ's suave companion.

14

Blood on the Dance Floor

A dark gothic video featuring MJ being seduced by a deadly femme fatale named Susie.

15

Will You Be There

An emotionally charged video mixing live footage with clips from the film Free Willy.