← 16 Most Expensive Music Videos by Black Artists

Michael-Jackson-Thriller-620×480

By Anslem Samuel | Published June 29, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

16) Michael Jackson “Thriller” (1984) Before vampires and werewolves were the norm for television and movies, the undisputed King of Pop was spearheading the way with this iconic video. As the title track for Jackson’s 1982 album, “Thriller” played out like a movie with drawn out script leading up to the actual video, in which Jackson transformed into a zombie-like creature with glowing eyes. Directed by John Landis, this 14-minute clip single-handedly changed the video format and helped position MTV into a powerful new medium. The album went on to sell over 110 million copies worldwide and solidified Jackson as a superstar. In retrospect, the $500,000 budget for the “Thriller” video was a good investment.

16) Michael Jackson “Thriller” (1984) Before vampires and werewolves were the norm…