Techno Animated Music Videos You Must See

We’ve rounded up some of the best and most innovative techno animated music videos for your viewing pleasure. From trippy visuals to mind-bending animation, these videos will definitely get your head nodding along to the beat.

A-ha – Take On Me (1985)

A-ha – Take On Me (1985) is a synth-pop song by Norwegian band A-ha. The song was written by lead singer Morten Harket, guitarist Pål Waaktaar and producer Alan Tarney, and produced by Tarney. “Take On Me” was released as the album’s lead single in October 1984. It reached number one in 46 countries and became the best-selling single of 1985 worldwide. The song’s music video won six MTV Video Music Awards, including Best New Artist in a Video and Best Concept Video.

Dire Straits – Money for Nothing (1985)

This music video was one of the first to ever be made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). It was directed by Steve Barron and featured the band performing in front of a blue screen, with the various images and effects added in later through CGI. The video was groundbreaking at the time and still holds up today as a great example of early CGI work.

Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer (1986)

This is one of the first computer-animated music videos, and it is still one of the best. Released in 1986, “Sledgehammer” was a ground-breaking video in many ways. Not only was it one of the first to use computer animation, but it was also one of the first to use rotoscoping. Rotoscoping is a technique in which live action footage is traced frame by frame to create an animated version of it. This video used rotoscoping extensively, and the result is a truly unique and memorable video.

George Michael – Freedom! ’90 (1990)

This is one of the most popular and well-known techno animated music videos of all time. The video features various supermodels lip syncing the lyrics to George Michael’s song “Freedom! ’90.” The video was directed by David Fincher and is considered to be one of his best works.

The video was nominated for several awards, including MTV Video Music Awards and Grammy Awards. It won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video, Short Form.

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was released in late 1991 and quickly became a grunge anthem. The song’s music video, directed by Samuel Bayer, features the band performing in a high school gymnasium with a cheering crowd of students. The video also features some bizarre images, including a floating head and an angry-looking janitor.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Give It Away (1991)

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Give It Away (1991) is a must see for any fan of the band or of animated music videos. The video was directed by Mark Osborne and was groundbreaking for its time. The video features the band members as cartoon animals roaming around a post-apocalyptic world. The video is both funny and stylish, and it perfectly captures the energy of the band’s music.

Beastie Boys – Sabotage (1994)

The video for the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” is a perfect example of ’90s animation. The clip, directed by Mike Judge, features the band as detectives in a cartoon world full of allusions to classic TV shows like “Dragnet” and “Columbo.”

Michael Jackson – Scream (1995)

This was the first single off of Michael Jackson’s HIStory album, and it was a total bop. The music video features MJ dancing in front of a green screen with some seriously psychedelic graphics. If you’re into mind-bending visuals, you’ll love this one.

The Prodigy – Breathe (1996)

The Prodigy – Breathe (1996) is a techno animated music video you must see. The video was directed by Walter Stern and features a cast of animations that are incredibly fluid and bizarre, making it a classic example of early CGI animation.

Fatboy Slim – Praise You (1998)

This animated music video for Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” is a classic. Featuring a cast of characters who all look like they’re made out of cardboard, the video tells the story of a group of people who come together to form a makeshift dance troupe. It’s funny, creative, and just plain fun to watch.

Moby – South Side (1999)

Moby’s 1999 music video for “South Side” was one of the first techno animated music videos. The video features a series of geometric shapes and patterns that pulsate and move to the beat of the music.

Daft Punk – One More Time (2000)

Daft Punk’s “One More Time” was one of the first techno songs to bring the genre mainstream attention, and its accompanying music video was groundbreaking in its own right. The animation style is highly intricate, with a complex color palette and dynamic camera work that perfectly complements the song’s high-energy sound.

Justice – D.A.N.C.E. (2007)

This was one of the first big CGI music videos and is still considered one of the best. Created by Paris-based studio So-Me, it features a series of wacky, floating heads that bob along to Justice’s electro hit. It’s the perfect combination of weird and wonderful.

Kanye West – Power (2010)

Kanye West – Power (2010) is an animated music video that was directed by Hype Williams. The video features Kanye West as a super villain who has taken over the world. The video is filled with special effects and is very visually appealing.

Childish Gambino – This Is America (2018)

Childish Gambino’s “This is America” has taken the internet by storm with its powerful and controversial music video. The music video, which was released on May 5, 2018, features Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) dancing and singing joyfully throughout the video, while also shooting people and committing other violent acts. The video has been interpreted in many different ways, but one thing is for sure – it is a must-see.