These music videos are peak Swifty cinema. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best, most iconic, and/or memorable videos in Taylor Swift’s catalog.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00P.S. There's no secret encoded message that means something else loved Taylor.
00:06Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today, we're counting down our picks for the best, most iconic,
00:11and or memorable videos in Taylor Swift's catalog.
00:14Maybe I got mine, but you'll all get yours.
00:19Number 30.
00:20Tim McGraw
00:21Everybody has to start somewhere.
00:23At the beginning of her career, Taylor Swift stars in a compelling video about dealing
00:27with a breakup.
00:28When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think my favorite song.
00:34Both characters deal with the highlights and memories of their relationship.
00:38It's a teen story through and through, capturing all the mixed emotions that come with such
00:43a tale.
00:44There's also plenty of welcome sights from country music, such as a pickup truck.
00:48When you think happiness, I hope you think that little black train.
00:54It's not the most complicated premise, but it does work well to accompany the great lyrics.
00:59The video also signals the beginning of a music legend that's ready to take over the
01:04industry.
01:05Number 29.
01:06I Knew You Were Trouble
01:08Exploring a more pop image and sound, Taylor Swift takes a big swing with I Knew You Were
01:13Trouble.
01:20Her character gives insights into her emotional state after a whirlwind romance.
01:25Expressing growth and regret, Swift shows up in a desert landscape after an event.
01:36The singer's emotional speech combines with glimpses of her last relationship.
01:40As we see a montage of their highs and lows, we also see things turn toxic.
01:45It's full of fights and dramatic moments that could easily fit into their own movie.
01:50Along with the exciting plot and scenery, the video gives the singer a chance to try
01:54out a new and important phase of her career.
02:04Number 28.
02:06Everything Has Changed
02:07In this collaboration, Taylor Swift teams up with none other than Ed Sheeran.
02:19Their song's story centers on two young kids finding their way at school.
02:23Giving us a good dose of nostalgia, the video captures how having someone in your corner
02:27can make growing up less daunting.
02:30Not to mention the two actors in the lead roles do a gorgeous job showing how their
02:34character's bond develops.
02:42Among the most heartwarming videos in Swift's catalog, the clip even includes a show-stopping
02:46moment with a slow dance.
02:48The relatable lyrics also pair well with the tale of childhood connection.
02:59Plus there's cameos from both Swift and Sheeran at the end, infusing the plot with a fun surprise.
03:05Number 27.
03:06Our Song
03:07Not every music video has to have the most intricate plot to be great.
03:12The one for Our Song only has a few locations, but each one fits the mood.
03:23This catchy tune gives Taylor Swift a chance to wear lots of bright and flashy costumes.
03:28Along with the cool wardrobe, she appears in a bedroom, on a porch, and in a flower
03:32field as she sings her heart out.
03:42Swift also rocks out with her band in an exciting performance.
03:49Sure, you don't get a traditional story here, but it all has a feel-good vibe when paired
03:56with the upbeat single.
03:57The entire video is a blast from the past that anybody, alive in 2007 or not, can appreciate.
04:05Number 26.
04:06Lover
04:07To examine a couple's partnership, Lover uses elaborate set design.
04:17The various pods within the snow globe explore their own little worlds.
04:21Also recalling Swift's albums and what's since been dubbed the Lover House.
04:25Moving from scene to scene, this relationship is much more than a fairy tale, it's real.
04:34The production design, costumes, and color choices work together, telling a moving story.
04:40It's an imaginative look at two lives without all the usual cliches of a typical music video.
04:45While other artists might just edit together concert footage, Swift and her collaborators
04:50take you on a magical journey through dollhouse aesthetics.
04:53There's a blend of intimate, symbolic, and cinematic shots here that really make for
04:58a complete package.
05:06Number 25.
05:07Fortnite
05:08With the video for Fortnite, Taylor Swift enters a black and white fantasy.
05:20There's all kinds of references, including nods to gothic stories as well as to the album
05:25itself.
05:26The singer also tries out some different fashions, including period gowns and even face tattoos.
05:31An impressive cast helps tell this tale, including a few heavy hitters from the music and film
05:36industries.
05:45Fans of Dead Poets Society will notably recognize two members of the ensemble, Ethan Hawke and
05:49Josh Charles.
05:50Post Malone also joins the song and video, setting up an intriguing love story with Swift.
06:03The moody, atmospheric clip takes us on a cerebral journey from a psychiatric facility
06:08to an office, to a highway, to a cliff.
06:11Number 24.
06:13Lavender Haze
06:14If you love shades of purple, you'll really enjoy the artistic choices in this video.
06:25Lavender Haze captures some kind of world where the impossible seems possible.
06:30From koi fish to a massive pool and beyond, the dreamy setting gives Swift a chance to
06:34experience the indescribable peaks of love.
06:37The strong visuals help to explain the metaphor of the title.
06:48With all of the incredible effects, the work just edges out the out-of-this-world look
06:53of karma.
06:59The best way to enjoy this one is to simply let the experience wash over you.
07:03Immerse yourself in the lavender haze, if you will.
07:07Number 23.
07:08Me
07:09Joining forces with Brendon Urie, T-Swift stars in a video that feels like a fairytale
07:14all its own.
07:15The clip for Me constantly surprises with its bold style and color choices, with an
07:19entertaining opening that has the two vocalists speaking French.
07:32Both seem to be having the time of their lives throughout, living in a fantastical world
07:36where they express themselves however they want.
07:39The positivity oozes off the screen through practically every frame of this video.
07:52With an inspirational and happy spirit, it really has the ability to brighten up any
07:56gloomy day.
07:57You can't leave the world of Me without at least a smile.
08:01Number 22.
08:02I bet you think about me, Taylor's version, from the vault.
08:07When Taylor Swift's character crashes in Ex's Wedding, she does it in her own unique style.
08:20This Blake Lively-directed video doesn't waste any time bringing chaos to the big day.
08:25Swift appears as an unwanted guest that ruins the cake, among other things, in a particularly
08:30funny moment.
08:31It's not all comedy either, with the sound temporarily cutting out to set the scene for
08:35a dance that's romantic and poignant, before Swift stops and things shift.
08:40Miles Teller's groom struggles to understand it all in a twisted narrative that's more
08:44of a nightmare.
08:45We wouldn't necessarily want this to be our wedding, but we love watching the special
08:49event go off the rails.
08:56Number 21.
08:57Out of the Woods.
08:58For this music video, Taylor Swift finds herself stuck in a wilderness that's full of twists.
09:05The story puts her in amazing locales that prove to be as dangerous as they are beautiful.
09:14As the visceral journey unfolds, she runs from wolves and tries to survive the elements
09:18before ultimately finding herself.
09:21It might just be the closest Swift comes to starring in her own survival-slash-horror
09:25movie.
09:26There are also plenty of cool visuals, tying the top-tier tale together.
09:35With all the excitement and elaborate settings, the Out of the Woods music video becomes more
09:39than just, well, a music video.
09:42Indeed, it's an engaging, thrilling adventure.
09:46Number 20.
09:47Teardrops on My Guitar.
09:48Let's start with this ultimate throwback.
09:51This was actually Swift's second music video ever, released way back in 2007.
10:01Teardrops on My Guitar is about a guy Swift has a crush on, and yet, he keeps talking
10:05to her about another girl he likes.
10:08The video perfectly captures high school days, and feels like a perfect representation of
10:12the emotional turmoil they tend to be filled with.
10:19We'd also be remiss not to shout out musician and actor Tyler Hilton, who plays Swift's
10:24love interest.
10:25She was a fan of his, and it's not hard to see why.
10:28Needless to say, everyone involved in bringing Teardrops on My Guitar to life visually does
10:32an amazing job.
10:39Number 19.
10:40Ours.
10:41The music video for Ours brings a mature perspective and context to love.
10:51It first premiered in 2011, and topped the charts on numerous country channels, including
10:56Great American Country.
10:57We can't say we're surprised.
10:59The video's storyline follows Swift doing regular stuff like going to work, and captures
11:03the often-ordinary, bland energy that can accompany daily office life.
11:10Throughout, she fondly reminisces on the relationship with her military boyfriend, played by Zac
11:18Guilford.
11:19In the end, the two reunite as he returns from service, in an absolutely adorable moment.
11:25You have to admit, it's super cute stuff.
11:31Number 18.
11:32Mean.
11:33In one of her most empowering country hits, T-Swift gives us a banger of a song that calls
11:43out a jerk's bad behavior.
11:45The video was directed by Declan Whitebloom, who explained that it's a journey into multiple
11:50periods of time.
11:57Along with Swift and her band, two of the actors featured prominently are Joey King
12:00and Presley Cash, and they're all fantastic.
12:04We see a multitude of storylines focusing on people getting teased or mistreated, but
12:08those very same people come out on top, sending a message that you can always prove detractors
12:13wrong.
12:14It's an absolute classic that captures what it feels like to be undermined, and continues
12:18to make people feel seen today.
12:25Number 17.
12:26I Can See You, Taylor's Version, from The Vault.
12:36About 12 years after appearing in the clip for Mean, Presley Cash and Joey King starred
12:41in the video for I Can See You, from the vault of Speak Now, Taylor's Version.
12:45In a unique twist, the video got its very first premiere at an Eras Tour concert.
12:54The exciting story focuses on a mission to save a locked up Swift.
12:57In another epic twist, it also features the one and only Taylor Lautner.
13:02The concept is all about how Swifties have supported and empowered the singer to take
13:06her music back as she re-records her first six albums.
13:09That and all the easter eggs scattered throughout make this impossible not to love.
13:19Number 16.
13:21Back to December.
13:28The apology song that is Back to December is one of Swift's most poignant, and the
13:32video doesn't disappoint.
13:34It shows us a young woman, Swift, at home.
13:37She's unhappy, mourning a romance that ended due to her actions.
13:46We also see her past love seemingly also upset.
13:49Soon, snow falls indoors, which takes the frosty, sorrowful energy underscoring the
13:54piece to a new level, and we feel the devastation.
13:57The emotional crux of the story, meanwhile, comes as Swift pens a letter that her lover
14:02reads as the video ends.
14:03The whole thing takes us on an emotional journey that's both gorgeous and heartbreaking.
14:08We see regret and hurt personified, making for a timeless result.
14:19Number 15.
14:2022.
14:21The iconic shirt, the cute heart-shaped glasses, the immaculate vibes, what more could you
14:33ask for?
14:34The 22 music video features the ultimate happy-go-lucky T-Swift aesthetic.
14:43It's all about feeling good, with a focus on a retro style and party vibes.
14:47Sure, it may be simple, but it perfectly depicts Swift's ability to just have good fun with
14:52those closest to her.
14:53It's a reminder to cherish friendships and have a little dance party every once in a
14:57while.
14:58Every time we watch it, we're inspired to do just that.
15:01One second, we just need to find some cat ears.
15:09Number 14.
15:10We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.
15:17We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together has an amusing, eclectic music video, and though
15:22it was first released back in 2012, we never tire of revisiting it.
15:26It shows Swift in various situations, and we get a glimpse into a past romance while
15:30her ex constantly tries to reconcile.
15:38But the message is clear, it'll never happen, like, ever.
15:42It's lighthearted and doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering the highest
15:46quality.
15:47In fact, it was touted as being, quote, the world's first true 4K music video.
15:52Oh, and did we mention it was filmed in one shot?
15:55The people in this song may never be getting back together, but we won't ever break up
15:59with this video.
16:07Number 13.
16:08The Man.
16:13When it comes to Taylor Swift's music videos, this is among those that truly raised the
16:17bar and was the talk of the fandom when it came out in 2020.
16:21Apart from including a generous amount of Easter eggs, The Man features Swift herself,
16:25made up as a stereotypical businessman.
16:32This was the first video that she directed completely alone, showcasing her artistic
16:37talents.
16:38Indeed, it perfectly captures the song's message about the double standards women face
16:42systematically.
16:43It was well-received, and she notably won Best Direction at the 2020 MTV VMAs.
16:52We also can't talk about the lover-era videos without shining a spotlight on the
16:56one for You Need To Calm Down.
16:58We still haven't recovered.
17:00Number 12.
17:01Delicate.
17:02Delicate's music video embraces the concept of being your truest self and takes it to
17:10new heights as Swift temporarily becomes invisible to those around her.
17:14With this power of sorts, she can do whatever she wants because nobody is watching her.
17:20The video, directed by Joseph Kahn, embodies what Delicate is about, a new love and the
17:30fragility that comes with that, while telling a story about anonymity.
17:34It was generally well-received, and many fans love it for all the adorable dancing in particular.
17:40Can we talk about that impressive split?
17:42Raise your hand if you had no idea T-Swift was that flexible.
17:48Number 11.
17:50Style.
17:51If you're in the mood for a more conceptual, symbolic T-Swift music video to enjoy, look
17:55no further than Style.
18:04Directed by Kyle Newman, the clip doesn't have an explicit, obvious plot, instead relying
18:08on various scenes involving Swift and a bow.
18:11This, in turn, allows audiences to do their own analysis and come to their own conclusions.
18:16A video without a clear-cut plot might sound risky, but the one for Style nails the execution,
18:27making for one of the best visual works in Swift's catalog to date.
18:30Simple yet nuanced, it still holds up all these years later and remains a testament
18:35to her creative range.
18:42Number 10.
18:43Shake It Off.
18:50When life gets you down, you just gotta shake it off.
18:53This is arguably one of Swift's liveliest music videos ever.
18:57We just love seeing her dance and have the time of her life, and want to follow her lead.
19:07It was directed by Mark Romanek, but he explained that it was a true collaboration, and that
19:12the core premise came from Swift.
19:14The goal was to create an anthem for the so-called geeky and maladroit, thus encouraging them
19:18not to care about other people's opinions.
19:21What's even cuter is the fact that the folks you see next to Taylor near the end are actually
19:25Swifties.
19:26It was the star's idea to involve her fans, and what a great idea it was.
19:38Number 9.
19:39Cardigan.
19:45Cottagecore girlies unite, it's Cardigan time.
19:48There's nothing better than the warm vibes featured throughout this video.
19:52Swift took the reins on this one, doing everything from directing to writing to styling, making
19:57it even more exciting.
19:59The story focuses on themes of self-discovery, as we see Swift move through various scenes,
20:04which represent the start, demise, and aftermath of a romance.
20:13It was shot amid the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so Swift and her team followed stringent
20:18protocols to keep everyone safe.
20:20Yep, you heard that right, Taylor handled hair, makeup, and clothes herself, making
20:25this extra impressive.
20:31The coziness doesn't stop with Cardigan though.
20:34As Evermore's Willow continues in the same narrative universe, and more than delivers.
20:39Number 8.
20:40Wildest Dreams.
20:46This music video almost feels like a mini version of a movie.
20:49The storyline focuses on a Hollywood romance, and even has a plot twist, all done in almost
20:55four minutes.
20:56That's pretty noteworthy stuff if you ask us.
21:05Starring is Swift herself, alongside Scott Eastwood.
21:08They bring to life two actors working on a film in Africa together in the 50s.
21:12The pair begins an intense relationship, but when they're back home by the end, we see
21:17that Eastwood's character Robert is actually married.
21:20To say we're invested in the tale being woven would be an understatement.
21:24The old Hollywood aesthetic that permeates the proceedings is just the cherry on top.
21:35Number 7.
21:36Bad Blood.
21:37Okay, we see you in your amazing budget.
21:45This music video has absolutely everything.
21:48Girl squad power, action, and a badass revenge narrative.
21:52Oh, and it's serving some pretty amazing looks, too.
21:55The Joseph Kahn-directed work was filmed in Los Angeles, although the location is described
21:59as a fictionalized version of London.
22:01The cast, for its part, is pretty extensive.
22:04Indeed, apart from featured artist Kendrick Lamar, it includes the likes of Selena Gomez,
22:09Cara Delevingne, Zendaya, and even Cindy Crawford, to name a few.
22:14This remains one of Swift's most loved visuals, with one critic even describing it as the
22:19Avengers of music videos.
22:27That and the more than 1.5 billion YouTube views it has amassed speak for themselves.
22:36Number 6.
22:37Love Story.
22:38You can't possibly talk about Taylor Swift without talking about the masterpiece that
22:42is Love Story.
22:47The song and its music video probably led to many folks becoming Swifties, if they weren't
22:51already, that is.
22:52Trey Fanjoy directed the video, which riffs on the Romeo and Juliet narrative with a twist
22:57that unfolds in the lyrics.
23:01Basically, it gives us the epic romance many younglings dream of, adding both a medieval
23:09and modern flair to boot.
23:11Swift, of course, radiates a charming, regal energy throughout all of this.
23:16It's cute, timeless, and will forever be one of her top videos.
23:20It just has that Hall of Fame vibe, doesn't it?
23:29Number 5.
23:30Antihero.
23:39We love when Swift writes and directs her own stuff.
23:42Antihero has a fantastically put-together acclaimed music video, showcasing what she
23:46does best when it comes to creativity and Easter eggs.
23:49Plus, the ghosts are hilariously adorable, and the underlying theme of her intrusive
23:54thoughts playing out in front of our eyes is ultra-relatable.
24:02We also have to give major props to the actors playing her fictional family, because they
24:06knock it out of the park.
24:07There's a lot to enjoy, like the multiple Taylors.
24:11The storytelling aspect in particular makes the video a treat, with the right balance
24:15of dark and light moments.
24:20It's quite the contrast to the shimmering Bejeweled video, isn't it?
24:26We could watch both of these for hours.
24:29Number 4.
24:30Look What You Made Me Do.
24:32Look What You Made Me Do was Swift's comeback song in 2017, and the music video was rightfully
24:37the talk of the town.
24:43So what makes it so great?
24:44First of all, there's a lot going on, and if you dare to blink, you will miss an Easter
24:48egg or two.
24:50It also depicts many moments in her career, ending with the utterly iconic scene featuring
24:54different versions of Taylor from her various eras.
24:57It's self-aware, pokes fun at the media circus that has often surrounded her life, and thus
25:02sees her reclaiming her story in a way.
25:08This and the amazing video for Ready For It have us ready to revisit the Reputation era
25:13any day of the week.
25:21Number 3.
25:22Blank Space
25:28Here comes another Joseph Kahn-directed music video, so you already know it's a masterpiece.
25:33The aesthetic on display is just pure perfection.
25:36The clip features Swift as this antagonistic person who's seemingly too much to handle
25:41when it comes to romantic relationships.
25:48That idea came from Swift herself, and Kahn happily took the direction and brought the
25:52vision to life.
25:53Visually, Blank Space's video has an enticingly dark, fashionable vibe, not to mention it's
25:59super entertaining to watch.
26:01It's a great example of Swift being able to make an unforgettable video that, like
26:05the song it accompanies, plays on the public's critiques of her.
26:15Number 2.
26:16You Belong With Me
26:22This is a quintessential Taylor Swift music video.
26:25She's released plenty of other visuals since this came out in 2009, but somehow we always
26:30find ourselves running back to it.
26:36For one thing, it's astounding to see Swift's immense superstar potential on full display
26:41as she brings two opposing characters to life seamlessly.
26:44On top of that, the story the video tells, about a not-so-conventionally cool girl longing
26:49for her friend to realize she's the one for him, is one many can relate to.
26:54Plus, the window signs in Junior Jewel's shirt will never get old, the ending is swoon-worthy,
26:59and the teenage experience is represented flawlessly.
27:03It doesn't hurt to see Lucas Till from the Hannah Montana movie, either.
27:06We have zero notes.
27:13Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified
27:17about our latest videos.
27:20You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
27:24If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
27:29Number 1.
27:30All Too Well, the short film
27:37Where do we even start with this one?
27:39Everything changed, pun intended, when Swift released the ten-minute version of All Too
27:43Well, followed by the acclaimed short film, aka music video.
27:48Starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien, the mini-movie depicts a tumultuous relationship
27:52and what happens once it ends.
27:59Swift put her heart into writing and directing it, and the result is a showcase of her skills
28:04when it comes to setting scenes and giving actors cues.
28:12Absolutely everything, from the sets, to the dialogue, to the overarching narrative, is
28:17impeccable.
28:18All Too Well, the short film, is a mesmerizing work of art that everyone needs to watch at
28:22least once.
28:23Be right back, we're pressing play on it again for the billionth time.
28:34Did we forget another fantastic video?
28:36Let us know in the comments below.
28:46Do you agree with our picks?
28:48Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
28:50And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.