We know these Taylor Swift music videos all too well. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most iconic music videos Taylor Swift has given us over the years.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 ♪ Fireball on the east side where you at ♪
00:02 ♪ Phone lights at my nightstand in the black ♪
00:04 - Welcome to Ms. Mojo.
00:06 And today, we're counting down our picks
00:08 for the most iconic music videos
00:10 Taylor Swift has given us over the years.
00:12 ♪ I bet you think about me ♪
00:16 Number 20, Teardrops on My Guitar.
00:20 Let's start with this ultimate throwback.
00:22 This was actually Swift's second music video ever,
00:25 released way back in 2007.
00:28 ♪ And you looks at me ♪
00:31 Teardrops on My Guitar is about a guy
00:34 Swift has a crush on, and yet,
00:36 he keeps talking to her about another girl he likes.
00:39 The video perfectly captures high school days
00:42 and feels like a perfect representation
00:44 of the emotional turmoil they tend to be filled with.
00:46 ♪ Here's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar ♪
00:51 We'd also be remiss not to shout out musician
00:53 and actor Tyler Hilton, who plays Swift's love interest.
00:56 She was a fan of his, and it's not hard to see why.
00:59 Needless to say, everyone involved in bringing Teardrops
01:02 on My Guitar to life visually does an amazing job.
01:05 ♪ Then he's all that I need to fall into ♪
01:10 Number 19, Ours.
01:13 The music video for Ours brings a mature perspective
01:15 and context to love.
01:17 ♪ Elevator buttons and morning air ♪
01:22 It first premiered in 2011
01:24 and topped the charts on numerous country channels,
01:27 including Great American Country.
01:29 We can't say we're surprised.
01:30 The video's storyline follows Swift
01:32 doing regular stuff like going to work
01:34 and captures the often ordinary, bland energy
01:37 that can accompany daily office life.
01:39 ♪ So don't you worry your pretty little mind ♪
01:42 ♪ People throw rocks at things that shine ♪
01:45 Throughout, she fondly reminisces on the relationship
01:48 with her military boyfriend, played by Zach Guilford.
01:51 In the end, the two reunite as he returns from service
01:54 in an absolutely adorable moment.
01:56 You have to admit, it's super cute stuff.
01:59 ♪ But this love is ours ♪
02:02 Number 18, Mean.
02:04 ♪ You with your words like knives and swords ♪
02:08 ♪ And weapons that you use against me ♪
02:10 In one of her most empowering country hits,
02:12 T-Swift gives us a banger of a song
02:14 that calls out a jerk's bad behavior.
02:17 The video was directed by Declan Whitebloom,
02:19 who explained that it's a journey
02:21 into multiple periods of time.
02:22 ♪ Someday I'll be living in a big old city ♪
02:27 Along with Swift and her band,
02:30 two of the actors featured prominently
02:31 are Joey King and Presley Cash,
02:33 and they're all fantastic.
02:35 We see a multitude of storylines
02:37 focusing on people getting teased or mistreated,
02:40 but those very same people come out on top,
02:42 sending a message that you can always prove detractors wrong.
02:46 It's an absolute classic that captures
02:47 what it feels like to be undermined
02:49 and continues to make people feel seen today.
02:52 ♪ And all you're ever gonna be is mean ♪
02:57 Number 17, "I Can See You," Taylor's version,
03:00 from "The Vault."
03:01 ♪ You brush past me in the hallway ♪
03:04 ♪ And you don't think I, I, I can see it ♪
03:08 About 12 years after appearing in the clip for "Mean,"
03:11 Presley Cash and Joey King starred in the video
03:13 for "I Can See You,"
03:14 from "The Vault" of "Speak Now," Taylor's version.
03:17 In a unique twist, the video got its very first premiere
03:20 at an Eras Tour concert.
03:21 ♪ 'Cause I can see you ♪
03:23 ♪ Way in down the hall from here ♪
03:25 The exciting story focuses on a mission
03:27 to save a locked up Swift.
03:29 In another epic twist,
03:30 it also features the one and only Taylor Lautner.
03:33 The concept is all about how Swifties have supported
03:36 and empowered the singer to take her music back
03:38 as she re-records her first six albums.
03:41 That and all the Easter eggs scattered throughout
03:43 make this impossible not to love.
03:45 ♪ I see you, I see you, baby ♪
03:49 ♪ Oh, baby ♪
03:51 Number 16, "Back to December."
03:53 ♪ I'm so glad you made time to see me ♪
03:57 ♪ How's life, tell me how's your family ♪
04:00 The apology song that is "Back to December"
04:02 is one of Swift's most poignant,
04:04 and the video doesn't disappoint.
04:06 It shows us a young woman, Swift, at home.
04:08 She's unhappy, mourning a romance
04:10 that ended due to her actions.
04:12 ♪ So this is me swallowing my pride ♪
04:15 ♪ Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry ♪
04:18 We also see her past love seemingly also upset.
04:21 Soon, snow falls indoors,
04:23 which takes the frosty, sorrowful energy
04:25 underscoring the piece to a new level,
04:27 and we feel the devastation.
04:29 The emotional crux of the story, meanwhile,
04:31 comes as Swift pens a letter that her lover reads
04:34 as the video ends.
04:35 The whole thing takes us on an emotional journey
04:37 that's both gorgeous and heartbreaking.
04:39 We see regret and hurt personified,
04:42 making for a timeless result.
04:44 ♪ I go back to December all the time ♪
04:48 (upbeat music)
04:50 Number 15, "22."
04:52 ♪ It feels like a perfect night ♪
04:55 ♪ To dress up like hipsters ♪
04:57 ♪ And make fun of our exes ♪
04:59 The iconic shirt, the cute heart-shaped glasses,
05:02 the immaculate vibes, what more could you ask for?
05:06 The "22" music video features
05:07 the ultimate happy-go-lucky T-Swift aesthetic.
05:10 ♪ I don't know about you ♪
05:12 ♪ But I'm feeling 22 ♪
05:14 It's all about feeling good
05:16 with a focus on a retro style and party vibes.
05:19 Sure, it may be simple,
05:20 but it perfectly depicts Swift's ability
05:22 to just have good fun with those closest to her.
05:25 It's a reminder to cherish friendships
05:27 and have a little dance party every once in a while.
05:29 Every time we watch it, we're inspired to do just that.
05:33 One second, we just need to find some cat ears.
05:35 ♪ I gotta have you ♪
05:38 ♪ I gotta have you ♪
05:40 Number 14, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together."
05:44 ♪ I remember when we broke up ♪
05:46 ♪ The first time ♪
05:46 ♪ Saying this is it, I've had enough ♪
05:48 "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
05:50 has an amusing, eclectic music video,
05:53 and though it was first released back in 2012,
05:55 we never tire of revisiting it.
05:58 It shows Swift in various situations,
06:00 and we get a glimpse into a past romance
06:02 while her ex constantly tries to reconcile.
06:04 ♪ I'm really gonna miss you picking fights ♪
06:06 ♪ And me falling for it, screaming that I'm right ♪
06:09 But the message is clear, it'll never happen, like ever.
06:13 It's lighthearted and doesn't take itself too seriously
06:16 while still delivering the highest quality.
06:19 In fact, it was touted as being, quote,
06:21 "The world's first true 4K music video."
06:24 Oh, and did we mention it was filmed in one shot?
06:27 The people in this song may never be getting back together,
06:29 but we won't ever break up with this video.
06:32 ♪ Me ♪
06:33 ♪ Are never ever ever ever ♪
06:37 ♪ Getting back together ♪
06:39 - Number 13, "The Man."
06:41 ♪ I would be complex ♪
06:43 ♪ I would be cool ♪
06:44 When it comes to Taylor Swift's music videos,
06:47 this is among those that truly raised the bar
06:49 and was the talk of the fandom when it came out in 2020.
06:52 Apart from including a generous amount of Easter eggs,
06:55 "The Man" features Swift herself,
06:57 made up as a stereotypical businessman.
07:00 ♪ I'd be a fearless leader ♪
07:02 ♪ I'd be an alpha type ♪
07:04 This was the first video
07:05 that she directed completely alone,
07:07 showcasing her artistic talents.
07:09 Indeed, it perfectly captures the song's message
07:12 about the double standards women face systematically.
07:15 It was well-received,
07:16 and she notably won Best Direction
07:18 at the 2020 MTV VMAs.
07:20 ♪ And I'd be the man ♪
07:22 ♪ I'd be the man ♪
07:23 - We also can't talk about the lover era videos
07:26 without shining a spotlight on the one
07:28 for "You Need to Calm Down."
07:29 We still haven't recovered.
07:31 Number 12, "Delicate."
07:33 ♪ Listen for the best ♪
07:35 ♪ My reputation's never been worse, so ♪
07:38 - "Delicate's" music video embraces the concept
07:40 of being your truest self
07:41 and takes it to new heights
07:43 as Swift temporarily becomes invisible to those around her.
07:46 With this power of sorts,
07:48 she can do whatever she wants
07:49 because nobody is watching her.
07:51 ♪ Is it cool that I said all that ♪
07:55 ♪ Is it chill that you're in my head ♪
07:57 - The video, directed by Joseph Kahn,
07:59 embodies what "Delicate" is about,
08:01 a new love and the fragility that comes with that,
08:03 while telling a story about anonymity.
08:06 It was generally well-received,
08:07 and many fans love it
08:09 for all the adorable dancing in particular.
08:11 Can we talk about that impressive split?
08:13 Raise your hand if you had no idea
08:15 T-Swift was that flexible.
08:17 ♪ Isn't it delicate ♪
08:20 - Number 11, "Style."
08:22 If you're in the mood for a more conceptual,
08:24 symbolic T-Swift music video to enjoy,
08:26 look no further than "Style."
08:28 ♪ Midnight ♪
08:31 ♪ Come and pick me up, no headlights ♪
08:35 - Directed by Kyle Newman,
08:36 the clip doesn't have an explicit, obvious plot,
08:39 instead relying on various scenes
08:41 involving Swift and a bow.
08:42 This, in turn, allows audiences to do their own analysis
08:46 and come to their own conclusions.
08:47 ♪ 'Cause you got that dream, dream, daydream ♪
08:51 ♪ Look in your eyes ♪
08:53 - A video without a clear-cut plot might sound risky,
08:56 but the one for "Style" nails the execution,
08:58 making for one of the best visual works
09:00 in Swift's catalog to date.
09:02 Simple yet nuanced, it still holds up all these years later
09:06 and remains a testament to her creative range.
09:08 ♪ We never go out of style ♪
09:11 ♪ We never go out of style ♪
09:13 - Number 10, "Shake It Off."
09:15 ♪ I stay out too late ♪
09:18 ♪ Got nothing in my brain ♪
09:21 - When life gets you down, you just gotta shake it off.
09:24 This is arguably one of Swift's
09:26 liveliest music videos ever.
09:28 We just love seeing her dance
09:30 and have the time of her life
09:31 and want to follow her lead.
09:33 ♪ 'Cause the players wanna play, play, play, play, play ♪
09:36 ♪ And the haters wanna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate ♪
09:39 - It was directed by Mark Romanek,
09:40 but he explained that it was a true collaboration
09:43 and that the core premise came from Swift.
09:45 The goal was to create an anthem
09:47 for the so-called geeky and maladroit,
09:49 thus encouraging them not to care
09:51 about other people's opinions.
09:52 What's even cuter is the fact that the folks you see
09:55 next to Taylor near the end are actually Swifties.
09:58 It was the star's idea to involve her fans,
10:00 and what a great idea it was.
10:02 ♪ Shake it off, shake it off ♪
10:04 ♪ I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off ♪
10:09 - Number nine, "Cardigan."
10:12 ♪ Vintage tee, brand new phone ♪
10:15 ♪ High heels on ♪
10:17 - Potage Core girlies unite, it's Cardigan time.
10:20 There's nothing better than the warm vibes
10:22 featured throughout this video.
10:23 Swift took the reins on this one,
10:25 doing everything from directing to writing to styling,
10:28 making it even more exciting.
10:30 The story focuses on themes of self-discovery
10:33 as we see Swift move through various scenes,
10:35 which represent the start, demise,
10:37 and aftermath of a romance.
10:39 ♪ I knew you ♪
10:41 ♪ Playing hard and seeking ♪
10:43 ♪ Giving me a weekend ♪
10:45 - It was shot amid the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,
10:48 so Swift and her team followed stringent protocols
10:50 to keep everyone safe.
10:52 Yeah, you heard that right.
10:53 Taylor handled hair, makeup, and clothes herself,
10:56 making this extra impressive.
10:58 ♪ You put me on and said I was your favorite ♪
11:03 - The coziness doesn't stop with Cardigan though,
11:05 as Evermore's Willow continues
11:07 in the same narrative universe and more than delivers.
11:10 Number eight, "Wildest Dreams."
11:13 ♪ He said let's get out of this town ♪
11:16 ♪ Drive out of the city ♪
11:18 - This music video almost feels
11:19 like a mini version of a movie.
11:21 The storyline focuses on a Hollywood romance
11:23 and even has a plot twist, all done in almost four minutes.
11:28 That's pretty noteworthy stuff if you ask us.
11:30 ♪ Say you'll remember me ♪
11:32 ♪ Standing in a nice dress ♪
11:34 ♪ Staring at the sunset, babe ♪
11:37 - Starring is Swift herself alongside Scott Eastwood.
11:40 They bring to life two actors working on a film
11:42 in Africa together in the '50s.
11:44 The pair begins an intense relationship,
11:47 but when they're back home by the end,
11:48 we see that Eastwood's character Robert is actually married.
11:52 To say we're invested in the tale being woven
11:54 would be an understatement.
11:55 The old Hollywood aesthetic that permeates the proceedings
11:58 is just the cherry on top.
12:00 ♪ Wildest dreams ♪
12:05 - Number seven, "Bad Blood."
12:09 Okay, we see you and your amazing budget.
12:11 ♪ 'Cause baby now we got bad blood ♪
12:14 ♪ You know it used to be mad love ♪
12:16 - This music video has absolutely everything.
12:19 Girl squad power, action, and a badass revenge narrative.
12:23 Oh, and it's serving some pretty amazing looks too.
12:26 The Joseph Kahn-directed work was filmed in Los Angeles,
12:29 although the location is described
12:31 as a fictionalized version of London.
12:33 The cast for its part is pretty extensive.
12:36 Indeed, apart from featured artist Kendrick Lamar,
12:39 it includes the likes of Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne,
12:42 Zendaya, and even Cindy Crawford, to name a few.
12:45 This remains one of Swift's most loved visuals,
12:48 with one critic even describing it
12:50 as the "Avengers of music videos."
12:52 ♪ Oh, it's so sad to ♪
12:56 ♪ Think about the good times ♪
12:59 - That and the more than 1.5 billion YouTube views
13:02 it has amassed speak for themselves.
13:05 ♪ And baby now we got bad blood ♪
13:07 - Number six, "Love Story."
13:09 You can't possibly talk about Taylor Swift
13:11 without talking about the masterpiece that is "Love Story."
13:15 ♪ We were both young when I first saw you ♪
13:18 - The song and its music video
13:20 probably led to many folks becoming Swifties,
13:22 if they weren't already, that is.
13:24 Trey Fanjoy directed the video,
13:26 which riffs on the "Romeo and Juliet" narrative
13:28 with a twist that unfolds in the lyrics.
13:30 ♪ And I said, "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone" ♪
13:35 - Basically, it gives us the epic romance
13:38 many younglings dream of,
13:40 adding both a medieval and modern flair to boot.
13:43 Swift, of course, radiates a charming, regal energy
13:46 throughout all of this.
13:47 It's cute, timeless,
13:49 and will forever be one of her top videos.
13:51 It just has that Hall of Fame vibe, doesn't it?
13:54 ♪ It's a love story, baby, just say yes ♪
13:59 - Number five, "Antihero."
14:02 ♪ I have this thing where I get older ♪
14:05 ♪ But just never wiser ♪
14:07 ♪ Midnights become my afternoons ♪
14:10 - We love when Swift writes and directs her own stuff.
14:13 "Antihero" has a fantastically put-together
14:15 acclaimed music video,
14:17 showcasing what she does best
14:18 when it comes to creativity and Easter eggs.
14:21 Plus, the ghosts are hilariously adorable,
14:23 and the underlying theme of her intrusive thoughts
14:26 playing out in front of our eyes is ultra-relatable.
14:29 ♪ It's me, I'm the problem, it's me ♪
14:33 - We also have to give major props
14:35 to the actors playing her fictional family,
14:37 because they knock it out of the park.
14:39 There's a lot to enjoy, like the multiple tailors.
14:42 The storytelling aspect in particular
14:44 makes the video a treat,
14:46 with the right balance of dark and light moments.
14:48 ♪ It must be exhausting ♪
14:50 ♪ Always rooting for the antihero ♪
14:54 - It's quite the contrast
14:55 to the shimmering "Bejeweled" video, isn't it?
14:57 We could watch both of these for hours.
15:00 Number four, "Look What You Made Me Do."
15:03 "Look What You Made Me Do" was Swift's comeback song in 2017,
15:07 and the music video was rightfully the talk of the town.
15:09 ♪ I don't like your little games ♪
15:14 - So what makes it so great?
15:16 First of all, there's a lot going on,
15:18 and if you dare to blink, you will miss an Easter egg or two.
15:21 It also depicts many moments in her career,
15:24 ending with the utterly iconic scene
15:26 featuring different versions of Taylor
15:27 from her various eras.
15:29 It's self-aware, pokes fun at the media circus
15:31 that has often surrounded her life,
15:33 and thus sees her reclaiming her story in a way.
15:36 ♪ I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me ♪
15:39 - This and the amazing video for "Ready For It"
15:42 have us ready to revisit the Reputation era
15:44 any day of the week.
15:45 ♪ Look what you made me do ♪
15:47 ♪ Look what you made me do ♪
15:49 ♪ Look what you just made me do ♪
15:51 ♪ Look what you just made me do ♪
15:52 - Number three, "Blank Space."
15:55 ♪ Nice to meet you, where you been ♪
15:57 ♪ I could show you incredible things ♪
16:00 - Here comes another Joseph Kahn-directed music video,
16:02 so you already know it's a masterpiece.
16:05 The aesthetic on display is just pure perfection.
16:08 The clip features Swift as this antagonistic person
16:10 who's seemingly too much to handle
16:12 when it comes to romantic relationships.
16:14 ♪ So it's gonna be forever ♪
16:17 ♪ Or it's gonna go down in flames ♪
16:19 - That idea came from Swift herself,
16:21 and Kahn happily took the direction
16:23 and brought the vision to life.
16:25 Visually, "Blank Space's" video
16:26 has an enticingly dark, fashionable vibe,
16:29 not to mention it's super entertaining to watch.
16:32 It's a great example of Swift being able
16:34 to make an unforgettable video that,
16:36 like the song it accompanies,
16:38 plays on the public's critiques of her.
16:40 ♪ But I've got a blank space, baby ♪
16:44 ♪ And I'll write your name ♪
16:46 - Number two, "You Belong With Me."
16:48 ♪ You're on the phone with your girlfriend ♪
16:52 ♪ She's upset ♪
16:54 - This is a quintessential Taylor Swift music video.
16:57 She's released plenty of other visuals
16:59 since this came out in 2009,
17:01 but somehow we always find ourselves running back to it.
17:04 ♪ If you could see ♪
17:05 ♪ 'Cause I'm the one who understands you ♪
17:08 - For one thing, it's astounding to see Swift's
17:10 immense superstar potential on full display
17:13 as she brings two opposing characters to life seamlessly.
17:16 On top of that, the story the video tells
17:19 about a not-so-conventionally-cool girl
17:21 longing for her friend to realize she's the one for him
17:23 is one many can relate to.
17:25 Plus, the window signs and Junior Jewel shirt
17:28 will never get old, the ending is swoon-worthy,
17:31 and the teenage experience is represented flawlessly.
17:34 It doesn't hurt to see Lucas Till
17:36 from the Hannah Montana movie, either.
17:38 We have zero notes.
17:39 ♪ You belong with me ♪
17:42 ♪ You belong with me ♪
17:44 - Before we unveil our top pick,
17:46 here are a few honorable mentions.
17:49 Picture to Burn.
17:50 We love seeing country Taylor do revenge.
17:52 ♪ As far as I'm concerned ♪
17:54 ♪ You're just another picture to burn ♪
17:58 Mine.
17:59 Directed by Taylor Swift and Roman White,
18:01 this video takes us on a journey through time.
18:04 ♪ You are the best thing that's ever been mine ♪
18:09 I Knew You Were Trouble.
18:10 It didn't win Best Female Video
18:12 at the 2013 MTV VMAs by accident.
18:15 ♪ I knew you were trouble when you walked in ♪
18:20 ♪ So shame on me and let out ♪
18:22 Begin Again.
18:23 Filmed in Paris, it's a gorgeous representation
18:26 of new beginnings.
18:27 ♪ But on a Wednesday in a cafe ♪
18:31 ♪ I watched it begin again ♪
18:34 Out of the Woods.
18:35 Directed by the one and only Joseph Kahn,
18:38 it certainly doesn't disappoint.
18:40 ♪ Are we out of the woods yet ♪
18:41 ♪ Are we out of the woods yet ♪
18:42 ♪ Are we out of the woods yet ♪
18:44 ♪ Are we out of the woods ♪
18:45 - Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel
18:48 and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
18:52 You have the option to be notified
18:53 for occasional videos or all of them.
18:56 If you're on your phone, make sure you go
18:58 into your settings and switch on notifications.
19:01 Number one, All Too Well, the short film.
19:04 ♪ I walked to the door with you ♪
19:07 ♪ The air was cold ♪
19:09 - Where do we even start with this one?
19:11 Everything changed, pun intended,
19:13 when Swift released the 10-minute version of All Too Well,
19:16 followed by the acclaimed short film, AKA music video.
19:19 Starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien,
19:22 the mini-movie depicts a tumultuous relationship
19:24 and what happens once it ends.
19:26 ♪ And I know it's long gone ♪
19:28 ♪ And there was nothing else I could do ♪
19:31 - Swift put her heart into writing and directing it,
19:34 and the result is a showcase of her skills
19:36 when it comes to setting scenes and giving actors cues.
19:39 ♪ You charmed my dad with self-effacing jokes ♪
19:44 - Absolutely everything, from the sets to the dialogue
19:47 to the overarching narrative, is impeccable.
19:50 All Too Well, the short film, is a mesmerizing work of art
19:53 that everyone needs to watch at least once.
19:55 Be right back, we're pressing play on it again
19:57 for the billionth time.
19:58 ♪ You'll remember it all too well ♪
20:03 - Calling all Swifties, what's your favorite music video?
20:09 Let us know in the comments.
20:10 ♪ Our song is a slamming screen door ♪
20:12 ♪ Sneaking out, they're tapping on your window ♪
20:16 - Do you agree with our picks?
20:17 Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
20:20 And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell
20:22 to be notified about our latest videos.
20:25 (gentle music)
20:28 (upbeat music)
20:30 (gentle music)
20:33 (upbeat music)