12 Music Videos That Were Way Too Mature for Kids
These 12 music videos shocked audiences with themes and imagery that were far too adult for children, despite being widely accessible.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Music videos often walk the line between entertainment and art, but some take things too far for younger viewers. These 12 videos, whether through sexual content, violence, or dark themes, became infamous for being way too mature for their broad audiences. While many of them are praised for creativity or boldness, they remain cautionary tales of how visual media can push the limits of age-appropriateness.
1. “Like a Prayer” – Madonna (1989)
Image from Wikipedia
Madonna stirred global controversy with this video, which featured burning crosses, stigmata, and implied interracial romance with a saint-like figure. The religious imagery clashed heavily with the Catholic Church, sparking protests and boycotts. Despite — or because of — the backlash, it became one of her most iconic works.
2. “Closer” – Nine Inch Nails (1994)
Image from Wikipedia
This dark, surreal video contained scenes of bondage, nudity, animal cruelty, and occult symbolism. It was heavily censored for MTV but still managed to shock audiences with its raw sexual energy. The video’s disturbing tone matched the song’s infamous chorus: “I want to f*** you like an animal.”
3. “Dirrty” – Christina Aguilera (2002)
Image from Wikipedia
Aguilera shed her teen pop image with a gritty, hyper-sexual video set in an underground club full of grime, sweat, and suggestive dancing. The video showed her writhing in chaps and bikini bottoms, with scenes of simulated group partying and voyeurism. It was widely criticized as inappropriate for her younger fans.
4. “Pony” – Ginuwine (1996)
Image from Wikipedia
This slow, seductive R&B track was matched with a video that oozed sensuality. With shirtless grinding, water-drenched dance moves, and clear sexual themes, the video was anything but subtle. It became a club anthem but was far from family-friendly fare.
5. “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell (2013)
Image from Wikipedia
While the song was already controversial for its lyrics, the unrated version of the video featured topless models strutting and dancing alongside the artists. Its objectification of women sparked global criticism and debates about consent in pop music. The video was banned from YouTube for a time before being reuploaded with age restrictions.
6. “Stupid Girls” – Pink (2006)
Image from Wikipedia
This satirical video showed Pink mocking the hyper-sexualized, plastic Hollywood girl image, featuring exaggerated portrayals of girls obsessed with beauty and fame. While it had a feminist message, the visuals included inappropriate role-play and revealing costumes. The parody was too layered and risqué for young viewers to process.
7. “S&M” – Rihanna (2011)
Image from Wikipedia
Rihanna’s bondage-themed video pushed boundaries with latex outfits, gags, whips, and explicit innuendo. It was so provocative that 11 countries banned it, and YouTube restricted it to adult viewers. Despite — or because of — its shock value, the song became a hit.
8. “LoveGame” – Lady Gaga (2009)
Image from Wikipedia
In this flashy, neon-lit video, Lady Gaga danced provocatively while chanting, “I wanna take a ride on your disco stick.” The video featured suggestive choreography, exposed skin, and implied group sex scenes. It was edgy and glamorous but definitely not child-appropriate.
9. “This Is America” – Childish Gambino (2018)
Image from Wikipedia
While critically acclaimed for its symbolism, the video featured graphic depictions of gun violence, chaos, and social commentary. Gambino dances joyfully amid scenes of death and destruction, forcing viewers to confront America’s racial and political tensions. Its rawness was far too intense for young audiences.
10. “Erotica” – Madonna (1992)
Image from Wikipedia
Another Madonna entry, this one pushed boundaries even further with overt BDSM, same-sex imagery, and voyeuristic scenes. The video was part of her Sex era and was banned from many outlets due to its explicit nature. It blurred the line between art and pornography.
11. “Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj (2014)
Image from Wikipedia
Filled with twerking, banana innuendos, and over-the-top booty shots, this video was almost cartoonishly sexual. Its explicit visuals made it a viral hit but also a concern for parents and educators. With its bold flaunting of sexuality, it crossed the line for many younger viewers.
12. “Kim” – Eminem (2000)
Image from Wikipedia
Arguably one of the darkest music videos ever, “Kim” depicted Eminem dragging a woman (meant to be his wife) through the woods, leading to her violent death. The video was pulled shortly after release due to its disturbing depiction of domestic violence. It remains one of the most shocking videos in rap history.