15 ’90s Music Videos That Feel Outdated Now
These ’90s music videos were once groundbreaking, but today, they feel more awkward than iconic.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Music videos in the ’90s were bold, flashy, and full of big ideas. At the time, they looked cool and cutting-edge. Watching them now, some feel strange, outdated, or just plain awkward. These 15 videos show how much things have changed.
1. “Ice Ice Baby” – Vanilla Ice
wonker from London, United Kingdom on Wikimedia Commons
The flashing lights, unnecessary dance breaks, and Vanilla Ice’s eyebrow raises just feel off now. His attempt to blend street style with pop production looks like a high school pep rally. It still lives rent-free in our heads, but mostly as a punchline.
2. “I’m Too Sexy” – Right Said Fred
Pophq on Wikimedia Commons
It was cheeky in the ’90s, but now it feels like a parody of a parody. The minimalist sets and absurd posing scream low-budget charm, but not in a good way. Watching it now feels like flipping through an awkward modeling portfolio.
3. “All That She Wants” – Ace of Base
Traveltoromantis on Wikimedia Commons
Moody lighting, slow-motion glances, and mysterious camera angles made it seem deep. Now it feels like a lost soap opera audition tape. The drama is still there, but the meaning gets a little lost in the haze.
4. “U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer
Philip Nelson from San Antonio, TX, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Those parachute pants stole the show, but the video’s editing makes it feel like one long aerobic class. Flashy transitions and jittery movements just do not hold up well. It is fun, but definitely dated.
5. “Wannabe” – Spice Girls
Ezekiel. on Wikimedia Commons
The girl power message is still strong, but the shaky one-shot style makes it hard to watch now. The frantic pacing and spinning camera movements feel more like a rollercoaster. Still iconic, but it could use a tripod.
6. “Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
Jen from USA. on Wikimedia Commons
Britney’s breakout hit was everywhere, but the schoolgirl theme has not aged well. The dance moves are still tight, but the vibe feels more uncomfortable now. It is a mix of catchy and cringey.
7. “Macarena” – Los Del Río
Paconi on Wikimedia Commons
That dance will never leave your brain, but the video’s strange party mix of costumes and awkward dancers makes it feel like a cruise ship skit. The fun is still there, just in a slightly embarrassing way. It is harmless — but oh so weird.
8. “Barbie Girl” – Aqua
BulsaraAndDeacon on Wikimedia Commons
Plastic costumes, wacky sets, and exaggerated expressions make this video feel like a fever dream. It was campy even then, but now it borders on chaotic. It is both unforgettable and completely bonkers.
9. “MmmBop” – Hanson
William on Pexels
The grainy filters and awkward family-band energy feel very homemade. It is full of charm, but watching it now feels like a time capsule of teenage awkwardness. The innocence is sweet, but very stuck in its time.
10. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
Yoyo76300 on Wikimedia Commons
Titanic clips and wind machines gave it cinematic flair, but now it just feels overly dramatic. The effects and styling are so extra, it feels like a movie trailer parody. Still beautiful — but a bit much.
11. “Tubthumping” – Chumbawamba
Schorle on Wikimedia Commons
The strange pub scenes and erratic editing match the song’s energy, but it all looks like a headache now. It is loud, blurry, and weirdly theatrical. The chaos was the point, but it has not aged smoothly.
12. “Believe” – Cher
David Carroll on Wikimedia Commons
That early use of Auto-Tune was groundbreaking, but the blue filters and tech-themed visuals look cheesy today. The digital effects make it feel like a Y2K website come to life. Cher shines, but the editing dims it.
13. “No Rain” – Blind Melon
Gregp22 (talk)Greg Prato on Wikimedia Commons
The bee girl is unforgettable, but the video’s pacing and hippie-dream visuals feel sluggish now. It tries hard to be quirky and deep at the same time. The sentiment holds, but the style feels stale.
14. “Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia
Manfred Werner (Tsui) on Wikimedia Commons
This video was once praised for its raw simplicity, but now it just feels like someone forgot to finish it. Static camera shots and fake apartment settings do not hit the same. Still a great song, but the visuals feel stuck.
15. “C’est La Vie” – BWitched*
G.Garitan on Wikimedia Commons
Denim everything and fairy tale forests make it look like a musical filmed at a summer camp. It is all smiles and synchronized claps, but the styling is very of its time. Today, it feels like a teen show opening.