The allure of classic rock music videos often skyrockets when celebrities make cameo appearances. This trend, embraced by artists like Justin Bieber, Blink-182, and Ariana Grande, creates a powerful synergy by merging vibrant fan bases. The collaborations can either be a calculated move by musicians seeking star power or a fortuitous occurrence that unexpectedly benefits both the artists and the featured celebrities. These moments frequently lead to significant opportunities for the celebrities involved, cementing the music videos in pop culture history.
10 Robert Downey Jr.
Elton John – “I Want Love”
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Robert Downey Jr.’s transformation from a budding actor to a Marvel superstar began with iconic roles, but one standout moment came in 2001 as he starred in Elton John’s music video for “I Want Love.”This track, part of John’s 26th studio album Songs from the West Coast, reached the Top 10 on various Billboard charts. Filmed at the historic Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, the video features Downey Jr. lip-syncing passionately, bringing an artistic edge to the production.
9 Kim Basinger
Tom Petty – “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”
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Tom Petty, a master of rock storytelling, captured attention with “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,”featured on the band’s 1993 Greatest Hits compilation. The haunting video, which won an MTV Music Video Award for Best Male Video in 1994, showcased actress Kim Basinger in a morbid dance scenario that pushed creative boundaries and left a lasting impact on audiences.
8 Cynthia Rhodes
Toto – “Rosanna”
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With hits like “Hold the Line”and “Africa,”Toto solidified their reputation in rock history. “Rosanna,”reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, became legendary not just for its infectious melody but also for its music video featuring Cynthia Rhodes. The video’s narrative resembles a modern twist on West Side Story, which propelled Rhodes to stardom and later roles in major films like Dirty Dancing.
7 Natalie Portman & Johnny Depp
Paul McCartney – “My Valentine”
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Paul McCartney, the living legend from The Beatles, continued to impress solo after their breakup with tracks like “My Valentine.”For the black-and-white video, he enlisted Hollywood heavyweights Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman, showcasing their talent for sign language to convey the song’s emotional depth—an innovative way to connect with audiences.
6 Chevy Chase
Paul Simon – “You Can Call Me Al”
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After gaining fame with Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon ventured solo, gaining significant exposure on Saturday Night Live. In 1986, Simon collaborated with comedic icon Chevy Chase to create a memorable music video for “You Can Call Me Al,”highlighting their playful chemistry. The video notably played to their contrasting heights, crafting a comedic visual that resonated with audiences.
5 Mila Kunis
Aerosmith – “Jaded”
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Aerosmith has perfected the art of blending rock with star power, as seen with their 2001 hit “Jaded”featuring Mila Kunis. At that time, Kunis was cementing her status from That ’70s Show, introducing Aerosmith to a fresh audience. The music video garnered significant airtime, showcasing both Kunis’s rising stardom and the band’s persistent relevance in the music scene.
4 Angelina Jolie
Meat Loaf – “Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through”
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Meat Loaf’s cover of “Rock And Roll Dreams Come Through,”featuring Angelina Jolie in the music video, illustrates the powerful storytelling format of rock music. Released in 1993, the collaboration added significant gravitas to the piece and foreshadowed Jolie’s rise to major Hollywood stardom, proving that sometimes the unlikely pairings in music can lead to iconic moments.
3 Kristen Stewart
The Rolling Stones – “Ride ‘Em On Down”
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The Rolling Stones, a legendary band whose influence spans generations, featured Kristen Stewart in their 2016 music video for “Ride ‘Em On Down.”Stewart’s presence added a youthful edge to the classic rock genre, and together they delivered a visually striking experience, amplifying the excitement around the album Blue & Lonesome and earning a Grammy Award.
2 Anthony Hopkins
Mudcrutch – “I Forgive It All”
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While Tom Petty’s Mudcrutch may not be as universally recognized, it was where Petty’s career took off. “I Forgive It All,”a reflective track from the band’s later work, is notable for its poignant message about reconciliation. Featuring veteran actor Anthony Hopkins, this collaboration exemplified how artistic lines can blur, producing unforgettable milestones in both music and cinema.
1 Arnold Schwarzenegger
Guns N’ Roses – “You Could Be Mine”
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In a groundbreaking collaboration in 1991, Guns N’ Roses featured Arnold Schwarzenegger in the music video for “You Could Be Mine,”tying promotions for Terminator 2: Judgment Day to one of the band’s biggest hits. The resulting chemistry between the cinematic legend and the rock powerhouse not only climbed the charts but also left a lasting impact on music video history, merging the realms of rock and film in an exhilarating way.