Again this year, music videos have proven to be one of the most manageable and malleable media we have. They can last a few minutes or an hour, they can explore issues of identity and race, or they can show off some of the fiercest dance moves. They can take the form of 'DIY' silliness or a Hollywood extravaganza, they can offer up-and-coming talent and their sense of aesthetics or legends saying goodbye to their fans with videos. Here are the editors' picks for the best videos of 2016 that we've watched over and over again this past year.
The best videos of 2016 as chosen by the editors:
15. Aphex Twin, CIRKLON3 [Колхозная mix]
Directed by: Ryan Wyver
14. Francis and the Lights, Friends ft. Bon Iver and Kanye West
Directed by: Jake Schreier
13. Jamie xx, Gosh
Directed by: Romain Gavras
12. Frank Ocean, Nikes
Directed by: Tyrone Lebon
11. Kayne West, Fade
Directed by: Eli Linnetz
10. Grimes, Kill v. Maim
Directed by: Claire Boucher and Mac Boucher
9. Rihanna, Work ft. Drake
Directed by: Director X and Tim Erem
8. Fifth Harmony, Work From Home ft. Ty Dolla $ign
Directed by: Director X
READ MORE: The best films of 2016 as chosen by the editors
7. Chance the Rapper, Angels ft. Saba
Directed by: Austin Vesely
6. Years and Years, Desire ft. Tove Lo
Directed by: Fred Rowson
5. Desiigner, Panda
Directed by: Paul Geusebroek
4. Radiohead, Daydreaming
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
3. MIA, Go Off
Directed by: MIA
2. David Bowie, Lazarus
Directed by: Johan Renck
1. Beyoncé, Lemonade
Directed by: Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Kahlil Joseph
