It’s a gimmick that seems entirely original each time: the backwards music video. Filmed normally and then reversed, these videos play with image, physics, time, and, usually, stuff spilling onto other stuff. These videos are some of the best, updated for the newest entrants. You can be sure there are more to come.
We’ve only included videos that are almost completely backwards. No snippets here—just full-length backwards music. Remember that the word best is a matter of taste. Some backwards videos go down better than others.
Here’s the full 18. Don’t confuse the numbering for ranking—we’ll leave that up to you. We’ve tried to include newer videos first.
1. Forward video by Messe Kopp
2. 2 Guys 600 Pillows video by Rhett And Link
3. Tongue Tied video by Grouplove (directed by Jordan Bahat)
4. Drop video by The Pharcyde (directed by Spike Jonze)
5. Rivers video by Small Feet (directed by Oskar Wrangö)
6. Breezeblocks video by Alt J (directed by Ellis Bahl)
7. Sugar Water video by Cibo Matto (directed by Michel Gondry)
8. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing video by Jack Johnson
9. The Scientist Video by Coldplay (directed by Jamie Thraves)
10. Woodbox Video by Bright
11. From Your Mouth video by God Lives Underwater
12. Return To Innocence Video by Enigma
13. F.E.A.R. Video by Ian Brown
14. Come Back To Me video by David Cook
15. A Velvet Affair Video by Blanket Barricade (directed by Ivy Lam)
16. Bleed It Out Video by Linkin Park
17. The Freshest Prince Video by Phuse
18. Walking Away by Johan
19. The Only Way Out by Bush
Trivia Happy author Phil Edwards is now writing for Vox. You'll find new amazing stories there.