10 Great Rock Videos Featuring Movie Stars in Guest Appearances

Photo of Chevy Chase who is featured in this article on 10 Great Rock Videos Featuring Movie Stars in Guest Appearances

Feature Photo: photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

10 Great Rock Videos Featuring Movie Stars in Guest Appearances presents a showcase of legendary music videos featuring some of the silver screen’s biggest stars. Of course, hundreds of videos that include clips from movies have been created because the songs are related to a Hollywood film in some way. However, you won’t find those on this list; this article focuses on actual guest appearances in the videos. Additionally, none of these songs have anything to do with Hollywood movies—they are songs that stand on their own but happen to feature some of Hollywood’s most famous faces.

Is it true that all rock stars want to be movie stars, and all movie stars want to be rock stars? You’d have to ask them, but you would likely find plenty of truth in that idea for some. And if you don’t believe it, just watch the videos below.

# 10 – Crazy – Aerosmith

“Crazy,” one of Aerosmith’s most iconic tracks from their 1993 album Get a Grip, became equally famous for its music video, which played a crucial role in defining the visual style of ’90s rock. Recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver and produced by Bruce Fairbairn, “Crazy” showcases the band’s signature blues-rock sound, driven by Steven Tyler’s raspy vocals, Joe Perry’s guitar work, Tom Hamilton on bass, Brad Whitford on rhythm guitar, and Joey Kramer on drums. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning the 1994 MTV Video Music Award for Best Video from a Film, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

The “Crazy” music video, directed by Marty Callner, features two future movie stars: Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler, Steven Tyler’s daughter. Released in 1994, the video quickly gained traction on MTV, not just for its catchy tune, but also for the dynamic presence of Silverstone and Tyler, who brought a mix of youthful rebellion, charm, and carefree spirit to the storyline. The plot follows the two as they skip school, steal a convertible, and embark on a spontaneous road trip filled with playful mischief, seduction, and adventure. They stop at a gas station, perform an impromptu striptease, rob the cash register, and make a grand getaway, encapsulating a fantasy of youthful freedom and defiance.

Silverstone, who had already starred in Aerosmith’s videos for “Cryin’” and “Amazing,” was no stranger to the band’s music video universe, but “Crazy” cemented her status as a 1990s icon. For Liv Tyler, then just sixteen, the video marked her first major appearance, foreshadowing the successful acting career that lay ahead, including roles in films like Empire Records and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The chemistry between Silverstone and Tyler added a fresh, spirited dynamic to the video, captivating viewers and elevating it beyond a mere promotional tool for the song. Critically, the video was lauded for its playful narrative and stylish cinematography, with Rolling Stone calling it “a perfectly packaged slice of youthful rebellion set to a rock soundtrack.”

“Crazy” remains a classic example of how a music video can enhance the cultural impact of a song, thanks in large part to the charismatic performances of Silverstone and Tyler. Their screen presence, combined with Aerosmith’s timeless rock ballad, created a visual and musical phenomenon that continues to be celebrated decades later.

# 9 – Angry – Rolling Stones

“Angry,” the lead single from The Rolling Stones’ 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, made waves not only for its classic rock sound but also for its captivating music video, which features the rising star Sydney Sweeney. Directed by Francois Rousselet, the video unfolds on the iconic streets of Los Angeles, placing Sweeney front and center in a narrative that combines glamour, nostalgia, and a rebellious edge. Filmed against the backdrop of a moving convertible, the video blends modern-day Hollywood allure with the legendary swagger of The Rolling Stones, creating a visual experience that feels both contemporary and timeless.

The music video for “Angry” opens with Sweeney, known for her breakout roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, cruising down Sunset Boulevard in a cherry-red convertible, lip-syncing the song’s lyrics with a fierce, playful energy. As she drives past billboards that morph into dynamic images of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood performing, the video cleverly integrates the Stones’ past and present, serving as a tribute to their enduring legacy. Sweeney’s presence is magnetic; her expressions shift between defiance and delight, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of frustration and resilience. Dressed in a black leather outfit that recalls the rock and roll aesthetic, Sweeney brings an intensity and charisma that makes her an ideal choice to channel the song’s energy.

“Angry” was recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, with the production helmed by Andrew Watt. The track features Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards on guitar, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Steve Jordan on drums. Musically, the song returns to The Rolling Stones’ roots, featuring raw guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section, and Jagger’s unmistakable vocal delivery. The recording has been praised for its blend of classic Stones’ swagger with a contemporary edge, a sound that aligns perfectly with the video’s visual style. The combination of Sweeney’s star power and the band’s timeless rock sound generated significant buzz, propelling “Angry” onto various rock charts around the world and securing its place as a standout track from Hackney Diamonds.

Critically, the video for “Angry” has been hailed as a smart move by The Rolling Stones, leveraging Sweeney’s rising celebrity to connect with a younger audience while simultaneously celebrating the band’s six-decade-long career. The video was praised by Rolling Stone magazine for its “clever integration of past and present, proving that The Rolling Stones are as relevant and rebellious as ever.” With Sweeney’s bold performance driving the narrative, the “Angry” video manages to capture both the timeless appeal of rock and the excitement of discovering something new. Positioned in our article on rock videos featuring movie stars, “Angry” stands as a reminder that The Rolling Stones are still capable of commanding attention and pushing creative boundaries, even after all these years.

# 8 – Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day

“Wake Me Up When September Ends,” the poignant single from Green Day’s 2004 album American Idiot, is accompanied by a powerful music video featuring actress Evan Rachel Wood. Directed by Samuel Bayer, who also directed the videos for “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “Holiday,” the “Wake Me Up When September Ends” video adds a narrative depth to the song’s themes of loss, love, and the passing of time. Released in 2005, the video stars Wood alongside actor Jamie Bell, known for his breakout role in Billy Elliot. Together, they deliver emotionally charged performances that elevate the song’s message and ensure its place as one of the most memorable music videos of the 2000s.

The video’s narrative centers around a young couple, played by Wood and Bell, whose love is tested by the harsh realities of life. Beginning with tender moments of intimacy and youthful exuberance, the video soon shifts to a scene where Bell’s character enlists in the military, leaving Wood’s character behind. The decision leads to an emotional conflict, as the couple grapples with the strain of separation, fear, and uncertainty brought about by war. Wood’s performance is especially compelling; she captures a range of emotions, from innocent joy to gut-wrenching despair, providing a relatable face to the universal themes of love and loss. Her portrayal gives the video a grounded emotional core, effectively enhancing the song’s lyrical content about longing, grief, and the passage of time.

Filmed in Los Angeles, the video juxtaposes scenes of the couple’s idyllic love with stark, raw images of war and conflict, creating a contrast that intensifies the narrative’s emotional impact. Bayer’s direction is cinematic, using slow-motion shots, muted color palettes, and intense close-ups to capture the nuances of the characters’ emotional journey. Critics praised the video for its storytelling and emotional resonance, with Rolling Stone calling it “a visual anthem for a generation affected by war and loss.” The video’s release came at a time when the Iraq War was a central topic in American life, and it resonated with audiences who saw their own struggles and fears reflected in the characters’ story.

# 7 – Into the Great Wide Open – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

# 6 – Shadows Of The Night – Pat Benatar

“Shadows of the Night,” one of Pat Benatar’s most iconic hits, is elevated by its music video, which features a surprising appearance by a young Judge Reinhold and a then-up-and-coming Bill Paxton. Released in 1982 as the lead single from her album Get Nervous, the song quickly became a signature anthem for Benatar, climbing to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1983. Directed by Mark Robinson, the music video takes the song’s themes of resilience and defiance and transposes them into a World War II setting, creating a compelling blend of rock music and historical drama that stands out on our list of rock videos featuring movie stars.

In the video, Benatar takes on the role of a Rosie the Riveter-style factory worker by day who becomes a daring Allied spy by night. Dressed in a pilot’s uniform, she leads a covert mission against the Nazis, complete with espionage, explosions, and heroic escapes. Judge Reinhold plays a fellow factory worker and secret agent, while Bill Paxton, in one of his earliest roles, appears as a Nazi officer. The video’s narrative, set in a wartime context, serves as a metaphor for empowerment and fighting against the odds, aligning perfectly with the anthemic spirit of the song.

Much like Annie Lennox’s “Walking on Broken Glass,” which also blends a dramatic narrative with a bit of camp, “Shadows of the Night” uses historical references and costuming to create a unique visual style. However, where Lennox’s video takes a playful approach with its 18th-century setting, Benatar’s video is more straightforward in its heroism, channeling classic wartime adventure films. Benatar’s portrayal is earnest and bold, capturing the strength and spirit of her rock persona while paying homage to classic Hollywood depictions of bravery and resilience.

The video for “Shadows of the Night” also shares a sense of ambition with Tom Petty’s “Into the Great Wide Open,” which features Johnny Depp’s rise and fall in the modern music industry. Both videos use narrative storytelling to expand on the themes of their songs, but Benatar’s choice to set her story in World War II adds a unique twist, blending rock music with period drama in a way that was relatively new for music videos of the early ’80s.

# 5 – You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon

# 3 – Queenie Eye – Paul McCartney

# 2 – I Want Love – Elton John

“I Want Love,” a powerful ballad from Elton John’s 2001 album Songs from the West Coast, is accompanied by a music video that captures its raw, introspective emotion in a starkly minimalist style. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (then Sam Taylor-Wood), the video features a single, continuous shot of actor Robert Downey Jr. as he lip-syncs to John’s vocals. Set in an empty mansion in Los Angeles, Downey Jr.’s solitary performance serves as the video’s focal point, using his subtle facial expressions and movements to convey the complex mix of longing, frustration, and vulnerability that the song’s lyrics suggest.

The video’s simplicity is its strength. Unlike the grand, period-piece setting of Annie Lennox’s “Walking on Broken Glass” or the dynamic, narrative-driven drama of Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night,” “I Want Love” is deliberately stripped down to a single shot, offering an unadorned yet compelling portrait of an individual grappling with the desire for genuine connection. As Downey Jr. moves through the expansive, empty space of the mansion, the starkness of the setting reflects the song’s themes of isolation and yearning. His performance, filled with subtle nuances and a palpable sense of introspection, captures the song’s raw honesty in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

At the time of the video’s release, Downey Jr. was in a highly publicized battle with addiction, which adds an additional layer of poignancy to the performance. His haunted expression and subdued demeanor suggest both fragility and resilience, mirroring the lyrics’ themes of wanting love without the complications that so often accompany it. Elton John’s choice to cast Downey Jr. in the video was a bold one, and it paid off; the actor’s understated yet emotionally charged performance drew praise from both critics and fans. Rolling Stone called the video “a brilliant use of a single, unbroken shot that allows the raw emotion of the song to resonate without distraction.”

Recorded at The Townhouse and Air Studios in London, “I Want Love” was produced by Patrick Leonard and marked a return to Elton John’s classic sound, featuring his distinctive piano playing, with additional contributions from longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin on lyrics. The song earned critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The video played a significant role in revitalizing John’s career in the early 2000s, demonstrating that even after decades in the music industry, he was still capable of creating compelling, contemporary work that connected with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Among our list of rock videos featuring movie stars, “I Want Love” stands out for its minimalist approach, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the emotional content of the song and the captivating presence of Robert Downey Jr.