Year: 1985
Director: Mary Lambert
Why: The "Material Girl" video was significant in Madonna's career in a number of ways. The Marilyn Monroe look (which she later played with in "Dick Tracy") was her first "transformation" from the "Borderline"/"Holiday" identity she's originally made a name for herself with.  It also showed a sophistication in her style that hadn't been hinted at in popular videos for songs such as "Lucky Star" or "Like A Virgin."  As a video, the dance numbers still work today and the iconic power of it has blemished anyone trying to copy or reference Monroe since.  Watch the opening number for 2011's "My Week with Marilyn" and your mind will instantly think of the "Material Girl" as being more - no joke - authentic.  It doesn't hurt that the video's storyline - a studio exec who pretends to be less materialistic than Madonna's current beau - still works today.

Watch it here.