This year could certainly be categorized as "rough," which could explain why so many of us were so obsessed with nostalgia in 2018. From switching up our fashion choices to binge-watching '90s reboots [1], looking back a couple of decades was all the rage — and music videos reflected it, too.
Drake reunited the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation for his "I'm Upset" video [2] back in May, and Charli XCX and Troye Sivan brought it back [3] to the golden age of my youth for "1999." But most recently, Ariana Grande [4] took us all on a trip down memory lane when she paid homage to classic 2000s teen movies in the fun-filled visuals for "Thank U, Next." [5] Ahead, see which artists turned back time in their videos this year.
"Finesse (Remix)" by Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B
The year was off to a great start thanks to the January drop of Bruno Mars's "Finesse" video. Mars and Cardi B expertly channeled the splashy opening credits from In Living Color, and as someone who desperately wanted to be a "Fly Girl" growing up, it was a real delight.
"I'm Upset" by Drake
In May, fans of Degrassi: The Next Generation were shook when the rapper got the cast back together [7] for a romp through the halls for his "I'm Upset" video.
"2002" by Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie's catchy hit was nostalgic enough, but she went ahead and made me feel even older with the fun visuals in May, paying homage to Britney Spears [8], *NSYNC, JAY-Z, and Nelly.
"1999" by Charli XCX and Troye Sivan
Even though Charli XCX and Troye Sivan were technically only four and seven years old, respectively, in 1999, the video is still a fun trip down memory lane — the duo dropped the visuals in October, and paid homage to the hottest movies, products, and celebrities of the time.
"Tourist" by Alex Winston
The indie-pop singer channeled the 1999 cult classic Drop Dead Gorgeous — starring Kirsten Dunst [9], Denise Richards, and Amy Adams [10] — for her "Tourist" video in November.
"Thank U, Next" by Ariana Grande
At the end of November (and after what felt like eons of anticipation), Ariana Grande [11] blessed us with the visuals for "Thank U, Next," featuring recreations of classic 2000s rom-coms [12] like Mean Girls [13], Bring It On [14], 13 Going on 30 [15], and Legally Blonde.
