Back when MTV still played music videos, Halloween meant putting Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on an almost constant loop. While there have been creepy songs since the hit was released in 1982, none have come close to reaching the level of success that “Thriller” has achieved. The iconic video catapulted the song’s popularity even further, and countless productions have imitated the innovative special effects and dance moves.
And yet, fourteen years later another movie-caliber music video would be released. This video was cowritten with horror legend Stephen King, and Stan Winston (The Terminator, Aliens, Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Jurassic Park, Iron Man) was the mind behind the video’s incredible special effects. Michael Jackson’s “Ghosts” holds the world record for the longest music video ever, clocking in at 39 minutes and 31 seconds. Partially inspired by the charges brought against him a few years prior, the songs and themes used in “Ghosts” are just as dark as “Thriller” but eerier in that they are far more believable than werewolves and zombies.
The video used parts of three Jackson songs and featured rapper Mos Def as well as Jackson himself playing the Maestro (himself) as well as the mayor leading an angry mob to run Jackson out of town.
Call it blasphemy, but personally we like “Ghosts” as a video considerably more than “Thriller”.
Check out the video below and let us know what you think. Is it better than “Thriller”?

‘Ghosts’ is part of what made me fall in love with Michael Jackson. His ‘Maestro’ is wonderful! Award winning dance routines, great songs, terrific atmosphere, and a more mature Michael, Michael, Michael… love it more than anything.
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