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1. Backstreet Boys - "I Want It That Way"

It all felt so epic. The Backstreet Boys, clad in white, standing on an airport tarmac as a private jet gleamed behind them. "I Want It That Way" was more than a song; it was a phenomenon, dominating the TRL top spot for so long it was eventually retired to make way for others. The video captured the bittersweet energy of fandom, with cuts to screaming admirers reaching out as if to say one last goodbye.

**2. *NSYNC - "Bye Bye Bye"**

The opening strings, the frantic escape from a pursuing girlfriend, and then—the dance. "Bye Bye Bye" was a declaration, a breakup anthem set to a beat that was impossible not to move to. The video, with its intricate puppet-master choreography and action-movie sequences, set a new standard for what a boy band video could be.

3. Britney Spears - "...Baby One More Time"

DUN DUN DUN. The first three piano chords were a signal. For a generation, the sight of Britney Spears in a Catholic schoolgirl outfit, dancing through the halls of a high school, is an indelible image. Released just as TRL was finding its footing, the video for "...Baby One More Time" didn't just launch a career; it kickstarted the entire teen-pop movement of the late '90s and was voted the most iconic music video on the show's final episode.

4. Christina Aguilera - "Genie in a Bottle"

The visuals were sun-drenched and dreamy, with Christina Aguilera on a Malibu beach surrounded by friends. "Genie in a Bottle" was a perfect pop song with lyrics that hinted at something more, a theme of self-respect wrapped in a catchy melody. The video received heavy airplay and helped establish Aguilera as a formidable new voice in pop music.

5. Korn - "Freak on a Leash"

For every pop enthusiast, there was someone who craved something heavier. "Freak on a Leash" was their anthem. The video was a stunning piece of art, blending animation from Spawn creator Todd McFarlane with live-action footage. The most memorable sequence follows a speeding bullet as it bursts from the animated world into the real one, shattering everything in its path.

6. Limp Bizkit - "Nookie"

Fred Durst’s red Yankees cap became an instant icon. The concept was simple: the band sets up in an alley in Long Island City and performs as a crowd of fans descends upon them. The song itself was about a toxic relationship, but the video was a raw, chaotic burst of energy that perfectly captured the nu-metal zeitgeist.

7. Kid Rock - "Bawitdaba"

It opens with a shot of a trailer park and quickly explodes into a massive, mud-soaked concert. "Bawitdaba" was an aggressive, unapologetic blend of rock and rap. The video felt like a huge, out-of-control party that you were watching from your living room, perfectly capturing the raw energy that made Kid Rock a star.

8. Eminem - "The Real Slim Shady"

No one was safe. In "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem took aim at the entire pop culture landscape, mocking boy bands, pop princesses, and even the host of TRL himself, Carson Daly. The video was a colorful, chaotic, and controversial masterpiece that solidified Eminem's place as a lyrical genius and a master provocateur.

9. Jay-Z - "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)"

Sampling a show tune from Annie for a hip-hop track was a bold move, but it paid off. "Hard Knock Life" became a massive crossover hit, and the video, filmed in the Marcy Projects where Jay-Z grew up, was a powerful statement about his journey. It connected the struggles of orphans in a musical with the realities of life in the ghetto, creating an anthem of survival and ambition.

10. Destiny's Child - "Say My Name"

The color-coded rooms, the sleek, futuristic furniture, and the four powerful women demanding respect. "Say My Name" was a bold statement from a group on the cusp of superstardom. The video's minimalist aesthetic allowed the group's charisma and vocal talent to shine, creating a truly unforgettable visual experience.

11. Blink-182 - "What's My Age Again?"

In one of the most memorable and daring videos of the era, the members of Blink-182 ran naked through the streets of Los Angeles. "What's My Age Again?" perfectly captured the band's irreverent, punk-rock attitude. It was funny, shocking, and a little rebellious—everything that made Blink-182 a favorite among the TRL crowd.

12. TLC - "No Scrubs"

Set in a sleek, futuristic space station, "No Scrubs" gave us iconic Afrofuturist fashion and an anthem for the ages. T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli delivered a powerful message about self-worth and standards, all while performing flawless choreography in metallic silver outfits. The video felt like it was beamed in from another, cooler dimension.

13. Missy Elliott - "Work It"

Missy Elliott's videos were always groundbreaking, and "Work It" was no exception. It was a surreal, visually inventive masterpiece filled with unforgettable moments, from the reversed lyrics to the bees flying out of her mouth. Her creativity pushed the boundaries of what a music video could be, making her a true visionary of the format.

14. Ricky Martin - "Livin' la Vida Loca"

With his infectious energy and undeniable charisma, Ricky Martin brought Latin pop to the forefront of American music. The video for "Livin' la Vida Loca" was a stylish, high-energy affair filled with dancing, candle wax, and a mysterious woman. It was a cultural moment that helped pave the way for a wave of Latin artists in the mainstream.

Britney Spears - "Oops!... I Did It Again"

Donning her now-iconic red latex jumpsuit, Britney Spears blasted off to Mars in this futuristic and highly anticipated video. The slick choreography and out-of-this-world concept of "Oops!... I Did It Again" further cemented her status as the reigning princess of pop on the TRL countdown.

Backstreet Boys - "Larger Than Life"

With a then-record-breaking budget of over $2.1 million, "Larger Than Life" was a sci-fi epic. The video's futuristic costumes, elaborate sets, and CGI effects were a thank you to their fans and a visual feast that dominated the TRL countdown.

15. Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris - "Yeah!"

The crunk-infused beat was undeniable. "Yeah!" felt like the biggest party in the world, and the music video, with its slick choreography and laser-filled nightclub, put you right in the middle of it. Usher's smooth dance moves, Lil Jon's ad-libs, and Ludacris's clever rhymes made this a quintessential hit of the early 2000s and a fixture on the TRL countdown.

We could have made this list 100 songs long! What was your go-to video that you voted for on the TRL hotline? Let us know in the comments.