A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel, which has a plurality of pixel rows, and a backlight located at the rear of the liquid crystal panel. The backlight includes a plurality of thin-film organic electroluminescent elements. Each organic electroluminescent element flashes independently from the other organic electroluminescent elements. Each electroluminescent element corresponds to one of the pixel rows and radiates light toward the corresponding pixel row. This structure reduces thickness and power consumption of the liquid crystal display.