10 Most Commonly Used Songs in Movies

Do you ever really feel like sure songs, however can’t keep in mind from the place? There’s a excessive chance you’ve been subconsciously consuming music at any time when it’s performed within the background of a film. This is true for a handful of songs — additionally generally known as needle drops — given the truth that some are used extra generally than others. Maybe it’s the catchy melodies or the theme that runs via the songs and can be utilized virtually wherever; one factor is for certain: they’re used fairly typically all through the historical past of cinema.

Updated: January 2023: To maintain this text recent and related by including extra info and entries, this text has been up to date by Olly Dyche.

Indeed, music and movie have gone hand-in-hand ever since cinema’s early days. The partnership between the 2 has even introduced collectively main business gamers inside each media. Famous musical artists have composed soundtracks for motion pictures, whereas others have both written a tune particularly for a movie or lent their tracks to at least one. The songs within the record under are a number of the mostly utilized in motion pictures.

10 “Under Pressure” – Queen and David Bowie

British rock band Queen and singer David Bowie certain knew the way to make full bangers that might be used virtually in all places for the long run to return. The tune “Under Pressure“ talks in regards to the pressures of conformity which can be placed on us by society, so it has some pessimistic undertones. “Under Pressure” nonetheless acts as a related needle drop in lots of fashionable motion pictures. Grosse Pointe Blank performs the tune when the principle character Martin offers along with his inside struggles regarding his household. We may hear it within the rom-com The Girl Next Door, within the superhero film Zoom, in addition to within the buddy comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. What in all probability stays as the best use of the tune is its inclusion in The World’s Greatest Dad starring Robin Williams.

9 “U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer

Considered his signature tune, “U Can’t Touch This” is a single produced and carried out by American rapper MC Hammer. The tune has grow to be so fashionable that it has consistently been included in not solely motion pictures, but in addition TV exhibits and commercials. The hit has been utilized in motion pictures such because the action-comedy Tropic Thunder with Ben Stiller; the drama-adventure Into The Wild, and the Okay-Mart procuring scenes in Grown Ups 2. The most memorable use of “U Can’t Touch This” could for a lot of of you be within the dance-off scene within the cult traditional cop comedy White Chicks.

8 “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tune “Sweet Home Alabama” was launched again in 1974, however absolutely hasn’t been forgotten, as it has been utilized in motion pictures and TV collection left and proper. Although a unique model, the tune was recreated by Eminem himself in a film about his life, 8 Mile. Joe Dirt — a film a couple of man on the lookout for his long-lost dad and mom — has additionally seen the tune grow to be a part of its official soundtrack. We can not neglect the film that borrowed the tune’s title in all its glory: Sweet Home Alabama. Do you keep in mind the dance scene in Con Air with Nicolas Cage? Yes, that was “Sweet Home Alabama” as nicely. Last, however positively not least, essentially the most iconic use when Forrest dances along with his beloved Jenny in Forrest Gump.

7 “What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Originally recorded by Louis Armstrong, “What A Wonderful World” can also be included within the Grammy Hall of Fame. The record of films that characteristic this tune might be limitless, however we have picked a number of the finest. It’s been used within the radio scene in Good Morning, Vietnam, when Alex is left on their lonesome in Madagascar, in 12 Monkeys when James Cole desires a unique tune, within the elevator scene in Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and within the American terrorism montage in Bowling for Columbine. The record goes on and on.

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6 “Chariots of Fire” – Vangelis

As simply probably the most iconic, recognizable and reused songs in film historical past, “Chariots of Fire” has popped up in a smattering of films ever because the 1981 British Historical Sports Drama of the identical identify was launched. The Chariots of Fire rating is usually outstanding within the comedy film style, spoofing the long-lasting second from the Chariots of Fire film many a time. The tune has been featured in comedy classics like Bruce Almighty, Old School, Madagascar, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas to nice comedic impact. However, the perfect use of the theme needs to be awarded to National Lampoon’s Vacation, when Chevy Chase and his household lastly obtain their aim after a disastrous journey and arrive at Wally World in hilarious vogue, with the “Chariots of Fire” tune elevating the humor, whereas additionally making the second emotional and satisfying.

5 “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

You could not know this, however “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was initially written for the 1939 controversial movie The Wizard of Oz. Thanks to its recognition, it grew to become Judy Garland’s signature tune. The tune talks about discovering a spot the place nobody would get into any hassle, virtually like a security zone to flee to. The iconic tune has additionally been used within the romantic comedy 50 First Dates, within the drama Finding Forrester; the romantic fantasy movie Meet Joe Black starring Brad Pitt; and the motion film Snakes on a Plane.

4 “London Calling” – The Clash

English rock band The Clash launched the tune “London Calling” with their third studio album, speaking about themes equivalent to social displacement, racial conflicts, and drug use. The lyrics function the right tune for establishing London as a brand new location in any film. Scenes like these that you could be acknowledge is James Bond’s flight to London in Die Another Day. “London Calling” can also be performed through the opening sequence within the second Conjuring film. The tune has additionally been used for a typical montage of the long-lasting landmarks of town, equivalent to within the Billy Elliot film and Night on the Museum.

3 “Mr Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra

“Mr Blue Sky” from the Electric Light Orchestra has been used numerous instances all through cinema, and is usually acknowledged from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 intro with the cute Baby Groot dancing alongside to the tune. The tune is often used to emphasise a contented and gleeful second in a film, and is as a rule, used on the very starting of most motion pictures it’s featured in. “Mr Blue Sky” has popped up in motion pictures equivalent to Paul Blart: Maul Cop, Role Models, The Game Plan, and naturally the British traditional, The Magic Roundabout. Similarly, iconic motion pictures equivalent to Megamind and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind featured this irreverently catchy tune, making it probably the most used songs in film historical past.

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2 “Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Fortunate Son” is a tune by rock band American Creedence Clearwater Revival. The tune grew to become an emblem for the anti-war motion; therefore why it is used a lot in motion pictures regarding the Vietnam War or Americans’ involvement in abroad wars. The finest examples embrace Forrest and Bubba arriving into the Vietnam fight zone in Forrest Gump; the tip credit for the film Die Hard 4.0, and the tip credit for the film Battleship. “Fortunate Son” can also be on the official soundtrack for the DC superhero film Suicide Squad and can also be used for a warfare rescue scene within the film War Dogs.

1 “Spirit in The Sky” – Norman Greenbaum

Known for being one of many best-selling one-hit wonders of all time, “Spirit in The Sky” is a tune by American singer-songwriter Norman Greenbaum. It seems that Forrest Gump has an impressive soundtrack record filled with iconic hits, as a result of “Spirit in The Sky” is but once more one of many songs on the record. It’s additionally been utilized in scenes equivalent to Evan talking to God in Evan Almighty, within the area docudrama Apollo 13, and within the sports activities drama Remember The Titans. Although not used within the film straight, “Spirit in The Sky” can also be included within the official soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy and was used for one of many trailers.