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Needle drops, or background music in films, often feature popular songs like “Under Pressure,” “U Can’t Touch This,” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Emotional and uplifting moments are often accompanied by classics like “What A Wonderful World,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” Other frequently used tracks include “Fortunate Son,” “Bust a Move,” and “Eye of the Tiger,” enhancing specific scenes or creating a desired atmosphere.
If you ever find yourself recognizing a song but can’t recall where you heard it, chances are you’ve been subconsciously exposed to it in the background of a movie. This connection between music and film has deep roots, with famous artists composing soundtracks, writing songs for films, or lending their tracks to create memorable cinematic experiences. Whether for a catchy melody, relatable theme, or comedic effect, certain songs have become staples in the world of movie soundtracks.
As of December 19th, 2023, this article has been updated with additional content for fans of movie scores and classic songs.
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15 Most Commonly Used Songs in Movies
“Under Pressure” — Queen and David Bowie
The enduring musical legacy of the British rock band Queen and singer David Bowie is exemplified by the widespread and continuous airing of their music on radio stations worldwide over five decades. Unsurprisingly, their collaborative track “Under Pressure” is a staple on this playlist. The song’s lyrics explore the societal pressures and expectations that individuals face, adding a touch of pessimism to its thematic undertones.
Despite its somewhat somber message, “Under Pressure” has become a notable soundtrack in various popular films. In Grosse Pointe Blank, the song accompanies the protagonist Martin as he grapples with internal conflicts about his family. Its presence is also felt in films such as The Girl Next Door, Zoom, and the buddy comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Arguably, the most impactful use of the song is in World’s Greatest Dad, where it enhances the final scene starring Robin Williams. In this poignant moment, the character Lance embraces his new reality and takes a liberating plunge into a pool, symbolizing acceptance and transformation.
“U Can’t Touch This” — MC Hammer
Recognized as his iconic track, “U Can’t Touch This” stands as a single created and performed by the American rapper MC Hammer. The song has become a consistent presence not only in movies but also in television shows and advertisements. It has been featured in various films, including the action-comedy Tropic Thunder starring Ben Stiller, the drama-adventure Into The Wild, and the shopping scenes at K-Mart in Grown Ups 2. However, for many, the most memorable usage of “U Can’t Touch This” is arguably in the dance-off sequence within the cult classic cop comedy White Chicks.
“Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd
The 1974 release of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” has made it a timeless classic, widely covered and featured in various films and TV series. One notable use is in the iconic dance scene between Forrest and Jenny in Forrest Gump. The song has also made its mark in movies like Joe Dirt and Con Air, where Nicolas Cage danced to it. Eminem even recreated the scene for 8 Mile. Reese Witherspoon starred in a film titled after the song, Sweet Home Alabama. The track’s enduring popularity is evident in its consistent presence across different forms of media.
“What A Wonderful World” — Louis Armstrong
Originally sung by Louis Armstrong, “What A Wonderful World” holds a special place in music history as it has been honored with inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame. While the song has been featured in numerous films, a few notable instances include its use in the radio scene of “Good Morning, Vietnam,” accompanying a poignant moment when Alex is alone in Madagascar, being the preferred choice over another song in “12 Monkeys” with James Cole, setting the tone in an elevator scene in “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantánamo Bay,” and being part of the soundtrack for the American terrorism montage in “Bowling for Columbine.” The versatility of this song is evident in its ability to evoke both happy and sad emotions across various contexts.
“Chariots of Fire” — Vangelis
Certainly one of the most iconic and widely recognized pieces of music in cinematic history, “Chariots of Fire” from the 1981 British Historical Sports Drama of the same name has found its way into numerous films over the years. This memorable score has been notably featured in various comedy movies, often as a parody of the original film’s iconic moments.
Some classic comedies that have cleverly incorporated the “Chariots of Fire” theme include Bruce Almighty, Old School, Madagascar, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, using the music to add a humorous touch. However, one standout use of the theme is in National Lampoon’s Vacation, where Chevy Chase and his family, despite facing numerous mishaps, hilariously reach their destination at Wally World. In this instance, the inclusion of “Chariots of Fire” not only enhances the comedic elements but also adds an emotional and satisfying layer to the scene.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was initially composed for the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz and later became a signature song for Judy Garland due to its widespread popularity. The song conveys the desire to discover a tranquil place where one can escape troubles—a metaphorical safe haven. This classic tune and its various renditions have been featured in diverse films such as the romantic comedy 50 First Dates, the drama Finding Forrester, the romantic fantasy Meet Joe Black with Brad Pitt, and the action film Snakes on a Plane.
“London Calling” — The Clash
The English rock band The Clash unveiled “London Calling” on their third studio album. This energetic track explores topics like social displacement, racial tension, and drug usage. Its versatile lyrics make it an ideal choice for setting the scene in various movies, like James Bond’s arrival in London in “Die Another Day.” Additionally, the song has been featured in the opening sequence of the second Conjuring film and has been employed in showcasing the iconic landmarks of the city in movies like “Billy Elliot” and “Night at the Museum.”
“Mr. Blue Sky” — Electric Light Orchestra
The Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” has become a widely recognized and frequently used song in cinema, with its most notable appearance in the introduction of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, featuring the adorable Baby Groot dancing to its upbeat rhythm.
This track is commonly employed in movies to underscore moments of joy and happiness, often serving as the opening song. Its presence can be observed in various films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Role Models, The Game Plan, and the British classic The Magic Roundabout. Additionally, iconic movies such as Megamind and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind have also incorporated this infectiously catchy tune, solidifying its status as one of the most frequently featured songs in cinematic history.
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“Fortunate Son” — Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Fortunate Son” by the rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival swiftly became an emblem of the anti-war movement since its inception. This is evident in its frequent inclusion in movies portraying the Vietnam War or depicting Americans involved in overseas conflicts. Notable instances of its use include scenes like Forrest and Bubba arriving in the Vietnam combat zone in Forrest Gump, the end credits of Die Hard 4.0, and the conclusion of Battleship. The song is also part of the official soundtrack for the DC superhero film Suicide Squad and played a role in a rescue scene in the movie War Dogs.
“Bust a Move” — Young MC
This energetic hip-hop track gained widespread recognition as the backdrop for the cheerleading routine that Mike, played by Zac Efron, spontaneously joins in the popular teen film “17 Again.” In the 2009 movie “Up in the Air,” viewers get a rare treat as Young MC himself performs the song. Notably, this upbeat tune has made appearances in various films such as “Uncle Buck,” “The Blind Side,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “It,” becoming a go-to choice for montages and uplifting scenes since its original release in 1989.
“Spirit in the Sky” — Norman Greenbaum
Recognized as one of the most successful one-hit wonders, “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum is renowned for its broad interpretative potential, ranging from religious themes to UFOs, despite its original connection to Jesus Christ. The song has found its way into various notable soundtracks, including Forrest Gump, Evan Almighty, Apollo 13, and Remember The Titans. Notably, it’s part of the official soundtrack for Guardians of the Galaxy and featured in one of its trailers, adding to its widespread cultural impact.
“Kiss Me” — Sixpence None The Richer
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer perfectly captures the essence of late ’90s romantic comedies. The original music video pays homage to French filmmaker François Truffaut and his movie Jules et Jim, even recreating certain scenes. The song gained significant popularity when it became the main theme for the cult classic film She’s All That, starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Rachel Leigh Cook. This modern take on Pygmalion and My Fair Lady provided an ideal platform for showcasing the song, and a new version of the music video was released to align with the movie. The band is depicted watching scenes from the film on a ’90s portable player in this updated video. Since then, “Kiss Me” has become a staple in weddings and romantic comedies, contributing to its enduring popularity.
“September” — Earth, Wind and Fire
This track instantly transports listeners back to the vibrant and carefree disco era of the ’70s, radiating a sense of fun and engagement. Its infectious beat is bound to make anyone move their hips, making it a memorable addition to various scenes. Notably, the song is famously used in the closing moments of Night at the Museum, where historical figures come together in a joyous party. Moreover, “September” has made appearances in films like Robot Dreams (2023), Polar (2019), and has been covered by artists such as Sisqó and Vitamin C for Get Over It (2001), as well as by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake for Trolls (2016). With its timeless appeal, this classic track has the power to elevate any scene it graces, leaving a lasting impression.
“Eye of the Tiger” — Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” stands out as the quintessential ’80s anthem for motivation, particularly in the context of epic fight scenes. Its strong association with the Rocky series is not surprising, as it made its debut in Rocky III. Originally, Sylvester Stallone considered using Queen’s popular hit “Another One Bites the Dust,” but ultimately opted for this iconic track. The song, a powerhouse of energy, became a staple in training montages, forever altering the way such sequences are perceived. Featured on both the Rocky III soundtrack and the Survivor album of the same name, it has transcended its origins, making appearances in various sporting events and films like Big Hero Six and The Animal over the years.
“Happy Birthday to You” — Patty and Mildred J. Hill
The extensive list of films featuring characters singing “Happy Birthday to You” has been subject to copyright issues, requiring filmmakers to pay for its use until recently. This late 19th-century song, known for its versatility across voices and genres, has been at the center of legal disputes. Its origins are said to be traced back to two sisters introducing it to their kindergarten class, though this origin story has been debated. With the song now in the public domain, filmmakers are no longer constrained by copyright restrictions and can freely incorporate it into their works.
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