Even though we are focused on the action and the plot in the movie and sometimes don't even notice the music playing in the background, it makes a huge difference in how the movie feels. There are many songs that were made particularly for movies that hit the Billboard, and others were reincarnated and the popularity of the movie was responsible for making the song popular.
But which are the best songs to be featured in Hollywood movies? That’s the big question. To be fair, there are many incredible songs that hit the silver screen and it would be hard to feature them all in one list.
Therefore, we've selected some of the most memorable songs where there is an incredible sync between the movie plot and the song. Kind of like a match made in heaven.
Let's go through the best songs featured in movies.Eye of the Tiger – Rocky III (1982)Does this song need an introduction? I don’t think so. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor is one of the most adrenaline-pumping songs in the world. No wonder why they've chosen it to be the theme song for Rocky III.
I think that everyone remembers Sylvester Stallone as Rocky III pushing his limits and hearing "Eye of the Tiger" in the background.
This song held the Billboard No. 1 spot for six weeks, and people still couldn't get enough of it.
My Heart Will Go On – Titanic (1997)Next, we have Titanic, another legendary movie that will stay remembered forever. But I think that My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion has added a lot of depth to the movie. That's why it won an Oscar for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Record of the Year.
Want to know a little secret? The song almost didn't make it to the Titanic. She recorded the song, and after that they've built the orchestra around it. So, the demo is the actual song!
Stayin' Alive – Saturday Night Fever (1977)Who remembers the '70 disco era? Were you even alive? Well, if you are old enough to remember the golden age of disco, then you’ve probably jammed on "Stayin’ Alive" by Bee Gees. This song was featured in Saturday Night Fever, where John Travolta was strutting down the street. Truly a spectacle!
The movie made an astounding $282 million, and I think "Stayin' Alive" has also attributed to this surge in popularity. After all, this song not only topped the charts but also defined the retro disco era.
Lose Yourself – 8 Mile (2002)Nobody believed that a day would come when a rap song would win an Oscar, but Eminem was here to prove everyone wrong. Yes, we are talking about “Lose Yourself” recorded for the legendary 8 Mile.
I think that this song is responsible for getting many people into rap, and it was definitely the perfect song for that gritty side of Detroit.
A Little Less Conversation – Ocean’s Eleven (2001)The list wouldn't be complete without featuring a Casino Movie, right? Probably most of you are now playing baccarat online at Bovada, but if you want to experience the true casino action, I'd suggest that you watch Ocean's Eleven. This is one of the best casino heist movies of all time with a lot of plot twists.
And the cast? No words! I don’t think we will have a movie with so many A-list celebrities like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and many more.
But the song by Elvis Presley “A Little Less Conversation” definitely made a difference in how the movie feels. You just have to watch it to experience it.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Wayne's World (1992)Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" might've been released in 1975, but the 1992 film Wayne's World made it unforgettable for a new generation. You remember the scene, right? Wayne, Garth, and their friends, head-banging in the car to Freddie Mercury's operatic rock masterpiece? It was so iconic that Queen's single hit the Billboard Top 10 nearly two decades after its initial release.
Mrs. Robinson – The Graduate (1967)This Simon & Garfunkel song is practically synonymous with The Graduate. Although it's got a catchy beat, it's the storytelling that ties the song and film together. With lyrics reflecting the film's themes of disillusionment and forbidden romance, "Mrs. Robinson" achieved No. 1 on the charts, while The Graduate itself became a box-office hit.
You're the One That I Want – Grease (1978)Is any movie sing-along complete without Grease? John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John created magic with “You're the One That I Want.” This upbeat duet became one of the highest-selling singles of all time, with over 15 million copies sold. Whether you're into musicals or not, this one's hard to skip!
Tiny Dancer – Almost Famous (2000)Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" is one of those feel-good songs that found a second life in Almost Famous. In the movie, it captures a rare moment of camaraderie and joy among a group of rockers on the road. Although it wasn't written for the film, its 1971 re-release due to the movie's popularity gave it an entirely new fanbase.
Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)This song by B.J. Thomas brought a unique lightheartedness to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a Western classic. Written by Burt Bacharach, it won an Oscar for Best Original Song and became a massive hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The gentle melody offers a surprising juxtaposition to the rugged cowboy life portrayed in the film, making it memorable for generations.
Unchained Melody – Ghost (1990)“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers wasn't originally for Ghost, but its use in the famous pottery scene turned it into one of the most romantic movie songs of all time. The track saw a second wave of popularity with the movie, re-entering the Billboard charts 25 years after its initial release, proving the staying power of a well-placed soundtrack.
