To comprehend the power of music in movies, try to imagine a film like Titanic playing without “My Heart Will Go On”. Many people who hear the song today get to relive the emotions they experienced when they watched the film for the first time. Music is essential for setting the scene and establishing the emotional connection between the viewer and the movie. However, a thorough look at many popular films reveals that certain songs seem to do the job better than others.
Below are some of the music pieces that have been used in movies to the extent that many would actually call ‘over the top’. Whether you’re planning to start a free music website for movie lovers or shoot your own flick (why not?), you will find this list helpful. So without further ado, let’s dive in.
Born to be wild
The song “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf was released back in 1968. A year after its release, it was used as a placeholder during the production of the movie Easy Rider. Initially, the movie producer wanted the song by Crosby, Stills, and Nash to be the soundtrack. As the production of the movie continued, it became clear that “Born to Be Wild” was the best choice for the movie.
After Easy Rider, the song took a life of its own and was later featured in over 100 movies and television series.
All Along The Watchtower
Ask anyone who has ever watched the movie American Beauty to tell you what they remember, and they will always mention Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower.” Although the song was originally written by Dylan, it is the version performed by Jimi Hendrix that has been used in so many television series and movies.
Some of the other projects that feature the song include A Bronx Tale, Forrest Gump, Watchmen, and Rush.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
When Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson created the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, they possibly had no idea that it would become one of the most widely used soundtracks of all times. The song, which was written in 1966, was brought to life by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. The former Supremes front-woman Diana Ross made the song famous again in 1970.
Some of the popular movies in which the song has been used include the 1988 film Stepmom, Our Old Friend Martin of 1999, and Sorority Wars of 2009.
Stayin’ Alive
Anyone who has watched the 1970s film Saturday Night Fever will tell you that one of its most memorable parts is the opening where the song “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees is played. Even though the song has eventually become a synonym to Saturday Night Fever, it has since been used in a number of other productions including Madagascar, Grumpier Old Men, A Night at the Roxbury, and Virtuosity.
Bad to the bone
The title of the song by George Thorogood and the Destroyers alone makes it clear why it is such a popular movie soundtrack. It is famed for being the song that accompanied Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It was also used in the comedy Joe Dirt.
Among other productions that used “Bad to the Bone” as a soundtrack are The Revenge of Kitty Galore, Firehouse Dog, Major Payne, Problem Child, The Muppets, and 3000 Miles to Graceland.
Movies wouldn’t be so magical if not for music. Perhaps, this list will inspire you to listen to these legendary songs again or watch the films in which they were used. It is worth it!
