These songs have become inseparable from the films they’re associated with, often sparking chart success or cultural movements that last for decades.
Movies have given us some of the most memorable hit songs, propelling tracks to chart-topping success and embedding them in pop culture. Here’s a list of 20 iconic songs that movies made famous, along with details on their impact:
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Movie: Titanic (1997)
Impact: This haunting ballad became synonymous with James Cameron’s epic, reaching #1 globally and winning both the Oscar and Grammy for Best Original Song.
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“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Movie: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Impact: Known for the iconic lift scene, this song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won an Academy Award and a Grammy.
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“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
Movie: Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Impact: This disco anthem became a cultural touchstone of the ’70s, establishing disco’s legacy and securing the Bee Gees’ status as icons.
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“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Movie: Rocky III (1982)
Impact: Written at the request of Sylvester Stallone, this song epitomizes determination and is now a staple in workout playlists, earning a Grammy.
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“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
Movie: Ghost (1990)
Impact: Originally recorded in 1965, the song regained popularity after Ghost‘s release, skyrocketing on charts and becoming a romantic classic.
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“Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Movie: 8 Mile (2002)
Impact: The anthem for Eminem’s character won the Oscar for Best Original Song, making Eminem the first rapper to receive this award.
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“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
Movie: Footloose (1984)
Impact: This energetic track was essential to the film’s spirit of rebellious dance freedom and became a massive hit.
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“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Movie: The Bodyguard (1992)
Impact: Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition of Dolly Parton’s song became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
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“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin
Movie: Top Gun (1986)
Impact: This sultry ballad helped define the ’80s, won an Oscar, and saw a resurgence in popularity with Top Gun: Maverick.
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“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Movie: The Breakfast Club (1985)
Impact: Played during the film’s famous closing scene, this song became emblematic of teenage rebellion and reflection.
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“Hakuna Matata” by Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella
Movie: The Lion King (1994)
Impact: This catchy tune brought Swahili phrases into pop culture, and became an anthem for living stress-free
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“Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
Movie: Top Gun (1986)
Impact: Associated with high-octane flight scenes, “Danger Zone” became a hit and reappeared in pop culture with Top Gun: Maverick.
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“Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel
Movie: The Graduate (1967)
Impact: Known for Dustin Hoffman’s character’s love affair, this track won a Grammy and became a defining piece of ’60s folk rock.
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“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Movie: A Star is Born (2018)
Impact: This duet topped charts worldwide and won an Oscar, becoming an instant classic love song for a new generation.
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“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Movie: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
Impact: This romantic ballad became the anthem for fans, embodying the enduring love of Edward and Bella.
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“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.
Movie: Ghostbusters (1984)
Impact: The catchy theme song became an iconic pop tune, and its memorable chorus, “Who you gonna call?” is still widely recognized.
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“Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio
Movie: Dangerous Minds (1995)
Impact: This track, with its social commentary, became one of the biggest rap songs of the ’90s, even reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
Movie: Wayne’s World (1992)
Impact: This 1975 classic hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, years after release, following its unforgettable car scene in Wayne’s World.
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“Maniac” by Michael Sembello
Movie: Flashdance (1983)
Impact: Tied to the film’s electric dance sequences, this song reached #1 on the charts and is synonymous with ’80s dance culture.
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“Let It Go” by Idina Menzel
Movie: Frozen (2013)
Impact: This powerful anthem became a cultural sensation, winning an Oscar, and is beloved by children and adults alike for its message of self-empowerment.
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