The movies are amazing. They bring stories, actors, and yes, songs into our lives in epic, delightful ways seemingly every day.
And some of the songs from the movies become household names. We wanted to highlight a number of those special songs that films have elevated. Songs that are known mostly or only because of the movies.
Videos by American Songwriter
So, without further ado, put your feet up and dive into the best 15 songs that the movies made famous. It’s a wild ride.
“Shallow” from A Star Is Born (2018)
“I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard (1992)
“I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing (1987)
“Streets of Philadelphia” from Philadelphia (1993)
“Fight The Power” from Do The Right Thing (1989)
“Stuck in the Middle with You” from Reservoir Dogs (1992)
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (1939)
“Mad World” from Donnie Darko (2001)
“Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile (2002)
“Mrs. Robinson” from The Graduate (1967)
“Stayin’ Alive” from Saturday Night Fever (1977)
“Gangsta’s Paradise” from Dangerous Minds (1995)
“Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III (1982)
“9 to 5” from 9 to 5 (1980)
“Purple Rain” from Purple Rain (1984)
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images for Fashion Media
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