15 Best Movie Songs of All Time
Lights, camera, action… and music!
There’s nothing like the perfect song to set the mood in a movie scene. They shape scenes, define characters, and in many cases, become the soul of the movie. Some tracks are so iconic, they practically outshine the films they’re featured in.
Let’s take a look at the best movie songs that have made an indelible mark in film history.
1. “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic (1997)
Artist: Celine Dion
The song that launched a thousand ships… or at least one very famous one. This ballad captures the haunting love story between Jack and Rose. With its sweeping orchestral sounds and Dion’s powerful voice, this song became an anthem for lovers everywhere. The track won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Fun Fact: Celine Dion recorded the demo in one take, and that version became the official track.
2. “The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing (1987)
Artist: Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
The climactic moment when Baby and Johnny dance to this tune is nothing short of cinematic gold. The song won an Oscar and a Grammy, making it a cultural touchstone of the 1980s.
Fun Fact: The iconic lift in the dance sequence? Jennifer Grey did it without any rehearsals!
3. “Stayin’ Alive” from Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Artist: Bee Gees
This disco anthem was not just a hit on the dance floor, but also in theaters. The sight of John Travolta strutting to this track is as iconic as the song itself. Beyond the movie, “Stayin’ Alive” encapsulated the disco era and remains one of the most recognized songs worldwide.
Fun Fact: The Bee Gees wrote the song in a single afternoon, and its tempo is often used in CPR training.
4. “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Artist: Judy Garland
A song of hope and dreams, “Over the Rainbow” beautifully expresses Dorothy’s desire for something more. The tune was nearly cut from the film, but luckily it stayed, winning an Oscar and becoming one of the most beloved songs in cinema.
Fun Fact: The song is ranked number one on the “Songs of the Century” list by the Recording Industry Association of America.
5. “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III (1982)
Artist: Survivor
Punchy and motivational, this is the song you need on your workout playlist. Written as the theme for Rocky Balboa’s comeback, it became an instant hit, earning a Grammy and an Oscar nomination.
Fun Fact: Sylvester Stallone originally wanted to use Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” but couldn’t get the rights.
6. “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard (1992)
Artist: Whitney Houston
Originally penned and performed by Dolly Parton in 1973, this song took on a new life when Whitney Houston covered it for the movie. Her rendition is chillingly beautiful and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Fun Fact: Dolly Parton reportedly made around $10 million in royalties from Houston’s version in the 1990s.
7. “Mrs. Robinson” from The Graduate (1968)
Artist: Simon & Garfunkel
This song perfectly encapsulated the mood of the 1960s and the complicated relationship between Benjamin and the older Mrs. Robinson. It’s a testament to how music can encapsulate a film’s essence.
Fun Fact: The song was originally called “Mrs. Roosevelt” and was about the former First Lady.
8. “Ghostbusters” from Ghostbusters (1984)
Artist: Ray Parker Jr.
When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? This catchy tune, of course! It’s impossible not to sing along, making it a favorite for both movie and music fans.
Fun Fact: Huey Lewis sued Ray Parker Jr. for similarities between this song and “I Want a New Drug.” They settled out of court.
9. “Circle of Life” from The Lion King (1994)
Artist: Elton John & Tim Rice, performed by Carmen Twillie
This opening number sets the tone for one of Disney’s most beloved films, complete with iconic imagery and a soaring score.
Fun Fact: The opening Zulu chant was added after the original song was written, giving it an authentic African feel.
10. “Purple Rain” from Purple Rain (1984)
Artist: Prince and The Revolution
A powerful ballad from the great Prince. The song is a blend of rock, gospel, and orchestral music. The film and the album established Prince as a global superstar.
Fun Fact: Prince was inspired to write the song after watching a rough cut of the movie, making it one of the last tracks added to the album.
11. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from The Breakfast Club (1985)
Artist: Simple Minds
This song is synonymous with fist pumps and youthful defiance, thanks to its iconic use in John Hughes’ coming-of-age classic.
Behind the Scenes: The Scottish band, Simple Minds, wasn’t initially keen on recording a song they didn’t write themselves. The band only agreed to record the song after being persuaded by their label. But once they did, it became a defining anthem of the ‘80s.
12. “Falling Slowly” from Once (2007)
Artist: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
A beautiful and haunting melody from a small-budget Irish film that surprised everyone. This song is a testament to the power of indie films and indie music. It captures the essence of fleeting love and the magic of collaboration.
Behind the Scenes: Hansard and Irglová, who starred in the film, were real-life romantic partners at the time. Their chemistry is palpable in this heartwarming track which eventually won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
13. “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from Flashdance (1983)
Artist: Irene Cara
This electric track embodies the spirit of the ‘80s. With its upbeat tempo and liberating lyrics, it’s a celebration of dreams and the journey to achieve them. And let’s not forget the iconic water splash dance scene!
Behind the Scenes: The song was actually a combination of two separate tracks. Lyricist Keith Forsey wrote the lyrics, while Giorgio Moroder worked on a separate music track. It was Irene Cara who suggested merging them, creating the hit we know today.
14. “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Artist: Audrey Hepburn
This melancholic tune, sung by Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly while strumming a guitar on a New York fire escape, became one of cinema’s most timeless pieces. Its gentle lullaby rhythm speaks of wanderlust and dreams.
Behind the Scenes: Composer Henry Mancini and lyricist Johnny Mercer wrote “Moon River” specifically for Hepburn. The song faced the chopping block because a studio executive felt it slowed down the movie, but Hepburn adamantly defended it, and it stayed.
15. “Wind Beneath My Wings” from Beaches (1988)
Artist: Bette Midler
It’s a touching ballad about unrecognized support and silent heroes.
Behind the Scenes: Even though the song wasn’t originally penned for the movie, Bette Midler’s version went on to win Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
