Music and sound play a crucial role in entertainment. With a little audible encouragement, filmmakers captivate the audience's attention by synchronizing music and foley sounds with the visuals on screen or on stage. Music can be used to heighten an emotional scene or inflict the desired mood.
It's normal to hear licensed music in a film because popular songs are often tactically used to stimulate excitement and engage viewers during important scenes. Popular songs are also used for montages to match the aesthetics of the scene and create memorable moments. As a result, songs can be rediscovered and find a new lease of life after being used in movies, and some may even find their way back into the music charts.
10 Bohemian Rhapsody Plays During The Hilarious Car Scene In Wayne's World
Wayne's World was expected to appeal to a niche set of viewers but the movie made a big impression on mainstream audiences with its immature humor. Many popular jokes originated from the classic comedy and the hilarious car scene featuring Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody has gone down in Hollywood history.
Although the Queen track didn't appear on the charts again after the release of Wayne's World in 1992, the operatic rock song became familiar with a different demographic. Fans would reenact the scene with their friends, further promoting the song. As a result of the musical biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody (which was released in 2018), the song returned to the UK music charts and stayed in the top 100 from November 2018 until April 2019.
9 Whitney Houston Covered I Will Always Love You For The Bodyguard
In The Bodyguard, there are several tracks from the American soul singer Whitney Houston, who also plays the lead female, Rachel Marron. The soundtrack includes I Have Nothing, I'm Every Woman, and one of Whitney Houston's most renowned songs, I Will Always Love You.
The song was written by Dolly Parton and was originally released in 1974. Parton has allowed many musicians to cover I Will Always Love You, but Houston's version is the most famous. The song was heard by a new and larger audience thanks to its use in The Bodyguard and Whitney's love ballad soared to number one, staying there for 14 weeks.
8 All Star Is Used To Introduce Shrek At The Start Of The Movie
One of DreamWorks' most beloved franchises kicks off with a classic song. At the beginning of the first Shrek film, the titular ogre bursts out of his outhouse and is introduced to viewers with the help of Smash Mouth. Smash Mouth's All Star plays as the Ogre appreciates his swamp lifestyle.
Actors' names are also displayed as Shrek goes about his day with the lettering made up of mud, algae, and maggots. The song complements the visuals and helps to create excitement while setting the tone of Shrek. Although Shrek didn't put the track back on the music charts, the song became famous for its use in the movie.
7 The Cast Of Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy Perform Afternoon Delight
Ron Burgundy and his closely-knit news team famously perform a rendition of Afternoon Delight. Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy boasts an impressive cast which is comprised of Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and David Koechner, who all sing the Starland Vocal Band hit.
When Ron Burgundy and his fellow anchormen are discussing what real love feels like, they soon break into song. The harmonious acapella is perhaps the most memorable scene in Anchorman, which abruptly ends as they pretend to act busy after they realize how they are behaving. As well as appealing to another generation, the song was given a new lease of life because of the movie.
6 Eye Of The Tiger Became A Hit After Its Use In Rocky III
Rocky III starts and ends with the iconic '80s song, Eye Of The Tiger. Survivor were instructed by Sylvester Stallone to write the rock song for the movie in an attempt to reach a wider audience. After Rocky III's release, Eye Of The Tiger topped The Billboard music charts and remained there for six weeks.
The Rocky franchise includes some of the most famous montages throughout the film industry. Shortly into Rocky III, viewers watch a montage of Clubber Lang's rise to fame in the world of boxing while the classic song is heard in the background. After Rocky reclaims his title, Eye Of The Tiger is heard again before the end credits as he casually boxes with his old rival, Apollo Creed.
5 Matilda Wouldn't Have Been The Same Without Rusted Root's Send Me On My Way
At the start of Matilda, audiences get a glimpse of the protagonist's upbringing and they soon learn that she is a smart and incredibly independent child. The Rusted Root song is heard at the beginning of the movie while Matilda makes herself pancakes from scratch. Send Me On My Way has a spiritual and inspirational sound that is perfect for Matilda.
The movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel wouldn't be the same without Rusted Root. As Matilda draws to an end, Matilda and Miss Honey live happily ever after. The catchy song is heard once again, leaving viewers feeling happy and joyful.
4 The Protagonists Sing Along To A Thousand Miles In White Chicks
A Thousand Miles was originally featured on the Legally Blonde soundtrack in 2001 before it was released as a single the following year. The song already had a chick-flick reputation before it was used in White Chicks, which sees two undercover cops pose as wealthy women and blend in with other young and lavish ladies.
White Chicks came out in 2004 and the Vanessa Carton song was revitalized three years after its release. In a car scene with the protagonists, portrayed by Shawn and Marlon Waynes, A Thousand Miles is heard on the radio and the two must sing along to remain in character. A Thousand Miles plays again later in a memorable scene with Terry Crews, who attempts to win over his date with his taste in music.
3 The Cable Guy Included A Jefferson Airplane Song That Came Out 29 Years Before The Movie
The psychedelic rock song Somebody To Love was released by Jefferson Airplane in 1967. The song was fitting for the 1996 movie The Cable Guy, which had an obscure sense of humor compared to Jim Carrey's usual comedic performances. However, Carrey's familiar demeanor was displayed in his karaoke version of Somebody To Love.
The misunderstood protagonist invites some of his clients to his home and sings a bizarre rendition of Somebody To Love for his guests. Boogie Pimps released a dance version in 2003, which could have been inspired by Carrey's eccentric performance in The Cable Guy.
2 Fly Like An Eagle Is Among The Most Memorable Songs From Space Jam
Space Jam was released in the US in November 1996 and Seal's cover of the Steve Miller Band song was featured on its soundtrack. Fly Like An Eagle came out four months before Space Jam and the R&B release reached its peak position on The Billboard charts in December, a month after Space Jam was seen in cinemas.
The song's chart ascension was undoubtedly assisted by the Warner Bros. feature film. Despite never making it into the top 10, Fly Like An Eagle is among the most iconic tracks from Space Jam. Fly Like An Eagle is heard when Michael Jordan first shows off his basketball skills to the Looney Tunes and at the end of Space Jam.
1 Roy Orbison And The Candy Men Had The Perfect Song For The Pretty Woman Soundtrack
Roy Orbison's popular hit was the perfect song to showcase Pretty Woman in 1990, despite being released three decades prior. Oh, Pretty Woman was heard in trailers, two scenes during the movie, and is the first song to play during the end credits.
The 1964 song made its way to the number one spot on The Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Music Charts where it stayed for three weeks. After its use in Pretty Woman, the song's lifespan was extended. The classic rock track has remained popular ever since among music lovers of all age groups.