Since the creation of the motion picture, the inclusion of music has been an integral part of the overall cinematic experience. Music plays a major role in evoking the feelings of the characters in movies, enabling the viewer to relate to their many emotions, such as excitement, surprise, and fear. The use of music can also be effective in setting a tone in a particular scene and advancing the story.
The following is a compilation of some of the most unforgettable songs and scores in film history. All of these selections were chosen for their ability to stay with us long after the credits roll.
1930s
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As the backdrop for what is widely considered to be one of the most significant and memorable films ever made, Max Steiner’s sweeping score aids in telling this epic story of the Civil War and Reconstruction era in the South. The score is underpinned by “Tara’s Theme,” an incredibly emotional piece that has become one of the most indelible themes in film history.
Steiner also composed themes for each of the eight major characters, along with two separate love themes. Overall, the immortal three-hour score was the longest ever composed for a motion picture and remains one of the most notable scores of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
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A true classic in every sense of the word, The Wizard of Oz is one of the most famous movie musicals ever made. The magical film is considered to be one of the most universally entertaining and compelling movies of all time, becoming the most watched motion picture in history, according to the Library of Congress. In addition, the picture includes some of the most legendary and recognizable songs in pop music history.
The fantasy film begins in Kansas with lonely and sad farmgirl Dorothy (Judy Garland), who dreams of a better place through the ballad “Over the Rainbow.” With its beautiful melody and sentimental undertones, the song became an instant classic. Garland’s performance, in particular, is one of subtle magnificence and haunting power. Shockingly, the song was actually slated for the cutting room floor at one point, but director Victor Fleming fought to keep it in.
1960s
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It is hard to believe that director Alfred Hitchcock had originally planned to play the famous murder sequence without any accompaniment. As Janet Leigh’s character is brutally murdered while taking a shower, Herrmann’s shrieking strings motif arises, immediately heightening the feelings of fear, terror, and violence that are simultaneously taking place. While this scene is certainly the most memorable from the film, the entire score is beautifully ominous and suspenseful.
Though nothing too frightening happens during the first portion of the film, the main title music at the beginning of the film sets the tone for what is bound to come. While Herrmann was also involved in other Hitchcock pictures, such as Vertigo and North by Northwest, this piercing score is undoubtedly his most cutting-edge work and one of the most iconic in film history.
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This is the immortal scene. Music starts at 1:30...
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The original James Bond film not only brought Ian Fleming’s intrepid British superspy to the silver screen for the first time, but it also introduced the world to one of the catchiest and most distinct movie themes of all time. With its surf-rock style and jazzy melody, Monty Norman and John Barry’s creation was the perfect theme for the suave and clever secret agent with a “license to kill."
The theme song would ultimately become a pop culture phenomenon, becoming one of the most recognizable and memorable elements of the long-lasting 007 series. The song played during the opening credits sequence of the film, something that would become a trademark of the series, as all future Bond films would have similar opening montages with different theme songs.
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Italian composer Ennio Morricone, one of the most prolific and influential composers of his time, has written nearly 400 film scores over his career. He is perhaps best known for the scores of Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns, particularly The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. The memorable main theme, which resembles the howl of a coyote, has been used countless times in later films.
Many of the distinctive compositions throughout the score include typical characteristics of westerns, such as gunfire, whistling, and yodeling. In addition, Morricone uses choral voices and Sicilian folk instruments that give the film a truly authentic feel. Thus, with the aid of Morricone’s unforgettable score, the film transforms into one of the grandest westerns ever made.
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Folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel gained significant popularity for their soundtrack to Dustin Hoffman’s breakthrough classic, especially through their success with the renowned “Mrs. Robinson,” which developed into a worldwide phenomenon. What makes the soundtrack so memorable is its ability to offer an entirely new dimension to the film when listened to on its own.
In fact, many of the songs were on the duo’s preceding LPs, which led to a new era in movie music that placed an emphasis on using past pop hits. Nevertheless, the songs mesh perfectly with the film’s themes of youthful rebellion and alienation. Throughout the film, each of Simon & Garfunkel’s songs is filled with classic romanticism and a unique blend of old and new sounds.
1970s
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Widely considered to be the first “event film” ever made, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws completely changed the idea of what a summer film is supposed to represent. Through transforming the summer into a breeding ground for big blockbuster movies, Jaws became the first film to gross over $100 million at the box office. One of the most essential parts of the success of the film was John Williams’ simple, yet terrifying score.
The iconic score is most recognizable for its ominous two-note motif that plays throughout the film, constantly providing a sense of looming danger and impending doom. The score was so effective that it hardly even mattered that the robotic shark looked so fake. Just hearing the two-note progression was enough to know that something monstrous was lurking underwater. Thus, with Jaws and its indelible score, John Williams created a masterfully menacing work of art.
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A phenomenon built around the Bee Gees and their funky and hip music, this soundtrack became the biggest in history at the time of its release. The score became an integral part of American culture at the time, taking advantage of everything that was popular in society during this period.
Three singles from the soundtrack (“How Deep is Your Love,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “Night Fever”) reached #1 in the United States and most other countries around the world. Whether you are a disco fan or not, it is impossible to not be able to appreciate the tremendous power this soundtrack had on the disco craze in the 70’s. With so many infectiously catchy and memorable songs, the soundtrack remains popular today.
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It is quite difficult to argue that any film score is more unforgettable than Star Wars. As the top selling all-orchestral soundtrack of all time, it is obvious that no other score has had a greater impact on the history of film and the element of music within movies. The main theme is easily one of the most recognized, but there are plenty of other distinct moments and memorable orchestrations throughout the score.
“The Imperial Attack,” for instance, with its heavy use of brass and percussion, has a menacing and ominous sound that effectively foreshadows the wrath of the evil Darth Vader. With the scores of the eventual sequels and prequels, Williams continued to expand upon the themes established in the original film. Yet with Star Wars, he created a powerful, majestic, and fun score that is the perfect accompaniment to the beginning of the epic space saga.
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Since its release in 1978, Animal House has been recognized as one of the most hilarious and energetic college films ever made. It is only fitting, then, that the movie includes the most awesome toga party of all time with everything from a jam-packed dance floor to an appearance by Otis Day & the Knights, covering the Isley Brothers classic “Shout.”
The song is so memorable because of the editing back and forth between the band and the students, which makes the party feel very real and exhilarating. While the song was popular before the movie, this scene transformed it into a phenomenon, becoming a staple at weddings and bar mitzvahs.
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One of several hit singles from the big-screen adaptation of Grease, “Summer Nights” introduces the viewer to all of the main characters of the film through this fun dance sequence. After a summertime fling, lovebirds Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) tell all of their friends about the romantic affair.
Danny, the head of a greaser gang, brags about how great the physical relationship was between the two of them, while Sandy tells her group of friends about the special emotional moments that she shared with Danny. While there are many classic songs from the film, this is definitely one of the catchiest and most entertaining.
1980s
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Along with the aforementioned Jaws and Star Wars, dozens of John Williams’ other scores are deserving of a spot on this list. One of the most notable of these is Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first adventure in the Indiana Jones series and one of the most acclaimed action-adventure films ever made.
The theme song, “The Raiders March,” has become so strongly associated with the heroic archaeologist that it is now nearly impossible to hear it without picturing Harrison Ford soaring through the air on a rope or escaping a group of hostile tribesmen. The incredibly catchy tune eventually became the recurring theme for the rest of Indy’s thrilling adventures.
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While many people now associate Tom Cruise and couches with his embarrassing moment on Oprah, Cruise first jumped on a couch nearly 30 years ago in this classic scene. After his overprotective parents go away on a trip, Joel Goodson takes advantage of his newfound freedom by turning up the stereo and dancing around the living room in just an oxford shirt, tube socks, and underwear.
As Cruise performs a lip-sync routine to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" with a candlestick and a fireplace tool, he embodies the poise and confidence of a star-in-the-making. He then jumps on the couch and throws himself face down, waving his hands in the air. The scene has been parodied many times in pop culture, but even after 30 years, the original remains memorable because of Cruise’s ability to perfectly depict every teenager’s rock star fantasy.
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No movie captures the spirit of teenagerdom in the 80’s better than Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The title character, played by Matthew Broderick, fakes sick so he can skip school and spend a crazy and carefree day in a red Ferrari in downtown Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend.
While in the city, Ferris manages to hop onto a parade float and proceeds to lip-sync The Beatles’ cover of “Twist and Shout,” causing the entire city to burst into an elaborate dance sequence. Even Ferris’ own dad, up in an office building, bops along. The scene is so outrageous, yet impossible not to enjoy because of Ferris’ magnetic personality and incredible likability.
1990s
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One of the most brilliantly directed sequences in film history, this moment makes use of the piano coda that comprises the second half of "Layla," one of the most definitive rock songs of all time. The scene is mostly a montage of murders committed by mob boss Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), who has just pulled off a major robbery. He kills nearly everyone involved in the heist to prevent the disclosure of any details surrounding the job.
However, instead of actually showing the murders, director Martin Scorsese decides to just show the audience the aftermath of the killings, including bodies dangling in meat lockers and tumbling from dumpsters. The scene then concludes with the shocking hit on Tommy Devito (Joe Pesci), who was fooled into believing he would get made. At first glance, the song may seem to be an unusual choice for this scene, but it ultimately serves as a perfect backdrop for one of the major turning points in the film.
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Quentin Tarantino has always been notable for his interesting musical choices in his films. However, none compare to the infamous “ear” scene in Reservoir Dogs, in which a psychotic Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) tortures a hostage police officer, slicing his ear off and drenching him in gasoline, all while singing and dancing to this “Dylanesque pop bubblegum favorite.”
The upbeat and cheerful "Stuck in the Middle with You" contrasts so much with the events that transpire that it makes the scene even more disturbing – so much so that it actually led to many people leaving the theater during the film’s theatrical run. This is definitely a compliment, however, to Tarantino and his ability to create such a sense of realism. The song is so effective in the scene that it has now become nearly impossible not to get shivers any time it comes on the radio.
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2000s
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This Queen track makes the list because of the perfect irony between the upbeat song and the dangerous situation that the protagonists are facing. "Don't Stop Me Now" is literally the last song one would expect to come up in a zombie movie, but that’s why it works so well. As Shaun and his friends face a mob of zombies in a bar, this optimistic rock ballad comes on the jukebox.
The ensuing scene consists of a perfect blend of cheerful music with brutally fun zombie madness, including the characters smacking a zombie with pool sticks in rhythm with the music and a light show to distract the zombies outside, leading Shaun to ask his friend to “kill the Queen!”
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This hilarious scene takes place the morning after Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) spends a night with Summer (Zooey Deschanel), the girl of his dreams. He happily walks through the streets of Los Angeles, feeling absolutely exuberant and cheerful. The walk then turns into a grand musical number scored to the 80's classic, "You Make My Dreams." The lively scene includes a group of strangers joining in and dancing alongside Tom as he celebrates this joyful moment.
Director Marc Webb, who previously worked on music videos, demonstrates his talents in this memorable dance sequence. However, while this moment represents one of the high points in Tom’s relationship with Summer, the scene is merely foreshadowing Summer’s eventual decision to break Tom’s heart.
Honorable Mentions:
"Shaft", Isaac Hayes - Shaft (1971)
Nino Rota - The Godfather (1972)
“Johnny B. Goode,” Chuck Berry – Back to the Future (1985)
“Fight the Power,” Public Enemy – Do the Right Thing (1989)
"Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen - Wayne's World (1992)
“Afternoon Delight,” Starland Vocal Band – Anchorman:The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
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