September 11 2022

Top 10 Memorable Movie Song Scenes

The soundtrack of a movie can really make or break things. It’s the ultimate mood setter. I got all jazzed up last night after hearing Nate Diaz entrance song being ‘Gimme Shelter’. Such a great song, but it always makes me think of Martin Scorsese’s movies any time I hear it. That got me thinking about all the other songs that when you hear them you instantly get transported to the movie scene. So here is a list of the to 10 most memorable movie song scenes.

For the record I think the best movie soundtrack is Forrest Gump, the best score is Star Wars and the best individual movie themes are: Braveheart, Boondock Saints, and Requiem for a Dream.

Best Movie Song Scenes

This is a list of songs that have taken on a new meaning. Most of these movies aren’t my favorites and most of these songs aren’t really from bands I like. But despite that, I have a true appreciation for how these scenes and their perfect song pairing.

10. Rush Hour

Artist: Edwin Starr – War (What is it good for)

I feel like in most movies this is a scene they cut because it doesn’t add much to the overall plot. But Jackie Chan and Christ Tuckers chemistry is so good, and Chris Tucker is so funny and great at improvising that this is the type of scene that have to keep in because it is what makes the Rush Hour films work. A song I’d never heard before watching the movie.

9. Old School

Artist: Metallica – Master of Puppets

This song recently gained a huge surge in popularity due to it’s use in Stranger Things, but I’ll always think of Old School when I hear it. It’s pretty hard to make use of a metal song in any movie genre and making a song stick out in a comedy is even harder, but Old School was able to do both, in this hilarious scene:

8. The Replacements & Remember the Titans (Football Teams Singing)

Artist: Gloria Gaynor- I Will Survive & Marvin Gaye – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the only way to build team chemistry is through team singing, as demonstrated in both of these movies. Remember the Titans whole soundtrack is great and we already talked about the greatness of Shane Falco and The Replacements.

7. Gone in 60 Seconds

Artist: WAR – Low Rider

A future Rotten Tomatoes Variance movie for sure. This scene is the definition of cool. Nic cage, leather jackets, inspirational speeches, old-school jam, old vs new traditions, and did we mention Nic Cage. Just a great formula. “Okay, let’s ride” is an all-time great line as well. If you don’t like this scene, then we don’t like you.

6. The Matrix & Fight Club

Artist: Rage Against the Machine – Wake Up & Pixies – Where is My Mind

Cheating a little bit choosing two, but both of these movies were released in 1999 and defined the era. Dark, twisted movies, with endings that had you trying to play catchup. I honestly don’t hear either of these songs that often, but immediately think of these endings when I do. Great movies, and perfect thematic songs for the movie ending.

5. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Artist: The Beatles – Twist and Shout

Had to lift your spirits after the last one. Great song, great scene, positive vibes all around on this one. The best way to describe this scene and song is that it encapsulates a wedding dance floor.

4. Goodfellas & Casino

Artist: Eric Clapton- Layla & The Animals – House of the Rising Sun

These are two famous scenes and probably could be #1 but, I would argue that you could have subbed in a number of songs and they still would have been great scenes. Nonetheless, anytime I hear these songs I think of these famous Scorsese movies.

3. Hangover

Artist: Phil Collins – In the Air Tonight

After rewatching this movie, I think it does one of the best jobs of any movie with the use of music. It’s used to amp you up (Kanye West, TI & Rhianna), it’s original (What do Tigers Dream Of, 3 Best Friends) and it’s used in a funny way (Who Let the Dogs Out) and of course the most memorable scene in the movie the guest appearance from Mike Tyson:

2. Reservoir Dogs

Artist: Stealers Wheel – Stuck in the Middle with You

I wasn’t the biggest fan of this movie, probably one I need to give a rewatch, but this scene is iconic. This song will always be synonymous with Reservoir Dogs, just a great twisted scene with the perfect song to accompany it.

1. Almost Famous

Artist: Elton John – Tiny Dancer

I don’t know why but this scene always gives me chills. A single song seemingly changes everyone’s mood. I love when the whole bus starts singing, one of those rare scenes in a movie that you feel like ‘everything is going to be okay’. Not coincidentally, I started to like Elton John a lot more after watching this movie.