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77 Best Movie Songs Of All Time

When you think of the best movie songs of all time, which ones come to mind? It might feel impossible to choose. Movies have been around for over a century, and in that time they’ve produced some amazing music. These 77 songs are some of the best tunes in cinema history.

1. Title Track — from Footloose

Kenny Loggins - Footloose (Official Video)

It’s hard to forget the electrifying sequence of 1984’s Footloose. Kevin Bacon rocking out in the town that forbids dancing is just way too much fun. It isn’t hard to see why this Kenny Loggins song was nominated for Best Original Song and has remained incredibly popular over nearly 30 years since its release.

Next: Greatest movie soundtracks in history (our featured list)

2. I Will Always Love You — from The Bodyguard

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video)

“I Will Always Love You” wasn’t even originally Whitney Houston’s song—it was composed by Dolly Parton in 1973. Nine years later, Houston gave it a soul makeover for the film The Bodyguard. Her version earned her a Grammy and was the best-selling single by a female artist of all time.

Next: Best and most powerful female singers ever

3. Stayin’ Alive — from Saturday Night Fever

Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive (Official Music Video)

“Stayin’ Alive” was recorded by the Bee Gees for the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever. The movie launched the career of John Travolta thanks to his white suit and signature disco moves. The song is still widely known today—most notably as a guide for performing CPR, believe it or not!

4. Over the Rainbow — from The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard Of Oz Soundtrack | Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland | WaterTower

The Wizard of Oz was revolutionary back in 1939 for its use of color, special effects, and original music. Judy Garland’s performance of “Over The Rainbow” is one of the most famous songs in film history and won an Academy Award. At least three generations have now grown up hearing it!

Next: Greatest television theme songs of all time (our featured list)

5. Johnny B. Goode — from Back to the Future

“Johnny B. Goode” was recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958 and is considered one of the most important songs in the development of rock and roll. Back To The Future depicts Marty McFly time traveling to 1955 when he performs the song to a silent crowd before quipping, “I g-guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it.”

Next: The absolute best songs from the 1950s (our featured list)

6. Don’t You (Forget About Me) — from The Breakfast Club

Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)

The Breakfast Club, released in 1985, told the story of five teenagers who meet during Saturday detention. The movie is considered to be the best of director John Hughes’ career. The film’s outro, “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” became legendary, along with the character Bender’s signature raised fist.

Next: Our ultimate featured list of the top 1980s songs

7. Moon River — from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Breakfast at Tiffany's (3/9) Movie CLIP - Moon River (1961) HD

Breakfast At Tiffany’s was possibly the most iconic movie of Audrey Hepburn’s career. Her character Holly Golightly sings the sweet ballad “Moon River” on her window. The song was written just for Hepburn but was nearly cut from the film; luckily it was kept in and went on to win Best Original Song.

Next: The best songs about the moon playlist feature

8. (I’ve Had) the Time of My Life — from Dirty Dancing

Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) The Time Of My Life (Official HD Video)

Ask anyone for their list of the top movies of the 1980s, and you’re likely to hear the title Dirty Dancing. The final number “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life,” most particularly the final lift with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, has become legendary. It has been homaged and parodied countless times.

Next: Our ultimate list of the best movie love songs ever

9. Title Track — from Fame

The song “Fame” was performed by Irene Cara, who also played the film’s Coco Hernandez. It was her debut single and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Oscar for Best Film Theme Song. “Fame” topped the charts around the world, not just in the United States but also in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

10. Eye of the Tiger — from Rocky III

Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

The opening notes of “Eye Of The Tiger” immediately get the blood pumping, and it is still commonly included in workout mixes. The song was originally featured in Rocky III as the backtrack to Sylvester Stallone’s dramatic training montage. Its near-universal popularity ensured it would remain a classic song of triumphand go on to spark many parodies.

Next: The absolute best workout songs of all time playlist

11. Take My Breath Away — from Top Gun

Berlin - Take My Breath Away (Official Video - Top Gun)

“Take My Breath Away” is the pinnacle of 1980s cheesiness, so much so that it’s almost exclusively used as a parody nowadays. But back in 1986, it was the perfect soundtrack to Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in Top Gun. The song won many awards, and the soundtrack as a whole is one of the most popular in film history. 

12. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? — from The Lion King

Cast of The Lion King - Can You Feel The Love Tonight (from "The Lion King")

When Disney released The Lion King in 1994, the film’s animators didn’t expect it to be particularly successful. But the movie’s music was beyond anything Disney had done up until then, thanks to Elton John. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” won Best Original Song and earned John a Grammy award for Best Male Pop Vocal performance.

Next: Greatest Disney songs playlist feature

13. Stay (I Missed You) — from Reality Bites

Lisa Loeb "Stay (I Missed You)" Music Video

Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)” was featured as the lead single for 1994’s Reality Bites. But her path to fame wasn’t exactly straightforward. The song was chosen for the film because her friend and neighbor, Ethan Hawke, overheard her playing it and sent it to the movie’s producers. It was so popular that Loeb was the first artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 without having signed with a record label.

14. Kiss From a Rose — from Batman Forever

“Kiss From A Rose” is perhaps Seal’s most well-known single, featuring in both The NeverEnding Story III and as a re-release in the Batman Forever soundtrack. This helped it reach the top of the charts in Australia as well as the United States. Seal was initially hesitant about contributing his song; luckily, he did, leading to it becoming one of the most famous ballads of the 20th century.

Next: Best surround sound movies list

15. It Must Have Been Love — from Pretty Woman

Roxette - It Must Have Been Love (Official Music Video)

Originally recorded as “It Must Have Been Love (Christmas For The Broken Hearted)” by Swedish pop duo Roxette, this power ballad captivated the United States as a number one hit. The song was released in 1987. Three years later, it hit the charts again after being featured in Pretty Woman. The rhythmic pop ballad remains well-known to this day, possibly in part due to its timeless themes of love and loss.

16. Title Track — from Skyfall

Adele - Skyfall (Official Lyric Video)

It has become a tradition for James Bond films to include a feature song with the same title as the film, which is what led to 2012’s song “Skyfall.” The song was written and performed by Adele, who drew on the moody themes of the movie to get the instrumental feel she envisioned. Her performance won many awards, and this became the best-selling digital track in history. 

17. Title Track — from Ghostbusters

Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters (Official Video)

Who you gonna call? “Ghostbusters!” This song debuted as the theme for the movie that shares its name in 1984. It was written just a few days before it was due with great initial difficulty. Finally, inspiration struck when the songwriter saw a late-night infomercial that included the line, “Who ya gonna call?”

18. As Time Goes By — from Casablanca

Written by Herman Hupfield in 1931, “As Time Goes By” is a classic jazz hit that achieved notoriety 11 years later as part of the soundtrack for the Warner Bros. hit film, Casablanca. This song is so ubiquitous that Warner Bros. made it into its signature branding tune. It has been featured in the studio’s opening montages since the late 1990s. It has also been covered by greats as varied as Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Bryan Ferry, Vera Lynn, and Louis Armstrong.

Next: Best songs for video montages

19. Oh Yeah — from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Yello - Oh Yeah (Official Video)

“Oh Yeah” might be called the quintessential song of 1980s film. It is probably best known for featuring in 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, but it was also on the soundtrack of The Secret Of My Success the following year. The song’s instrumental techniques, including electronic elements and manipulated vocals, were groundbreaking for the time. Since the 1980s, it has become a staple of pop culture, appearing in media of all kinds. 

20. Title Track — from Goldfinger

Goldfinger (Digitally Remastered)

Just like the film with the same name, this song is a really bizarre treat. “Goldfinger” hails from the soundtrack of the 1964 James Bond film of the same name. Performed by Shirley Bassey, this song featured in the movie’s opening and closing sequences and peaked at number eight and number two for four weeks on the Adult Contemporary chart.

It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008. This song is surprisingly complex and many find it creepy, gritty, and even a little bit weird.

21. Let It Go — from Frozen

Disney's Frozen "Let It Go" Sequence Performed by Idina Menzel

If you have children and they watch movies, you’ve certainly had this modern instant classic stuck in your head long after bedtime. “Let It Go” exploded in popularity after it was featured as the signature song of Queen Elsa in 2013’s Frozen. Idina Menzel’s powerful vocals made the song into a modern-day anthem of self-acceptance. It was Disney’s first animated musical piece since 1995 to reach the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10.

22. Evergreen — from A Star is Born

“Evergreen” from A Star Is Born” (1976)

“Evergreen” was the main theme of 1976’s A Star is Born. The movie featured Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand; her powerful vocals were undoubtedly a huge factor in the song’s popularity. It would become her second no. 1 single, topping the charts and becoming the fourth-biggest single of 1977. There seems to be something magical about A Star is Born adaptations.

Next: Greatest songs from the 1970s playlist feature

23. My Heart Will Go On — from Titanic

My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from "Titanic")

It seems amazing to think that neither Celine Dion nor James Cameron, the director of the movie, were fans of “My Heart Will Go On.” The 1997 pop hit was just as popular as the movie it accompanied, Titanic. The song climbed to the top of the charts worldwide and was the best-selling single of 1998. It is even considered the singer’s most famous song.

24. Love on the Rocks — from The Jazz Singer

Neil Diamond - Love On The Rocks (Video)

This Neil Diamond classic appeared in 1980’s The Jazz Singer and reached number two for three weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 one year later. This impactful ballad features Diamond at the peak of his skill with one of the most powerful, cynical takes in his career. It has since become a staple for his fans, despite the fact that the movie itself isn’t widely known. 

25. Title Track — from Chariots of Fire

Vangelis - Chariots Of Fire

Considering that it is purely a musical score, it’s beyond impressive that the “Chariots Of Fire” theme is so well-known. The song quickly became popular in covers for TV shows, sporting events, and competitions, eventually earning a reputation as a “pump-up” song for athletes. The score was also recognized for its innovative use of electronic music, a pioneering technique of the early 1980s.

Next: The best songs from musicals of all time

26. Shallow — from A Star is Born

Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper - Shallow (from A Star Is Born) (Official Music Video)

Unless you were living under a rock in the late 2010s, you probably heard “Shallow” more than you ever wanted to. But it’s not hard to see why this song was so popular. It was featured in the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born and topped the charts through the turn of the decade. Its popularity only increased after Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s electrifying live performance at the 91st Academy Awards. 

27. Mrs. Robinson — from The Graduate

Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson (Audio)

“Mrs. Robinson” is to the 1960s what “Oh Yeah” is to the 1980s. Performed by Simon and Garfunkel, the song became famous for its use in the 1967 film The Graduate. The duo released the track separately a year later; it would go on to become their second no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered by other musicians of all kinds, including Bon Jovi and Frank Sinatra.

28. White Christmasfrom Holiday Inn

White Christmas (1947 Version)

This holiday classic has quite the story behind it, but not everyone who loves to sing along is familiar. It originated in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, which starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Though the film featured many musical numbers, “White Christmas” became so famous that it is now a traditional Christmas carol. Though most people have never heard of the movie, almost everyone knows this song. 

Next: Our ultimate list of the best Christmas carols ever

29. Arthur’s Theme — from Arthur

“Arthur’s Theme” was performed by Christopher Cross for the 1981 film Arthur. The song hit no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 before the end of the year and won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Add in stellar performances from Liza Minnelli and Dudley Moore, and it’s not hard to see why this song went down in history. 

30. Born to be Wild — from Easy Rider

This hit continues to resonate because it inspires feelings of freedom, independence, and spontaneity. The song, which first appeared in the 1968 film Easy Rider, has become irrevocably associated with biker culture, especially in film. Some people consider it the first heavy metal song due to its unique instrumentals. 

31. Title Track — from Endless Love

Lionel Richie - Endless Love ft. Shania Twain

Diana Ross and Lionel Richie are a recipe for success in any context. Their duet “Endless Love” for the 1981 movie of the same name won the Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo. We could explain more about what made it so popular, but with those two singers, does it really need explaining?

32. Lose Yourself — from 8 Mile

Eminem - Lose Yourself

Even if you’ve never seen 8 Mile and don’t consider yourself an Eminem fan, you probably still recognize this iconic rap. It opens with the famous question about taking opportunities when they come along and includes the iconic lines: “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy.”

Next: Most iconic and best hip hop/rap songs of all time

33. Sunflower — from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Post Malone, Swae Lee - Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)

The entire soundtrack for 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse can be fairly described as inspired, but Post Malone’s “Sunflower” is in a league of its own. The song was certified diamond in both Canada and the US. Though some of the original lyrics are sexually explicit, the film kept it family-friendly by having Miles Morales fumble the words of the song.

34. Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) — from The Man Who Knew Too Much

Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)

Here’s yet another example of a song whose fame outstripped the movie it first appeared in. Not everyone is familiar with the 1956 movie The Man Who Knew Too Much, but its song “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)” became a classic, being covered countless times in many languages (the original is in both French and English). 

35. Glory of Love — from Karate Kid II

“Glory Of Love” is to Karate Kid II as “Eye Of The Tiger” is to Rocky. The 1980s certainly knew how to compose intense, training-related musical montages. It might be cheesy, but it is cheesy in a way that you will never be able to forget.

36. Old Time Rock & Roll — from Risky Business

Old Time Rock & Roll

This song was so famous in its day that it even got a nod in another movie a few years later, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The 1983 film Risky Business features Tom Cruise as a teen getting up to no good while his parents are away. The scene where Cruise dances through the house in his underwear to “Old Time Rock And Roll” has become legendary.

Next: Ultimate 80s dance songs playlist (our picks)

37. Hakuna Matata — from The Lion King

Hakuna Matata (From "The Lion King"/Audio Only)

If you grew up in the 1990s, you likely know this one by heart. The song was featured on the soundtrack of The Lion King, famously stating “It means no worries for the rest of your days.” An urban legend followed the song stating that it was a mistranslation, but in this case, it’s pretty spot on; the phrase is Swahili for “no trouble” or “no worries.” 

38. Unchained Melody — from Ghost

Unchained Melody (Remastered)

“Unchained Melody” from the 1990 movie Ghost is so famous that it has been parodied countless times. In fact, these days, you might be more likely to have seen the parodies than the film. The infamous pottery wheel scene is the pinnacle of 1980s-era cheese, but paired with the catchy saxophone medley, it is easy to see why it lives on in history.

Next: Our list of favorite musical duos ever

39. Don’t Rain on My Parade — from Funny Girl 

Don't Rain On My Parade

Barbra Streisand was probably the leading force behind Funny Girl’s enduring power. The 1968 film tells the story of Fanny Brice, an actress, singer, and comedienne in the 1920s. Though the movie features many musical numbers, “Don’t Rain On My Parade” is undoubtedly one of the most famous. Streisand’s breathtaking performance and powerful vocals can only be described as mesmerizing.

40. Title Track — from Jailhouse Rock

Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock (Official Audio)

This song is one of the 20th century’s best excuses to hit the dance floor. It was featured in the 1957 movie of the same name, starring the one and only Elvis Presley. The song was extremely popular and became one of Presley’s most famous records. It has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

41. All That Jazz — from Chicago

All That Jazz - Chicago (1/12) Movie CLIP (2002) HD

It’s really something for a film adaptation of a long-standing musical to be this good. The musical Chicago has been around since 1975. But it wasn’t until 2002 that it was adapted to film.

The opening number “All That Jazz” earned the cast a nomination for Best Adapted Song. The movie is considered to be the start of musical film adaptations in the 21st century, and this song perfectly sets the stage.

Next: Our ultimate list of the best Jazz songs ever

42. Title Track — from A View to Kill

Duran Duran - A View To A Kill

Aside from martinis, spy gadgets, and sultry women, there is one thing that the James Bond franchise does well—its music. Like most other Bond main themes, “A View To Kill” shares a title with its film. The 1985 movie featured a theme song by the 1980s band Duran Duran.

43. Title Track — from Singin’ in the Rain

Singin' in the Rain (Full Song/Dance - '52) - Gene Kelly - Musical Romantic Comedies - 1950s Movies

This song inspires such a glorious feeling, it rarely fails to bring a smile even in rough circumstances. Gene Kelly’s song and dance routine declaring his happiness over being in love has become one of the most famous scenes in movie history.

Here are some fun facts for you: the onscreen downpour was a mixture of water and milk, and Kelly himself had a 103-degree fever during his legendary performance. 

44. Let the River Run — from Working Girl

Let The River Run - Carly Simon

The 1989 movie Working Girl was part love story, part career story. Its opening theme, “Let The River Run,” was composed by Carly Simon for the film. The song was so famous that it became the blueprint for other opening city montages. The lyrics compare a metropolis to “the New Jerusalem.” 

45. Title Track — from 42nd Street

The song “42nd Street” comes from the 1933 musical of the same name. It was so famous that it was named on the American Film Institute’s list of Top 100 Songs. The song, originally the closing number for the film, was reused for many other media over the years as well as featured in the Broadway adaptation of the movie.

46. You’re the One That I Want — from Grease

Of all the songs in 1978’s Grease, “You’re The One That I Want” might be the most famous. It is hard to resist the electric performance of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The singer’s unique vocals made this a generational classic, but also led to famously misheard lyrics.

47. Wind Beneath My Wings — from Beaches

Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video)

Absolutely everyone has heard the song “Wind Beneath My Wings.” It was originally performed by Bette Midler in the 1988 film Beaches. Like most 1980s movie soundtracks, the song is all about the drama, but there is something about that that is irresistible. 

48. Seems Like Old Times — from Annie Hall

Annie Hall (11/12) Movie CLIP - Seems Like Old Times (1977) HD

If you’ve ever seen Annie Hall, you won’t be able to forget the image of Diane Keaton in a suit. Nor will you be able to erase her compelling performance of “Seems Like Old Times.” The song was already decades old, but Keaton’s cover made it famous.

49. St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) — from St. Elmo’s Fire

John Parr - St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion) (Official Music Video)

Believe it or not, the 1985 hit “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” was written and recorded within a day. That’s a good day’s work, considering that the song would top the charts and become one of the most recognizable songs in cinema history. 

50. We Don’t Talk About Bruno — from Encanto

We Don't Talk About Bruno (From "Encanto")

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” may have just recently hit the scene, but it has already established itself as a cultural hit. This song has a lot going on: great rhythm, spooky vibes, humor, and deep themes of family strife. It draws strongly on musical techniques used in Colombian music, which composer Lin-Manuel Miranda studied extensively.

Next: The top composers of all time list

51. Puttin’ on the Ritz — from Young Frankenstein

“Puttin’ On The Ritz” didn’t originate in Young Frankenstein, but Fred Astaire’s performance of the song can’t be erased from our memories. How could anybody forget Dr. Frankenstein (that’s “Frahnk-en-steen”) tap dancing with a literal monster? The scene is the pinnacle of the movie’s absurdity, and we unabashedly love it.

52. Come What May — from Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! (4/5) Movie CLIP - Come What May (2001) HD

It’s amazing to think that the most famous song from Moulin Rouge! was originally written for another film. The song was intended for Romeo + Juliet, which came out in 1996. But it didn’t hit the big screen until five years later when Ewan MacGregor and Nicole Kidman performed it as Christian and Satine. It was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Next: Best songs from Hindi movies (Bollywood songs list)

53. Tonight — from West Side Story

West Side Story (5/10) Movie CLIP - Tonight (1961) HD

West Side Story features many amazing musical numbers, but “Tonight” might be the most famous. The song includes the declaration of love between the protagonists, Maria and Tony. You might not know that Natalie Wood, who played Maria, didn’t actually do her own singing; her vocals were provided by Hollywood ghost singer Marni Nixon.

54. The Way You Look Tonight — from Swing Time

The Way You Look Tonight

Swing Time came out all the way back in 1936, so it’s not necessarily well-known in this day and age. But Fred Astaire’s gentle vocal accompaniment alongside his legendary dance routine with Ginger Rogers puts this song solidly on our list. 

55. Fight The Power — from Do The Right Thing

Public Enemy - Fight The Power (Official Music Video)

The 1988 film Do The Right Thing featured the song “Fight The Power.” The track made an impression for its use of many musical genres, including R&B, rap, hip hop, and soul. This was a pioneering feat for the 1980s, going on to influence other later musicians.

Next: The greatest songs about Racism of all time

56. Do-Re-Mi — from The Sound of Music

Untold thousands of us watched The Sound Of Music, whether at home or in an elementary school music class. Some of them probably learned to sing from it, too. Specifically, the famous classic “Do-Re-Mi,” in which Maria teaches the von Trapp children the fundamentals of musical notation.

57. Title track — from Purple Rain

Prince in a rock musical featuring his own songs? This was bound to be legendary. The 1984 film Purple Rain surpassed all expectations, with the titular song becoming one of Prince’s most famous songs. The soundtrack won an Academy Award.

58. Springtime For Hitler — from The Producers

Springtime for Hitler

The Producers was Mel Brooks’ directing debut, which just makes the film all the more impressive. The most famous song from the film is undoubtedly “Springtime For Hitler,” which is featured as a satirical musical hit.

59. In Your Eyes — from Say Anything

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

Standing in the rain with a boombox—the scene has been parodied more times than we can count. But it all started with the 1986 film Say Anything, which culminates in the classic scene set to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.”

60. Thank Heaven For Little Girls — from Gigi

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

These days, not many people have seen the 1958 film, Gigi. But most of us have heard the opening song from the film, “Thank Heaven For Little Girls.” The overture was performed by Maurice Chevalier, who was also known for his songs “You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me” and “The Aristocats.” 

61. Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend — from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Of all the songs of Marilyn Monroe’s career, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” is probably her most famous. She performed the song in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but its fame outstripped the movie itself. The song has been covered many times, including by Nicole Kidman in 2001’s Moulin Rouge!

62. It Had to be You — from When Harry Met Sally

Is there any film that does enemies to lovers better than When Harry Met Sally? The movie’s soundtrack was performed by Harry Connick Jr. His emotional playing won him a Grammy for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance.

63. Title Track — from Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast | Angela Lansbury Live Performance

“Beauty And The Beast” is one of the best-known Disney songs of all time, performed against the stunning ballroom scene with the titular characters. Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the film, didn’t want to perform the song, which she thought didn’t fit her voice. She finally gave in and performed it perfectly in one take. 

64. Flashdance… What a Feeling — from Flashdance

Irene Cara - Flashdance What A Feeling (Official Music Video)

The 1983 film Flashdance might be one of the original dance films that would later become wildly popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. The lead track “Flashdance …What a Feeling” brought more attention to Irene Cara, who had already made an impression with her earlier work on “Fame.” 

65. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious — from Mary Poppins

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (From "Mary Poppins" Soundtrack)

The song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is one of the most well-known songs from the classic Disney film Mary Poppins. It even plays on certain rides at Disneyland. Meanwhile, the word itself has worked into our lexiconthough you don’t often hear it said with a straight face.

66. Kiss Me — from She’s All That

She’s All That is one of the quintessential makeover movies. Love it or hate it, the film was one of the first to set the stage for future teen dramas. The song “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer was used as the backing track for Laney Boggs’ famous transformation.

67. Title Track — from 9 to 5

Dolly Parton - 9 To 5

The movie and the theme song helped cement Dolly Parton in mainstream pop culture, though she had had a successful career in country music up until then. It was wildly popular, marked by the characteristic percussive tapping meant to sound like a typewriter. The secret? They were actually Parton’s acrylic fingernails.

68. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — from Meet Me in St. Louis

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Meet Me In St. Louis | Warner Archive

Another example of a movie song that worked its way into our holiday repertoire, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” was first featured in 1944’s Meet Me In St. Louis. The song was performed by Judy Garland in the film, and her version is still well known. It is now considered a classic Christmas carol.

Next: The best Christmas songs ever playlist feature

69. Nobody Does it Better — from The Spy Who Loved Me

Carly Simon - Nobody Does It Better - The Spy Who Loved Me

James Bond and Carly Simon don’t seem like they could possibly go together, but something about it just works. Simon’s song for the 1977 film is one of the few Bond themes that doesn’t share a name with its movie. But honestly, the tune is good enough that you can recognize it anywhere. 

70. Up Where We Belong — from An Officer and a Gentleman

Up Where We Belong (From "An Officer And A Gentleman")

Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes were the voices behind this 1982 hit from An Office And A Gentleman. Even if you have never seen the film, you almost definitely know the tune. It was even homaged by Ewan McGregor in “Elephant Love Medley” in 2001’s Moulin Rouge!

71. Streets of Philadelphia — from Philadelphia

Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Philadelphia (Official Video)

Who better to perform the gritty signature song of 1993’s Philadelphia than Bruce Springsteen? The song won a plethora of awards, including Best Original Song, Song of the Year, and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. 

72. Isn’t It Romantic? — from Love Me Tonight

Isn't It Romantic?

The song “Isn’t It Romantic?” has been covered many times but originated in the 1932 film Love Me Tonight. The song was performed by Maurice Chevalier in one of the earlier roles of his career. The song is widely considered to be one of the most famous in the history of cinema.

73. Summer Nights — from Grease

Summer Nights (From “Grease”)

Grease featured many songs that went on to be unforgettable hits. But the opening musical number “Summer Nights” gets your toes tapping from the very start of the movie. There is just something about that repeated chorus: “Tell me more, tell me more.” In true Grease fashion, it also features plenty of nonsense words, which are somehow just as catchy. 

74. You’ve Got a Friend in Me — from Toy Story

You've Got a Friend in Me

“You’ve Got A Friend in Me” is one of the most famous songs of 1990s animation, and that’s really saying something. The song was featured as an introductory track to Toy Story, playing over a montage of Andy and his toy cowboy Woody. It’s a song that’s guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye, especially if you were a kid when the film came out.

Next: Ultimate list of songs about cowboys

75. Aquariusfrom Hair

Hair (1/10) Movie CLIP - Aquarius (1979) HD

Hair was first produced in 1967 during the heyday of hippies, Vietnam War protests, and, well, hair. Its opening number, “Aquarius,” became famous 10 years later when the musical was adapted into a film. Hair broke barriers as a rock opera, and its opening number is undeniably infectious, featuring plenty of flowers, elaborate hairstyles, and electrifying dance moves. 

76. Good Mornin’ — from Singin’ in the Rain

Singin' in the Rain | Good Mornin' | Warner Bros. Entertainment

Singin’ In The Rain has some of the most famous song and dance numbers in movie history, but “Good Mornin’” is at the top of the list. The song on its own is fantastic but paired with the three-person dance performance from Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, and Gene Kelly, it’s downright unforgettable. 

77. Rainbow Connection — from The Muppet Movie

A Special Performance of "Rainbow Connection" from Kermit the Frog | The Muppets

“Rainbow Connection” arose from a challenge to make an unforgettable intro to 1979’s The Muppet Movie. The song is performed by Kermit the Frog while strumming a banjo. It became so famous that it won multiple awards and was at the top of the charts. It was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2020 for its cultural and aesthetic significance.

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