Some of the most memorable movie moments are inextricably linked to the soundtrack of the movies. From Peter Quill’s introduction inThe Guardians of the Galaxywhile Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” plays in the background, to the training montage inBig Hero 6set to Fall Out Boy’s “Immortals”, iconic soundtracks define iconic movies. The power of a great selection of songs cannot be overestimated, seeing how evenbad movies become bearable because of good soundtracks. The art of the soundtrack is a celebrated aspect of filmmaking, and many songwriters havewritten original songs specifically for movies.
However, while specific song curation makes for special soundtracks, some songs are so catchy and iconic, that they get featured almost always whenever a movie wants to create the vibe associated with them. Themost common songs in movies and TV showsoften reflect the aesthetic and atmospheric landscape of cinema in an era, since they reflect the vibe people want in their movies and shows. But the decade of filmmaking and music that’s the most iconic in terms of cultural footprint and memorable moments is the ’80s, the era of some of the greatest musical hits and renowned movies.
Stand By Me
Cast
Based on a Stephen King novella, and directed by Rob Reiner, Stand By Me follows the story of a group of young boys who set out on an expedition to find the dead body of another missing boy from their hometown. The film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, and is considered one of the most influential films of all time.
Rob Reiner’sStand by Meis one of the greatest coming-of-age movies ever made, andarguably the best Stephen King adaptation. It follows a group of four friends who have heard about the death of a boy their age and want to go see the body. They set out on a hike, not expecting or being able to foresee the misadventures and dangers that await them. What was supposed to be a harmless journey to satisfy their morbid curiosity becomes a vessel for their loss of innocence.
While the movie is based on Stephen King’s novellaThe Body, the title isinfluenced by the title of “Stand By Me”, the song by Ben E. King. King’s song plays during the credits at the end of the movie, and reflects the theme of friendship that the characters develop over the course of the film. It was even used for promotion, with a music video that featured Ben E. King with actors Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix, both of whom starred in the movie.
Dirty Dancing
Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman on vacation at a summer resort with her family who becomes the unwitting competition partner of one of the resort’s dance instructors, Johnny. As Baby and Johnny’s relationship deepens over the course of the summer, the disapproval of Baby’s family, especially her father, threatens to tear them apart.
Dazzling viewers with their electric chemistry and skillful dancing, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey lead one of the most iconic ’80s romantic dramas.Dirty Dancingis remembered most fondly for the iconic dance sequences, especiallythe lift at the end of the routinethat the leads work on for the whole movie. So, it’s no surprise that the film is inextricably linked with the song playing during the dance routine.
The beautiful lyrics and vocals reflect the passionate romance between the couple, while the energetic music functions as the ideal backdrop to both their enthusiastic dancing and their romantic attachment. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” was written and sung specifically forDirty Dancing, and the mission was successful. Neither can be mentioned without inherently referring to the other. The image of Grey lifted by Swayze inDirty Dancing’s endinghas been immortalized in people’s minds, much like the song.
The Karate Kid
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
While the 2010 remake, featuring Jaden Smith, is one of the worstJackie Chan movies of the last 15 years, the originalThe Karate Kidis a great martial arts movie. Equal parts action film and coming-of-age movie,The Karate Kidtells the story of a young boy, Daniel, who befriends a repairman, Mr. Miyagi, who is a martial arts master, and teaches Daniel karate. Daniel is in the crosshairs of a group of boys who learn karate at the Cobra Kai Dojo, and he must become good enough to face and beat them.
Joe Esposito’s power ballad “You’re The Best” went through a rocky journey on its way to rising to prominence as part of a movie soundtrack. Originally meant forRocky III, it was later replaced by Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger”, and then passed on byFlashdancein favor of Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”. Then, John G. Avildsen heard it, and realized that this would bethe ideal song to play in the background of the competition montagein his movie.
The Breakfast Club
After receiving detention, a group of five high-school students bonds as they realize they have quite a bit in common despite being from different friend groups. Despite being over 35 years old, The Breakfast Club still stands as one of the quintessential movies of the ‘80s and one of director John Hughes standout films.
The cinematic landscape of the ’80s is known for its cultural footprint, and John Hughes, as the director of teenage romances and coming-of-age comedies, is one of the people that the ’80s immortalized. He had his hand on the pulse of the teen rom-com scene, although, a lot of his work feels dated today. Even his most famous work,The Breakfast Club, a bonafide ’80s classic that mostly holds up, depicts an unnecessary makeover for a character in one ofthe most infuriating scenes in movie history.
As sullied as the message of authenticity and solidarity becomes because of its dated elements, it’s impossible to deny thatThe Breakfast Clubevokes emotions of togetherness. The five people forced to spend time during detention come away having changed and with a better appreciation for each other. They have also forged a bond that will likely remain with them for a long time. Simple Minds wrote a song for the ending that sums up the emotions one will experience looking back at the movie while its credits roll. That song now invariably reminds people of the movie.
Back to the Future
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is inadvertently sent back to 1955, where he disrupts his parents' meeting. With the assistance of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must restore the timeline by ensuring his parents fall in love and find a way back to 1985.
One of the fewmajor franchises with no bad movies, theBack to the Futuretrilogy is an iconic piece of ’80s memorabilia. It is a classic tale that gets referenced whenever time travel is discussed, including inAvengers: Endgame. It has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and both Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd belong in the sci-fi movie hall of fame as the slick Marty McFly and his brilliant scientist friend Dr. Emmett Brown, respectively.
Back when the first movie came out, Robert Zemeckis wasn’t yet the famous filmmaker he is today.Back to the Futurewould put him on the map permanently, though. Along with him, it put Huey Lewis and the News' “The Power of Love” on the map as well. Interestingly, the band performed two songs for the film, and the other one,“Back in Time”, directly relates more to the movie. However, due to the catchy music and lyrics, especially the memorable hook, “The Power of Love” became more famous and more associated withBack to the Future.
Do the Right Thing
Do the Right Thing is Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated film starring himself, Giancarlo Esposito, Bull Nunn, John Turturro, and Ossie Davis. The comedy drama revolves around Spike Lee’s young character Mookie, who is stuck in Brooklyn on the hottest day of summer, where bigotry and hate build before exploding into violence.
Spike Lee has made some of the most relevant films of all time. From biopics likeMalcolm X, one ofDenzel Washington’s best movie roles as a real person, to poignant dramas likeCrooklyn, his filmography is politically charged and addresses systematic racism in all forms. WhileMalcolm Xis his most epic work, Lee’s magnum opus remains his 1989 ensemble dramaDo The Right Thing.It follows the residents of Brooklyn on the hottest day of summer, as tensions rise after people clash in their attempt to survive the heat.
The characters' experiences and their characterization serve as social commentary on the way African American people are treated in America. While there are many memorable scenes and quotable lines in the movie, the opening sequence is arguably its most iconic part. Theopening credits appear over a montage of Rosie Perez, in her screen debut, dancing in a dress, a leotard, and a boxing outfit. The song playing in the background, “Fight the Power”, was written and performed by Public Enemy for the movie specifically and is inextricably linked with it.
Flashdance
Flashdance is a 1983 romantic drama directed by Adrian Lyne. The film stars Jennifer Beals as Alex Owens, a steel mill worker by day and nightclub dancer by night, who aspires to be a professional ballerina. The story follows her journey of passion, determination, and the pursuit of her dreams, set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh’s industrial landscape.
Jennifer Beals' down-on-her-luck dancer can’t catch a break in Adrian Lyne’sFlashdance.She feels discouraged by the application process for getting into Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory, but after her partner convinces her, she applies. He uses his connections to get her an audition, which she aces, despite initially not wanting to go because she wants to earn it by herself. It’s dated and simplistic, but as a cheesy ’80s romantic dance movie, it is memorable for Beals' performance, especially her dancing, and the movie’s music.
Irene Cara sang the iconic song “What a Feeling” whichFlashdanceopens with during the montage that introduces the city, and also closes with, during Beals' final audition and celebratory run to her partner. However,Flashdancehas one of the best soundtracks, and it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly one song it’s linked with, between Cara’s song, and Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”, which is equally iconic and associated withFlashdance.
Top Gun
In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
While there are a few ways in which Tony Scott’sTop Gunhas not aged well, it is one of the most iconic movies of the ’80s. Tom Cruise’s slick screen persona as the rebellious pilot, Maverick, is a showstealer. With an equally amazing supporting cast, memorably cheesy ’80s action movie dialogue, some of the best airplane stunts ever, and one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time,Top Gunhas mostly stood the test of time for a reason.
The two Kenny Loggins songs, “Playing with the Boys” and “Danger Zone” both play over iconic scenes from the movie. The first plays during the volleyball scene that was recreated in the sequel, and the latter plays during the unforgettable opening sequence. The song “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis is also just as linked with the movie as those songs.But the song that’s perhaps most associated withTop Gunis Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away”, known to some as the Love Theme fromTop Gun.
Rocky III
Rocky III is the third installment in the Rocky franchise, featuring Sylvester Stallone as the titular character. The film follows Rocky Balboa’s journey as he faces a new adversary, Clubber Lang, portrayed by Mr. T. After suffering a major defeat, Rocky seeks to regain his title with the help of his former rival, Apollo Creed. Directed by Stallone, the film explores themes of determination and personal redemption.
Every movie in Sylvester Stallone’sRockyfranchise has an iconic song associated with it. Of thebest theme songs in theRockymovies, Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” from the first movie is easily the best and the most recognizable. However, another song specifically written for aRockymovie, has become even more famous as a song and keeps getting featured in movies and shows, fromBig Hero 6toSupernatural.
When the director failed to get the rights for Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”, which was Stallone’s first choice forRocky III, the job of writing a song for the movie went to the band Survivor. Their “Eye of the Tiger” plays over the opening sequence of the film, which depicts Rocky’s rise to fame as a boxer and subsequent stardom,simultaneously introducing his latest rival, Clubber Lang, and his rise to boxing fame. The iconic song is immediately recognizable, thanks to the opening chords, and it always invokes this opening montage for anyone who’s seenRocky III.
Footloose
Footloose follows teenager Ren, who moves from Chicago to a small town where dancing and music are banned. He challenges the restrictive culture, aiming to revitalize the community’s spirit.
Kenny Loggins is no doubt the king of ’80s movie soundtracks. He wrote some of the most iconic tracks on the best-selling movie soundtrack of the decade,Top Gun. But, before that, he created musicfor Kevin Bacon’s breakout movie,Footloose. Apart from the titular song, which is undoubtedly the most iconic song on the soundtrack, he also wrote and performed other songs for the movie.
Bacon plays a dance-loving teenager in a town where music and dancing is illegal. He becomes motivated to introduce people to the art of dance and how much grooving to music functions as an expression of personal freedom. The epitome of this occurs in the final scene, which is a celebration of his character’s triumph. Inspired by him, everyone in town dances in the hall to the title song of the soundtrack.
