Who doesn’t love a great movie soundtrack? But what’s even better is when a movie comes with an original song. It makes the title feel bigger and says that the marketing department probably really believes in the movie.

It’s also just one of those cool things where an artist can get inspired by the world on screen and vice versa. I love how these are all collaborations and how they deepen the art involved in making a movie.

Today, I want to go over some of my favorite original songs written for movies.

Let’s dive in.

“Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Performed by Judy Garland. A timeless classic that perfectly captures the film’s sense of wonder and hope. It’s such a banger, and it details the entire theme and wonder of the movie.

“Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

A warm and interesting song with some deep soul. Performed by Audrey Hepburn. This gentle, evocative song won an Academy Award and became synonymous with the film’s elegant charm.

“The Theme from Shaft” from Shaft (1971)

Performed by Isaac Hayes, this is just a song that sticks with you forever and makes everyone amped when they hear it. A groundbreaking funk masterpiece that defined the blaxploitation genre and earned Hayes an Oscar.

“Stayin’ Alive” from Saturday Night Fever (1977)

One of the coolest movie openings of all time, it really sets the mood and the scene of the times. Performed by the Bee Gees. The anthem of the disco era, this song is instantly recognizable and perfectly encapsulates the film’s energy.

“Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III (1982)

Just a jam that you want on every playlist for working out or energy. Performed by Survivor. A powerful and motivating rock anthem that perfectly complements the film’s underdog story.

“Flashdance… What a Feeling” from Flashdance (1983)

An iconic dance with an iconic song that defines an iconic moment in cinema. Performed by Irene Cara. An energetic and inspiring dance-pop track that became a global hit and won an Oscar.

“Purple Rain” from Purple Rain (1984)

My wife is from Minnetonka, so this is like the song that comes on when she walks into a room. Performed by Prince. The iconic title track from Prince’s semi-autobiographical film is a soaring rock ballad that remains one of his most beloved songs.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from The Breakfast Club (1985)

This song transcended the movie and became an anthem for high school angst. Performed by Simple Minds. This quintessential 80s ballad perfectly captures the camaraderie of the film’s characters.

“Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile (2002)

The music. The moment. You gotta own it. Performed by Eminem. A raw, intense, and autobiographical rap song that propelled the film and earned Eminem an Academy Award.

“My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic (1997)

The song like changed America. There were so many people singing and playing it. I remember our music teacher tried to make us sing it in school. Performed by Celine Dion. A sweeping power ballad that became one of the best-selling singles of all time and is indelibly linked to the epic romance of Titanic.

Summing It All Up 

These songs would make a helluva playlist. They’re the backbones of a lot of these movies, and they add something to the story.

Are there any of your favorites that I’ve missed?

Let me know what you think in the comments.