Top 10 Best Uses of a Song in a Movie

Refers to the use of an existing song as a plot device. This means that the characters in the movie interact with the song in some way such as listening to it or singing it. Songs that are merely in the soundtrack are not suited for this list, but they can be added to the Best Use of a Song in a Movie Soundtrack top ten list. Also, songs in musicals or other songs written specifically for the movie are not included.
The Top Ten
1 Bohemian Rhapsody - Wayne's World

The movie scene that introduced Bohemian Rhapsody to a whole new generation of listeners. Everyones parents seemed a little bit cooler after we found out they already had this song on vinyl.

Introduced me to Bohemian Rhapsody and more importantly Queen.

Every time this song comes on the radio when I'm in the car...

2 The Banana Boat Song - Beetlejuice

That scene in this film is iconic! During a school football game, my friend and I couldn't think of a good cheer, so we just sang this song, even though we had no idea what the words were! We called it "The Beetlejuice" song. Ha ha!

Ridiculously funny, my favorite scene!

3 Johnny B. Goode - Back to the Future

Chuck. Chuck. It's Marvin - your cousin, Marvin Berry. You know that new sound you're looking for? Well, listen to this.

This is a great song used to perfection in the film, and Michael J. Fox absolutely nailed it. And high up on my top 10 actors who performed in a movie with Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, and the Blues Brothers. GB.

Note for note, Fox synced that guitar solo like he made the song himself.

4 Twist & Shout - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
5 Gonna Fly Now - Rocky

This song gives the movies energy! I always get so pumped every time I hear this song because it reminds me of these motivating training scenes!

6 Only Hope- A Walk to Remember

Mandy Moore singing her own song in her movie is awesome! The movie itself was very inspiring, and together with the song, it's enough to make me teary-eyed.

This is a great movie, and I think it's great that Mandy Moore is singing her own song in the movie she is in.

7 Where is My Mind - Fight Club
8 Layla - Goodfellas
9 I Put a Spell On You - Hocus Pocus

She had your attention when she was singing that song in the movie.

10 Footloose - Footloose
The Contenders
11 In your Eyes - Say Anything

Think of the song and a boombox.

12 Leavin' On A Jet Plane - Armageddon

You cannot beat this film. With "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "Miss You" by Aerosmith, it cannot be beaten. The second song is not listed, but it should be and would be a close contender.

13 Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - 10 Things I Hate About You
14 Old Time Rock and Roll - Risky Business

I mean, how many other movies and TV shows have copied or parodied this classic scene?

15 Superstar - Tommy Boy
16 When the SH-- Goes Down - This is the End
17 Bennie and the Jets - 27 Dresses
18 Tiny Dancer - Almost Famous

I'm not voting for Queen - sue me. I've been on a bus full of people all singing to Tiny Dancer, and it's one of the best experiences I've ever had.

Who didn't want to be on that bus singing that song with Stillwater!? I know I did!

19 Super Freak - Little Miss Sunshine

Olive is hilarious. Couldn't have chosen a better song. Shame the movie was crap!

20 Time Is On My Side - Fallen

Great use of the song for this movie. It was great. Only movie I saw as well out of all of these ones listed.

21 Low Rider - Gone in 60 Seconds

War is a great band. Long standing sound.

22 Panama - Superbad
23 Stayin' Alive - Saturday Night Fever
24 Don't Stop Me Now - Shaun of the Dead

What? They use one of the best Queen songs in yet another movie? Awesome! See, people are starting to understand!

Shut the Queen off.

No, it sounds perfect with the scene you're in. Hahaha.

25 Purple Rain - Purple Rain

Just watch it. Millions of fans over twenty years are based on this musical movie moment.

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