These 10 Songs Will Take You Back To These Iconic Movie Scenes
We’ve all had that moment where we hear a song and think: Wait, I know this! This song is in that one movie where that one character does that thing!
These musical choices are carefully curated to enhance the emotional impact of a scene or to make a character's journey more memorable. Music is powerful and its ability to stick in our heads says a lot about the blend of movie and music in today’s film culture. Pop Culture Planet contributor Paola Cardenas lists popular songs associated with iconic scenes.
“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
This classic piano chord is recognizable the second you hear it. And who do we think of? Terry Crews in White Chicks!
In the scene, after taking Tiffany out to dinner, Terry Crews’ character Latrell settles into his car as she turns on this song. Expecting Latrell to be uninterested in her after playing “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton, he turns to her in awe and admiration saying “I love this song,” as he belts out the lyrics. This comedic scene just shows once again that nothing can steer Latrell from true love.
Latrell's exaggerated performance, complete with over-the-top gestures and facial expressions, is a masterclass in physical comedy. The juxtaposition of the tough, eccentric Latrell serenading a thoroughly unimpressed Tiffany while driving is a memorable moment that perfectly embodies the movie's humor. It's a scene that leaves audiences uncontrollably laughing and showcases Terry Crews' impeccable comedic timing.
“Mickey” by B*Witched
The ending credit scene of the iconic Bring It On (2000) movie has to be one of the most energetic performances. The Clovers and Toros are united on the competition floor by this infectious tune.
The song “Mickey,” covered by B*Witched, has become a fun symbol of team spirit within the movie. The scene shows glimpses of the characters lip syncing, shaking their pom poms, and dancing. While all this fun is happening, the film also shows behind the scenes footage and bloopers. Who could resist a good blooper reel mixed with this upbeat music?
“Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse
The alternative rock soundtracks of the Twilight movies are legendary. One song that sticks out to most viewers is the one behind the iconic baseball scene in the first movie.
Bella Swan joins a vampire baseball game with the Cullen Family. The scene starts out with thunder and lightning as Alice pitches the ball with her iconic leg raise. The scene is notable for showcasing the difference between the ethereal beauty of the vampires and the thrilling athleticism of the game.
Muse’s "Supermassive Black Hole" serves as the perfect soundtrack to this scene, with its pulsating beats and edgy rock vibe. It enhances the tension and excitement of the game, and the scene itself becomes a pivotal moment in the film where Bella realizes she’s truly entered a supernatural world.
“Never Leave You” by Lumidee
If you’re a Lindsay Lohan fan, you watched Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen on repeat. This film was filled with hilarious personalities and memorable musical numbers — but you might remember one specific character aside from Lohan. That’s right, the most popular girl at school Carla Santini!
Carla, portrayed by Megan Fox in her theatrical acting debut, is the classic high school mean girl, epitomizing the popular and snobbish persona. With her fashionable attire, stunning looks, and attitude, Carla represents the stereotypical teenage antagonist who often stands in contrast to the film's protagonist Lola.
Her character makes her appearance known not only with her entourage and confidence, but with a track behind her. “Never Leave You” by Lumidee follows Santini at every scene she’s in. The song's upbeat and infectious rhythm mirrors Carla's confidence and vivacious attitude. It underscores her self-assured and unapologetic demeanor and its playful lyrics echo her flirtatious and attention-grabbing personality.
“Beggin’” by Madcon
The Step Up franchise gave us epic dance scenes — and an even more incredible soundtrack across all movies. If we had to pick one that remains in our heads rent free, it’d be the rhythmic beat of “Beggin’” by Madcon.
This scene, from Step Up 3D, shows The Pirates vs Gwai at the World Jam Round 2. As they face off in the jaw-dropping competition round, Moose, portrayed by Adam Sevani, rushes onto the dance floor on his bike and hits a water valve. The result? A pulsating water dance scene with “Beggin’” as the ideal backdrop for their gravity-defying moves. The song’s cadence synchronizes seamlessly with the precision and passion of The Pirates dance crew, enhancing the intensity and excitement of the showdown.
“Twist and Shout” by The Beatles
The use of "Twist and Shout" in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off is an iconic cinematic moment that has become synonymous with carefree joy and youthful exuberance.
In this unforgettable scene, Ferris Bueller, portrayed by Matthew Broderick, takes over a parade float during the annual Von Steuben Day Parade in Chicago after ditching school. As he lip-syncs and dances to The Beatles' classic hit, the energy is impossible to resist and it quickly spreads throughout the parade crowd. The scene captures the essence of Ferris's rebellious spirit and his ability to bring an entire city to life with his enthusiasm. "Twist and Shout" serves as the ultimate anthem for celebrating freedom, friendship, and living life to the fullest, making it one of the most memorable and uplifting moments in the film.
“Life Is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
Ka-chow!
In the movie Cars, the protagonist, Lightning McQueen, embarks on a cross-country journey to California. The song plays in the background as we get glimpses of the landscape of bright city lights and scenic highways. Rascal Flatts’ rendition gives it a nice country twang and easily recognizable energy every time it’s played.
The song's upbeat tempo and spirited lyrics capture the essence of exploration and the joy of the journey, adding a sense of optimism and excitement to the movie. "Life is a Highway" becomes a memorable and feel-good soundtrack for the road trip theme in Cars, making it a song that resonates with audiences of all ages and enhancing the film's sense of adventure and fun.
“L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
The opening scene of 1998’s The Parent Trap includes “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole, using this romantic song to show Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) and Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid) falling in love on the Queen Elizabeth 2.
The song's sweet, romantic melody and the velvety voice of Nat King Cole infuses the moment with a sense of nostalgia and romance. This choice of music amplifies the scene's emotional impact by capturing the essence of love.
Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
“Pocketful Of Sunshine” is one of those songs you can’t help belting out to and neither can Olive, portrayed by Emma Stone, in Easy A.
On a Friday afternoon, Olive opens a musical card from her grandmother with five dollars in it and, of course, “Pocketful of Sunshine” playing. Olive quickly closes the card and says, “Ugh worst song ever.” Over the course of the weekend, she finds herself playing the song over and over again. It was a joke at first, but soon she came to like the song, singing it everywhere from her room to her shower. At the end of the weekend, she finally belts out the song with a little dance until it cuts out.
We’ve all had that moment with one song that slowly and unironically became your favorite. “Pocketful of Sunshine” has a cheerful component to it that you can lose yourself in and enjoy it at its core.
“Total Eclipse of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
In the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley decides to try out for the school play of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Mrs. Norton makes everyone sing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler so she could cast the show. The audition scene is humorous as many of the kids are off-beat or off-key until Greg graces everyone with his surprisingly angelic soprano voice.
Although he was only cast as a tree after Patty Ferrell complained she would make a better Dorothy, no one can deny that his voice captured the audience. His character is canonically not the greatest person, but he has a natural born gift to swoon others with his voice. Regardless, whenever you hear this song, you can’t help but think of this hilarious audition scene.
