10 Songs That Became Popular Again After Being In A Movie, According To Reddit

2022 would see a resurgence of two once-popular songs across two different mediums, with Corey Hart’s 1984 new wave/synth-pop track “Sunglasses at Night” appearing in Jordan Peele’s sci-fi/horror comeback film Nope and season 4 of Stranger Things featuring Kate Bush’s 1985 synth/art-pop single “Running Up That Hill”. This concept is ingenious for revitalizing former hits while adding emphasis to a project.

Even if a featured song is a cover version, the audience will seek out the original by association to compare and contrast. Some songs bring about nostalgia while others introduce fresh listeners to a whole new musical world. Users of Reddit have vocalized their favorite re-emerging songs from hit films over the years.

“A Thousand Miles,” Vanessa Carlton

2004 saw the release of Keenan Ivory Wayans’ White Chicks, starring his brothers Shawn and Marlon Wayans. The film has many gut-busting laughs, but Reddit user Breadboy99 remembers how “A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton” reached major pop culture status for being played in the comedy movie.

A delightful piano hook and catchy lyrics make the 2002 hit shine with pop poignancy. However, this is one instance where having a song permanently aligned with a production isn’t always a positive benefit. “A Thousand Miles” achieved longevity, but has been reduced to a gimmicky scene rather than being appreciated.

“The Sign,” Ace of Base

Pitch Perfect is a popular jukebox musical movie franchise. Multiple songs were covered across three films, but the debut film’s rendition of “The Sign” by Ace of Base is quite notable. Reddit user IndecisiveCloud10 asks “who doesn’t remember the vomit scene and the choreo every time you hear that song?”.

The 1993 single seamlessly blends musical notes of Europop and techno reggae, creating a breezy bop. Such an upbeat song was a sound choice to have Pitch Perfect‘s competition singing group Barden Bellas perform an a cappella version. Although, Bellas’ captain Aubrey (Anna Camp) projectile vomiting mid-routine provides a hilarious moment to the song.

“In Your Eyes,” Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel would follow his extremely innovative 1986 track “Sledgehammer” with “In Your Eyes”, applying art rock moods and notes of African funk. Redditor Prestigious_One8006 points out how the song was reborn from “John Cusack’s boombox scene in Say Anything” in 1989.

Cameron Crowe’s teen drama brims with warmth, vulnerability, and love. The sophisticated and ethereal romance ballad “In Your Eyes” is symbolic of Lloyd’s (Cusack) love for his girlfriend Diane (Ione Skye), regardless of the obstacles. Since the film’s release, Say Anything‘s boombox scene has been constantly re-created in pop culture

“Mad World,” Tears For Fears

Redditor Dandycapetown suggests “Mad World, in Donnie Darko” as a song with renewed popularity. A 2001 psychological/sci-fi thriller, Donnie Darko‘s limited budget worked in its favor, where an opportunity was given to choose lesser-known songs for the soundtrack. One such number was Tears for Fears’ 1982 single “Mad World”, covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules.

The hauntingly beautiful combination of Michael Andrews’ somber vocals and Gary Jules’ bittersweet piano chords give the famously pop synthesized song a melancholy feel. American Idol finalist Adam Lambert also performed an equally chilling version of the song in season 8.

“Jump In The Line,” Harry Belfonte

Redditor happywaterbear mentions 1961’s “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)”, saying “I would have probably never known about Harry Belfonte if it hadn’t been for Beetlejuice“. Tim Burton jumped on the movie scene with his 1988 horror comedy about spirits in and out of the underworld.

The Jamaican-American Belfonte fused calypso and salsa for “Jump in the Line”, creating a tropical/50s pop vibe. Beetlejuice‘s unexpected ending of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) dancing midair to the song with a football team of ghosts behind her falls in line with the film’s wacky themes, becoming a memorable movie moment.

“Layla,” Derek and the Dominos

“Layla by Derek and the Dominos after Goodfellas” was Redditor RhinovisionHomeVideo’s selection in the way of revived songs. Providing one of Martin Scorsese’s best movie climaxes, the 1990 crime biopic and the 1971 rock jammer are actually one in the same despite their different mediums.

Both pieces are an edgy ride throughout their deliveries, simmering down to a solemn pace for the end. The alluring acoustic guitar and piano interlude playing over the 1978 Lufthansa heist aftermath adds a jarring elegance to the film’s penultimate sequence. “Layla” is also one of his songs to play during Goodfellas’ ending credits.

“The End,” The Doors

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 war epic Apocalypse Now had been in development hell for years before coming to fruition, which is why the beginning had to go out with a bang. Redditor Fantastic_Sea_853 proclaims when The Doors’ 1967 song “The End” played in the opening scene that it “jump-started their entire catalogue”.

Hypnotic organs, Indian strings, and Jim Morrison’s smooth vocals create a psychedelic/gothic rock hybrid. As The Lizard King heavily incorporated themes of death and reincarnation in his lyrics, the song being in a war film utilizing the same elements was practically written in the stars.

“Canned Heat,” Jamioquai

Redditor LoyalOrderofCorn notes that 1999’s “Canned Heat by Jamioquai” is this song that received new recognition after appearing in a movie. Although popular in its 2004 release for its bizarre obscurity, 2022 now considers Napoleon Dynamite an overrated comedy. However, the titular character (Jon Heder) slaying with his performance to the Jamiroquai jam is a moviegoer favorite.

The funk and nu-disco tones of “Canned Heat” wonderfully fleshes out Heder’s ambitious dance moves. Four years earlier, an ultra-fresh remix of the song lit up the stage for the final number in the 2000 dance drama Center Stage.

“Tiny Dancer,” Elton John

Another Cameron Crowe classic, 2000s Almost Famous is loosely based on Crowe’s experience as a teenage Rolling Stone writer. Redditor LyricallyDevine felt that the inclusion of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” was “introduced to the younger audience” upon appearing in the heartfelt rock dramedy.

The 1972 single has a lovely piano melody with gentle electric strings and a meaningful chorus. All of these components give an uplifting feel to the tour bus sing-along with the film’s fictitious band Stillwater and their entourage. In 2022, John remade the song as a duet with American pop princess Britney Spears entitled “Hold Me Closer”.

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen

Based on one of Saturday Night Live‘s best skits, 1990’s Wayne’s World would provide a renewed legacy for what is now considered one of musical history’s greatest songs. Reddit user El_Dief mentions how having a “Bohemian Rhapsody” sing-along “introduced an entire new generation to Queen”.

The epicness of Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) headbanging with their friends to this transcendent 1975 rock symphony is off the charts. Bohemian Rhapsody was also the name of the 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic starring Rami Malek, leading to the song’s certified diamond status in 2021.