10 songs that transformed iconic TV and movie scenes
The reason the last dance came in Dirty dancing that is so great is not only because of Patrick Swayze’s moves, but also because the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” complements the scene perfectly. Sometimes movie and TV producers hit the nail on the head when it comes to choosing certain songs for hard-hitting or memorable scenes, and the ten scenes on this list are perfect examples of that.
Warning: potential spoilers ahead.
Related: Top 10 behind-the-scenes facts about popular Christmas movies
10 The 100 – “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
The 100 ended on September 30, 2020, much to the dismay of fans around the world who were glued to their screens for seven seasons watching the post-apocalyptic TV series. While viewers on social media were divided over which scene had the biggest impact during the series’ longevity, most agreed that one particular scene in part two of the season 2 finale was a strong contender.
The group that had been through so much walked into Camp Jaha as a specially recorded version of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” played in the background. The song was recorded by Raign and fits perfectly with the “coming home” moment where Wick carries Raven and Jasper finally finds his glasses.[1]
9 Supernatural – “O Death”
Despite all the new options on Netflix, HBO and other streaming services, Supernatural remains a TV staple. Fans prefer watching episodes on demand, especially after the show ended in 2020. The series contains many wonderful, crazy (and insanely funny) moments, including the creation of “Deanmon,” the family dinner that took place during the 300th episode, the entire “Fan Fiction” episode, and every scene involving the Impala.
One of the most memorable scenes, however, takes place in the penultimate episode of season 5, which introduces Death. The Grim Reaper arrives in a white Cadillac and strolls down a Chicago street in slow motion as Jen plays Titus’ cover of “Oh Death.” The entire scene lasts less than a minute and a half, but it has a lasting impact on the viewers.[2]
8 Thor: Ragnarok – “Immigrant Song”
“Tell me, brother, what were you the god of again?”
Those words ignited a much-needed spark in Thor after he was seemingly rendered powerless against the onslaught of the goddess of death, Hela. Thor: Ragnarok. You can see Loki grinning, knowing full well what is about to happen. As the scene progresses, Thor, in full God of Thunder mode, descends upon his enemy as Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” plays at full volume. He thunders through the entire group, reinforced by lightning bolts. What follows is an epic battle scene as Thor and several other characters battle Hela’s minions.
It’s the very definition of a badass movie moment – certainly one of the best in a superhero movie and made that much better with the support of the great Led Zeppelin song.[3]
7 The Graduate – “The Sound of Silence”
The classic from 1967 The graduate has one of those endings that moviegoers are still debating. Some believe it to be a classic runaway bride scenario, while others think the ending scene is somewhat sinister due to the change in expression on the happy runaway couple’s faces.
It also starts off quite intensely, with Ben desperately screaming for Elaine, leading to an angry response from the wedding guests. She finally yells back and runs to Ben as he fends off an attempt by several guests to keep him away from the bride. Elaine gets punched and Ben waves a cross. Yet they eventually escape and board a bus to start their lives together.
It is at this point that their expressions slowly change from delighted to neutral to almost shocked, as the deeper meaning of the film’s ending becomes clear. At this point, “The Sound of Silence” begins to play, perfectly punctuating the scene as Ben and Elaine steal glances at each other and end up just staring into space as the bus passes by and the credits begin to roll.[4]
6 Say It All – “In Your Eyes”
cheerfulness copied the infamous scene from the movie Say something but didn’t come close to conveying the emotion evoked by Lloyd Dobler holding a boombox above his head as Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your Eyes’ plays.
The scene opens with Diane and Lloyd (played by Ione Skye and John Cusack) walking down the street and hugging each other before entering her house. The film cuts to several scenes of the happy couple as the song continues to play until it reaches the part where a lovestruck Lloyd stands outside Diane’s house and holds the boombox above his head in an attempt to get Diane to come to the bedroom window. after she broke up with her. The song has special meaning for the couple because it also played when they became intimate.
The film tells the classic story of the underachiever who falls in love with the valedictorian and the many obstacles the couple must overcome to be together. However, the boombox scene sets the film apart from other comedy-drama films purely because of how memorable it is.[5]
5 Riverdale – “The End of the World”
Riverdale isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially when it comes to the numerous musical episodes spread across its seven seasons. However, with the song choice for a pivotal scene of the final episode of season six, the show more than makes up for the songs’ previous lackluster performances. In this version, the characters sing Billie Eilish’s cover version of “The End of the World” as they prepare to be hit by Bailey’s Comet.
The scene features the main cast performing the song together with their loved ones as they await their fate. The performance culminates in Cheryl Blossom using her Phoenix power to attempt to ‘melt’ the comet.
The acting and song fit together perfectly to create a strong and unforgettable scene as the show gears up for a new storyline in the next season. As insane as most Riverdale storylines are, this scene was a breath of fresh air without any crazy twists. Well, except for what happens after the scene plays out, of course.[6]
4 Almost Famous – “Tiny Dancer”
Elton John has recorded some of the best songs in the world. Many of them have been used in films for decades and they are all instantly recognizable. One of his most famous tunes, “Tiny Dancer,” was used for an infamous scene in the 2000 film Almost Famousstarring Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson.
The comedy-drama film revolves around a teenage journalist who writes for Rolling stone during the early 1970s, while touring with a rock band and trying to get his first cover story published. The film’s writer, director and producer, Cameron Crowe, confirmed that the film was based on his own experience as a writer for the magazine.
Critics and moviegoers raved about the film, especially the scene in which the members of the aforementioned rock band Stillwater are reunited on their tour bus after an argument the night before. The atmosphere is very uncomfortable until the first few lyrics of “Tiny Dancer” break the tension and everyone starts singing along. This scene is still considered one of the best in film history.[7]
3 Grey’s Anatomy – “Lost Without You”
Grey’s anatomy is no stranger to tackling life’s tough problems. In season 15, a heartbreaking episode titled “Silent All These Years” depicted the aftermath of the sexual assault of a woman named Abby and how the image of her attacker haunted her.
In an incredible scene, backed by Freya Ridings’ haunting song ‘Lost Without You’, Abby is taken to the OR for surgery. At the same time, a group of female employees stand in the hallway, lending their support and giving Abby the strength to banish the overwhelming flashbacks of her attack so she can feel safe. The operating room was also filled with female doctors, surgeons and nurses.
At the table read for this episode, every woman in the room asked to be part of the scene, including non-actresses. They were willing to give up a full day’s wages to participate in this powerful and important part of the show.[8]
2 Stranger Things – “Master of Puppets”
After three long years, the fourth season of Stranger things will finally be back on our screens in 2022. And immediately everyone was excited about the song “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, which played during an exciting scene with Max.
But a strong rival to this incredible moment is the scene where newcomer Eddie Munson crushes his version of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” while trying to stop the demo bats from attacking his friends as red lightning illuminates the eerie night sky behind him. Eddie shredded the guitar solo before the demo bats finally overwhelmed him, and he sacrificed his life to save the others who were with him in the Upside Down.
Just like the unexpected Everlasting story interlude in the season three finale, the music of season four will be on repeat for a long time.[9]
1 A Star is Born – “Always Remember Us This Way”
The remake of A star is born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, surprised moviegoers in the best way possible. Everyone knew Gaga could sing, but were equally impressed by Cooper’s talent, especially during the song “Shallow.”
There are several fantastic renditions of songs in the film, aside from “Shallow.” One of Gaga’s standout performances occurs when Cooper’s character, Jack, encourages her character, Ally, to sing an original song in front of an audience. “Always Remember Us This Way” is a moving ballad with beautiful lyrics, including the following lines:
“That Arizona sky burns your eyes
You look at me, and, baby, I want to burst into flames
It’s buried in my soul like Californian gold
You found the light in me that I couldn’t find.”
The entire scene is beautiful, from the acting to the singing, and the audience reaction in the film was that of almost every moviegoer as well.[10]