Songs have become a huge part of a lot of movies and not just those that fit the musical genre such as The Greatest Showman. Costume, makeup and set design all have a powerful impact on any production, but music provides an added layer of emotion, sometimes even leading the feel of a scene.
Many songs were written specifically for a film, but there are those which had been released prior to the making of a movie and used. Although the tracks would've already generated a certain level of fame, being featured in a film, especially if it's a big hit, often allows the song to become strongly associated with that film, therefore becoming famous for doing so.
Come And Get Your Love
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Guardians Of The Galaxy is a more humorous super-hero film, especially when compared to other marvel movies such as XMen.
The inclusion of "Come And Get Your Love" by Redbone perfectly suits the light hearted movie and caught audiences attention from when it was used. As Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) shuffles and dances along to the beat, it became a solid introduction to the film, which fans now associate the song with.
Stuck In The Middle With You
Reservoir Dogs
As one of the best songs from gang-themed movies, "Stuck In The Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel really ramped up the frightening nature of the scene in which it's used.
Michael Madsen danced around his victim and the song kicked in with a worryingly contrasting sound to what would be associated with the scene. And yet, it only made it more threatening. From then on, whenever the soft-rock tune is heard, it can't be helped but to immediately envision the brutal film segment, making the song just as famous as Reservoir Dogs.
Nowhere To Run
Good Morning Vietnam
Starring in a plethora of films, Robin Williams was one of the most versatile actors of his generation. One of his standout performances was in the critically acclaimed Good Morning, Vietnam.
Playing a radio presenter, the film includes various songs, but the Motown hit "Nowhere To Run" by Martha and The Vandellas really stood out. The song had already made its name in the mid-sixties charts, but perhaps because of the appropriate titular lyric, it later resurfaced with the film, gaining more attention.
Stand By Me
Stand By Me
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King was a hit in its own right, but with the film of the same name came a new meaning to the lyrics and a reignited love for the track. Stand By Me follows the journey of four friends, on the hunt for a body of a missing boy.
The coming-of-age movie portrays the difficulties they face, all whilst supporting one another. Although "Stand By Me" is first and foremost a love song, the inclusion of it in the film gave a deeper meaning to the bond between the four boys. Upon the film's release, the song re-entered the charts, with its popularity reaching higher than before. For the plot to redefine the lyrics of an already well-known song proved the powerful connection both elements had.
Hold On
Bridesmaids
As a 2010 movie that deserves a sequel, Bridesmaids hit all the right notes with viewers, from plotline to comedy and even music. "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips became part of a small through-line in the film, which firmly connects both parts together.
The song is mentioned on several occasions, culminating in the band making an appearance in the movie to perform their hit. The lyrics link to the film's theme of friendship and for any fans of the movie, it's become a song that puts them in a good mood, immediately remembering the brilliance of Bridesmaids.
Jump Around
Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire is a truly unique film with an exquisite cast, led by Robin Williams. The film has innumerable memorable moments, not least of which is the children's party scene, with Williams dancing to "Jump Around" by House Of Pain.
As he dances around with his character's children and their friends, the song emphasizes the craziness of the party, which includes a pony in the house. Both the film and song represent the era they were produced in, with "Jump Around" gaining more fans as it became associated with the hugely popular comedy film.
Pony
Magic Mike
Magic Mike quickly became a very popular film, and its later stage adaptations has been greatly received. The film focuses on the lives of male strippers, so it comes as no surprise that one song shot to fame after it was featured.
"Pony" by Ginuwine is the perfect song for the film's narrative. The lyrics go hand in hand with the raunchy themes and has become known for being part of the film. Channing Tatum's moves are well remembered by each fan, especially when they hear even the first beat of the track.
Use Me
Anchorman
"Use Me" by Bill Withers is a cool, slick track with a recognizable beat that is hard not to move to. So it may come as a surprise that the song was used to accompany Ron Burgundy's tragic attempt at seducing a woman.
However, because the film is a comedy, the contrast between the character and the song made it work, bringing the tune to the attention of a new generation. There's no denying that Bill Withers' music was already widely known, but the Anchorman scene is so funny, that it highlighted just how brilliant the song is.
Town Called Malice
Billy Elliot
The grit of Billy Elliot combined its energy with an inspiring story that has allowed the film to remain in the hearts of many viewers. The music is also a contributing component to what made it so great, in return, boosting the fame of the track itself.
Billy's frustration comes out through intense dance, to the sound of "Town Called Malice" by The Jam. The earthy sound matched up well with the scene and allowed the song to develop its notability. For fans, the sound of tap shoes automatically accompanies The Jam's hit, only making it even better.
Hound Dog
Grease
Originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton, but widely known for Elvis Presley's version, "Hound Dog" is an integral piece of music to the school dance scene in Grease.
The song represented an upbeat part of the film, with some great dancing to the hit. The scene itself is greatly remembered for the different dances included, but "Hound Dog" remains at the forefront of viewers' minds. Anytime the decades-old song is heard, it's near impossible to not visualize Sandy and Danny bopping away. There may be things that would be different if Grease was released today, but the music isn't one.