As part of the promotional material for a movie, a soundtrack is often released consisting of either the instrumental music (the score) or songs by popular artists. While some songs were released on prior studio albums, there are ones that were specifically written for the movie.

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Some popular examples include Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic, which ties into the movie’s themes about love and memory. But while this song is arguably just as popular as the movie that created it, there are songs that surpass the movies they came from in terms of success.

“9 To 5”- 9 To 5

Among the comedies from the 1980s, there is one that is strikingly relevant in wake of the #MeToo movement, which is simply titled 9 to 5. Starring country singer Dolly Parton in her first film role, it follows three female office workers who plot to overthrow their chauvinistic and tyrannical male boss.

The movie not only led to a TV show of the same name as well as a 2008 Broadway musical but also its titular theme song earned Dolly several Grammys. In addition, the song went on to become an anthem of sorts for frustrated office workers, which continues to this day.

“Que Será, Será (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” - The Man Who Knew Too Much

Que Sera Sera scene in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Very rarely does a director do a remake of their own movie and have it arguably be better than the original. Some examples include Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 remake of his 1934 thriller The Man Who Knew Too Much, where some tourists get caught up in a political conspiracy.

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Though one of the standout elements from the remake was “Que Será, Será (Whatever Will Be, Will Be),” which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and topped several music charts. Sung by the film’s leading actress Doris Day, this song appeared in later movies she was in and was used in shows like The Simpsons for darkly comedic purposes.

“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”- Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid

Butch gives Etta a bike ride in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

During the Western movie craze that dominated the 1950s and 60s, several films came out that were not liked by critics but seen more favorably in later years. One such film was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, which did a fictional retelling of its titular outlaws’ last years.

However, it did win a few Academy Awards such as Best Original Song for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which plays during Butch and his girlfriend Etta’s romantic bike ride. Composed for the movie, it was performed by B. J. Thomas and went on to appear in several films including Spider-Man 2 among others.

“Eye Of The Tiger”- Rocky III

Before Creed and its sequel brought new life into the Rocky franchise, they had hit a creative snag starting with Rocky III. While the film did better than the previous two films financially, the critics had mixed thoughts about it with the consensus that it was an unnecessary sequel.

Yet one of the enduring elements of the film was its main theme, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, which was at the top of several music charts for multiple weeks and won a Grammy. It’s even been used in a couple of political campaigns and is still played on the radio.

“Kiss From A Rose”- Batman Forever

Batman prepares to drive off in Batman Forever

Within the original quartet of Batman movies, the third film, Batman Forever, got mixed critical reactions and still does today. Because unlike the prior Tim Burton films that were dark and serious, this one was more colorful and kid-friendly. Yet to everyone’s surprise, it did really well financially at the time of its release.  

Even the soundtrack topped multiple music charts, though arguably its breakout song was “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal, which won a total of three Grammys. Since then, many artists have covered this song including Jack Black and the song has appeared on various TV shows.

“I Believe I Can Fly”- Space Jam

With its sequel set to come out next year, let’s not forget that Space Jam was not seen favorably by critics despite its incredible financial success. After all, it was inspired by a Nike commercial with the same concept of having Michael Jordan interacting with the Looney Tunes.

So objectively, the movie could be seen as one big commercial that combines nostalgia with popular trends from the 1990s. This includes the soundtrack, whose songs such as “I Believe I Can Fly” are a product of their time. Yet just as the movie has become nostalgic in itself, so has the song which has appeared in various media.

“I Will Always Love You”- The Bodyguard

When it comes to movies like The Bodyguard, they show it’s not always a good idea to have music artists in acting roles. At the time of its release, The Bodyguard was the second highest-grossing film worldwide but was critically panned. Ironically, though, it inspired an ongoing musical, and its soundtrack did incredibly well.

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This included “I Will Always Love You,” which is actually a cover version of the Dolly Parton song of the same name. Sung by Whitney Houston, who made her film debut in The Bodyguard, it has topped various music lists and recently appeared in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

“Flash”- Flash Gordon

Before there were superhero movies, there were serials which played before films and some were even based on comic books. A particularly famous serial was Flash Gordon, named after the eponymous character from the comic-strip of the same name.

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These things, in turn, served as the inspiration for the Flash Gordon movie, which was released in 1980 and featured a soundtrack entirely composed by Queen. Unfortunately, the movie barely made a profit in the United States but has since gained a strong cult following. Its soundtrack is also still remembered, particularly the main theme “Flash” or “Flash’s Theme” which got referenced in the sixth season of The Flash.

“Come Together” Cover Version By Aerosmith (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band)

Based on the famous Beatles album of the same name, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was the first musical film to incorporate Beatles songs before Across the Universe did. However, it failed both financially and critically despite having a multitude of guest stars and music artists.

This included the band Aerosmith, who performed a cover version of “Come Together” during the movie’s climactic scene. While the soundtrack for the movie briefly topped music charts before taking a significant drop, the Aerosmith song did well as a single. Even now, it continues to be played across various rock-themed radio stations.

“The Prayer” By Céline Dion (Quest For Camelot)

As the Disney Renaissance flourished, other studios were trying to jump on the bandwagon with their animated films that borrowed elements from Disney’s formula. While some like 20th Century Fox’s Anastasia did well, others weren’t as successful such as Quest for Camelot.

Produced by Warner Bros., it tells the story of a young woman named Kayley, who sets off on a quest to find King Arthur’s sword Excalibur which has been stolen. While the film bombed, one of the songs on its soundtrack titled “The Prayer,” sung by Céline Dion, earned a Golden Globe and Grammy followed by several cover versions.

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