Rock music and films have a long and fruitful history of collaboration. From the early days of rock and roll to the present day, rock songs have been used to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and emotion of films. Rock songs can also become iconic and memorable parts of films, creating unforgettable scenes and moments that resonate with audiences. Whether they are original compositions or existing songs, rock songs can add a lot of value and impact to films.
In this article, we will rank the 10 best rock songs in films, based on their popularity, quality, and relevance. We will also provide some background information and analysis for each song. Here are our picks:
10. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey (The Sopranos)
This song is the final song that plays in the last scene of the last episode of the acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. The song is a classic power ballad by the American rock band Journey, which was released in 1981. The song is about holding on to hope and dreams, despite the challenges and uncertainties of life. The song is also one of the most popular and recognizable songs of all time, having been covered by many artists and featured in many media.
The song is used to create a contrast and a tension between the upbeat and optimistic lyrics and the dark and ominous situation that the main character, Tony Soprano, faces in the final moments of the show. As Tony waits for his family to join him at a diner, he is surrounded by suspicious and threatening figures, implying that he might be killed or arrested at any moment. The song also creates a sense of ambiguity and mystery, as it abruptly cuts off before the final chorus, leaving the fate of Tony and his family unresolved.
9. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem (8 Mile)
This song is the theme song of the 2002 film 8 Mile, which stars Eminem as a struggling rapper who tries to make it in the Detroit rap scene. The song is an original composition by Eminem, who also co-produced it with Jeff Bass and Luis Resto. The song is a rap-rock anthem that features a hard-hitting guitar riff, a pounding drum beat, and a catchy chorus. The song is about seizing the opportunity and overcoming the fear of failure, as Eminem raps about his own struggles and challenges as an artist.
The song is used to motivate and inspire the main character, Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr., who faces a crucial rap battle that could determine his future. The song also reflects Eminem’s own life story, as he rose from poverty and adversity to become one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time. The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, and becoming Eminem’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
8. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (Rocky III)
This song is the theme song of the 1982 film Rocky III, which stars Sylvester Stallone as a boxer who faces a formidable opponent in Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T. The song is an original composition by Survivor, who were commissioned by Stallone to write it after he heard their previous song “Poor Man’s Son”. The song is a hard rock tune that features a distinctive guitar riff, a driving drum sound, and a powerful chorus. The song is about rising up to the challenge and fighting back against the odds, as Survivor sings about having “the eye of the tiger”.
The song is used to accompany Rocky’s training montage, as he prepares for his rematch with Lang. The song also symbolizes Rocky’s transformation from a complacent and overconfident champion to a hungry and determined challenger. The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, and becoming Survivor’s only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. “Back in Black” by AC/DC (Iron Man)
This song is the opening song of the 2008 film Iron Man, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as a billionaire inventor and superhero. The song is a classic hard rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, which was released in 1980. The song is the title track of their seventh studio album, which was the first to feature Brian Johnson as the lead singer, after the death of Bon Scott. The song is about resilience and rebirth, as AC/DC sings about coming back stronger and louder than ever.
The song is used to introduce Tony Stark, the main character of the film, as he arrives in Afghanistan to demonstrate his latest weapon. The song also foreshadows his transformation into Iron Man, as he survives a terrorist attack and builds a suit of armor to escape. The song is a fitting and iconic choice for the film, as it reflects Stark’s personality and journey. The song also became a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it was used again in Iron Man 2 and The Avengers.
6. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (Wayne’s World)
This song is the most famous song of the 1992 film Wayne’s World, which stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as two friends who host a public-access television show. The song is a legendary rock opera by the British rock band Queen, which was released in 1975. The song is a complex and ambitious composition that features various sections, styles, and vocals. The song is about a man who confesses to killing someone and faces the consequences of his actions.
The song is used to create one of the most memorable and hilarious scenes in the film, where Wayne, Garth, and their friends sing along to the song in their car. The scene captures the fun and joy of listening to music with friends, as well as the humor and absurdity of the song’s lyrics and structure. The scene also helped to revive the popularity and appreciation of the song, as it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992, 17 years after its original release.
5. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds (The Breakfast Club)
This song is the theme song of the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, which stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy as five high school students who bond during a Saturday detention. The song is a synth-pop anthem by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, which was written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff. The song is about wanting to be remembered and appreciated by someone, as Simple Minds sings “Don’t you forget about me / Don’t don’t don’t don’t / Don’t you forget about me”.
The song is used to close the film, as the five students leave the school and go their separate ways. The song also plays over the iconic freeze-frame of John Bender (Nelson) raising his fist in the air. The song captures the mood and message of the film, which is about finding friendship and identity among different cliques and stereotypes. The song also became a pop culture phenomenon, as it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985 and became one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s.
4. “You Could Be Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (Terminator 2: Judgment Day)
This song is the closing song of the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a cyborg who protects a young boy from a more advanced and deadly cyborg. The song is a hard rock song by the American rock band Guns N’ Roses, which was released in 1991. The song is about a dysfunctional and abusive relationship, as Axl Rose sings about how his partner is a cold and heartless person who treats him badly. The song also features a reference to the film’s main character, as Rose sings “With your bitch slap rappin’ and your cocaine tongue / You get nothin’ done / I said you could be mine”.
The song is used to create a contrast and a connection between the film’s theme and the song’s theme. The film is about the conflict between humans and machines, and the possibility of a nuclear war that could destroy humanity. The song is about the conflict between lovers, and the possibility of a breakup that could destroy their relationship. The song also creates a link between the film’s protagonist and the song’s narrator, as both of them are trying to save something that they care about, but are also facing resistance and rejection. The song is a fitting and iconic choice for the film, as it reflects its tone and message.
3. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen (Shaun of the Dead)
This song is one of the most memorable songs of the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead, which stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two friends who try to survive a zombie apocalypse. The song is a classic rock song by the British rock band Queen, which was released in 1979. The song is about having fun and living life to the fullest, as Freddie Mercury sings about how he feels unstoppable and invincible, and how he wants to have a good time. The song also features some references to science fiction and fantasy, such as rockets, satellites, tigers, and Mr. Fahrenheit.
The song is used to create one of the most hilarious and absurd scenes in the film, where Shaun and his friends fight off a horde of zombies in a pub, while the song plays on the jukebox. The scene contrasts the upbeat and optimistic lyrics of the song with the grim and violent situation that the characters face. The scene also parodies the typical action movie clichés, such as slow-motion shots, dramatic poses, and synchronized movements. The scene is a brilliant and funny example of how music can enhance comedy and satire.
2. “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys (The Departed)
This song is one of the main songs of the 2006 film The Departed, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg as four men who are involved in a complex web of crime and deception in Boston. The song is a punk rock song by the American Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys, which was released in 2005. The song features traditional Irish instruments, such as bagpipes, tin whistle, and mandolin, as well as electric guitars, drums, and vocals. The song is based on an unfinished poem by Woody Guthrie, which tells the story of a sailor who loses his leg while looking for a wooden leg in Boston.
The song is used to create a sense of identity and atmosphere for the film, as it reflects the Irish-American culture and history of Boston. The song also creates a sense of energy and tension for the film, as it accompanies some of the most intense and action-packed scenes in the film, such as chases, shootouts, and fights. The song also matches the tone and theme of the film, which is about loyalty, betrayal, and violence. The song is a perfect and powerful choice for the film, as it captures its essence and spirit.
1. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (Armageddon)
This song is the theme song of the 1998 film Armageddon, which stars Bruce Willis as an oil driller who leads a team of astronauts to stop an asteroid from hitting Earth. The song is a power ballad by the American rock band Aerosmith, which was written by Diane Warren. The song is about expressing love and devotion to someone, as Steven Tyler sings about how he doesn’t want to miss a moment with his lover. The song also features a guitar solo by Joe Perry and an orchestral arrangement by David Campbell.
The song is used to create an emotional impact for the film, as it plays over some of the most romantic and dramatic scenes in the film, such as Harry Stamper (Willis) and Grace Stamper (Liv Tyler)’s father-daughter relationship, and A.J. Frost (Ben Affleck) and Grace’s love story. The song also became a pop culture phenomenon, as it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1998 and became Aerosmith’s first and only number-one single. The song also received critical acclaim and recognition, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.
The Bottom Line
Rock music and films have a great synergy, as they can enhance each other’s mood, atmosphere, and emotion. Rock songs can also become memorable and iconic parts of films, creating unforgettable scenes and moments that resonate with audiences. Whether they are original compositions or existing songs, rock songs can add a lot of value and impact to films.
These are our picks for the 10 best rock songs in films. Do you agree with our list? What are your favourite rock songs in films? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out these films and songs, which are available on various streaming platforms.
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