Music is very important for movie scenes. The right kind of music will manipulate the audience to feel a certain way, make a movie even more memorable, and lastly a good song for a trailer will more likely pump people up and get people to the theaters. But the movie industry really has over used the same selection of songs over and over again. So which ones have been over played? These ten songs feel like they have been in every movie.
1. The Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive”
This fun disco hit has been used in many movies that take place during the disco era. But it also has been used jokingly in many kid movies.
Movies: The Bounty Hunter, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Meet Dave, Chicken Little, Madagascar, Baby Geniuses, A Night at the Roxbury, Full Tilt Boogie, Swingers, Grumpier Old Men, Virtuosity, Bushwhacked, A Goofy movie, Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, Mr. Saturday Night, Honey I Blew Up the Kid, Supercop, Look Who’s Talking, Airplane, Foul Play, Staying Alive
2. Carl Douglas’ “Kung Fu Fighting”
Here is another song that is heard in multiple movies for adults that tend to be action packed. But it has also crossed over into many kid movies. It’s understandable because it’s fun, but it might be time to lay this to rest.
Movies: Horrible Bosses, Hoodwinked Too!, Kung Fu Panda, Rush Hour 3, Epic Movie, Roll Bounce, Daddy Day Care, Bowfinger, Beverly Hills Ninja, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, The Nutt House, Supercop, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka
3. The Clash’s “London Calling”
It’s not surprise that given the band and the lyrics this song has been used in multiple British films.
Movies: The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Get Him to the Greek, What a Girl Wants, My Wife is an Actress, Billy Elliot
4. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama”
If the movie has takes place in the south or has southern character then chances are you’ll hear this song.
Movies: Sweet Home Alabama, Despicable Me, An American Carol, Sahara, The Girl Next Door, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 8 Mile, Joe Dirt, Outside Providence, Excess Baggage, Con Air, To Die For, Crimson Tide, Forrest Gump, Mask
5. Katrina & The Waves’ “Walkin’ On Sunshine”
This hit felt like it was in every 90’s movie after its release. When you hear it you’ll probably have a flash back to one of your favorite rom coms that played it.
Movies: Look Who’s Talking, High Fidelity, Daddy Day Care, Bean, American Psycho
6. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising”
If the movie wants to warn you about something coming up, then you just my hear this song thanks to the lyrics.
Movies: Transylmania, Mr. Woodcock, Man of the House, Blade, My Fellow Americans, My Girl, Distant Thunder, American Flyers, The Big Chill, An American Werewolf in London
7. Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”
The beautiful classic has been in many movies at very emotional scenes. As if the song wasn’t enough to make you cry then these might have pushed you over the edge.
Movies: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, New Year’s Eve, W., How to Lose Friends and Influence People, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Fred Claus, Madagascar, Without a Paddle, Freaky Friday, Bowling for Columbine, Finding Forrester, Meet Joe Black, Madeline, Good Morning Vietnam
8. Yello’s “Oh Yeah”
The song by itself seems kind of absurd, but it has made its way into multiple movies. The most notable on a certain character’s day off.
Movies: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Chuck, Soul Plane, Not Another Teen Movie, K-9, She’s Out of Control, The Secret of My Success, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
9. Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild”
The fun song has been used in many montages to pull the audience in. But it also has been used playfully in kid movies.
Movies: Borat, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, Herbie Fully Loaded, Dr Doolittle 2, Recess: School’s Out, D3: The Mighty Ducks, Problem Child, Robocop 2, Hotel for Dogs, Easy Rider
10. Kanye West’s “Power”
Although this list might be a little show it’s pretty notable that Kanye’s song was pretty much in everyone’s trailer after it came out.
Movies: Fantastic Four, Limitless, The Social Network, Broken City
