Some of the most memorable movie moments are inextricably linked to the soundtrack of the movies. From Peter Quill’s introduction in The Guardians of the Galaxy while Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” plays in the background, to the training montage in Big Hero 6 set to Fall Out Boy’s “Immortals”, iconic soundtracks define iconic movies. The power of a great selection of songs cannot be overestimated, seeing how even bad movies become bearable because of good soundtracks. The art of the soundtrack is a celebrated aspect of filmmaking, and many songwriters have written original songs specifically for movies.
- Taylor Momsen Ethnicity, What is Taylor Momsen’s Ethnicity?
- Who went Home On Crime Scene Kitchen 2023? Know Who Got Eliminated
- Where to Watch South Park? Know its Plot, Theme, Production, Voice Cast, and More
- How Many Kids Does Jennifer Aniston Have? Who Is Jennifer Aniston? Know Everything About Jennifer Aniston
- Wooden Gun Tiktok Filter How To Get The Wooden Gun Filter On Tiktok?
However, while specific song curation makes for special soundtracks, some songs are so catchy and iconic, that they get featured almost always whenever a movie wants to create the vibe associated with them. The most common songs in movies and TV shows often reflect the aesthetic and atmospheric landscape of cinema in an era, since they reflect the vibe people want in their movies and shows. But the decade of filmmaking and music that’s the most iconic in terms of cultural footprint and memorable moments is the ’80s, the era of some of the greatest musical hits and renowned movies.
You are watching: 10 Memorable ’80s Movies That Will Always Be Associated With One Song
10
Stand By Me (1986)
Associated With “Stand By Me” By Ben E. King
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Stand By Me
R
Adventure
Drama
10/10
9.5/10
Release Date
November 26, 1986
Runtime
89 minutes
Director
Rob Reiner
Writers
Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon
Cast
See All
-
Kiefer Sutherland
-
Jerry O’Connell
Based on a Stephen King novella, and directed by Rob Reiner, Stand By Me follows the story of a group of young boys who set out on an expedition to find the dead body of another missing boy from their hometown. The film stars Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, and is considered one of the most influential films of all time.
Studio(s)
Columbia Pictures
Distributor(s)
Columbia Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me is one of the greatest coming-of-age movies ever made, and arguably the best Stephen King adaptation. It follows a group of four friends who have heard about the death of a boy their age and want to go see the body. They set out on a hike, not expecting or being able to foresee the misadventures and dangers that await them. What was supposed to be a harmless journey to satisfy their morbid curiosity becomes a vessel for their loss of innocence.
While the movie is based on Stephen King’s novella The Body, the title is influenced by the title of “Stand By Me”, the song by Ben E. King. King’s song plays during the credits at the end of the movie, and reflects the theme of friendship that the characters develop over the course of the film. It was even used for promotion, with a music video that featured Ben E. King with actors Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix, both of whom starred in the movie.
9
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Associated With “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” By Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Dirty Dancing
PG-13
Drama
Documentary
Romance
8/10
9/10
Release Date
August 21, 1987
Runtime
100 minutes
Director
Emile Ardolino
Writers
Eleanor Bergstein
Cast
See All
-
Jennifer Grey
-
Patrick swayze
Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows Frances “Baby” Houseman, a young woman on vacation at a summer resort with her family who becomes the unwitting competition partner of one of the resort’s dance instructors, Johnny. As Baby and Johnny’s relationship deepens over the course of the summer, the disapproval of Baby’s family, especially her father, threatens to tear them apart.
Studio(s)
Vestron Pictures
Distributor(s)
Vestron Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Dazzling viewers with their electric chemistry and skillful dancing, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey lead one of the most iconic ’80s romantic dramas. Dirty Dancing is remembered most fondly for the iconic dance sequences, especially the lift at the end of the routine that the leads work on for the whole movie. So, it’s no surprise that the film is inextricably linked with the song playing during the dance routine.
The beautiful lyrics and vocals reflect the passionate romance between the couple, while the energetic music functions as the ideal backdrop to both their enthusiastic dancing and their romantic attachment. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” was written and sung specifically for Dirty Dancing, and the mission was successful. Neither can be mentioned without inherently referring to the other. The image of Grey lifted by Swayze in Dirty Dancing‘s ending has been immortalized in people’s minds, much like the song.
8
The Karate Kid (1984)
Associated With “You’re The Best” By Joe Esposito
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Karate Kid
PG
Family
Drama
Action
Sport
8/10
25
8.2/10
Release Date
June 22, 1984
Runtime
126 minutes
Director
John G. Avildsen
Writers
Robert Mark Kamen
Sequel(s)
The Karate Kid Part II, The Karate Kid Part III
Cast
See All
-
Ralph Macchio
-
Pat Morita
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Main Genre
Action
Studio(s)
Delphi II Productions
Distributor(s)
Columbia Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
While the 2010 remake, featuring Jaden Smith, is one of the worst Jackie Chan movies of the last 15 years, the original The Karate Kid is a great martial arts movie. Equal parts action film and coming-of-age movie, The Karate Kid tells the story of a young boy, Daniel, who befriends a repairman, Mr. Miyagi, who is a martial arts master, and teaches Daniel karate. Daniel is in the crosshairs of a group of boys who learn karate at the Cobra Kai Dojo, and he must become good enough to face and beat them.
Joe Esposito’s power ballad “You’re The Best” went through a rocky journey on its way to rising to prominence as part of a movie soundtrack. Originally meant for Rocky III, it was later replaced by Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger”, and then passed on by Flashdance in favor of Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”. Then, John G. Avildsen heard it, and realized that this would be the ideal song to play in the background of the competition montage in his movie.
7
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Associated With “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” By Simple Minds
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Breakfast Club
R
Comedy
Drama
10/10
6.5/10
Release Date
February 15, 1985
Runtime
97 minutes
Director
John Hughes
Writers
John Hughes
Cast
See All
-
Molly Ringwald
-
Ally Sheedy
After receiving detention, a group of five high-school students bonds as they realize they have quite a bit in common despite being from different friend groups. Despite being over 35 years old, The Breakfast Club still stands as one of the quintessential movies of the ‘80s and one of director John Hughes standout films.
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The cinematic landscape of the ’80s is known for its cultural footprint, and John Hughes, as the director of teenage romances and coming-of-age comedies, is one of the people that the ’80s immortalized. He had his hand on the pulse of the teen rom-com scene, although, a lot of his work feels dated today. Even his most famous work, The Breakfast Club, a bonafide ’80s classic that mostly holds up, depicts an unnecessary makeover for a character in one of the most infuriating scenes in movie history.
As sullied as the message of authenticity and solidarity becomes because of its dated elements, it’s impossible to deny that The Breakfast Club evokes emotions of togetherness. The five people forced to spend time during detention come away having changed and with a better appreciation for each other. They have also forged a bond that will likely remain with them for a long time. Simple Minds wrote a song for the ending that sums up the emotions one will experience looking back at the movie while its credits roll. That song now invariably reminds people of the movie.
6
Back To The Future (1985)
Associated With “The Power Of Love” By Huey Lewis And The News
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Back to the Future
PG
Adventure
Comedy
Sci-Fi
10/10
111
9.3/10
Release Date
July 3, 1985
Runtime
116 minutes
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Writers
Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale
Producers
Bob Gale, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Neil Canton
Cast
See All
-
Michael J. Fox
Marty McFly
-
Christopher Lloyd
Emmett Brown
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is inadvertently sent back to 1955, where he disrupts his parents’ meeting. With the assistance of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must restore the timeline by ensuring his parents fall in love and find a way back to 1985.
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
One of the few major franchises with no bad movies, the Back to the Future trilogy is an iconic piece of ’80s memorabilia. It is a classic tale that gets referenced whenever time travel is discussed, including in Avengers: Endgame. It has left an indelible mark on pop culture, and both Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd belong in the sci-fi movie hall of fame as the slick Marty McFly and his brilliant scientist friend Dr. Emmett Brown, respectively.
Back when the first movie came out, Robert Zemeckis wasn’t yet the famous filmmaker he is today. Back to the Future would put him on the map permanently, though. Along with him, it put Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love” on the map as well. Interestingly, the band performed two songs for the film, and the other one, “Back in Time”, directly relates more to the movie. However, due to the catchy music and lyrics, especially the memorable hook, “The Power of Love” became more famous and more associated with Back to the Future.
5
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Associated With “Fight The Power” By Public Enemy
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Do the Right Thing
R
Drama
Documentary
9.5/10
Release Date
June 14, 1989
Runtime
120 minutes
Director
Spike Lee
Writers
Spike Lee
Cast
See All
-
Danny Aiello
-
Ossie Davis
Do the Right Thing is Spike Lee’s Oscar-nominated film starring himself, Giancarlo Esposito, Bull Nunn, John Turturro, and Ossie Davis. The comedy drama revolves around Spike Lee’s young character Mookie, who is stuck in Brooklyn on the hottest day of summer, where bigotry and hate build before exploding into violence.
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Spike Lee has made some of the most relevant films of all time. From biopics like Malcolm X, one of Denzel Washington’s best movie roles as a real person, to poignant dramas like Crooklyn, his filmography is politically charged and addresses systematic racism in all forms. While Malcolm X is his most epic work, Lee’s magnum opus remains his 1989 ensemble drama Do The Right Thing. It follows the residents of Brooklyn on the hottest day of summer, as tensions rise after people clash in their attempt to survive the heat.
The characters’ experiences and their characterization serve as social commentary on the way African American people are treated in America. While there are many memorable scenes and quotable lines in the movie, the opening sequence is arguably its most iconic part. The opening credits appear over a montage of Rosie Perez, in her screen debut, dancing in a dress, a leotard, and a boxing outfit. The song playing in the background, “Fight the Power”, was written and performed by Public Enemy for the movie specifically and is inextricably linked with it.
4
Flashdance (1983)
Associated With “Flashdance… What a Feeling” By Irene Cara
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Flashdance
Release Date
See more : Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 3 Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Where to Watch, Trailer
April 15, 1983
Runtime
97 Minutes
Director
Adrian Lyne
Cast
See All
-
Jennifer Beals
-
Michael Nouri
-
Lilia Skala
-
Sunny Johnson
Flashdance is a 1983 romantic drama directed by Adrian Lyne. The film stars Jennifer Beals as Alex Owens, a steel mill worker by day and nightclub dancer by night, who aspires to be a professional ballerina. The story follows her journey of passion, determination, and the pursuit of her dreams, set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh’s industrial landscape.
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Jennifer Beals’ down-on-her-luck dancer can’t catch a break in Adrian Lyne’s Flashdance. She feels discouraged by the application process for getting into Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory, but after her partner convinces her, she applies. He uses his connections to get her an audition, which she aces, despite initially not wanting to go because she wants to earn it by herself. It’s dated and simplistic, but as a cheesy ’80s romantic dance movie, it is memorable for Beals’ performance, especially her dancing, and the movie’s music.
Irene Cara sang the iconic song “What a Feeling” which Flashdance opens with during the montage that introduces the city, and also closes with, during Beals’ final audition and celebratory run to her partner. However, Flashdance has one of the best soundtracks, and it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly one song it’s linked with, between Cara’s song, and Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”, which is equally iconic and associated with Flashdance.
3
Top Gun (1986)
Associated With “Take My Breath Away” By Berlin
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Top Gun
PG
Drama
Action
9.5/10
Release Date
May 16, 1986
Runtime
110 minutes
Director
Tony Scott
Writers
Jack Epps Jr., Jim Cash
Cast
See All
-
Tom Cruise
-
Kelly McGillis
In this classic action flick, Tom Cruise stars as daring young pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Among the other students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, he competes to be best in the class, and learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
While there are a few ways in which Tony Scott’s Top Gun has not aged well, it is one of the most iconic movies of the ’80s. Tom Cruise’s slick screen persona as the rebellious pilot, Maverick, is a showstealer. With an equally amazing supporting cast, memorably cheesy ’80s action movie dialogue, some of the best airplane stunts ever, and one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, Top Gun has mostly stood the test of time for a reason.
The two Kenny Loggins songs, “Playing with the Boys” and “Danger Zone” both play over iconic scenes from the movie. The first plays during the volleyball scene that was recreated in the sequel, and the latter plays during the unforgettable opening sequence. The song “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis is also just as linked with the movie as those songs. But the song that’s perhaps most associated with Top Gun is Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away”, known to some as the Love Theme from Top Gun.
2
Rocky III (1982)
Associated With “Eye of the Tiger” By Survivor
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Rocky III
PG
Drama
Sports
9.1/10
Release Date
May 28, 1982
Runtime
99 Minutes
Director
Sylvester Stallone
Writers
Sylvester Stallone
Cast
See All
-
Sylvester Stallone
-
Talia Shire
Rocky III is the third installment in the Rocky franchise, featuring Sylvester Stallone as the titular character. The film follows Rocky Balboa’s journey as he faces a new adversary, Clubber Lang, portrayed by Mr. T. After suffering a major defeat, Rocky seeks to regain his title with the help of his former rival, Apollo Creed. Directed by Stallone, the film explores themes of determination and personal redemption.
Main Genre
Drama
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Every movie in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise has an iconic song associated with it. Of the best theme songs in the Rocky movies, Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now” from the first movie is easily the best and the most recognizable. However, another song specifically written for a Rocky movie, has become even more famous as a song and keeps getting featured in movies and shows, from Big Hero 6 to Supernatural.
When the director failed to get the rights for Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”, which was Stallone’s first choice for Rocky III, the job of writing a song for the movie went to the band Survivor. Their “Eye of the Tiger” plays over the opening sequence of the film, which depicts Rocky’s rise to fame as a boxer and subsequent stardom, simultaneously introducing his latest rival, Clubber Lang, and his rise to boxing fame. The iconic song is immediately recognizable, thanks to the opening chords, and it always invokes this opening montage for anyone who’s seen Rocky III.
1
Footloose (1984)
Associated With Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose”
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
See more : What Happened to Gravik’s Hand? How Did Gravik Heal Gravik’s Hand?
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Footloose
PG
Romance
Drama
Music
6/10
10/10
Release Date
February 17, 1984
Runtime
107 minutes
Director
Herbert Ross
Writers
Dean Pitchford
Franchise(s)
Footloose
Cast
See All
-
Kevin Bacon
Ren
-
Lori Singer
Ariel
Footloose follows teenager Ren, who moves from Chicago to a small town where dancing and music are banned. He challenges the restrictive culture, aiming to revitalize the community’s spirit.
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Kenny Loggins is no doubt the king of ’80s movie soundtracks. He wrote some of the most iconic tracks on the best-selling movie soundtrack of the decade, Top Gun. But, before that, he created music for Kevin Bacon’s breakout movie, Footloose. Apart from the titular song, which is undoubtedly the most iconic song on the soundtrack, he also wrote and performed other songs for the movie.
Bacon plays a dance-loving teenager in a town where music and dancing is illegal. He becomes motivated to introduce people to the art of dance and how much grooving to music functions as an expression of personal freedom. The epitome of this occurs in the final scene, which is a celebration of his character’s triumph. Inspired by him, everyone in town dances in the hall to the title song of the soundtrack.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment