Movies and music have always had a powerful synergy. The right song can elevate a scene, and a catchy tune born from a film can take on a life of its own, becoming a chart-topping Billboard hit. Here’s a look at ten such instances where movie magic collided with musical success:
- “I Will Always Love You” (The Bodyguard, 1992): Whitney Houston’s heart-wrenching rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic ballad for the Kevin Costner romance became the biggest-selling single by a female artist of all time, spending a record-breaking 14 weeks at No. 1.
- “Eye of the Tiger” (Rocky III, 1982): Survivor’s pulsating anthem of perseverance perfectly captured the underdog spirit of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa, becoming a training montage staple and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic, 1997): Celine Dion’s powerful ballad for James Cameron’s epic romance became synonymous with the film, topping charts worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
- “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” (Dirty Dancing, 1987): Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ soulful duet for the Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey dance romance became a timeless classic, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and forever linked to the film’s iconic lift scene.
- “Footloose” (Footloose, 1984): Kenny Loggins’ energetic title track for the Kevin Bacon dance flick captured the rebellious spirit of youth, becoming a massive hit and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Shallow” (A Star is Born, 2018): Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s steamy duet from the musical drama became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” (The Beatles Second Album, 1964): Though written for the film “Hard Day’s Night,” the Beatles’ infectious song transcended the movie’s success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying their status as global superstars.
- “Singin’ in the Rain” (Singin’ in the Rain, 1952): Gene Kelly’s iconic performance of this joyful song in the classic MGM musical cemented its place in pop culture history. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart and continues to be a beloved standard.
- “I Believe I Can Fly” (Space Jam, 1996): R. Kelly’s inspiring anthem for the Michael Jordan-led Looney Tunes basketball movie resonated with audiences, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a motivational favorite.
- “A Whole New World” (Aladdin, 1992): Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle’s soaring duet for the Disney animated classic became a timeless love song, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.