Music has the power to elevate a scene, amplify emotions, and transform a film into something unforgettable. The best music moments in movies are often just as iconic as the visuals themselves. Here are some of cinematic and television history’s most memorable and impactful music moments.
Dirty Dancing (1987) – “I’ve Had The Time of My Life”
Starting off with a classic from 1987, Dirty Dancing’s iconic final dance scene, where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey perform their routine to “I’ve Had The Time of My Life,” is pure cinematic magic. It perfectly captures the emotional climax of the film: with Johnny disrupting the final song by bringing Baby up on stage and declaring that she has made him a better person, and then they perform the dance they practiced all summer, ending with a successful climactic lift.
The Breakfast Club (1985) – “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
In The Breakfast Club, the unforgettable closing scene shows the five students—once strangers now united—walking out of the school together, while Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” plays in the background. The song goes perfectly with the film’s message about teenagers breaking out of their molds and realizing they are more than just their labels.
Baby Driver (2017) – “Bellbottoms”
The opening car chase in Baby Driver, set to the energetic “Bellbottoms” by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, is a masterpiece that synchronizes music with action. Throughout the song, Baby expertly weaves through traffic, perfectly timed with the song’s driving rhythm and explosive guitar riffs, making it one of the most stylish and memorable action scenes in recent memory.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) – “Mr. Blue Sky”
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film opens with an epic battle scene set to Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” The showcase of Groot’s innocence and the chaos unfolding around him creates a perfect moment of pure fun and humor, making it one of the most memorable action sequences in the MCU.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) – “Immigrant Song”
One of the best music moments in the Thor franchise happens at the beginning of Thor: Ragnarok when Thor battles the fire demon Surtur. As Thor swings his hammer and takes on waves of enemies, the iconic opening riff of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” kicks in, with its thundering rhythm and powerful vocals. The energy of “Immigrant Song” is perfectly matched with the action-packed battle scene.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s an iconic pop song or a perfectly placed score, movie music can shape the narrative, deepen the emotional impact, and create lasting memories. These moments demonstrate how music can elevate a simple scene into something unforgettable.
Which one was your favorite? Or do you have a favorite music moment in film? Let us know in the comments!
