We’ve all heard songs that make us think of movies, but did you know that films directly inspired some of your favorite tracks? Here’s a look at five iconic songs that were inspired by films, and you might be surprised by some of the connections!
“Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
Inspired by the movie Rocky III
One of the most iconic sports anthems of all time, “Eye of the Tiger” was written specifically for the movie Rocky III at the request of Sylvester Stallone. Stallone approached Survivor to create a song that would capture the determination and fight of the underdog. The band nailed it, and the result was one of the most motivating tracks ever recorded. It ended up in the topped charts worldwide, including six weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also spent 15 weeks in the top ten and was the second-best-selling single of 1982.
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds
Inspired by The Breakfast Club
This ’80s classic became a cultural touchstone thanks to its association with the iconic John Hughes film The Breakfast Club. The song was written specifically for the movie, with Simple Minds creating it to capture the feelings of the film’s rebellious teens. It’s hard to think about the movie without hearing that song in your head, it became the anthem for the generation of teens it portrayed. It became Simple Minds’ biggest hit, reaching No. 1 in the US and Canada. It also charted in the top ten globally, including No. 7 in the UK.
“Lose Yourself” – Eminem
Inspired by 8 Mile
It was written for the 2002 film 8 Mile, which is loosely based on Eminem’s life. The song shows the main character, B-Rabbit (played by Eminem), struggling to chase his dreams. “Lose Yourself” became a huge hit, winning an Oscar for Best Original Song and topping music charts worldwide. Its powerful lyrics and message made it more than just a movie song but became an anthem for anyone trying to make the most of an opportunity.
“My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
Inspired by Titanic
Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” is one of the most famous movie songs ever. Written by James Horner and performed by Dion, the song was created specifically for Titanic. The song’s sweeping orchestral arrangement and Celine Dion’s powerful vocals perfectly captured the romance and tragedy of Jack and Rose’s love story. It was topping the charts in over 25 countries. It was the best-selling single of 1998 and has sold over 18 million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. It was also included in the Recording Industry Association of America’s Songs of the Century.
“Cups” – Anna Kendrick
Inspired by Pitch Perfect
“Cups (Pitch Perfect’s ‘When I’m Gone’)” by Anna Kendrick was originally a folk song written by A. P. Carter, but its breakout moment came in 2012 when it was performed by Kendrick’s character, Beca, in Pitch Perfect. The version from the movie, accompanied by the iconic cup rhythm, became a huge hit, it reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. In a recent Call Her Daddy podcast, Anna Kendrick revealed that she was shocked at how successful the song was, a song that she thought was a silly song with a cup.
Movies and music are often deeply intertwined, with songs adding another layer of emotion and meaning to the stories they accompany. Whether they were written specifically for the film or featured in a pivotal scene, these songs have helped shape the way we remember movies and TV shows. Which song is your favorite? Were you shocked by any of these songs?
