The iconic air fist pump at the end of “The Breakfast Club” has become a staple in film history, but what if they had not chosen “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds? Would the scene have become as memorable? While I am not a professional or master of music or film, as a fairly regular movie enjoyer, I feel like I have a decent amount of insight into the significance of a soundtrack, so below, I will be talking about some of my favorite movie soundtrack moments.
“The Social Network”
The ending scene is one of my favorites of all time: as “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” by The Beatles plays, the camera pans out and Zuckerberg sits with his thoughts and Facebook open on his computer. He realizes he is completely alone after betraying his closest, most loyal friend. He sends a friend request to his ex as we watch him and can assume he regrets his horrible treatment of those around him, despite being successful in his professional endeavors.
“10 Things I Hate About You”
I am certainly not alone in my enjoyment of this scene. Few movie moments come close to Heath Ledger’s character, Patrick, dancing around the bleachers, singing to Kat Stratford “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. It’s such an iconic and unforgettable moment that solidifies the movie as one of the best rom-coms of all time.
“Nerve”
I would argue this is the most underrated of those featured on this list. Nerve (2016), despite not necessarily being of the highest quality, became one of my most frequently rewatched comfort movies simply due to its stacked soundtrack. Some of the most notable scenes include Dave Franco’s character singing “You Got It” by Ray Oribison atop diner tables and “Electric Love” by the BØRNS playing as the main characters enter New York City. Something about the soundtrack and its pairing with the movie’s overall “vibe” elevates it to another cinematic level.
“Guardians of the Galaxy”
I honestly could have selected any of the songs featured throughout the trilogy, but the first that comes to mind is Star-Lord’s opening action scene in the first movie. “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone plays as he dances around on a seemingly terrifying, enemy-ridden planet. It perfectly sets the tone for the entire film and introduces Star-Lord’s character in a very fitting way. Some other notable songs that similarly fit the tone of the trilogy were “The Rubberband Man” by The Spinners and “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra.
“Baby Driver”
This movie, in particular, relies on its soundtrack to truly elevate the plot and character development. Baby, the main character, consistently listens to music to drown out the ringing in his ears from a childhood accident. Considering his job as a getaway driver, the movie’s soundtrack pairs with several action sequences, ultimately creating a more immersive experience. There is also an additional meta layer as Baby intentionally plays songs during heists, even occasionally making the criminals wait so he can restart them, as he does in particular with the song “Neat Neat Neat” by The Damned, which adds a unique depth to the moment as well. Other songs worth mentioning that add to the viewing experience include “Harlem Shuffle” by Bob & Earl and “Tequila” by The Champs.
