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Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix
According to the American Film Institute, these are the best movie songs ever created. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Share with us in the comments.
1. Over the Rainbow, The Wizard of Oz
2. As Time Goes By, Casablanca
3. Singin’ in the Rain, Singin’ in the Rain
4. Moon River, Breakfast at Tiffany’s
5. White Christmas, Holiday Inn
6. Mrs. Robinson, The Graduate
7. When You Wish upon a Star, Pinocchio
8. The Way We Were, The Way We Were
9. Stayin’ Alive, Saturday Night Fever
10. The Sound of Music, The Sound of Music
Even though many people are still annoyed when it’s played, My Heart will Go On from Titanic should be on that list
posted by Joaqim Noah on 8-20-2008 at 2:30 pm
Holiday Road - Vacation
You’re the Best - Karate Kid
posted by antonio on 8-20-2008 at 2:30 pm
Pretty good list. I’d get rid of Stayin’ Alive and substitute “You’ve Got A Friend” from Toy Story.
posted by Judy on 8-20-2008 at 2:33 pm
You’re the best - Karate Kid
Glory of Love - Karate Kid 2
America, F*** Yeah & Montage - Team America
It’s hard out here for a pimp & Whoop that trick - Hustle & Flow
posted by Andy on 8-20-2008 at 2:48 pm
A few more substitutions I’d prefer: “Jack’s Lament”, Nightmare Before Christmas and “Bare Necessities”, Jungle Book and “Footloose” - K Loggins.
posted by betty on 8-20-2008 at 2:53 pm
I think the ten are definitely ones that come to my mind, but I think Eye of the Tiger from Rocky III needs to be on the list.
posted by Genevieve on 8-20-2008 at 2:53 pm
You know this list is wrong w/o that cat who is a bad mother…SHUT YOUR MOUTH…Just talkin’ bout Shaft…Can ya dig it???
posted by Jason on 8-20-2008 at 2:56 pm
i’m alright by kenny loggins from caddyshack
posted by jay on 8-20-2008 at 3:01 pm
We need “The Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie
posted by Beth on 8-20-2008 at 3:03 pm
How about the song from Bloodsport? Kumite! Kumite! Okay, just kidding.
posted by Erin on 8-20-2008 at 3:06 pm
I’m assuming from the entries that instumentals are out? If not, I would offer the following as my personal favorites:
Theme from “Chariots of Fire”
Gonna Fly Now (”Rocky”)
Theme from “Jaws”
The Raider’s March (”Raiders of the Lost Ark”)
Bicycle Chase (”ET”)
Theme from “Jurassic Park”
Theme from “Shindler’s list”
Theme from “Pink Panther”
The Entertainer (”The Sting”)
Axel F (”Beverly Hills Cop”)
posted by Dave on 8-20-2008 at 3:14 pm
Pretty good list, but my favorite movie song of all time is “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella… oh no, I’m tearing up just thinking about it!
posted by mandapanda on 8-20-2008 at 3:15 pm
Not saying those songs weren’t classics but come on, that list is a billion years old. How about something from the last 25 years?
posted by Tony on 8-20-2008 at 3:24 pm
I totally agree with the folks who said “Holiday Road” and “Footloose.” But I also have to add “(I Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing because nobody puts Baby in the corner!
posted by MW on 8-20-2008 at 3:24 pm
Jason is absolutely right. This list is too white, too middle-class, and too old. Although the two oldest on the list are the top two and the two I most agree with, they stand alone and the rest of the list is clearly skewed toward Boomers and AARPers.
posted by Southern Buddhist on 8-20-2008 at 3:33 pm
What? No Rocky Horror Picture Show?
posted by Ash on 8-20-2008 at 3:34 pm
Anything from A Mighty Wind. Underrated music from an underrated flick.
posted by Tim on 8-20-2008 at 3:37 pm
I agree with the picks, but we should have a rep from the last 25 years. I think a great movie song can instantly conjure up scenes from the movie which is also popular. Footloose would definitely fit the bill.
posted by Marty on 8-20-2008 at 3:49 pm
What about “That Thing You Do” from The Wonders?
posted by C. Bukowski on 8-20-2008 at 3:49 pm
It’s hard to cut any of those, but I think “Eye of the Tiger” is too iconic to be left off. Also, while “White Christmas” is my favorite Christmas song, do most people even associate it with the movie or think of it as a stand alone song? “Over the Rainbow” and “Mrs. Robinson” have firmly planted associations with their respective movies, while “White Christmas” and “As Time Goes By” don’t.
posted by Hodge on 8-20-2008 at 4:07 pm
WHAT?? Where is Ghostbusters??? Who ya gonna call???
posted by Christian on 8-20-2008 at 4:12 pm
How ’bout this one! ;-)
—————————————–I Want To Marry A Lighthouse Keeper Lyrics By Erika Eigen
I want to marry a lighthouse keeper
And keep him company.
I want to marry a lighthouse keeper
And live by the side of the sea.
I’ll polish his lamp by the light of day
So ships at night can find their way.
I want to marry a lighthouse keeper
Won’t that be okay!
We’ll take walks along the moonlight bay
Maybe find a treasure too.
I’d love living in a light house,
HOW ‘BOUT YOU?
The dream of living in a lighthouse baby, every single day.
The dream of living in a lighthouse,
the white one by the bay.
So if you want to make my dreams come true,
You’ll be a lighthouse keeper too.
We could live in a lighthouse
The white one by the bay,hey hey.
Won’t that be okay.
Yada tada ta ta ta.
__________________________________________________
posted by Amy on 8-20-2008 at 4:38 pm
So, Amy. What movie was that from??
posted by Vickey on 8-20-2008 at 4:49 pm
What a coincidence! I’m listening to “St. Elmo’s Fire” right now!
I agree with Beth though…I listen to “Rainbow Connection” from the Muppets at least every day…
posted by Kiki on 8-20-2008 at 4:54 pm
Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange
posted by Amy on 8-20-2008 at 5:11 pm
“Color of the Wind” Pocahontas
posted by Ann on 8-20-2008 at 5:48 pm
Those are all great songs, but I think the American Film Institute needs to recruit some younger members. Though my additions would be over 25 years old also -The Imperial March (Star Wars), Tonight, Tonight (West Side Story), and Eye of the Riger (Rocky). Maybe the Exodus Theme, too.
posted by Miss Cellania on 8-20-2008 at 5:52 pm
“Big Bottom” from “This is Spinal Tap” and “Blame Canada” from “South Park, the Movie.” Both of these are funny and memorable. “Blame Canada” was even nominated for the Best Song Oscar.
For the more mainstream, I would nominate “Imperial March” from “Star Wars” or the theme from the “Indiana Jones” series. When I hear them, I can see the movie in my head.
posted by bzzyb on 8-20-2008 at 6:05 pm
You are the wind beneath myu wings” Beaches
posted by Ken on 8-20-2008 at 6:25 pm
Definitely the Exodus theme, plus Nino Rota’s Godfather/Romeo and Julie themes ; Morricone’s Good, the Bad and the Ugly; Manha de Carnival from Black Orpheus; Michel Legrand’s Windmills of your Mind (sung by Rex Harrison’s son), The Shadow of Your Smile (from the Sandpiper) and yes, the theme from Love Story… among my ever- growing list!
posted by amy on 8-20-2008 at 6:25 pm
Vickey,
Click my name if you want to *hear* what the first song I posted sounds like.
Also, despite my choices in my second posting, I am not technically among the ‘Boomers and AARPers’ (only 38) ;-)
posted by Amy on 8-20-2008 at 6:36 pm
Any list of the ‘best” of any category of music that contains a disco song should be subject to endless derision.
In addition to the theme from Chariots of Fire, they left of “Also Sprect Zarathustra” - better know as the them from 2001, the theme from Midnight Run, and Tubular Bells from the Exorcist.
and the Lumberjack Song
posted by PartiallyDeflected on 8-20-2008 at 7:30 pm
I’d like to see “pure imagination” from Willy Wonka and “hushabye mountain” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on this list.
posted by Scott DeGasperis on 8-20-2008 at 8:26 pm
Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie and Over the Rainbow was mine and my husbands first dance as husband and wife. It was the Hawaiian version by Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole. It is absolutely beautiful! And I have to agree with Christian. Where is Ghostbusters?
posted by Casey on 8-20-2008 at 8:56 pm
“Bittersweet Symphony” from Cruel Intentions
posted by Xott on 8-20-2008 at 9:16 pm
@ Hodge: You don’t associate “As Time Goes By” with Casablanca? You played it for her, you can play it for me, Play it, Sam. (Recaptcha: Thousands grudge)
posted by Judy on 8-20-2008 at 9:22 pm
Casey, that version is my favorite. I got goosebumps just thinking about it!! Especially because he incorporates “What a Wonderful World.”
As a obligatory end note, I totally agree with the Rocky and Karate Kid song choices.
posted by Cassie on 8-20-2008 at 10:09 pm
WHERE IS STAR WARS?!
posted by YathKabaas on 8-20-2008 at 10:32 pm
What about something from the movie Grease like “Summer Nights” or “Grease”? Also, what about “The Power of Love” from Back to the Future? And what about some great classics from From Rankin & Bass’ Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer like “We’re a Couple of Misfits” or “Silver and Gold”?
posted by Jen on 8-20-2008 at 10:40 pm
Two words:
Carmina Burana.
It’s so iconic that you just hum a few bars and everyone instantly goes:
“Satan!” or “Antichrist!”
duh duh duh duh
duh duh duh duh
duh duh duh duh duh… duhduh!
posted by Mare on 8-21-2008 at 12:49 am
Oops, I meant Midnight Express, not Midnight Run - whichever is the one with the Turkish prison.
@mare, when I hear Carmina Burana i immediately think “pretentious”
posted by PartiallyDeflected on 8-21-2008 at 2:17 am
i think those were put as the best songs ever because they’re that timeless. Everyone knows them and few dislike those songs. The only one I wouldn’t have in there is Stayin Alive. I’d substitute My Heart Will Go On in that slot. Say what you may, a song doesn’t stay at nubmer one for 10 weeks on a whim.
posted by Tricia on 8-21-2008 at 5:12 am
We’re forgetting “Que Sera, Sera” from Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” The song sounds so happy but then turns into a dissonant, haunting melody, which complements the mood of the moment in the film. Plus, the song has reached iconic status based on the number of cover versions. I think this song’s omission is a serious oversight.
posted by Bob on 8-21-2008 at 5:30 am
I’m just gonna throw out there that it should be White Christmas from White Christmas - Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney - Come on folks!
posted by Kristin on 8-21-2008 at 6:32 am
“As Time Goes By” IS Casablanca!
posted by Todd on 8-21-2008 at 7:06 am
Definitely some good ones (I especially like “Moon River” and “Mrs. Robinson”) but I would put in “Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing and “You’ve Got a Friend” from Toy Story.
posted by nutmeag on 8-21-2008 at 7:32 am
I think that the point was songs created specifically for a movie.
I am surprised that there is no song from the 007 series.
posted by Dogman on 8-21-2008 at 7:58 am
Any one of these could be on there (heavily represented by John Hughes films):
Heart and Soul
from Big
In your Eyes
from Say Anything
Dont you (forget about me)
from The Breakfast Club
If you leave
from Pretty in Pink
True
from Sixteen Candles
posted by The Other Brian on 8-21-2008 at 8:11 am
These are only the top 10 of AFI’s list of 100 greatest songs. Many of the suggestions are there, just didn’t make the top 10.
Kristin - White Christmas was first introduced in Holiday Inn with Bing and Fred Astaire.
posted by Michelle P on 8-21-2008 at 8:57 am
I’d nominate ‘It Could Have Been Me’ from the film ‘Who Killed Teddy Bear?’, but it’s only good if you watch the scene where Juliet Prowse dances to it.
*sigh* Juliet Prowse…
posted by airship on 8-21-2008 at 9:44 am
“Burning Bridges” from Kelly’s Heroes gets my vote for #1. Just can’t hear it enough times
posted by Mark on 8-21-2008 at 10:02 am
A great big “YES” to anything from “A Mighty Wind” and “That Thing You Do.” May I also suggest “Theme to A Summer Place”? It’s before my time, but soooo lovely.
posted by loripop on 8-21-2008 at 11:55 am
Where’s “Gimme some lovin” from Top Gun?
posted by Matt on 8-21-2008 at 12:18 pm
It’s in the way that you use it - Eric Clapton from The Color of Money
posted by Ian on 8-21-2008 at 12:45 pm
Wtf? Where’s Eye of the Tiger!?
posted by RobRoast on 8-21-2008 at 1:43 pm
I can’t believe no one has mentioned “Highway to the Danger Zone” from Top Gun! Or the Top Gun Anthem!
posted by Amanda on 8-21-2008 at 1:48 pm
To Sir, With Love
posted by Ken on 8-21-2008 at 2:10 pm
Have to have I’m Alright, Eye of the Tiger, and Time Warp.
And this time my recaptcha phrase is “Brickner show” - a long-lost Rocky Horror prequel, no doubt
posted by Paul on 8-21-2008 at 3:36 pm
Yeah, it is rather interesting that all the top 10 are sung. Not to say they aren’t great songs. I myself would put in ‘People’ from Funny Girl. and instrumental would be almost any of the theme music from Out of Africa. Or the them from the Summer of ‘42. I totally agree with the theme from ‘A Summer Place’. Wow, it makes me want to rent them all now, thx.
posted by shaker on 8-21-2008 at 7:13 pm
“Vietnam” in D.C. Cab is pretty much the best movie song ever and probably the single most important work of art in the history of the world
posted by blacula on 8-21-2008 at 10:13 pm
Disagree.
Ten Best Movie Songs for real are:
1. Miss Misery, Good Will Hunting
2. Praise You, Cruel Intentions
3. Lady Marmalade, Moulin Rouge
4. Let me Entertain You, Gypsy Rose Lee
5. Big Spender, Sweet Charity
6. Tomorrow, Annie
7. Cabaret, Cabaret
8. Pirates of the Carribean, the same
9. To Sir with Love, the same
10. Hail Holy Queen, Sister Act
posted by Lori on 8-22-2008 at 5:21 pm