10 Movie Songs Hollywood Should Give a Break

Certain tunes have become so ingrained in cinematic history that they risk losing their magic through overuse. Hollywood, in its love affair with certain tracks, often leans on these songs repeatedly, inadvertently turning iconic moments into caricatures of themselves. Let’s take a closer look at these 10 overused movie songs that perhaps deserve a well-earned break.

Table of Contents

1. “London Calling” – The Clash

Featured in: Atomic Blonde, Die Another Day, The Conjuring 2, Get Him To The Greek, Intimacy

Released in 1979, The Clash’s “London Calling” was a punk anthem loaded with political fervor. However, its rebellious spirit has been diluted due to its repetitive use as a cinematic signal that the action has shifted to London. This overplayed track has become a cliché, far from the intended impact envisioned by lyricist Joe Strummer.

2. “All Along The Watchtower” – Jimmy Hendrix

Featured in: Withnail and I, Forrest Gump, A Bronx Tale, Rush, Watchmen

Similar to “London Calling,” “All Along The Watchtower” has become a shortcut for films to represent a character’s cool rebellious spirit, often accompanied by stylish sunglasses. While some movies like Withnail and I and Watchmen use it effectively, its association with the 60s and counterculture has made it a victim of overuse.

3. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen (and Various)

Featured in: Watchmen, Shrek, Basquiat, Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a masterpiece, but its ubiquity in emotionally charged scenes across film and television has diminished its original power. Jeff Buckley’s cover, in particular, has become a go-to choice for montages of characters looking sad, turning this soulful song into a clichéd soundtrack.

4. “White Rabbit” – Jefferson Airplane

Featured in: Platoon, Kong Skull Island, The Matrix Resurrections, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” has become synonymous with depicting drug use in film. Its trippy lyrics and haunting guitar riff make it an easy choice for scenes involving mind-altering substances. While it fits the theme, its frequent use has made it an overused trope.

5. “Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones

Featured in: The Departed, Casino, Goodfellas

Director Martin Scorsese’s affinity for “Gimme Shelter” has led to its overuse in his films. While it has also appeared in other notable movies, its recurrent presence in Scorsese’s works has solidified its status as an overplayed classic.

6. “Chariots Of Fire (Titles)” – Vangelis

Featured in: Chariots of Fire, Bruce Almighty, Old School, The Grinch, Madagascar, Are We Done Yet?

Vangelis’ distinctive “Chariots Of Fire (Titles)” has become a target for parody due to its association with serious scenes, often imitated in comedic contexts. The iconic beach-running sequence has been humorously referenced in various films, diluting the impact of the original soundtrack.

7. “Born To Be Wild” – Steppenwolf

Featured in: Easy Rider, Paddington, Herbie: Fully Loaded, Mr Bean’s Holiday, Borat

“Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, known for its use in Easy Rider, has become the go-to anthem for road trips in films. Its association with freedom and rebellion has led to its frequent appearance whenever characters embark on inspirational journeys or rebellious endeavors.

8. “What A Wonderful World” – Louie Armstrong

Featured in: Good Morning, Vietnam, Madagascar, 12 Monkeys, Bowling For Columbine

Louie Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World” is a popular choice for accompanying montages due to its vivid imagery and lyrics. However, its fame and flexibility have resulted in its overuse, appearing in various films where its impact has been lessened.

9. “Over The Rainbow” – Judy Garland/Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Featured in: The Wizard of Oz, 50 First Dates, Meet Joe Black, Snakes On A Plane, You’ve Got Mail

“Over The Rainbow” has been recorded by various artists and used in films to enhance emotional moments. While each version brings something unique, the cumulative appearances over 85 years make it one of the most overplayed and overused songs in cinema history.

10. “O Fortuna” – Carl Orff

Featured in: Jackass: The Movie, Cheaper By The Dozen, Glory, The Hunt For Red October, Natural Born Killers, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, Excalibur

Carl Orff’s dramatic “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana is perhaps the most heavily parodied movie song. Its epic sound, originally intended for serious moments, has often been used to add unintentional humor to banal scenes, making it challenging to take the on-screen events seriously.

11. “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Featured in: Forrest Gump, Con Air, Joe Dirt, Despicable Me 2

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” has become synonymous with Southern charm in film. Used to depict scenes set in the South or moments of hometown pride, its overuse has turned this classic rock anthem into a predictable choice, diminishing its original cultural impact.

12. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey

Featured in: The Sopranos, Glee, Rock of Ages, Monster

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” has transcended its ’80s anthem status to become a staple in films and TV shows. While it can still evoke feelings of hope and determination, its recurrent use in dramatic moments has turned it into a cliché, robbing it of some of its emotional resonance.

13. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor

Featured in: Rocky III, The Simpsons, Ben Stiller films, Gilmore Girls

Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” created for Rocky III, is the epitome of motivational music. Unfortunately, its constant appearance in training montages and inspirational sequences has made it a predictable choice, losing some of the punch it once delivered.

14. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston

Featured in: The Bodyguard, The Office, The Bodyguard (2018), The Lego Movie 2

Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” is an emotional powerhouse, especially known for its use in The Bodyguard. However, its overuse in romantic and poignant scenes has led to a dilution of its impact, turning it into a go-to track for moments of heartbreak or farewell.

15. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen

Featured in: Wayne’s World, Suicide Squad, A Knight’s Tale, Shaun of the Dead

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a rock opera masterpiece that has found a place in various films. While it remains an iconic track, its frequent appearance in quirky or irreverent scenes has turned it into a predictable choice, veering towards becoming a parody of its original dramatic brilliance.

These overused movie songs, once powerful and impactful, have now become victims of their own success. Hollywood could benefit from exploring new musical avenues to prevent iconic moments from turning into tired clichés.

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Holli Greaves: Meet Holly, our versatile freelance journalist and featuers writer who has a passion for dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Your guide to understanding the forces driving our digital age with insightful perspectives and in-depth storytelling.