The Best Songs Ever Written For Movies
Film|Songs

The Best Songs Ever Written For Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 15, 2025 97.7K views 31 items
Ranked By
33.7K votes
3.9K voters
Voting Rules
Only songs that were written specifically for a movie (not songs that have just appeared in movies). Vote for the greatest songs.

The magic of cinema extends beyond attention-grabbing visuals and powerful storytelling and it's often the musical masterpieces that leave prominent impressions on our memories. Great songs from movies enhance scenes, convey emotions, and create unforgettable moments in the world of film. When expertly crafted, these tunes become synonymous with the movies for which they were written, taking on a life of their own as timeless classics. 

Taking center stage in this celebration of cinematic soundtracks are the best movie songs - compositions that capture the essence of their respective films while showcasing exceptional talent and artistry. These songs written for movies not only underscore pivotal moments on screen but also resonate with audiences.

Among these illustrious tracks are Randy Newman's charming "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story, which has become an emblem of friendship for generations; the Bee Gees' disco classic "Stayin' Alive" from Saturday Night Fever, which defined an era and sent dance floors into a frenzy; and Survivor's rousing "Eye of the Tiger," whose stirring beats fueled Rocky Balboa's triumphant quest in Rocky III. These famed songs demonstrate how music can seamlessly intertwine with films' narratives to create lasting impressions and further enrich viewers' experiences. 

In embracing the power of music within cinema, the greatest movie songs have captivated listeners across generations. This collection is a testament to those extraordinary compositions that tap into our emotions, evoke vivid memories, or simply make us hum along without realizing it. Indeed, these exceptional songs serve as striking reminders that truly great music is woven into the fabric of our lives – not just heard but also felt deep within, resonating with our hearts and souls for years to come. 

Ranked by
  • Eye of the Tiger
    1

    Eye of the Tiger

    Survivor
    1,760 votes
    The ultimate pump up song and staple of everyone's "Gym Playlist," this 1982 hit belongs to Rocky III. One of the best-selling singles in the history of the universe, "Eye of the Tiger" was voted VH1's 63rd greatest hard rock song of all time.
  • Stayin' Alive
    2

    Stayin' Alive

    Bee Gees
    1,441 votes
    "Stayin' Alive" was the theme song from Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees classic of 1977 landed as #189 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
  • Lose Yourself
    3

    Lose Yourself

    Eminem
    1,720 votes
    The anthem of 8 Mile and pretty much all of 2002, "Lose Yourself" was Eminem's first single from the movie's soundtrack. Its 23 weeks on top of the world made its mark in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Longest Running Single at Number One for a Rap Song."
  • Take My Breath Away
    4

    Take My Breath Away

    Berlin
    1,268 votes
    Berlin wrote this love song for 1986's Top Gun. Giorgi Moroder and Tom Whitlock wrote the tune for the Tom Cruise movie and got both the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
  • Gangsta's Paradise
    5

    Gangsta's Paradise

    Coolio, L.V.
    1,362 votes
    Coolio won the MTV VMA for Best Video from a film and the entire 1990s with "Gangsta's Paradise." Co-written by Stevie Wonder, the song was the best-selling single of 1995 thanks to the movie Dangerous Minds.
  • You've Got a Friend in Me
    6

    You've Got a Friend in Me

    Donny Osmond, Rosie O'Donnell
    1,360 votes
    Randy Newman recorded the theme song to the entire Toy Story franchise in 1995. Pixar should be grateful to him, and co-writer Lyle Lovett, for their Oscar and Golden Globe nominations in the Best Original Song category.