32 Memorable Music Moments From ’90s Movies

As a child of the ‘90s, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when reminiscing about these iconic movie soundtracks. The tunes that echoed through our cinematic experiences were not just background noise; they became an integral part of our lives.

As a nostalgic ’90s enthusiast, I’d like to share my compilation of some extraordinary musical moments that graced the silver screen during this remarkable era. While not all the tunes are strictly ’90s hits, each instance is etched in memory forever. Here’s a peek at some of those unforgettable instances from some of the most iconic films of the decade.

“Flower Duet” – True Romance

In the crime drama “True Romance” by Tony Scott, the scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper is dramatically enhanced by the composition “Flower Duet” by Léo Delibes. This clever application of music in cinema is not only remarkable for films from the 1990s but could also be considered one of the greatest uses of music ever in a movie, possibly even among all time greats.

“O-o-h Child” – Boyz ‘N The Hood

The somber tune and poignant words of “O-o-h Child” by the Five Stairsteps beautifully capture the atmosphere in Boyz In The Hood, particularly during the scene where young Dough Boy is arrested for the first time, after a peaceful afternoon fishing with Tre and his father Furious. This moment powerfully conveys the reality of growing up trapped within an unyielding system for these characters.

“Layla” – GoodFellas

Martin Scorcese has consistently demonstrated a knack for incorporating music effectively in his films. The film “Goodfellas” is replete with iconic tunes, and among them, none are more impactful than the concluding part of Derek and the Dominos’ song “Layla.” The piano, combined with Eric Clapton and Duane Allman’s breathtaking, dueling guitar solos, creates an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly complements the scene where bodies from the crew are found everywhere as Jimmy (Robert DeNiro) tidies up the heist.

“Bittersweet Symphony” – Cruel Intentions

Among the most outstanding songs ever created, both from the ’90s and across all time, stands “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve. Its employment at the conclusion of Cruel Intentions, as Kathryn (portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar) is publicly humiliated before her entire school, can be succinctly described as nothing short of iconic.

“Sweet Emotion” – Dazed And Confused

The initial scenes of “Dazed and Confused“, backed by Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion”, instantly convey the film’s cool factor. As the rhythm sets in and we witness Pickford (Shawn Andrews) and Michelle (Milla Jovovich) casually driving around in his car through the parking lot, it effectively hooks the viewers from the get-go.

“Son Of Preacher Man” – Pulp Fiction

In Quentin Tarantino’s renowned film Pulp Fiction, there’s an abundance of songs to select from. The memorable dance scene featuring Chuck Berry undeniably leaves an impression, but when it comes to the scene where Vincent (John Travolta) enters to pick up Mia (Uma Thurman), the song “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield takes center stage. This tune not only adds a unique touch, but has since become iconic and frequently used in popular culture.

“Supermodel” – Clueless

In the beloved movie “Clueless,” Cher’s defining moment is her enthusiasm for transformations, as beautifully captured in the scene where she undergoes a makeover, set to the tune of “Supermodel” by Jill Sobule. This unforgettable sequence is one of many reasons why this ’90s classic remains an iconic film.

“Jungle Fever” – Jungle Fever

You can’t have a list like this and not include the music from Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. The songs, all written and performed by the great Stevie Wonder, fit the movie perfectly. It would be a very different movie without them and while it’s hard to pick just one, we went with the title track to the movie, played over the opening credits, to represent them all.

“Still” – Office Space

In the film Office Space, the well-known tune is “Feels Good To Be A Gangsta,” but for this context, it’s the song “Still” by The Geto Boys that fits best. Director Mike Judge couldn’t have picked a more fitting track to accompany the iconic scene in the movie where the office workers ultimately put an end to their misery and destroy the troublesome printer with a powerful rage, as represented by this tough tune.

“Hotel California” – The Big Lebowski

The film “The Big Lebowski” boasts some fantastic quotes and is brimming with moments and lines that are hard to forget. Among these unforgettable instances, none stand out quite like the scene where John Turturro’s character, Jesus, makes his entrance as The Gypsy Kings’ rendition of “Hotel California” by The Eagles plays in the background.

“My Heart Will Go On” – Titanic

Although Celine Dion’s song “My Heart Will Go On” doesn’t feature in a specific scene within Titanic, the powerful theme, masterfully composed by James Horner (in his most iconic work), has been played so often that it’s become as integral to people’s cherished memories of the film as its stunning sets and groundbreaking special effects.

“Unchained Melody” – Ghost

Forty-five years prior to its use, ‘Unchained Melody’ by The Righteous Brothers gained immense popularity among film audiences, primarily due to the iconic pottery-making scene in Ghost, featuring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Wayne’s World

It’s mind-blowing to consider that “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen nearly didn’t make it into Wayne’s World. This scene eventually became one of the most memorable in the film and, remarkably, introduced a whole new generation to Queen’s music. Without it, the movie landscape would have been significantly altered.

“Bring The Pain” – The Great White Hype

1996’s film “The Great White Hype” is often overlooked as one of the best movies from that decade. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast including Damon Wayans, Jeff Goldblum, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Berg, Jamie Foxx, and more, it stands out for a memorable scene where Wayans’ character, heavyweight champion James “The Grim Reaper” Roper, makes his ring entrance accompanied by Method Man’s “Bring The Pain.” rap performance.

“Goodbye Horses” – Silence Of The Lambs

As a gamer, let me tell you, not many tunes from movie history send shivers down my spine like “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus. This song, used in one of the most chilling scenes in Silence Of The Lambs, has this uncanny ability to transport me right back to that intense moment, every single time I hear it, no matter where or when.

“Lust For Life” – Trainspotting

In his films, director Danny Boyle showcases an exceptional talent for integrating music, and this skill is perhaps most evident in the movie Trainspotting. Right from the start, with the song “Lust For Life” by Iggy Pop setting the tone, to the climactic finish accompanied by the powerful track “Born Slippy” by Underworld, the music throughout the film is truly remarkable.

“The Stroke” – Billy Madison

The movie “Billy Madison” marked the beginning of Adam Sandler’s film career. In this comedy, Sandler portrays a 20-something character who must repeat all twelve grades to inherit his father’s business. The fact that he arrives at his supposed first day of high school in a Trans Am with “The Stroke” by Billy Squire playing is quite unusual and fits perfectly with the 1980s vibe.

“I Will Always Love You” – The Bodyguard

It wouldn’t have been possible for us to compile this list without featuring one of the most beloved songs ever made – “I Will Always Love You,” sung by Whitney Houston. This Dolly Parton-penned tune was a cultural phenomenon in the ’90s, exploding everywhere like an atom bomb. Although the movie that also starred Houston has largely been forgotten, her rendition of the song and the soundtrack continue to thrive and remain timeless.

“Everybody Knows” – Pump Up The Volume

Back in the ’90s, I stumbled upon a gem of a film called “Pump Up The Volume.” This Christian Slater-led flick about a rebellious high school student starting an underground radio station was practically the embodiment of Gen X culture. Before grunge took over, this movie set the tone. The soundtrack? Phenomenal, but Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” just oozed coolness.

“My Sharona” – Reality Bites

There’s no film that captures the essence of Generation X quite like the movie “Reality Bites”. Not only does it feature actors like Ethan Hawke, Winona Ryder, Janeane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn, but its soundtrack is distinctly ’90s – with one exception: “My Sharona” by The Knack. Despite being an ’80s song, it harmoniously fits the scene where the characters crank it up and have a dance in a convenience store.

“Sister Christian” – Boogie Nights

The “Sister Christian” sequence in Boogie Nights is incredibly POWERFUL. It’s a difficult scene to endure, as it sends shivers down your spine. This very aspect, however, contributes to the scene’s and the film’s greatness, making it a true masterpiece.

“99 Luftballoons” – Grosse Pointe Blank

The movie, Grosse Pointe Blank, boasts an exceptional soundtrack filled with some of the most iconic tunes from the 1980s. Such a choice is fitting considering the talented cast and crew behind the film, including lead actor John Cusack. One particularly absurd scene in this often overlooked dark romantic comedy involves Cusack’s character enlisting Jeremy Piven’s character to move a deceased body out of a high school reunion while Nena’s “99 Red Balloons” plays in the background.

“Stuck In The Middle With You” – Reservoir Dogs

Quentin Tarantino made a powerful debut with his initial film, Reservoir Dogs, and from the start, he established the intense, often-violent style that would become his signature. One striking example is the scene where Michael Madsen’s character, Mr. Blonde, remorselessly cuts off a police officer’s ear to the tune of “Stuck In The Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel, adding an unsettling contrast that leaves a lasting impact.

“Only You” – Can’t Hardly Wait

The movie “Can’t Hardly Wait” has a mix of ’90s style combined with an ’80s vibe in many aspects, particularly in its music selection. The title of the film is derived from an ’80s song by The Replacements, and the final song, “Only You” by Yazoo, is a classic ’80s New Wave track. It all blends seamlessly together.

“Something I Can Never Have” – Natural Born Killers

Nine Inch Nails are famously known as one of the darkest bands from the 1990s. When their song “Something I Can Never Have” appeared in one of the darkest films of that decade, it was a perfect fit – a match either celestial or infernal, depending on one’s perspective.

“Mary Jane” – Friday

As a gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about the timeless charm of Friday, that iconic comedy from the ’90s starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. The movie is like a treasure trove of humor, and when it comes to its soundtrack, nothing beats the classic “Mary Jane” by Rick James – a tune that’s as fresh today as it was back in the ’70s!

“Fortunate Son” – Forrest Gump

Instead of frequently appearing in every Vietnam War film, it’s more of a comedic convention that Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” is often associated with these movies. However, the facts reveal that it’s not utilized as extensively as one might think. One movie where it fits perfectly is Forrest Gump, as the tune we initially hear when Forrest (Tom Hanks) arrives in Vietnam.

“I Got You Babe” – Groundhog Day

“The repetitive play of ‘I Got You Babe’ in Groundhog’s Day is unmatched. It skillfully draws viewers into the recurring torment felt by Bill Murray’s character, making us feel as if we’re experiencing the same day over and over.

“That Thing You Do” – That Thing You Do!

The movie titled “That Thing You Do!” is an enjoyable flick featuring a made-up band, making it a perfect addition to our list. Although most songs in it aren’t particularly remarkable, the one that steals the show is “That Thing You Do,” penned by the late Adam Schlesinger. It’s incredibly infectious!

“State of Love and Trust and Breathe” – Singles

1992 saw a massive takeover of the music scene by Grunge, with bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Pearl Jam leading the charge on the charts from Seattle. Pearl Jam, fronted by Eddie Veddar, not only contributed an outstanding track, “State of Love and Trust,” to the soundtrack but also made a cameo appearance in the movie itself.

“Secret Garden” – Jerry Maguire

In the ’90s, Bruce Springsteen made significant impacts on cinema, such as composing “Streets of Philadelphia,” also known as the theme for the film Philadelphia, which earned him an Oscar. Additionally, he provided the song “Dead Man Walkin'” for Dead Man Walking. For this project, we opted for another one of his pieces, “Secret Garden,” which was used during a poignant scene in Jerry Maguire where Renee Zellweger’s character ends her relationship with Jerry (Tom Cruise).

“Love Stinks” – The Wedding Singer

Some could argue that The Wedding Singer was the last great movie from Adam Sandler’s early career. It’s a funny movie, with an even funnier premise and that premise, of Sandler as a washed up singer playing weddings is highlighted perfectly when a depressed singer chooses to sing “Love Stinks” by the J. Geils Band at a wedding. A very Sandler choice.

2024-10-28 22:38