Forever Entwined: 10 Songs You Can’t Unhear From the Movies That Made Them Famous
Photo credit: IMDB
Movies and music have an undeniable connection that can evoke emotions and memories long after the film has ended. Some of the most iconic romantic movies are remembered not only for the chemistry between the lead actors but also for the music that accompanied the romantic moments between them. Here are some songs that are impossible to hear without thinking of the romantic movie where they were featured.
1. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion from Titanic (1997)
The ballad that made Celine Dion a household name is still a tearjerker, even nearly three decades after the release of Titanic. This song is intimately tied to the film’s sweeping romance between Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The song is also responsible for propelling the film’s soundtrack to become one of the best-selling movie soundtracks of all time.
2. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
This power ballad by Bryan Adams was not only a massive hit but also served as the theme song for Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The song’s emotional lyrics and Adams’ passionate delivery perfectly complement the film’s love story between Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
3. “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin from Top Gun (1986)
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin is a classic ’80s love song that has become synonymous with Top Gun. The song is featured in the film’s iconic love scene between Tom Cruise’s Maverick and Kelly McGillis’ Charlie. The haunting melody and romantic lyrics perfectly capture the intensity and passion of their love affair.
4. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston from The Bodyguard (1992)
This iconic ballad by Whitney Houston is a classic that has transcended the film that made it famous. However, it’s hard to hear this song without thinking of The Bodyguard, where Houston played a pop superstar who falls in love with her bodyguard, played by Kevin Costner. The song is used in the film’s climactic scene and is one of the most memorable moments of the movie.
5. “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes from An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
“Up Where We Belong” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1982 and has since become a romantic classic. The song is featured in the final scene of An Officer and a Gentleman, where Richard Gere’s character sweeps Debra Winger off her feet and carries her out of the factory where she works. The song’s uplifting melody and lyrics perfectly capture the film’s themes of love and determination.
6. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith from Armageddon (1998)
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a power ballad by Aerosmith that was written specifically for the film Armageddon. The song’s emotional lyrics and soaring chorus perfectly capture the intensity of the film’s central love story between Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler’s characters. The song was a massive hit and is still a staple of classic rock radio today.
7. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers from Ghost (1990)
“Unchained Melody” is a classic love song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but it’s the Righteous Brothers’ version that is most closely associated with Ghost. The song is used in the film’s famous pottery scene, where Patrick Swayze’s character helps Demi Moore’s character make pottery while they listen to the song. The song’s romantic lyrics and soulful delivery perfectly capture the intensity of their love for each other.
8. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley from Blue Hawaii (1961)
This classic love song by Elvis Presley has been covered countless times, but it’s the original version that is most closely associated with Blue Hawaii. The film is a romantic comedy set in Hawaii, and the song perfectly captures the laid-back, romantic vibe of the film. It’s impossible to hear this song without picturing Elvis, strumming his guitar, and serenading his love interest.
9. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer from She’s All That (1999)
“Kiss Me” is a bouncy, upbeat love song that perfectly captures the teenage romance at the heart of She’s All That. The film is a modern retelling of Pygmalion, in which a popular jock bets that he can transform a nerdy girl into a prom queen. The song is featured in the film’s prom scene, where the two main characters finally share their first kiss.
10. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole from Meet Joe Black (1998)
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s haunting rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has become a modern classic, thanks in part to its use in Meet Joe Black. The film is a romantic fantasy in which Death takes on human form and falls in love with a mortal woman. The song is used in the film’s climactic scene, where Death and his love interest dance together under a starry sky. The song’s dreamy, otherworldly quality perfectly captures the film’s magical atmosphere.
Movies and music have a powerful connection that can transport us to another time and place. These romantic songs have become inextricably linked to the films that made them famous, and they continue to evoke emotions and memories long after the credits have rolled. These songs are the perfect accompaniment to some of the most memorable romances in cinematic history.