Movies

Top 10 ’80s Movie Songs That Will Blow Your Mind

BBG News

The 1980s were brimming with classic films, and numerous of them incorporated songs that encapsulated the era. Some of these songs were pre-existing records that played at a specific instance within the film, creating an iconic scene. On the other hand, some tracks were composed and recorded exclusively for the movie. These tunes, characterized by their synth-pop style and electronic instruments, have become inseparable from the film’s essence. Hearing the song will inevitably conjure up images of that particular movie, yet you don’t necessarily need to watch the film to appreciate the music.

In numerous instances, these tunes have earned the title of classics on their own merit. A number of them exploded onto the scene as massive chart-toppers and radio sensations, paving their own path to fame.

Here are 10 of the best ’80s songs that were written for the movies.

10
“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

Stepping into the realm of retro-futurism as a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Back to the Future” stands the test of time as an unparalleled gem in ’80s cinema. The brainchild of director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi odyssey unfolds the thrilling tale of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a character who embodies coolness personified.

In an unexpected twist, Marty gets catapulted back in time to 1955 when he accidentally hops into a DeLorean for a ride through the space-time continuum. The predicament leaves him stranded in the past, and to make matters worse, his very existence seems at risk if he can’t navigate his way back to the future – specifically, 1985. To achieve this Herculean task, Marty teams up with the quirky genius Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and embarks on a thrilling race against time to set things right and secure his place in history once more.

Generally, when one considers the music in the movie ‘Back to the Future’, they usually recall Alan Silvestri’s memorable theme tune. The thrilling score, playing softly as Marty McFly races down the street in the DeLorean, adds a magical touch to the scene. Many people might not connect “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News with ‘Back to the Future’. This could be due to the song’s lyrics not directly referencing the film title (Huey Lewis declined to create a song titled ‘Back to the Future’), or perhaps because the tune appears early in the movie.

Regardless of the outcome, “The Power of Love” still made a significant impact on music charts and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for Huey Lewis and the News. Additionally, this song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 58th Academy Awards, but it was ultimately surpassed by Lionel Richie’s “Say You, Say Me” from the movie “White Nights.

9
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

‘Footloose’ (1984)

1984 saw the release of the hit musical “Footloose,” which catapulted Kevin Bacon into stardom. The story revolves around a city-dweller (Bacon) who journeys to rural Utah, aiming to abolish a dancing ban and inspire the townsfolk to dance once more. Notably, Kenny Loggins co-wrote and performed the film’s title track, “Footloose.” The infectious, energetic tune made people want to dance, from the characters in the movie to theatergoers everywhere.

The tune gained massive popularity and ended up being Loggins’ most well-known album; “Footloose” was even nominated for the Best Original Song at the 57th Academy Awards, but ultimately Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from The Woman in Red won that category instead.

8
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr.

‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)

If something unusual happens in your locality, who would you reach out to for help? It’s no secret that the next line in this tune is a familiar one. The movie Ghostbusters centers around four eccentric characters serving as ghost officers, ridding New York City of mischievous specters. This hilarious blend of horror and comedy was brought to life by co-star Dan Aykroyd, boasting an impressive ensemble that includes Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and Ernie Hudson.

The catchy tune “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr., which was hastily composed in just a few days, has since become iconic with its lyrics easily identifiable. Struggling to incorporate the film’s title into his composition, Parker drew inspiration from a low-budget commercial for a local service. The theme song matched the film’s popularity, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s estimated that the song boosted the film’s box office revenue by approximately $20 million. Despite being nominated for Best Original Song at the 57th Academy Awards, “Ghostbusters” unfortunately lost to Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from The Woman in Red. This, dear friends, is what we call a snub.

7
“Fame” by Irene Cara

‘Fame’ (1980)

A musical named “Fame” chronicles the journey of four youngsters as they navigate the challenges faced at New York’s elite Performing Arts High School, starting from their auditions and ending in their senior years. Initially released with a limited distribution, “Fame” turned into a significant box office hit when it was expanded to wide theaters. The movie features Irene Cara, who also sang the memorable theme song titled “Fame.

The song “Fame,” penned by Michael Gore with lyrics by Dean Pitchford, skyrocketed to fame overnight. At the 53rd Academy Awards, it earned the title of Best Original Song. However, “Fame” transcended its roots in the 1980 original film, serving as the theme song for the entire Fame franchise. Interestingly, “Fame” was Irene Cara’s first single, but she would go on to create more unforgettable, chart-topping songs for movies as well.

6
“Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara

‘Flashdance’ (1983)

The movie titled “Flashdance” is a romantic dance film that chronicles the journey of a dedicated dancer striving to become a professional ballet artist. Despite receiving unfavorable critical reviews, “Flashdance” was a massive box office sensation, ranking third in box-office earnings for 1983. This unexpected success paved the way for other popular dance films such as “Footloose” and “Purple Rain,” and it is now widely recognized as one of the most iconic dance films of the ’80s.

The movie Flashdance boasts an impressive soundtrack that produced two significant hits. Among them, “Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara stands out as the more famous and enduring song. With inspiring lyrics and an infectious tune, this track ruled charts worldwide and even won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 56th Academy Awards. However, it’s understandable if you find yourself drawn to the movie’s other original chart-topping hit, “Maniac” by Michael Sembello, which was uniquely inspired by a news report about a serial killer.

5
“Purple Rain” by Prince

‘Purple Rain’ (1984)

1984’s “Purple Rain” is a movie that symbolizes the 1980s best with its distinctive music and style. This film, which features Prince in a semi-autobiographical role, portrays the journey of an unnamed character from being a troubled lead singer of a Minneapolis band called The Revolution to becoming a pop music phenomenon.

Essentially, “Purple Rain” is a two-hour movie showcasing Prince in his first acting role as the main character. Not only did he star in it, but Prince also composed the film’s soundtrack, which has become more renowned than the movie itself. The soundtrack, earning 13x platinum certification, generated several hit records like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and the title track, “Purple Rain.” Since its debut, “Purple Rain” has been recognized as Prince’s signature tune and is widely considered a hallmark of his career.

4
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

‘Rocky III’ (1982)

In the third part of the legendary Rocky series, Sylvester Stallone once again steps into the shoes of Rocky Balboa, the boxing legend on the big screen. This time around, Rocky finds himself learning from his past foe, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), to face a new challenger, Clubber Lang (Mr. T). While the original Rocky film is synonymous with the hit song “Gotta Fly Now,” if that tune holds the top spot in the Rocky franchise, then “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor certainly takes the runner-up position.

Initially, Sylvester Stallone suggested using Queen’s popular song “Another One Bites the Dust” as the theme tune for Rocky III, but Queen declined the proposal – a decision that turned out to be beneficial. The intense rhythm and powerful lyrics of “Eye of the Tiger” perfectly complemented the fierce blows in Rocky’s boxing match. “Eye of the Tiger” was the second-best selling single of 1982 and even received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 55th Academy Awards.

3
“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin

‘Top Gun’ (1986)

In the 1980s, the movie “Top Gun” was a massive success. The story revolves around a young naval aviator called Maverick (played by Tom Cruise). Despite facing challenges and his own pride, he strives to excel in an elite flight program. People adored the film for its exhilarating aerial action, memorable characters, catchy call signs, heartwarming camaraderie, and of course, its music. But which song from “Top Gun” is most popular? That’s subjective, but one that stands out to many is…

In response to your query, the song should be “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin. Composed by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, this track achieved worldwide success and was awarded the title of Best Original Song at the 59th Academy Awards.

Some enthusiasts might argue that the standout and emblematic track from Top Gun is none other than “Danger Zone.” This high-energy tune was the initial single released from the movie’s soundtrack, belted out by Kenny Loggins, who had previously sung “Footloose.” Notably, “Danger Zone” was originally penned by Giorgio Moroder; interestingly enough, it was his first composition for the film. Later on, Moroder created “Take My Breath Away,” a slower, more romantic number, upon request from the producers after they felt the need for such a track in Top Gun. Needless to say, they certainly succeeded with that one.

2
“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

Dirty Dancing is an enduring film from the 1980s. This movie narrates the tale of Baby (Jennifer Grey), who develops affection for her dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), during their family vacation in the Catskills. The film boasts many memorable aspects. One such element is the legendary ‘Lift,’ a dance maneuver that has been replicated numerous times since then. Another iconic moment is the popular quote, “Nobody keeps Baby at arm’s length.

Additionally, the movie’s theme song is “I’ve Had the Time of My Life,” sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. This tune was awarded an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 60th Academy Awards, and it’s easy to understand why. With its captivating slow-burning introduction, it evolved into one of the most popular songs of the ’80s. The harmonious blend of their voices in this romantic duet ignites sparks, making it a favorite among romantics since 1987, and its appeal remains strong today.

1
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds

‘The Breakfast Club’ (1985)

The 1980s are remembered for producing a series of coming-of-age films that encapsulated teen frustration. These movies often featured the same young talents, forming what became known as the Brat Pack. This group of actors and actresses left an indelible mark on their generation and none more so than “The Breakfast Club”. Directed by the esteemed John Hughes, “The Breakfast Club” brings together five high school students who seem disparate but discover shared ground during a Saturday detention. The film’s music track is also emblematic of the ’80s, particularly its most memorable tune: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds.

Simple Minds repeatedly declined to create a track for the movie, but eventually, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” turned out not just to be their biggest hit, but also one of the ’80s most popular songs. The song’s success can be attributed to its mix of melancholic lyrics and catchy tune, or perhaps to the pivotal moment when it plays in the movie – specifically, that iconic final scene where the protagonist, a “criminal,” triumphantly raises his fist, and the camera halts. Whatever the cause, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” struck a chord with audiences. This song climbed to the top of the charts and has since been synonymous with the 1980s, serving as an enduring anthem for that decade.

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2025-05-10 20:19

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