From "The Cameraman” to “Zootopia,” music has always been used as a tool to convey emotions within movies, almost as a supporting actor in the cast. Whether it’s the classical sound in “The Cameraman” or Shakira’s distinct voice in “Zootopia,” music tells the audience a character may be in danger, in love or simply having a good time.
While I may consume more media than the average person, it always excites me when there’s an artist I don’t recognize in a movie. From one self-proclaimed soundtrack scavenger to another potential scavenger (no certificate needed), here are five songs from movies that found their way onto my playlist.
Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 directorial debut, “Reservoir Dogs,” is a non-linear heist thriller that brings the audience along for the ride as eight men attempt to piece together which of them is the mole after their attempted jewel heist goes sideways.
Creating the blueprint for the rest of Tarantino’s movies, Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen), squats by the radio with a straight-edge razor in hand, fumbling with the stations while Kirk Baltz’s cop character sits on the other side of the frame tied up in a chair. After Mr. Blonde nods in approval at the song, he slowly begins singing and dancing along to “Stuck In The Middle With You” which creates, arguably, one of the most iconic torture scenes in film.
The 1972 hit by Stealers Wheel used within the brutal scene creates a strong dissonance between the upbeat guitar music and the gory actions of the characters.
While “Stuck In The Middle With You” is a classic hit I knew before seeing “Reservoir Dogs,” this movie is what influenced me to add it to my playlist. Not to dance along in the psychopathic way that Mr. Blonde did, but because I simply enjoyed the upbeat tone and underlying lyricism about the intricacies of the music industry.
“A Real Hero” from “Drive”
Based on James Sallis’ 2005 novel, “Drive” is a 2011 neo-noir thriller that follows an unnamed Hollywood stunt driver by day and getaway driver by night. As the driver grows closer to his next-door neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her son, Benicio (Kaden Leos), the driver’s motivations begin to change.
When the driver takes Irene and Benicio for a ride, the synthesizers begin in “A Real Hero” by College and The Electric Youth. During the scene, the chorus repeats the lyrics describing “a real human being and a real hero,” as the driver experiences the beauty of familial life and silently decides he no longer desires to participate in his life of crime.
The phrase repeated throughout the chorus of the song is emblematic of the driver’s character arc throughout the film, becoming a “real human being” by showcasing more emotion as the story progresses and a “real hero” as his motivations for crime become selfless.
With the synthesizers, haunting vocals and the depth of the lyricism in the 2010 song, “A Real Hero” was added to my playlist almost immediately after watching the movie.
“Hinnom, TX” from “Warm Bodies”
Set in a post-apocalyptic world run by zombies, “Warm Bodies” is a 2013 movie that brings Isaac Marion’s 2010 paranormal romance novel to life. The story follows Nicholas Hoult playing R, a young zombie who possesses introspective thoughts that allow him to question his identity as a zombie and existence. Eventually, he falls in love with a human girl.
Driving through the rain, hoping to reach the small refuge town of humans who have survived the zombie apocalypse, “Hinnom, TX” by Bon Iver hums in the background of the transformative scene that showcases R’s developing humanity.
“Hinnom, TX” is a song meant to be felt, containing vague, mystical lyrics inviting listeners to question how personal experiences change the collective experience. Connecting to R’s introspection, “Hinnom, TX” reflects R’s feelings about his place within the post-apocalyptic world he lives in.
With the soft tones of the 2011 song and poetic lyricism by Iver, “Hinnom, TX” raced its way into one of my calm, relaxing playlists.
“Uncle ACE" from “Challengers”
“Challengers” is a 2024 romantic sports comedy film, following three tennis players from their college years to their early 30s as they explore their tumultuous relationship influenced by ambition, jealousy and passion.
“Uncle ACE” plays during a turning point in the film. In this scene, Zendaya’s character takes advantage of the two boys’ competition for her affection. Dancing through the background of the scene, “Uncle ACE” slowly gets louder as passions rise, culminating in the climax of the scene and leaving audiences in shock as the next scene quickly arrives, cutting to a tennis match.
The 2013 song begins with tambourines and guitar, then, intense saxophones take over. “Uncle ACE” has reframed my playlists entirely, introducing me to the large discography of Devonté Hynes and his two aliases, Blood Orange and Lightspeed Champion.
“Mystical Magical” from “Karate Kid: Legends”
“Karate Kid: Legends,” released in May of 2025, is the sixth film in the “Karate Kid” franchise, following a kung fu prodigy who is new to New York City, but begins to be bullied by a local karate champion. Wanting to be able to defend himself, he begins taking karate lessons with well-known characters from the franchise, like Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).
During a karate training sequence, newly-released song "Mystical Magical” by Benson Boone begins its synthesizer beat, creating an upbeat and comedic scene. “Mystical Magical” does not really have any emotional ties to the movie, but I think the song was a fun choice.
Boone and “Mystical Magical” has gotten a lot of hate online, and, while I agree the song is meaningless, I still think it is a fun pop song. So, yes, I do have “Mystical Magical” on one of my playlists, as well as Boone’s “Mr Electric Blue.” These songs are fun! Not every piece of art needs a deep meaning or underlying introspection; sometimes, guilty pleasure music is okay.
Film is a great way to showcase the human condition, and I think music is too. Music is something so uniquely human that there is no possible way to showcase the human condition without it. While some songs and movies are deep and introspective, others are fun and create a temporary escape with upbeat comedy.
These are just a few examples of music that’s found itself in my playlist after a movie, but I recommend giving all of these a listen and a watch. The next time you hear a song in a movie you like, check it out!
