Buzz
While the 1980s witnessed a soundtrack revolution, driven by aggressive marketing and cross-promotion, it evolved further after Tim Burton's Batman debuted in 1989. Albert Magnoli, Prince’s manager at the time, proposed that Warner Bros. commission Prince to create an album “inspired by” the film, rather than a traditional score. This approach sparked a trend, with filmmakers and studios eager to produce tracks and albums tied to their movies, especially if they could secure a place on the Billboard charts.
To compile the 35 greatest songs from 1990s movie soundtracks, we excluded a popular trend of the decade: reviving older songs for new, often anachronistic purposes. This trend began with Ghost featuring The Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody” in 1990 and continued with Wayne’s World (Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”), Pulp Fiction (Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” among others), and Trainspotting (Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life”). Madonna was also excluded due to her four chart-topping singles, as she remains in a league of her own (though “Vogue” stands out). Some of these songs may not immediately remind you of their associated films, and a few may have faded from memory altogether. Yet, each one encapsulates a unique moment in the history of the films, the artists, the decade, and pop culture. After exploring these iconic tracks, scroll to the bottom for a complete playlist.
1. “Cradle Of Love” // Billy Idol
The Adventures Of Ford Fairlane (1990), Renny Harlin’s project showcasing Andrew “Dice” Clay, briefly turned the comedian into a cultural icon—but it was Billy Idol’s track "Cradle of Love" that revitalized his career. The song’s music video, directed by David Fincher, notably excluded any footage of Clay, who was banned by MTV at the time.
2. “Blaze Of Glory” // Jon Bon Jovi
When Emilio Estevez asked Jon Bon Jovi to use his anthem “Wanted Dead Or Alive” for the Western sequel Young Guns II (1990), Bon Jovi proposed creating a new song better suited to the film’s theme. The result, "Blaze of Glory," soared to the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
3. “Wicked Game” // Chris Isaak
David Lynch’s Wild At Heart (1990) catapulted Chris Isaak’s 1989 single “Wicked Game” from Heart Shaped World to fame, but its two music videos cemented its iconic status. The first, directed by Lynch, featured Isaak performing in black and white alongside scenes of Wild At Heart characters Sailor (Nicolas Cage) and Lula (Laura Dern). The second, a groundbreaking piece by Herb Ritts, showcased Isaak and supermodel Helena Christensen in a memorable beachside sequence.
4. “Same Song” // Digital Underground
While Nothing But Trouble (1991), featuring Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and Demi Moore, might rank among the weakest films in each actor’s career, Digital Underground’s cameo stands out as a highlight. This track is particularly notable as it marks the debut recording of Tupac Shakur.
5. “You Could Be Mine” // Guns N’ Roses
Released in June 1991, two months before their ambitious double album Use Your Illusion, this explosive track served as the theme for Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), James Cameron’s revolutionary sequel. Securing the song wasn’t simple: Larry Kasanoff of Lightstorm Entertainment revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had to personally charm the band, even hosting them for dinner with Maria Shriver to seal the deal.
6. “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” // Bryan Adams
Kevin Costner’s portrayal of Sherwood Forest’s infamous 12th-century outlaw with a modern Californian accent was among the many questionable decisions in Kevin Reynolds’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991). However, selecting Bryan Adams’s heartfelt ballad “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” was a stroke of genius. Despite the film’s harsh criticism, including Razzie nods for Costner (and his infamous bare butt), Adams secured a Grammy, an Oscar nomination, and the undying appreciation of teens dreaming of a perfect prom night.
7. “Tears In Heaven” // Eric Clapton
While Lili Fini Zanuck’s Rush (1991), starring Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh, has largely faded from memory, Eric Clapton’s soundtrack remains a highlight of his career. This poignant acoustic piece, inspired by the tragic loss of his 4-year-old son, Conor, stands out as one of his most moving works.
8. “Deep Cover” // Dr. Dre
Bill Duke’s Deep Cover (1992), a gripping undercover cop drama, showcased stellar performances from Laurence Fishburne and a brilliantly erratic Jeff Goldblum. The film also marked a pivotal moment for Dr. Dre, who, after leaving N.W.A., teamed up with the then-unknown Snoop Doggy Dogg to create a hip-hop masterpiece brimming with danger, gritty realism, and infectious funk.
9. “End Of The Road” // Boyz II Men
Eddie Murphy aimed to reinvent himself as a romantic lead in Boomerang (1992), a film that delves into gender dynamics and includes one of Boyz II Men’s most iconic tracks. This song would go on to become a timeless favorite at weddings, especially those embracing heartfelt emotion.
10. “Would?” // Alice In Chains
Cameron Crowe, known for his sharp musical instincts, perfectly encapsulated the emerging grunge movement in Singles (1992). This early ‘90s exploration of love and relationships, set in Seattle, prominently features this electrifying track by Alice in Chains.
11. “I Will Always Love You” // Whitney Houston
Did you know this iconic track was originally a Dolly Parton song, written in under a day alongside “Jolene,” and not a love song at all? Whitney Houston’s rendition in The Bodyguard (1992) didn’t earn her an Oscar, but it propelled her to unparalleled commercial success. The song and soundtrack became a global phenomenon, and even decades later, it remains the best-selling soundtrack in history.
12. “Tom’s Diner” // D.N.A. Featuring Suzanne Vega
Tony Bill’s Untamed Heart (1993), a heartfelt romance between a waitress (Marisa Tomei) and a shy young man (Christian Slater), has earned its status as a cult favorite. Suzanne Vega’s unexpected hit, reimagined by D.N.A., became the film’s defining track, perfectly encapsulating its coffee-shop atmosphere and the everyday yet captivating emotions it portrays.
13. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” // The Proclaimers
At this stage in his career, Johnny Depp was known as the quirkiest heartthrob around, blending influences from Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. In Benny & Joon (1993), The Proclaimers’ infectious anthem about the lengths one would go for love became an unforgettable highlight, adding a quirky charm to the film.
14. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” // UB40
Sharon Stone’s attempt to replicate the sultry allure of Basic Instinct in Sliver (1993) fell short, but the film’s soundtrack delivered unexpected gems. UB40, known for “Red Red Wine,” reimagined Elvis Presley’s classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” into a fresh chart-topping hit, blending electronica and other niche genres.
15. “Stay (I Missed You)” // Lisa Loeb
The conclusion of Ben Stiller’s Reality Bites (1994), a quintessential Generation X tale, remains ambiguous in its intent. However, Lisa Loeb’s heartfelt acoustic ballad is undeniably sincere, bringing her—and bespectacled female singer-songwriters—into the mainstream spotlight.
16. “Regulate” // Warren G featuring Nate Dogg
Jeff Pollock’s basketball film Above The Rim (1994) didn’t resonate as strongly as other movies about Black experiences and urban life during that era. However, its collaboration with Interscope Records on the soundtrack left a lasting mark, particularly with Warren G and Nate Dogg’s hit, which sampled Michael McDonald and vividly narrated a tale of friendship, carjackers, and romantic pursuits.
17. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” // Elton John
Following Disney’s success with Alan Menken and Howard Ashman on The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, the studio gambled on Elton John and Tim Rice for The Lion King (1994). The duo delivered a timeless classic that exceeded all expectations.
18. “Kiss From A Rose” // Seal
While Joel Schumacher embraced camp and commercial appeal in Batman Forever (1995), the third Batman film, he also inspired standout contributions from contemporary artists. Seal’s romantic ballad became a staple, even replacing “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” at high school proms and dances.
19. “Just A Girl” // No Doubt
Amy Heckerling’s Clueless (1995), a modern take on Jane Austen’s Emma, showcased a diverse soundtrack featuring artists like Radiohead and Coolio. However, No Doubt’s breakout hit “Just A Girl” stole the spotlight, perfectly embodying the charm of protagonist Cher (Alicia Silverstone) while hinting at the depth beneath her polished facade.
20. “Gangsta’s Paradise” // Coolio
In Dangerous Minds (1995), Michelle Pfeiffer portrayed a former Marine turned teacher striving to impact the lives of inner-city students. Coolio’s adaptation of Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise” provided a powerful anthem, reflecting the harsh realities of the students’ lives and Pfeiffer’s character’s determination to guide them toward a brighter future.
21. “2 Wicky” // Hooverphonic
Bernardo Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty (1996), featuring a young Liv Tyler, explored a young woman’s journey of sexual and intellectual discovery. The film’s soundtrack included this groundbreaking trip-hop track, which reimagined Isaac Hayes’s “Walk On By” in a sultry, captivating way.
22. “That Thing You Do” // The Wonders
Adam Schlesinger, the late Fountains of Wayne frontman, penned the title track for That Thing You Do! (1996). The song became a pop sensation, rivaling the finest hits of the 1960s and perfectly capturing the vibrant energy of the era depicted in the film.
23. “Lovefool” // The Cardigans
Baz Luhrmann’s reimagining of Romeo + Juliet (1996) brought Shakespeare’s timeless tale to a new generation. The Cardigans’ standout track, with Nina Persson’s irresistibly sweet vocals, became an instant classic, as she implored listeners to “love me, love me.” It was impossible to resist.
24. “Secret Garden” // Bruce Springsteen
Cameron Crowe’s impeccable musical taste earns him multiple spots on this list. In Jerry Maguire (1996), a story about distinguishing duty from dedication, Bruce Springsteen’s heartfelt ballad set the tone for Tom Cruise’s journey as a fallen sports agent, with Renée Zellweger’s charm playing a pivotal role.
25. “6 Underground (Nellee Hooper Edit)” // Sneaker Pimps
Val Kilmer’s adaptation of The Saint (1997) fell short, but its soundtrack brilliantly tapped into the rising popularity of electronic music. While Orbital’s theme gained some traction, Sneaker Pimps’ “6 Underground,” blending hip-hop and electronic vibes, transcended the film to become a standalone hit.
26. “Men In Black” // Will Smith
Despite initial skepticism from fans of DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince, Will Smith proved his solo prowess with several hits, including the theme for Men In Black (1997). Sampling Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots,” the track added a nostalgic touch, even as audiences were mesmerized by the film’s neuralizer effects.
27. “My Heart Will Go On” // Celine Dion
As the Oscar-winning anthem for Titanic (1997), the highest-grossing film of its time, this song is an undeniable inclusion. While its charm may fade for some over time, its emotional resonance returns when paired with the tragic romance of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), a love that persists even in the depths of the ocean.
28. “Life In Mono” // Mono
Alfonso Cuarón’s 1998 take on Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations is a visual triumph but narratively uneven. This track, however, perfectly mirrors Finn’s (Ethan Hawke) emotional struggle as he pursues his childhood love, Estella (Gwyneth Paltrow). With a John Barry sample, it blends vintage and contemporary sounds seamlessly.
29. “Iris” // Goo Goo Dolls
Brad Silberling’s City Of Angels (1998), a remake of Wim Wenders’s Wings Of Desire, fell short in many ways. However, it gave the Goo Goo Dolls their biggest hit, propelling them to unprecedented success and making “Iris” a crossover sensation across modern rock, pop, and adult contemporary genres.
30. “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” // Pras featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard & Mýa
Warren Beatty’s Bulworth (1998), a film about a politician sabotaging his campaign with brutal honesty, deserves a modern re-evaluation. Its soundtrack is a standout, featuring this dynamic collaboration with Ol’ Dirty Bastard at his peak, Mýa reimagining “Islands In the Stream” for the chorus, and Pras stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
31. “Heroes” // The Wallflowers
Choosing between this track and Diddy’s collaboration with Jimmy Page, “Come With Me,” was tough, but the Wallflowers’ polished cover of David Bowie’s classic undeniably propelled them to fame. Their rendition, smoothed out for mainstream appeal, served as the heroic anthem for characters battling a giant lizard in Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla (1998).
32. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” // Aerosmith
Aerosmith, known for reinventing themselves repeatedly, collaborated with songwriter Diane Warren to create this heartfelt ballad for Armageddon (1998), Michael Bay’s disaster film about an asteroid threat. The song not only revitalized their career but also kept them in the spotlight for years to come.
33. “Kiss Me” // Sixpence None The Richer
While Fatboy Slim’s “Rockafeller Skank” scored the standout scene in She’s All That (1999), Sixpence None The Richer’s “Kiss Me” became the film’s defining track. The song achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing its place as the quintessential one-hit wonder from a movie soundtrack.
34. “Bittersweet Symphony” // The Verve
While Sneaker Pimps’ “6 Underground” also featured on the Cruel Intentions (1999) soundtrack, it was The Verve’s Rolling Stones-sampling hit that defined the album’s success. The song’s sweeping orchestration evokes the manipulative schemes of Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s characters, making it unforgettable.
35. “Steal My Sunshine” // Len
Doug Liman’s Go (1999), a homage to Pulp Fiction, boasted an impressive lineup of tracks. Among them, Len’s “Steal My Sunshine,” which samples Andrea True Connection’s “More, More, More,” stands out as a laid-back, quirky anthem that mirrors the film’s offbeat and unpredictable vibe.
