6 commercial songs that nailed it in recent movies

When used well, commercial songs that are already part of our collective imagination can turn ordinary scenes into unforgettable ones. In recent years, TV shows and films have rediscovered that power with spot-on choices — bringing old hits back to the top of the charts.

Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) in Stranger Things is a prime example of how the right song can redefine a scene.

Here are some notable examples from cinema.

Murder on the Dancefloor → Saltburn (2023)

British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s song, which ruled the dance floors in 2001, made a powerful comeback thanks to the final scene of the film written and directed by Emerald Fennell.

On the US Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number 51 — marking the singer’s first-ever entry on the chart — and it also re-entered the UK Dance Singles Chart, reaching the number one spot. Not to mention the re-release of multiple remix versions of the single. And more recently, it stole the spotlight as the theme of a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 episode.

Shout → Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025)

The franchise, known for its outrageously creative and unexpected deaths, made a huge comeback with its sixth installment. In young Iris’s premonition, the Skyview Tower collapses after a deadly chain reaction, killing everyone inside. To soundtrack the chaos, The Isley Brothers’ 1959 classic played — leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

Bye Bye Bye → Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Hoping to resurrect Logan and fix the timeline, Wade Wilson travels to the mutant’s grave after stealing a device from Paradox. In the middle of a battle with TVA agents, the Canadian mercenary breaks into a full-on dance sequence to the timeless *NSYNC hit.

The scene was so iconic, the stunt-dancer even made an appearance in the opening of the 97th Academy Awards. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Unwritten → Anyone But You (2023)

Believe it or not, the rom-com starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney turned a pop song into a full-on anthem of liberation. How? Ben, the charming lead, listens to the New Zealand singer’s track to calm his nerves — especially during long flights.

As a result, Natasha Bedingfield reached number 80 on the Billboard Global 200 in 2024, and the song went viral on TikTok.

Red Right Hand → Scream (2022)

No, Red Right Hand isn’t the theme song of Peaky Blinders, even though it’s the show’s title track. This anthem by the Australian band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is exclusive to the Scream franchise — except for the fourth installment — serving as a recurring theme linked to Ghostface and the presence of danger.

In the 2022 reboot of the franchise, the song shines in the scene where the bully Vince is killed in a parking lot.

Come and Get Your Love → Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

This example isn’t recent, but it’s iconic! In the opening sequence, the hero/intergalactic thief Peter Quill dances among ruins to the tune of this track released by Redbone in 1974. A hit back then, and a hit again four decades later!

__

Did we miss any commercial songs that nailed it in recent movies?

Remind us in the comments below!