You’ll Never Hear These Songs the Same Again—Thanks, Hollywood

Some songs just hit different when they’re tied to a movie moment. Whether it’s an unexpected burst of violence, a slow-motion walk, or a heartfelt goodbye, a great “needle drop” can elevate a film—and forever change how we hear that song. Now, “The Hollywood Reporter” has dropped a definitive (and very nostalgia-triggering) list of the greatest movie music moments of all time.

Let’s be real: we’ve all belted out “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a car thanks to “Wayne’s World”, and anyone who hears “Stuck in the Middle with You” immediately thinks of ear-related trauma in “Reservoir Dogs”. That’s the power of a great soundtrack cue.

Here are a few standout picks from their top 20 needle drops:

• “Bohemian Rhapsody” – “Wayne’s World“
  Arguably the needle drop of the ’90s. It revived Queen’s popularity and gave us the most epic head-banging scene in cinematic history.
• “Stuck in the Middle with You” – “Reservoir Dogs“
  Tarantino turned a soft rock jam into something unforgettable—and deeply unsettling.
• “Layla” – “Goodfellas“
  The mournful piano coda soundtracks the aftermath of a mob massacre. Beautifully brutal.
• “Mad World” – “Donnie Darko”
  This haunting Gary Jules cover hits harder than you remember. Existential crisis, anyone?
• “Wake Up” – “The Matrix”
  Rage Against the Machine’s anthem slams in just as Neo becomes the One. Still chills.

Also featured: “Napoleon Dynamite” opening credits to The White Stripes, “Fight Club” ending with Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind”, and “Do the Right Thing” turning “Fight the Power” into a call to action.

Notably absent? Some fans online have pointed out the lack of newer contenders like “Guardians of the Galaxy”‘s mixtape moments or “Baby Driver”‘s perfectly timed choreography. But this list skews classic—and there’s nothing wrong with that.

You can check out the full list and relive some musical movie magic over at “The Hollywood Reporter“.