Sometimes, a single song can define a movie, embedding itself into the scenes so well that it becomes part of the film’s identity. Some of these iconic tracks happen to be one-hit wonders—songs that topped the charts for artists who then faded from the spotlight. But does the power of these songs affect the way we see these movies? Let’s dive into some memorable one-hit wonders that rocked the charts and featured prominently in films, comparing their music success to the movies’ Rotten Tomatoes scores.
1. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor in Rocky III
“Eye of the Tiger” is one of the most iconic one-hit wonders of all time. Survivor released this powerhouse anthem in 1982, and it became inseparable from Rocky III, where it played during Rocky’s training montages. The song not only reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also became a cultural anthem for resilience. As for the movie, Rocky III sits at a respectable 63% on Rotten Tomatoes—a fresh rating that reflects the film’s appeal to fans of the series.
Would Rocky III have been as impactful without “Eye of the Tiger”? Possibly, but the song added an unmistakable energy to Rocky’s journey. The movie was a success, but “Eye of the Tiger” arguably enhanced its impact, giving audiences a musical rallying cry that still resonates decades later.
2. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds in The Breakfast Club
Released in 1985, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds became the unofficial anthem for The Breakfast Club. The song topped charts around the world and remains a classic, instantly bringing back memories of the film’s ending where Judd Nelson’s character walks across the football field, fist in the air. The Breakfast Club boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%, widely praised for its honest look at teenage life.
The film’s success was due to its relatable characters and sharp dialogue, but “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” played a huge part in cementing its legacy. It’s hard to imagine the film’s ending without it—the song captured the essence of teenage uncertainty and solidarity. The song’s success on the charts paralleled the movie’s critical success, proving that sometimes, the right track can take a film to the next level.
3. “My Sharona” – The Knack in Reality Bites
“My Sharona” by The Knack was a late 70s rock hit that found new life in Reality Bites (1994), a film that attempted to capture Generation X’s disillusionment. The scene where Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke dance to “My Sharona” in a convenience store became one of the movie’s most memorable moments. The song’s beat and rebellious feel made it perfect for this slice-of-life film. Reality Bites has a lukewarm Rotten Tomatoes rating of 66%, though it’s considered a cult classic by fans.
The Knack never repeated the success of “My Sharona,” but the song’s infectious beat brought energy to Reality Bites. The film’s reviews were mixed, but the soundtrack, especially “My Sharona,” helped it become a memorable piece of 90s culture. While critics may not have loved the film, the song added a spark that resonated with audiences.
4. “I’m a Believer” – Smash Mouth in Shrek
Originally a hit for The Monkees, “I’m a Believer” got a major resurgence when Smash Mouth’s version played in Shrek (2001). This fun, feel-good track helped wrap up the movie on a high note, as characters dance along in celebration. The movie was a smash hit, with a 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its humor, animation, and appeal to both kids and adults.
While Smash Mouth didn’t vanish immediately, “I’m a Believer” became their most memorable song. In Shrek, it perfectly fit the film’s quirky, playful vibe. The upbeat track matched the movie’s positive tone, and its popularity on the charts bolstered the film’s cultural impact. The song didn’t make Shrek a hit, but it certainly added to the fun, cementing the film’s appeal across generations.
5. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees in Saturday Night Fever
While not exactly a one-hit wonder for the Bee Gees, “Stayin’ Alive” is often their most recognized song, especially because of Saturday Night Fever (1977). The disco track became the ultimate dance-floor anthem and helped the movie showcase the disco era. The Bee Gees’ song topped charts worldwide and continues to be synonymous with disco. Meanwhile, Saturday Night Fever earned an 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its music and gritty look at 70s nightlife.
“Stayin’ Alive” was critical to the film’s success—it wasn’t just background music; it was a character in itself. The track played a huge role in the film’s appeal and brought the Bee Gees massive fame. This pairing showed how a song and a movie can amplify each other, turning both into cultural landmarks.