Music

Best 80s movie songs

Discover the most iconic and memorable musical hits from 1980s cinema. This collection features popular tracks that defined a generation of films, including chart-topping singles, power ballads, and synth-pop anthems from classic soundtracks. Explore the greatest musical moments that enhanced beloved movies and became cultural touchstones, perfect for fans of retro film music and nostalgic pop culture.

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  1. 1

    Purple Rain (Purple Rain, 1984)

    491 Global Votes
    • Won Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

      (+4)

    The title track from Prince's semi-autobiographical film, it's a powerful and emotional rock ballad that became one of his signature songs. The soundtrack went thirteen times platinum, cementing its monumental hit status.

  2. 2

    Ghostbusters (Main Theme) (1984)

    26 Global Votes
    • Theme song for the 1984 film Ghostbusters

      (+3)

    An instantly recognizable, catchy, and fun theme song that became a massive pop culture phenomenon. It's an indelible part of cinema history and continues to be a beloved novelty song.

  3. 3

    Maniac (1983)

    11 Global Votes
    • Included on the soundtrack of the 1983 film Flashdance

      (+4)

    Another high-energy dance track from the *Flashdance* soundtrack that became a major hit. It's a popular dance-pop song that, along with 'Flashdance...What a Feeling,' made the soundtrack a huge success.

  4. 4

    Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) (1981)

    8 Global Votes
    • Won Academy Award for Best Original Song

      (+4)

    A smooth, Grammy and Academy Award-winning soft rock song that perfectly captured the romantic comedy's tone. It's a well-loved song that defined the early 80s sound and won major awards.

  5. 5

    Take My Breath Away (1986)

    5 Global Votes
    • Written for the 1986 film Top Gun

      (+4)

    A romantic power ballad that won an Academy Award and became a signature song for the love story in *Top Gun*. It perfectly complements the film's visuals and emotional depth, remaining a classic 80s ballad.

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  7. 6

    Footloose (1984)

    5 Global Votes
    • Features a hits-packed soundtrack

      (+2)

    An energetic and infectious dance-pop song that embodies the spirit of rebellion and freedom in the film. Kenny Loggins was a 'soundtrack stalwart' in the 80s, and this song is a prime example of his contribution.

  8. 7

    (I've Had) The Time of My Life (1987)

    2 Global Votes
    • Theme song for the 1987 film Dirty Dancing

      (+2)

    An iconic duet that culminates the emotional arc of *Dirty Dancing* and became a massive hit, winning an Academy Award and a Grammy. It remains a beloved song for its romantic and nostalgic appeal.

  9. 8

    Glory of Love (1986)

    2 Global Votes
    • Theme song for The Karate Kid Part II

      (+3)

    A soft rock ballad that served as the theme for *The Karate Kid Part II*, capturing its romantic and emotional elements. It's a memorable 80s power ballad and a key song from a popular film franchise.

  10. 9

    Eye Of The Tiger

    0 Global Votes
    • Written as theme song for Rocky III

      (+4)

    This empowering rock anthem became synonymous with determination and overcoming challenges, perfectly fitting the *Rocky* franchise. It remains an enduring motivational song and a classic example of 80s movie music synergy.

  11. 10

    The Power Of Love (1985)

    0 Global Votes
    • Written for the soundtrack of Back to the Future

      (+4)

    This feel-good, upbeat track perfectly encapsulates the optimistic spirit of *Back to the Future* and the decade. It's a classic movie song inextricably linked to one of the most iconic films of the 80s.

  12. 11

    Don't You (Forget About Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became an enduring hit for Simple Minds

      (+4)

    The definitive anthem for 80s teen movies, capturing themes of youth, identity, and connection. Its immense popularity and emotional resonance make it a timeless classic, especially for fans of John Hughes films.

  13. 12

    Danger Zone

    0 Global Votes
    • Hit single from Top Gun soundtrack

      (+2)

    A high-energy rock track that perfectly sets the tone for the aerial action sequences in *Top Gun*. It's an essential part of the *Top Gun* legacy and a classic example of 80s action movie music.

  14. 13

    Axel F (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Inescapable theme song of Beverly Hills Cop

      (+1)

    An instrumental synth-pop track that became instantly recognizable and synonymous with the action-comedy vibe of *Beverly Hills Cop*. It's a classic instrumental theme that defined the sound of 80s action films.

  15. 14

    In Your Eyes (1989)

    0 Global Votes
    • Soundtracked an iconic movie scene

      (+1)

    Famous for the iconic boombox scene in *Say Anything...*, this song became a symbol of grand romantic gestures. It's a critically acclaimed song that gained immense cultural significance through its use in the film.

  16. 15

    Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Iconic power ballad

      (+4)

    A powerful and emotional ballad that became a major hit, often more popular than the movie itself. It's a classic Phil Collins track and a prime example of a theme song that outshone its film.

  17. 16

    Up Where We Belong

    0 Global Votes
    • Theme song for the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman

      (+2)

    A powerful and romantic duet that won an Academy Award and a Grammy, becoming an iconic love theme for *An Officer and a Gentleman*. It's a timeless ballad that remains a staple of romantic movie music.

  18. 17

    The NeverEnding Story (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Title song from the 1984 film

      (+4)

    A whimsical and memorable synth-pop theme song that perfectly suited the fantasy film. It's a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up with the film and its distinctive sound.