My Favorite Songs Written for the Movies

[Gideon58]

https://d1hekt5vpuuw9b.cloudfront.net/assets/article/170eb4b7a840c22a38e084e547d3bf82_songs-rhymes-universal-lede-580x326_featuredImage.jpg
I need to offer a little more detail regarding exactly what this list is about. Movies are filled with musical interludes, but a lot of times the music utilized was not created for that specific film. I don't know if this is news, but two of MGM's best musicals, Singin in the Rain and The Band Wagon, primarily feature songs that originated other places...outside of the ballets that conclude both films, there was only one song in each film that was written for the two films (don't want to spoil their appearance on this list) and they will appear here (one was on a previous list, hope I can find the other one). A lot of musicals are film adaptations of Broadway musicals so none of those songs will be appearing on this list either. The songs listed here are all songs that were written specifically for the movie moment which I have mounted here...these songs made their first appearance in these movies and the movies that will make this list aren't all musicals either (can you say Bond?). The following is a list of my favorite songs written SPECIFICALLY for a movie.

[Gideon58]

100.

"Isn't this Better?" from Funny Lady

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQRkjwhE1DI

John Kander and Fred Ebb, who usually wrote for Liza Minnelli, were persuaded to write for Streisand in the 1975 sequel to Funny Girl and came up with this moving ballad, which finds Fanny weighing the comfort factor in her relationship with Billy (James Caan) that she didn't have with Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif).

[Gideon58]

99.

"Raindrops keep falling on my Head", Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_5l6rIUu4A&list=RDP_5l6rIUu4A#t=13

The Oscar winning song was the absolute perfect background for this classic scene with Paul Newman and Katharine Ross.

[Gideon58]

98.

"You're Gonna Hear from Me" from Inside Daisy Clover

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOrtClx0V5o

Natalie Wood was no Streisand, but I always liked this song by Andre and Dory Previn.

[gbgoodies]

74.

"Raindrops keep falling on my Head", Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_5l6rIUu4A&list=RDP_5l6rIUu4A#t=13

The Oscar winning song was the absolute perfect background for this classic scene with Paul Newman and Katharine Ross.


I didn't know that "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" was an original song for the movie. I heard the song before I saw the movie, so I just assumed that it was a popular song that was used in the movie.

[Captain Steel]

I didn't know that "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" was an original song for the movie. I heard the song before I saw the movie, so I just assumed that it was a popular song that was used in the movie.

Same! I remember seeing the movie and thinking it strange that they'd put this (then modern) pop song in what was supposed to be a Western. I remember thinking it didn't fit - now come to find out it was made for the movie!

[Gideon58]

97.

"Gay Paree" from Victor/Victoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNn-rL_hCAU

Robert Preston, playing the character who topped my list of favorite LBGT characters, made this opening number from the film, written by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, something special.

[Gideon58]

96.

"Teacher's Pet" from Teacher's Pet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc7g96GYBx0

The theme song from Doris Day's 1958 romantic comedy with Clark Gable was also a top 40 hit for Doris.

[Gideon58]

95.

"Going Courtin" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0xxT0glNsQ

In this number from the 1954 musical, Milly (Jane Powell) tries to teach her six new brothers-in-law some manners and the proper way to romance a woman.

[Gideon58]

94.

"Happy Endings" from New York New York

https://vimeo.com/90475874

This epic production from the 1977 musical bears more than a passing resemblance to a number in Liza's mom's A Star is Born called "Born in a Trunk."

[Gideon58]

93.

"Skyfall" from Skyfall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeumyOzKqgI

Adele won an Oscar for writing this James Bond theme...and her performance of the song isn't bad either.

[gbgoodies]

94.

"Happy Endings" from New York New York

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdI69RJT4wA

God, I wish I could have found this actual scene...this epic production from the 1977 musical bears more than a passing resemblance to a number in Liza's mom's A Star is Born called "Born in a Trunk."


I haven't seen the movie New York, New York, but is this the scene you're looking for?

https://vimeo.com/90475874

[Gideon58]

92.

"Better Luck Next Time" from Easter Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ff2rs_KG4g

I've lost track of how many times I've watched this movie, but one thing I know is that every time I watch Judy Garland do this Irving Berlin ballad, it absolutely destroys me.

[Camo]

Oh wow, i had no idea Raindrops was written for Butch Cassidy thanks for that :up:.

Love that scene since my second favourite Simpsons ending is a parody of it:

http://i67.tinypic.com/dfais.jpg

[Gideon58]

91.

"A View to a Kill" from A View to a Kill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWVbVT3igdw

Another great Bond theme that was a top 40 hit for Duran Duran.

[Citizen Rules]

Another fine list Gideon. Many songs I love, especially the Duran Duran song.

[Gideon58]

90.

"Something Good" from The Sound of Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UetJAFogqE4

This lovely duet was written especially for the film by Richard Rodgers. I'm assuming that someone felt that a duet between the hero and heroine was needed.

[Gideon58]

Another fine list Gideon. Many songs I love, especially the Duran Duran song.
Stay tuned Citizen...you have to know that there's more Seven Brides for Seven Brothers coming,

[Citizen Rules]

Ahh, the gazebo scene, that might be one of the best scenes in the movie, loved that one.

[TONGO]

I knew it was written for Butch Cassidy, and glad its on here. though I thought it should be higher but ill take it

[gbgoodies]

90.

"Something Good" from The Sound of Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UetJAFogqE4

This lovely duet was written especially for the film by Richard Rodgers. I'm assuming that someone felt that a duet between the hero and heroine was needed.


This is one of my favorite songs from the movie. :up:

[Citizen Rules]

Stay tuned Citizen...you have to know that there's more Seven Brides for Seven Brothers coming, I thought so! There's a song from that movie that just cracks me up when I think of it. Wonderfully funny lyrics. I won't spoil it by mentioning it.:p

[Gideon58]

89.

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzmggUAqePY

This song, written by John Farrar, was written especially for the film version of this musical and was also a huge top 40 hit for Olivia Newton-John.

[Gideon58]

88.

"The Man Who Invented Love" from The Pajama Game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJJ9Cneanww

Richard Adler wrote this song especially for Doris Day for the film version of The Pajama Game, sadly, it was cut from the film before it was released, but it fits the thread and anytime with Doris is well spent.

[Gideon58]

87.

"Lovely Lonely Man" from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpFgoyqxDSI

I've always had a weakness for this underrated love song written by Richard M Sherman and Robert B. Sherman for one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

[Gideon58]

86.

Bless Your Beautiful Hide" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7OJs10y5t0

Howard Keel's rich baritone was perfect for this lusty opening number written by Johnny Mercer and Gene DePaul.

[Gideon58]

85.

"Mack the Black" from The Pirate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJWTRK2yObU

It was a box office disaster, but the film offered Judy singing a handful of great songs written by Cole Porter, including this one, which really gets my blood pumping.

[Citizen Rules]

86.Bless Your Beautiful Hide" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Yup, that's the song I was thinking of! Good to see it here.

85."Mack the Black" from The Pirate No one seems to like The Pirate, I do. It's a good visual representation of Vincente Minnelli's art direction skills. Lots of great dance numbers by Gene Kelley and songs too.

[Gideon58]

84.

"Whistling Away the Dark" from Darling Lili

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0of8-MxqVRY

The best thing about this dreadful movie was this lovely song written by Henry Mancini and flawlessly performed by Julie Andrews.

[WSSlover]

Climb Every Mountain, from Sound of Music

West Side Story--the following songs, in no particular order:

America
Cool
Jet Song/Prologue
Dance at the Gyn (scene, not a song)
I Have a Love
Tonight
Officer Krupke
Ensemble

South Pacific: Corny as Kansas in August
I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair
There is Nothing Like a Dame


Oklahoma:Many a New Day
I Cain't Say No
Pore Jud


(in no particular order:
My Fair Lady:
I]With a Little Bit of Luck
On the Street Where You Live
I Could've Danced All Night.[/I]
[

Breakfast At Tiffany's: Moon River

[Gideon58]

83.

"How Lucky Can You Get?" from Funny Lady

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7NLx2iUXuU

Kander and Ebb received an Oscar nomination for this Barbra Streisand showstopper.

[Gideon58]

Climb Every Mountain, from Sound of Music

West Side Story--the following songs, in no particular order:

America
Cool
Jet Song/Prologue
Dance at the Gyn (scene, not a song)
I Have a Love
Tonight
Officer Krupke
Ensemble

South Pacific: Corny as Kansas in August
I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair
There is Nothing Like a Dame


Oklahoma:Many a New Day
I Cain't Say No
Pore Jud


(in no particular order:
My Fair Lady:
I]With a Little Bit of Luck
On the Street Where You Live
I Could've Danced All Night.[/I]
[

Breakfast At Tiffany's: Moon River
OK, I don't know if you read the opening of my thread and understand what this thread is about, but out of all the songs you have listed here, the only one that fits this thread is "Moon River". All the other songs you have listed were originally performed on a Broadway stage, not in a movie.

[Gideon58]

82.

"Pillow Talk" from Pillow Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-BG1URUTI0

Another title tune from Doris Day that became a huge single for her.

[Gideon58]

81.

"The Inquisition" from History of the World Part I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZegQYgygdw

This comic confection written by Mel Brooks makes a third appearance on one of my threads.

[Gideon58]

80.

"A Couple of Swells" from Easter Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQdzrJUb-yE

This delightful duet performed by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, written by Irving Berlin, is probably the most famous song in the movie...Judy loved this song so much that she continued to perform it in concert tours for years, dressed in full tramp makeup and costume.

[Gideon58]

79.

"That's Entertainment" from The Band Wagon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6gX37d2eP8

This is one of the songs I mentioned in my opening post...this is the only song featured in the classic musical that was written specifically for this movie. This song developed a life of its own and even became the title of an MGM movie franchise package.

[Gideon58]

78.

"Doll on a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious" from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFMCrSYVN3A

My favorite musical moment in this movie, written by Richard M Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

[Gideon58]

77.

"Love of My Life" from The Pirate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmoiMQ0-3QY

Judy Garland's voice is just thrilling on this Cole Porter tune.

[The Gunslinger45]

81.

"The Inquisition" from History of the World Part I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZegQYgygdw

This comic confection written by Mel Brooks makes a third appearance on one of my threads.

One of my favorite musical bits!

[Gideon58]

76.

"But the World Goes Round" from New York New York

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZy3iF3z6Qs

Liza Minnelli stopped the show again in another number from the 1977 musical written by John Kander and Fred Ebb. This number spooked me the first time I saw it because I couldn't get over how much Liza resembles her mother in this scene.

[Gideon58]

75.

"You Can't Win" from The Wiz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPVpMxVn6mk

Don't get me wrong...I hated this movie and the late Michael Jackson's whiny performance was one of the worst things in the movie, but Jacko nailed this number written especially for the movie, replacing the Scarecrow's song in the Broadway show called "I was Born on the day before Yesterday.". The song was written by Charlie Smalls who composed the rest of the score.

[Captain Steel]

#96. Teacher's Pet...

I can't hear this song without remembering a scene from Waiting for Guffman...
It's just a short clip during the auditions montage, when Parker Posey's character does a very sexy rendition of this song for her audition! The looks on the judges' faces are classic.

[Gideon58]

74.

"Die Another Day" from Die Another Die

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXXEpNa3CqQ

This Bond theme performed by Madonna also made my favorite dance music thread.

[gbgoodies]

Great list so far. I've repped a bunch of my favorite songs.

Thanks for including a couple of great songs that I've never heard before. :up:

"The Man Who Invented Love" from The Pajama Game
"Whistling Away the Dark" from Darling Lili

[Gideon58]

#96. Teacher's Pet...

I can't hear this song without remembering a scene from Waiting for Guffman...
It's just a short clip during the auditions montage, when Parker Posey's character does a very sexy rendition of this song for her audition! The looks on the judges' faces are classic.
Yes, I remember Parker Posey doing "Teacher's Pet", it was hysterical.

[Gideon58]

73.

"Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2pt2-F2j2g

Always had a soft spot for this slightly sentimental song written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1971 musical fantasy.

[Gideon58]

Great list so far. I've repped a bunch of my favorite songs.

Thanks for including a couple of great songs that I've never heard before. :up:

"The Man Who Invented Love" from The Pajama Game
"Whistling Away the Dark" from Darling Lili
"Whistling Away the Dark" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and Julie Andrews nails it. I'm so glad that someone else appreciates it, that's why I like doing threads like this to introduce people to stuff they may have missed or didn't know...thanks to this thread, there are three MoFo's out there who are now aware that "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" was from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance...I was actually shocked that there were people who didn't know that.

[Gideon58]

72.

"For Your Eyes Only" from For Your Eyes Only

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YMelR8Dyc

To be honest with you, I am not a big fan of Bond movies, but God, I love some of the theme songs...whatever happened to Sheena Easton?

[Gideon58]

71.

"You Must Love Me" from Evita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCSEM5xpIx0

This song was written by the show's composers, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for Madonna and won the Oscar that year for Best Song. I suspect they wanted to give Madonna something to sing in the movie that was actually in her range. When the show was revived on Broadway in 2012, they actually put this song in the production.

[Gideon58]

70.

"High Anxiety" from High Anxiety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFu4Wwp7ObU

It turns out what had posted here was not the actual scene at all, just the beginning of it, so here's the recording of the song anyway.

[gbgoodies]

72.

"For Your Eyes Only" from For Your Eyes Only

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35YMelR8Dyc

To be honest with you, I am not a big fan of Bond movies, but God, I love some of the theme songs...whatever happened to Sheena Easton?


According to her official website (http://www.sheenaeaston.com/tour.html), Sheena Easton is finishing up her current tour. These are the last two concerts of her tour:

July 15, 2016 - Golden Nugget Casino (Atlantic City, NJ)
August 21, 2016 - The Spy Who Love Me (with the Pacific Symphony) (Irvine, CA)

[Gideon58]

According to her official website (http://www.sheenaeaston.com/tour.html), Sheena Easton is finishing up her current tour. These are the last two concerts of her tour:

July 15, 2016 - Golden Nugget Casino (Atlantic City, NJ)
August 21, 2016 - The Spy Who Love Me (with the Pacific Symphony) (Irvine, CA)
Glad to hear that she's still performing.

[Gideon58]

69.

"Out Here On My Own" from Fame

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4mkRwkQRoQ

Irene Cara performed this Oscar nominated song written by Michael and Lesley Gore for the surprise hit 1980 musical. The song lost the Oscar to the title tune from the same film.

[cricket]

I used to love Sheena Easton, and For Your Eyes Only is a great choice.

[Gideon58]

68.

"All the Way" from The Joker is Wild

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnh1P-a5JA8

This song written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Husen won the Oscar for Best Song of 1957 and there's really nothing to say about Sinatra here...he's Sinatra.

[Gideon58]

67.

"The Boy Next Door" from Meet Me in St. Louis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWVd_nko9Jw

This song, written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, is another one of those Judy Garland onscreen moments that always finds me wiping away a tear no matter how many times I watch it, not to mention the fact that I don't think Judy has ever looked more beautiful onscreen.

[Gideon58]

66.

"I Have Confidence" from The Sound of Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfF6lLEByZc

This is the other song written by Richard Rodgers especially for the film and my personal favorite musical moment in the movie...sorry I couldn't find the actual scene.

[Gideon58]

65.

"High Hopes" from A Hole in the Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkH5-Wg47_8

Long before Laverne and Shirley adopted it, Frank Sinatra and Eddie Hodges introduced the 1959 Oscar winner for Best Song.

[Gideon58]

64.

"We Don't Need Another Hero" from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq4aOaDXIfY

Once Tina Turner agreed to appear in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, it was a no-brainer that she provide a theme song.

[Gideon58]

63.

"Sisters" from White Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG7x8HWbDzU

Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen helped to make this Irving Berlin tune a highlight of the 1954 classic. Trudy Stevens is actually singing for Vera-Ellen.

[Gideon58]

62.

"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU8tQpCZEzg

Doris Day makes a pop standard out of a song written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster that won the Oscar for Best Song of 1953.

[Citizen Rules]

65."High Hopes" from A Hole in the Head

Long before Laverne and Shirley adopted it, Frank Sinatra and Eddie Hodges introduced the 1959 Oscar winner for Best Song. A million reps! for referencing Laverne & Shirley.:)

63."Sisters" from White Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG7x8HWbDzU

Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen helped to make this Irving Berlin tune a highlight of the 1954 classic. Trudy Stevens is actually singing for Vera-Ellen. Great song, love Vera-Ellen as a dancer but in White Christmas she is so, so thin, it's hard to look at her. She doesn't seem healthy.

Great countdown, lots of songs I love from wonderful musicals...and a few musicals I have never seen.

[Gideon58]

A million reps! for referencing Laverne & Shirley.:)

Great song, love Vera-Ellen as a dancer but in White Christmas she is so, so thin, it's hard to look at her. She doesn't seem healthy.

Great countdown, lots of songs I love from wonderful musicals...and a few musicals I have never seen.
Yeah, every time I watch White Christmas, I get the feeling I could wrap my hand around her entire waist, or what there is of it...the woman had no waist at all, at least in that movie. Glad you're enjoying the countdown Citizen, there are a few surprises coming that are specifically for you.

[Gideon58]

61.

"Fame" from Fame (1980)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yDrLZTgs08

The title song for the 1980 musical, written by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, won the Oscar for Best Song of 1980.

[gbgoodies]

66.

"I Have Confidence" from The Sound of Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfF6lLEByZc

This is the other song written by Richard Rodgers especially for the film and my personal favorite musical moment in the movie...sorry I couldn't find the actual scene.


I don't know if there's a way to post this actual video in the thread, but I think this is a link to the clip that you're looking for. It's on Rodgers & Hammerstein's website.

http://www.rnh.com/videos.html?video=109&gallery=170&vpg=7

[gbgoodies]

65.

"High Hopes" from A Hole in the Head

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkH5-Wg47_8

Long before Laverne and Shirley adopted it, Frank Sinatra and Eddie Hodges introduced the 1959 Oscar winner for Best Song.


I've heard Sinatra sing this song, but I never knew that it was from a movie. I added this movie to my watchlist.

[gbgoodies]

62.

"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU8tQpCZEzg

Doris Day makes a pop standard out of a song written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster that won the Oscar for Best Song of 1953.


I love this song. It's one of my favorite songs in the movie. :up:

[Gideon58]

60.

"I Love to Laugh" from Mary Poppins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RTokqMhAuE

You had to know that songs from this movie would appear here eventually...even though this number, written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, is centered around Uncle Albert (Ed Wynn), I think Van Dyke very subtly steals this entire scene, but judge for yourself,

[Gideon58]

59.

"You Should be Dancing" from Saturday Night Fever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0lm58cet1g

This song composed by the BeeGees, was the backdrop for the scene that probably made John Travolta an official movie star and was part of the #1 best selling movie soundtrack of all time.

[Gideon58]

58.

"You're Just Too Too" from Les Girls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0ABk_eQcgY

This fun-loving duet, written by Cole Porter, is my favorite number from the severely underrated 1957 musical...Kay Kendall was amazing.

[Gideon58]

57.

"Money, Money" from Cabaret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8P80A8vy9I

This duet written for the movie by John Kander and Fred Ebb is a re-working of a song in the original Broadway score called "Sitting Pretty." During the scene in the movie where Sally (Liza Minnelli) and Max (Helmut Griem) return from shopping and Max gives Brian (Michael York) the cigarette case, "Sitting Pretty" is playing in the background.

[Gideon58]

56.

"Take Off with Us/Airotica" from All that Jazz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rv4IvjaC78

This number topped my favorite dance number thread but I wanted to recognize it here because it is the one song in the movie that was written for the movie by Stanley Lebowsky and Fred Tobias. If you missed it on my other thread, you've never seen anything quite like this.

[Camo]

Sorry i haven't been commenting on this, so many of the songs are from musicals i haven't seen and some of the ones i have heard just aren't for me.

So far i've heard and liked Raindrops, For Your Eyes Only, We Don't Need Another Hero You Should Be Dancing and Pure Imagination.

[honeykid]

I'm not a fan of musicals or the songs, but you've got to have rep for Fame and You Should Be Dancing because they're both brilliant.

[Gideon58]

Sorry i haven't been commenting on this, so many of the songs are from musicals i haven't seen and some of the ones i have heard just aren't for me.

So far i've heard and liked Raindrops, For Your Eyes Only, We Don't Need Another Hero You Should Be Dancing and Pure Imagination.
It's OK, Camo, I just hope the list motivates you to check out some of the films that you haven't seen.

[Gideon58]

55.

"I'm Tired" from Blazing Saddles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIb5872TLXo

This song, written by Mel Brooks, was #1 on my list of favorite musical moments in non-musical films...Madeline Kahn was golden here, God, I miss her.

[Gideon58]

54.

"Nobody Does it Better" from The Spy Who Loved Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNA7DcVppEs

This Oscar-winning Bond theme, flawlessly performed by Carly Simon, was written by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer.

[Gideon58]

53.

"The Woman in the Moon" from A Star is Born (1976)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ1WjrA5L0s

"Evergreen" is the song that everyone remembers from this movie, but I love this one too, written by Kenneth Ascher and Paul Williams.

[Gideon58]

52.

"Jolly Holiday" from Mary Poppins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy7XEMeBROQ

This magical blend of live action and animation written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman is a definite highlight of my favorite movie.

[Gideon58]

51.

"Lonesome Polecat" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ChstJwEjIA

As some may recall, this song, written by Johnny Mercer and Gene DePaul, is my favorite musical moment in the 1954 musical...this number is just hypnotic...everything works here.

[Gideon58]

50.

"Mr. Monotony" from Easter Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0VnDIqlOfI

For reasons I will never understand, this Irving Berlin solo, flawlessly performed by Judy Garland in the 1948 musical, was cut from the film prior to release. It did inspire a little something Judy did a couple of years later in a film called Summer Stock called "Get Happy."

[WSSlover]

OK, I don't know if you read the opening of my thread and understand what this thread is about, but out of all the songs you have listed here, the only one that fits this thread is "Moon River". All the other songs you have listed were originally performed on a Broadway stage, not in a movie.

Sorry about that, Gideon. I assumed that you meant any movie, since the other ones I mentioned, although they were Broadway musicals, were movies, as well.

One favorite song from a regular movie was Somewhere My Love, from the film Dr. Zhivago.

Another favorite song that was written for and is from a regular movie is the theme song, Born Free, from the movie Born Free.

[Gideon58]

Sorry about that, Gideon. I assumed that you meant any movie, since the other ones I mentioned, although they were Broadway musicals, were movies, as well.

One favorite song from a regular movie was Somewhere My Love, from the film Dr. Zhivago.

Another favorite song that was written for and is from a regular movie is the theme song, Born Free, from the movie Born Free.
I hate "Born Free"...not the movie, the song...hate it with a white hot passion.

[Citizen Rules]

50.

"Mr. Monotony" from Easter Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0VnDIqlOfI

For reasons I will never understand, this Irving Berlin solo, flawlessly performed by Judy Garland in the 1948 musical, was cut from the film prior to release. It did inspire a little something Judy did a couple of years later in a film called Summer Stock called "Get Happy." I love, love..that song and production number! It's totally sad it was cut from the movie, what a lost. I believe I heard it was never used in another movie...and that it was Irving Berlin's favorite number from the movie.

[Gideon58]

I love, love..that song and production number! It's totally sad it was cut from the movie, what a lost. I believe I heard it was never used in another movie...and that it was Irving Berlin's favorite number from the movie.
I posted this one with you in mind, Citizen...this and "Lonesome Polecat."

[Camo]

Nobody Does It Better is great :up:

[Citizen Rules]

I like all the Bond songs too.

[Gideon58]

49.

"Be Our Guest", Beauty and the Beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afzmwAKUppU&list=RDafzmwAKUppU

This showstopping Broadway-style number, written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, from the first animated film to receive a Best Picture nomination was headlined by an enchanted candlestick (voiced by Jerry Orbach).

[Gideon58]

48.

"Grease" from Grease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phwOOmFYudU

The original 1971 Broadway musical did not have a title song but they felt one was needed when the musical came to the screen seven years later and went to Bee Gee Barry Gibb to write it and the legendary Frankie Valli to sing it.

[Gideon58]

47.

"How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You When You Know I've Been a Liar All my Life? from Royal Wedding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q2fTSo8aoY

Next to Astaire dancing on the ceiling, the most memorable musical number in this 1951 MGM musical was this duet performed by Fred Astaire and Jane Powell and written by Alan Jay Lerner and Burton Lane.

[Gideon58]

46.

"She is not Thinking of Me" from Gigi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDhqhSrvp8s

Personally, I think this 1958 musical with music by Lerner and Lowe that won nine Oscars including Best Picture is SEVERELY overrated but there were a couple of numbers in the film I liked including this one where Louis Jourdan proved, like Rex Harrison did in My Fair Lady, that you don't necessarily have to know how to sing to sell a song...and Eva Gabor was just beautiful in this scene.

[Gideon58]

45.

"I Fall in Love too Easily" from Anchors Aweigh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UesYWymYKBE

This dreamy ballad from the 1945 MGM musical was one of Sinatra's best musical movie moments but, for some reason, this number has been deleted from most existing prints of the film, but I had to include it here...I love the setting here, alone onstage in the empty Hollywood Bowl.

[Gideon58]

44.

"Friendly Star" from Summer Stock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxOQezDiIZE

Another tear jerking ballad from Garland in her final MGM musical...I don't know where I remember reading this and I'm not sure if it's true, but I read somewhere that after shooting this number (which Judy did in one take, like she always did), director Charles Walters claims to have had an orgasm.

[Gideon58]

43.

"Beauty and the Beast(Tale as Old as Time)" from Beauty and the Beast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ0ODCMC6xs

The Oscar winning Best Song of 1991 sung by Mrs. Potts, voiced by four time Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury.

[Gideon58]

42.

"Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axZ6mG__ZqU

I love the intricacy of the vocal arrangement that Alan Menken and Howard Ashman created here...it has almost a barbershop quartet quality to it.

[Gideon58]

41.

"Chicago Illinois" from Victor/Victoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om_fsyY3pc0

One of the best parts of Lesley Ann Warren's Oscar-nominated performance in the 1982 musical was this brassy nightclub number written by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse.

[Gideon58]

40.

"The Main Event (Fight)" from The Main Event

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaz-5VhDRTc

The 1978 film was pretty bad, but the title tune, written by Paul Jabara, Bruce Roberts, and Rob Esty and performed by Barbra Streisand, RULES!!!!

[Gideon58]

39.

Make 'em Laugh" from Singin in the Rain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO-FXFfhsEc

Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown wrote the only song in this movie that was written especially for this movie. Donald O'Connor is, of course, comic perfection and I wonder now and then how he came out of this number without any broken bones.

[Gideon58]

38.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Meet Me in St. Louis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yudgy30Dd68

A lot of people probably don't know that one of our most beloved Christmas songs was introduced in the 1944 MGM musical. Written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, I have heard hundreds and hundreds of artists cover this song over the years, but no one has ever moved me with this song the way Judy Garland did...there was no one like her and this is another one where I have to have kleenex close by.

[Gideon58]

37.

"Fidelity Feduciary Bank" from Mary Poppins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk23s4hh8M8

This overlooked gem from the Disney classic makes this list due to the BRILLIANT lyrics by the Sherman brothers and golden work from David Tomlinson as Mr. Banks and Dick Van Dyke as the elder Mr. Dawes.

[Gideon58]

36.

"Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC_mV1IpjWA

This breezy tune by Howard Ashman and Alan Mencken won the Oscar for Best Song and Samuel Wright's memorable vocals didn't hurt.

[Gideon58]

35.

"If I Were King of the Forest" from The Wizard of Oz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5L_vh5ZHjI

This song written by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg for the 1939 classic works for one reason...Bert Lahr.

[Gideon58]

34.

"You are the One I Want" from Grease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oKPYe53h78&list=RD7oKPYe53h78#t=5

TPTB behind this film apparently felt the finale in the stage show called "All Choked Up" was not a strong enough finish to the film and they were probably right. This song, written by John Farrar, replaced it and "We Go Together", which was the first act finale on Broadway, was moved behind this number for a double whammy screen finale.

[Gideon58]

33.

"The Rose" from The Rose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR6okRuOLc8

Amanda McBroom wrote this haunting theme song for Bette Midler's first starring role.

[Gideon58]

32.

"You Gotta Have Me Go With You" from A Star is Born (1954)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5RS-RzJ8ME

The opening number from the 1954 classic written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin that sets up the memorable first meeting between Esther Blodgett (Judy Garland) and Norman Maine (James Mason).

[Gideon58]

31.

"You're Sensational" from High Society

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74opxxWdTbU

Don't know which I like better...Sinatra's crooning or the Cole Porter song but it all works.

[Gideon58]

30.

"Big Bottoms" from This is Spinal Tap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjC0vMIrOAk

My favorite song from Rob Reiner's fictional rock and roll band.

[Gideon58]

29.

"In Summer" from Frozen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFatVn1hP3o

One of the most brilliant concepts for a song ever...written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the song is about an animated snowman (voiced by Joshua Gad) who can't wait to experience summer...just brilliant.

[Gideon58]

28.

"I Remember it Well" from Gigi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sISWPzEqHLQ

One of the most famous songs from the Lerner and Lowe score about a reignited romance works because of some clever lyrics and the magic created by two motion picture icons...Hermione Gingold and Maurice Chevalier.

[Gideon58]

27.

"The Way We Were" from The Way We Were

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQlzTkAtxU

Next to "People", probably Streisand's most popular song.

[Gideon58]

26.

"A Spoonful of Sugar" from Mary Poppins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLkp_Dx6VdI

Julie Andrews' crisp diction and rich soprano help to make this number, written by the Sherman brothers work...the scene is also known as "tidying up the nursery."

[Gideon58]

25.

"Toot Sweets" from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX_HljAELcA

Written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert M. Sherman this song contains some really clever wordplay that can easily be overlooked during the spectacle that the production number becomes.

[Gideon58]

24.

"Crazy World" from Victor/Victoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPaRbgDcmYc

The genius that is Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse and the artistry of Julie Andrews make this underrated song a highlight of the film...and I love the way Andrews looks in this scene...few women have worn a tux as well as Andrews does, but Blake Edwards always knew how to make his wife look good.

[Gideon58]

I don't know if there's a way to post this actual video in the thread, but I think this is a link to the clip that you're looking for. It's on Rodgers & Hammerstein's website.

http://www.rnh.com/videos.html?video=109&gallery=170&vpg=7
That is the scene and I tried to copy & paste it into my thread but it wouldn't let me...thanks for locating it for me, though, I really appreciate it at least you've provided a link so that people can see the scene, again, thank you for the research.

[Gideon58]

23.

"You Only Live Twice" from You Only Live Twice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8uYxTJ530

This Bond theme, written by John Barry and sung by Nancy Sinatra, is the red-headed stepchild of Bond themes...it's the one everyone always forgets.

[Gideon58]

22.

"With One More Look at You/Watch Closely Now" from A Star is Born (1976)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inkf7WZJdjc

The finale to Streisand's 1976 remake is one of Streisand's strongest vocal performances.

[Gideon58]

21.

"I Have Nothing" from The Bodyguard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpr2x26FDAg

Everyone remembers "I Will Always Love You" but this song, written by David Foster and Whitney Houston, is my favorite from the film's rich soundtrack.

[Gideon58]

20.

"Le Jazz Hot" from Victor/Victoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdJPAptAa5I&list=RDBdJPAptAa5I#t=4

With the aid of Blake Edwards, Henry Mancini, and Leslie Bricusse, Julie Andrews found her inner sexy here.

[Gideon58]

19.

"The Tender Trap" from The Tender Trap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5JuIV95H4U

Always loved this kicky little tune by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Husen, flawlessly crooned by Ol' Blue Eyes.

[mark f]

23."You Only Live Twice" from You Only Live Twice
You posted some overproduced single from the time. This played in the movie and is far more affecting. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR9N947b3F0

[Gideon58]

I just replaced the one I originally posted... can you check it out?

[Citizen Rules]

What song did you replace Gideon? let me know and I will see if it plays. BTW this is fun countdown, one of these days I'm going to do a mini countdown of my personal favorite songs/numbers from musicals.

[Gideon58]

18.

"Candy Man" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78gt7pfjlCU

This song went practically unnoticed in the movie but it found new life when Sammy Davis Jr. decided to cover it and it became one of his biggest hit records.

[Gideon58]

What song did you replace Gideon? let me know and I will see if it plays. BTW this is fun countdown, one of these days I'm going to do a mini countdown of my personal favorite songs/numbers from musicals.
I replaced You Only Live Twice, somebody said I posted a generic recording of the song and not Nancy Sinatra's theme.

[mark f]

That one's perfect. You get the complete song from the movie both times it's played. 👍 By the way, you initially posted a Nancy Sinatra version of the song, but not the one from the movie.
Signed, somebody :)

[Citizen Rules]

I replaced You Only Live Twice, somebody said I posted a generic recording of the song and not Nancy Sinatra's theme. Yes, it's working and that sounded like Nancy Sinatra to me.

[Captain Steel]

#18. And remember all the times Anthony Newley performed "The Candy Man" on variety shows? It was his song after all since he co-wrote it. But for a "singer" Anthony Newley had one of the most bizarre (& sometimes annoying) singing voices.

[Gideon58]

That one's perfect. You get the complete song from the movie both times it's played. 👍
Thanks for checking

[Gideon58]

Yes, it's working and that sounded like Nancy Sinatra to me.
Thanks Citizen

[Gideon58]

#18. And remember all the times Anthony Newley performed "The Candy Man" on variety shows? It was his song after all since he co-wrote it. But for a "singer" Anthony Newley had one of the most bizarre (& sometimes annoying) singing voices.


No argument regarding Newley's voice...really annoying, but what a writer...this guy has written some of the greatest songs in movies and musical theater..."Candy Man", "Pure Imagination", "What Kind of Fool am I", "Look at that Face", "Who Can I Turn To?".

[Gideon58]

17.

"The Morning After" from The Poseidon Adventure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcLazPauA1c

This song, written by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschorn was not performed completely in the film, but Maureen McGovern's studio recording was one of the biggest selling records of 1972-73 and won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

[Gideon58]

16.

"The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ogQ0uge06o

This song written by the Sherman Brothers was a major highlight of the Disney classic, perfectly performed by Phil Harris.

[gbgoodies]

That is the scene and I tried to copy & paste it into my thread but it wouldn't let me...thanks for locating it for me, though, I really appreciate it at least you've provided a link so that people can see the scene, again, thank you for the research.


You're welcome. :)

[Gideon58]

15.

"Sooner or Later" from Dick Tracy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piIH_6qLsNo

This steamy ballad won Broadway icon Stephen Sondheim the Oscar for Best Song of 1990, performed by Madonna as Breathless Mahoney.

[Gideon58]

14.

"I'm Easy" from Nashville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZ8PRWChb8

This song was the backdrop of my favorite scene of the 1975 classic. Keith Carradine won the Oscar for Best Song for the song he performs in this scene where four different women in the audience think Carradine's character is singing exclusively to them.

[Gideon58]

13.

"(I've Had)The Time of my Life" from Dirty Dancing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9BbUqHrWFI

This song written by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, Donald Markowitz & Franke Previte provided one of cinema's most memorable finales, and won the Oscar for Best Song of 1987.

[Gideon58]

12.

"Lullaby of Broadway" from Golddiggers of 1935

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTgGCBeLZGg

Al Dubin and Harry Warren's song has been one of the most durable creations in the history of music finding reincarnation in several other movies and Broadway shows, but this is where it started, as the Oscar wining Best Song of 1935. This scene also made my favorite dance/choreography thread.

[Gideon58]

11.

"Evergreen" from A Star is Born (1976)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPH6MlsubzA

Barbra Streisand became the first artist to win an Oscar for acting and for songwriting when she and Paul Williams were honored for this song from the 1976 film.

[Gideon58]

10.

"Goldfinger" from Goldfinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D1nK7q2i8I

Probably the most famous Bond theme, written by John Barry, Anthony Newley, and Leslie Bricusse. was performed by Shirley Bassey and became her signature song.

[Gideon58]

9.

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from Mary Poppins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRFHXMQP-QU

This song was robbed of the Oscar for Best Song of 1964 by another song from the same movie ("Chim Chim Cheree"), but Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman deserved the Oscar for creating a word for a song title that became part of pop culture. When Julie Andrews reported to the set of The Sound of Music and met the seven young actors playing the Von Trapp children, the first thing she did to put them at ease was teach them how to say the title of this song backwards.

[Gideon58]

8.

"Papa Can You Hear Me?" from Yentl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwCPAo5e_F8

I have issues with this film, but not with this beautiful song written by Michel Legrand, Marilyn, & Alan Bergman, nor with Streisand's moving performance.

[Gideon58]

7.

"My Heart Goes On" from Titanic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LlVwU8mA0I

Despite its over three and a half hours running time, this song, written by James Horner and Will Jennings, was not performed in its entirety until the closing credits. Celine Dion became a recording star with her rendition of the Oscar winning song that got so much radio play that there was a time even I got tired of hearing it, but it's an amazing song.

[Gideon58]

6.

"Live and Let Die" from Live and Let Die

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swVoXHVW-jI

My final Bond theme entry on this list and my personal favorite James Bond theme song written by Paul and Linda McCartney and performed by Paul McCartney and Wings.

[Gideon58]

5.

"New York, New York" from New York New York

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLeC9RvrKrU

This iconic song written by John Kander and Fred Ebb was robbed of the Oscar for Best Song of 1977, hell, it didn't even get a nomination. The song was adopted by Manhattan as its personal anthem but really didn't get the attention it deserved until a certain blue-eyed crooner who is no longer with us decided to cover it and it became a monster hit, but it's like I always say, stick to the original.

[Gideon58]

4.

"White Christmas" from Holiday Inn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDMxGl6bktY

The Irving Berlin classic was performed by der Bingle for the first time in this 1942 film.

[Gideon58]

3.

"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

Maybe the most famous song originating in a movie ever...written by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg and performed by a 17 year old Judy Garland, there's nothing else to say but, if you haven't watched it in awhile, enjoy.

[Gideon58]

2.

"Maybe this Time" from Cabaret

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udmjmfp98Sw

John Kander and Fred Ebb wrote this song especially for Liza Minnelli for the film version of their musical. This song made such an impact that about 20 year ago, when I appeared in a production of Cabaret, we added "Maybe this time" to the show.

Now, that I'm down to #2, I realize that I could have doubled this list...the well of songs I discovered researching this list was endless and to prove it, here are some honorable mentions:

"The Way You Look Tonight" from SWING TIME
"They Can't take that away from Me" from SHALL WE DANCE
"Thanks for the Memory" from THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1938
"When You Wish Upon a Star" from PINNOCHIO
"On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" from THE HARVEY GIRLS
"Moon River" from BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S
"Arthur's Theme (The Best that you Can Do)" from ARTHUR
"Friend Like Me" from ALADDIN
"Let it Go" from FROZEN
"9 to 5" from 9 TO 5


And now, my # 1 favorite song written for a movie:

[Camo]

Live and Let Die and Over The Rainbow :up:

[Camo]

Just went through the rest of your list. I liked a lot more in the second half :up:

[Gideon58]

1.

"The Man that Got Away" from A Star is Born (1954)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzyPMRo8ZUQ

Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin were robbed of the Oscar for Best Song just as Judy Garland was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar. The performance of this song makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...Judy Garland has never been more riveting onscreen than she during the performance of this number...maybe my # 1 movie musical moment period, takes my breath away every time I watch it.





Hope you enjoyed the list.

[gbgoodies]

This was a great list, but IMO, some of your honorable mentions probably should have made the list, especially "Moon River" from BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S.

[Citizen Rules]

1."The Man that Got Away" from A Star is Born (1954)

Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin were robbed of the song for Best Oscar just as Judy Garland was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar. The performance of this song makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up...Judy Garland has never been more riveting onscreen than she during the performance of this number...maybe my # 1 movie musical moment period, takes my breath away every time I watch it.
Damn straight! Yes! I was really hoping this would be number one. I so agree, it's a great song, and the way it's staged in the movie, it gives me goose bumps. Excellent job, Gideon :up:

[Gideon58]

Thanks Citizen, so glad you're pleased with my #1...when I started the list, I knew there could be no other #1.

[Citizen Rules]

Gideon have you seen the restored version of A Star is Born on DVD? It has four different takes of the same song. All I very similar but the people and camera are stage a bit different...and Judy Garland has different colored dresses on.

[Gideon58]

Gideon have you seen the restored version of A Star is Born on DVD? It has four different takes of the same song. All I very similar but the people and camera are stage a bit different...and Judy Garland has different colored dresses on.
No, I haven't...I would love to see every take of The Man that Got Away that was ever done, because that was such a rarity with Garland...she did most of her numbers in one take.

[Camo]

Haven't heard that, i can of course just play the video right now but i'd rather wait until i watch it for the 50s list.

[Gideon58]

This was a great list, but IMO, some of your honorable mentions probably should have made the list, especially "Moon River" from BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S.
I thought about including "Moon River" somewhere in the 80's, but, I don't know, the song never moved me particularly and Audrey Hepburn's lackluster performance of the song didn't help...it's the weakest moment in a movie I really love.