It could be said of the 1980s that it was the best time for pop songs in the movies. Popular, playful, and sometimes just goofy, so many huge music hits in the 80s came from movie soundtracks and found massive popularity via radio and music videos. Today’s Phenomenal 5 is focusing on them. Now these may not be the “best” songs in the literal sense, but they were so much fun and such a key part of their movie during that time. To narrow it down a bit I’m mainly focusing on the very biggest songs. Now with so many to consider I wouldn’t call this the definitive list. Still, I have no problem calling these five movie songs from the 80s absolutely phenomenal.
#5 – (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (“Dirty Dancing”)
Without question, one of the biggest crazes of the 80s surrounded “Dirty Dancing”. In 1987 it blew up the box office. Its soundtrack was equally popular releasing TWO multi-platinum albums. The music was led by (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life and it wasn’t just young girls who were into it. Women of all ages were singing along with Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The song would go on to win a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.
#4 – Ghostbusters (“Ghostbusters”)
When Ray Parker, Jr. agreed to do the theme for “Ghostbusters” he wasn’t given much time. Short on ideas, he saw a late night infomercial which inspired the immensely popular Ghostbusters theme. It is an incredibly playful song which would reach #1 on Billboard’s charts and be nominated for an Oscar. It’s probably best known for its full blown 80s-styled video which was directed by Ivan Reitman. It featured loads of cameos, loads of cheese, and loads of good silly fun.
#3 – Danger Zone (“Top Gun”)
I remember sitting at home in 1986 when the video for Danger Zone came on MTV. I had seen it before, but I had something else in mind. I called my dad into the room. He watched the video and that afternoon we were in the theater watching “Top Gun”. Mission accomplished. Danger Zone was such a cool and energetic song from Kenny Loggins. And while it never received any major award nominations, its amazing how often it still pops up on television, in commercials, in trailers, and even in other films.
#2 – Flashdance – What a Feeling (“Flashdance”)
The accolades for Irene Cara’s fantastic “Flashdance” theme song are most impressive. The song topped twelve global charts. It won the Oscar for Best Original Song. It won a Golden Globe. It won Cara the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. “Flashdance” was a box office hit despite a generally negative reception from critics. But over the years the music may be what people remember more than the movie. The soundtrack released several hit songs but none better than this one.
#1 – Footloose (“Footloose”)
It was February 17, 1984 and Kevin Norwood Bacon was about to see his career explode. That was day “Footloose” hit theaters. The film and Bacon garnered a lot of attention. But so did the soundtrack, particularly the theme song from Kenny Loggins. The song became legendary among 80s movie music and the video endeared Kevin Bacon to a generation just as much as the movie did. It hit #1 on the charts, was nominated for an Oscar, and won the Grammy for Song of the Year. I still start tapping my toe every time I hear it.
So there are just a few of the many great movie songs from the 80s. So many others come to mind – Eye of the Tiger, The Power of Love, Don’t You Forget About Me. What else did I miss? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Keith & the Movies 
Haha, great selection!!! And yes I will be randomly saying “Footloose!” at intermittent times during the day now 🙂
Footloose is a classic song, so very catchy.
I hate to date myself but I remember buying the 45 single of Footloose with my allowance and danced all over my bedroom (when no one was around).
That’s a good memory to have Keith.
It is. A little goofy but good. And as many times as I played it, that was one of the few 45s I managed not to scratch.
I can just picture you know perfecting your Kevin Bacon moves.
I love them all except for DANGER ZONE. I don’t dislike it; I just don’t like it that much. I think 2 of your “honorable mentions” (EYE OF THE TIGER and THE POWER OF LOVE) are much better.
I LOVED Danger Zone. And as I mentioned, it is memorable for several reasons.
What a Feeling from Flashdance is my jam!
Isn’t it a great? It is so, so, so catchy.
Great shouts. I’d add The Heat is On from Beverly Hills Cop
That’s a good one. I love that Glen Frey song. Wasn’t his Smuggler’s Blues song on that soundtrack too? Or was it on the Miami Vice television soundtrack?
Great list of movies and I loved the Kevin Bacon on the Tonight Show video. I would also include Dokken’s Dream Warriors from Nightmare on Elm St 3. and the theme for Killer Klowns from Outer Space too
Oooh yes. Dream Warriors. The song was SOOO much better that movie. And who can forget George Lynch busting through the wall with his skull guitar? Epic! 🙂
Wow, you could probably make this a list of 50 and still leave some out. Just off the top of my head I can think of a few more…
Fame (Fame)
What’s Love Got to Do with It (movie of the same name)
Fight the Power (Do the Right Thing)
New Attitude (Beverly Hills Cop)
I’ll stop here.
Soooo many! And seriously, how can you narrow it down? A great song for your movie was just part of the 80s! We got so many good ones.
Keith!!! Any ‘phenomenal 80’s movie music’ list that doesn’t include something by Phil Collins can’t be phenomenal!!!
…
But, for real.
If it helps I really hated leaving off Against All Odds! 😉
Coincidentally I watched Pretty in Pink last night and think the film’s terrific soundtrack really elevates it. Therefore, I’d probably put forward its title track as a honorable mention.
Not going to argue with your top 5 though – spot on.
Thanks Dan. I remember the Pink soundtrack was a pretty big deal. I never was all that crazy about the title track though. Speaking of that movie, I saw where it will be showing on the big screen for a limited time.
These songs are so perfectly corny. I love it. Great list!
Thanks. I can’t tell you how many times I listened to them as an 80s kid (the Dirty Dancing soundtrack because of my Mom)!
Great list. No arguments with any on it. I might would have added For Your Eyes Only or A View to a Kill. The Bond fan in me lol
I reeeeally thought about A View to a Kill. Love that Duran Duran song. And didn’t Sheena Easton sing For Your Eyes Only!
Yup she sure did!
Lovely selection! For my 30th birthday, the theme was Movies from 1984, and the playlist featured Ghostbusters and Footloose, which still hold up to this day when it comes to getting people on the dance floor!
Thank you! I love that birthday theme!!! Ghostbusters was so playful and Footloose was such a rug-cutter.
It was a pretty awesome party if I do say so myself. A lot of great movies came out in 1984, so there were lots of costume ideas to choose from, and I had this very talented lady make little cupcake toppers that represented the different movies. My fave was the cupcake topper with Freddy Kruegers hand, hat and “blood” splattered all over it 😀
Oh that’s awesome. As an 80s kid I would have had an absolute blast. Such a unique decade.
🙂 Excellent picks, of course!
Thanks! I do love the 80s!
No Simple Minds made me sad, but otherwise a solid list!
That one was tough to leave off. It is a key part of the Breakfast Club. Great song too.
Love the Ghostbusters song! (Saw the movie just a few days ago.)
I’m about to date myself, but I remember when that dog came out. It was really popular and played on so many radio stations. My little brother especially loved it.
1984. Yep, you’re old 🙂
(Just teasing you about being old; after all, my Dad was 36 when the movie came out.)
HaHaHa!