Top 10 Hardest Movie Songs to Sing
#10: “The Floor Show” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
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A campy love letter to the “B-Movies” of early Hollywood, “Rocky Horror” is nothing if not over the top, and this climactic 3-song medley is no exception. Comprised of“Rose Tint My World,” “Don't Dream It, Be It,” and “Wild and Untamed Thing,” there are vocal parts by both men and women, so if you’re trying to hit every note, you’re in for a challenge! There are more than two octaves between the highest and lowest notes in the song, and the style of singing used in “The Floor Show” is full of dramatic slides from one note to another. The vocal range and theatricality in “The Floor Show” makes it fun to try and sing along to, but difficult to get right.
#9: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” “Armageddon” (1998)
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This power ballad sits at the heart of Michael Bay’s apocalyptic, nineties, action movie. The song was written specifically for the film, and punctuates the love story wrapped up in the middle of all the world-ending peril. What makes this tune a challenge to sing is Steven Tyler’s vocals. The single includes a shift in melody, along with some difficult jumps that may be rough on your voice even if they don’t push the edges of your range. On top of that, the particular raspiness of this kind of rock-and-roll voice is difficult to replicate, especially without hurting yourself. Rock out responsibly!
#8: “Over the Rainbow” “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
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In one of the most iconic songs in film history, Dorothy dreams of traveling somewhere better than her Kansas home. It’s a wish that’s soon granted when she’s thrown into the magical land of Oz. It’s easy to think that this short, sweet song isn’t too difficult, but don’t be fooled! Even at sixteen, Judy Garland was a practiced singer, and it shows in “Over the Rainbow.” It takes impressive breath control to get the right tone and to hold out the important notes, and even the first two notes of the song can be difficult, with an octave’s jump between them. “Over the Rainbow” is a song built for a trained singer’s voice, and it takes practice to match Garland’s tones.
#7: “A Million Dreams” “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
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Fitting someone’s life story into one movie is always a daunting task. One way to quickly share a lot of information with the audience is a musical montage like this one. This song follows P.T. Barnum and his wife Charity from childhood into adulthood as their lives, and voices, change. The average person’s vocal range will likely struggle to match the highest or lowest notes in the song, and the chorus in particular can easily strain your voice. It takes work to smoothly transition from the chorus’s low start to the higher, belted notes later on, and holding some of those notes is even harder. Getting this song right is at least as challenging as fitting someone’s formative years into an almost six-minute montage.
#6: “My Heart Will Go On” “Titanic” (1997)
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This classic ballad defined “Titanic,” and for good reason. Céline Dion’s breathy vibrato and belted choruses captured the drama and romance of the film as well as the public imagination. But as famous as this song is, it’s hard to pull off for yourself. It runs the gamut of volume, from barely-audible to giving it everything you’ve got. Throw in some difficult-to-hold notes and a key-change part-way through, and this song really shows off Dion’s skill. As popular as it is for karaoke nights, this is a number you’ll want to practice a lot before taking the stage.
#5: “Memory” “Cats” (2019)
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Better known as a CGI abomination than a cinematic masterpiece, “Cats” was more successful on Broadway than in Hollywood. But whether it’s on the stage or the big screen, “Memory” is a highlight of the musical. In a show that’s largely upbeat and high-energy, the feeling of melancholy and tragedy makes this song really stand out. That feeling is conveyed through impactful, but challenging, long and belted out notes. Not only that, but the song is comparatively high-pitched, which can make holding those notes even more difficult. The lyrics may be simple and the tune pleasantly repetitive, but it takes vocal talent to sustain those notes, and the powerful emotions behind them.
#4: “Skyfall” “Skyfall” (2012)
It’s no secret that Adele is a musical powerhouse. She has an impressive range of nearly three octaves, compared to the average vocal range of less than two. With all her skill, not to mention her worldwide fame, it’s no surprise that Adele was tapped to help write and perform a James Bond theme song. Adele’s songs are always a challenge to get right, and this is no exception. It takes great breath control to match the strength and timing of the number’s most powerful notes, and it takes precision to transition between the lower, sultry verses and belted-out high notes of the chorus. The track perfectly captures the tone of past Bond theme songs, and makes great use of Adele’s talents.
#3: “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going” “Dreamgirls” (2006)
Performed in the film by the great Jennifer Hudson, this song is overflowing with emotion. This emotional peak of the story was originally intended to be the closing number for the stage musical’s first act, and it dramatizes the sadness, anger, and desperation of a woman being left behind. This song demands a performer’s heart and soul. It also demands top-tier vocal skills. Hudson perfectly utilizes classic sounds of rhythm and blues singing that call for power, vibrato, and dramatic highs and lows, none of which are easy. It’s impossible to sing a song like this without a whole lot of training, practice, and above all, dedication.
#2: “The Phantom of the Opera” “The Phantom of the Opera” (2004)
Is it any surprise that a musical about opera can be difficult to sing along to? This duet is performed by the story’s main characters, Christine and the Phantom. If you’re the type of person who tries to sing duets with yourself, you’re already in trouble. Christine is traditionally a soprano, and the Phantom a baritone. But really it’s Christine’s part that pushes the limits. Not only does it call for an operatic voice, something which requires training to master, but at the climax of the song Christine hits a stunning high E, the highest note in the entire musical! Careful trying to sing this in the shower; that note can hurt your voice without practice.
#1: “I Will Always Love You” “The Bodyguard” (1992)
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The late, great Whitney Houston is probably better known as a world-renowned singer than as an actress. However, Houston first performed this record-breaking hit track for the soundtrack of her film debut. The song makes an impactful closing statement for the film. So impactful that it has nearly overshadowed the film entirely in popular culture! The powerful vocals and building intensity of the tune pack an emotional punch, and make it a real challenge to sing. It takes confidence and breath control to hold those all-important notes in the chorus, and Houston’s distinctive vibrato is near-impossible to imitate. If you put in the effort to master this iconic song, you’ll be the highlight of any karaoke night.