Top 10 Most Uplifting Movie Songs
#10: “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life”
“Dirty Dancing” (1987)
Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you’ve heard this one. You might even know about the famous “lift” at the song’s climax, which sees Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s characters perfecting the dance move they’ve been practicing throughout the entire movie. Although the movie takes place in the early 60s, “Dirty Dancing”s signature song is a definitive feel-good 80s classic. The energetic and soulful dance number is the capper on the whirlwind romance at the heart of the entire story, so it’s safe to say it brings all the feels. “The Time of My Life” has been getting us to sing and dance along ever since.
#9: “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
“Toy Story” (1995)
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For millennials of a certain age, this song is like a big, warm hug. Whether you were partial to Woody or more of a Buzz Lightyear stan, no kid could resist the catchy friendship anthem at the top of “Toy Story.” This jaunty, toe-tapping ditty boasts some impressive songwriting and distinctive vocals from Randy Newman, whose quirky style is weirdly perfect for a kids movie. When a song is this heartfelt and cheery, it can backfire into cringe territory. Still, it’d be hard to find a millennial who doesn’t become a puddle of nostalgic goo when they hear the first few bars of this one.
#8: “When You Believe”
“The Prince of Egypt” (1998)
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Despite a star-studded cast, this DreamWorks Animation gem from 1998 is weirdly underrated and underseen. Its most popular track won for Best Original Song at the 71st Annual Academy Awards, and it’s easy to see why. The song “When You Believe” is heard over the soundtrack as the freed Hebrews leave Egypt. If the movie version weren’t profound enough, the single recorded by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey is an absolute classic. Their voices soar over the song, giving its message of faith and perseverance the exact right amount of power and vocal perfection.
#7: “Happy”
“Despicable Me 2” (2013)
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The title really says it all. This song was everywhere back in 2013. You couldn’t even go to the grocery store without hearing it. The song became so big that there’s probably an entire section of the population who doesn’t even know it came from a movie. But Pharrell Williams’ uptempo, radio-friendly positivity anthem from the first “Despicable Me” sequel wore down even the most cynical among us. The beat is just too infectious, and those minions are too cute! There is no escape from “Happy.” Once you accept that, it really does get that sweet, sweet serotonin pumping.
#6: “Over the Rainbow”
“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
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Anyone who has ever had a dream can relate to “Over the Rainbow,” the iconic standard from “The Wizard of Oz.” Judy Garland’s dreamy-eyed, angelic rendition is forever cemented in movie lovers’ hearts. Being a teenager herself at the time, the actress demonstrates skill beyond her years, while still being able to capture the youthful hope at the core of the lyrics. Although Garland’s is the most well-known version, part of the song’s magic is that it seems to be at home in several genres. This just goes to show how universal its themes really are.
#5: “This Is Me”
“The Greatest Showman” (2017)
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Talk about a showstopper. The character of Lettie, the bearded lady in P.T. Barnum’s ensemble of freak show performers, leads this battle cry of self-love and acceptance that was heard around the world. Performed in the film and on the soundtrack by Keala Settle, the song’s defiant lyrics and rousing use of a backing choir are a winning combination of heart and fierceness. Settle has since recreated her performance for events as prestigious as the annual Royal Variety Performance. Both versions of “This Is Me,” the original soundtrack version and the more pop-friendly cover by Kesha, charted in several countries. Clearly, the message struck a chord.
#4: “Eye of the Tiger”
“Rocky III” (1982)
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The “Rocky” series gave future filmmakers not one but two inspirational themes to work into their inspirational training montages. The Bill Conti-penned “Gotta Fly Now” is forever linked to the franchise, but the hard-driving “Eye of the Tiger” by rock band Survivor has gone on to become a cultural touchstone. The band even appeared in a classic Starbucks commercial to perform a slightly reworked version. The song’s ubiquity since “Rocky III” is completely earned. Just hearing the first few notes can get the adrenaline pumping. In the vast wilderness of workout anthems, “Eye of the Tiger” is king.
#3: “Flashdance… What a Feeling”
“Flashdance” (1983)
Like its counterparts “Footloose” and “Dirty Dancing,” the dance-centric melodrama “Flashdance” and its soundtrack had a profound effect on the soundscape of the 1980s. Produced by electronic music maestro Giorgio Moroder, the album is wall-to-wall synthesized goodness. “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” performed by Irene Cara, plays over the opening credits and is also the song star Jennifer Beals dances to during the climax of the film. It’s a triumphant moment made all the more glorious by the award-winning title track. To this day, when people hear “What a Feeling,” they can’t help but want to get up and dance.
#2: “Joyful Joyful”
“Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993)
As soon as we heard “Your teacher says take off your robes,” we knew the gospel choir of St. Francis Academy was about to let that auditorium have it. Both “Sister Act” movies do some incredible things with previously existing songs. The second one in particular finds new and exciting ways to jazz up Christian hymns like “Oh Happy Day.” But this energetic rendition of the very traditional “Hymn of Joy” is the biggest crowd pleaser of all. Led by Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill, the number is a colorful and euphoric symphony of R&B, gospel, and hip hop. The movie itself didn’t exactly score with critics, but its fans will never stop singing its praises.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Rainbow Connection,” “The Muppet Movie” (1979)
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“Let It Go,” “Frozen” (2013)
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“Go the Distance,” “Hercules” (1997)
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“You’re the Best,” “The Karate Kid” (1984)
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“Footloose,” “Footloose” (1984)
Everybody Cut Loose. That’s an Order.
#1: “Circle of Life”
“The Lion King” (1994)
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The oft-parodied opening of this Disney classic is a song of tremendous scope and meaning. Penned by Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, “Circle of Life” is a celebration of existence. It’s a meditative and grand reminder of how the cycle of life and death binds every creature on the planet. That might sound like some pretty advanced ideas for a kids movie, but this song and the grandeur of the opening scene make its themes accessible and meaningful for all ages. Even if you don’t catch every word, as some of the lyrics in the movie version are in the Zulu language, the majesty of the music is enough to carry you away.
Did our list make your day? Tell us your favorite movie songs in the comments.
