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Top 10 Movie Ending Songs

Top 10 Movie Ending Songs
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Script written by Nick Spake.

Now that's how you play someone off. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 movie ending songs. For this list, we're primarily taking a look at songs that began to play before the credits started rolling, but we are allowing for credit scenes as long as the film continues over the credits. What we've singled out are the numbers that summed up the theme and characters of the film. Since we're talking about endings here, keep in mind that a few spoilers are unavoidable.

Special thanks to our users lordchaos1977, SO_27, Jonas Kroken Sævereide and Oscar Rodriguez for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Script written by Nick Spake.

Top 10 Movie Endings Songs

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Now that’s how you play someone off. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movie ending songs. For this list, we’re primarily taking a look at songs that began to play before the credits started rolling, but we are allowing for credit scenes as long as the film continues over the credits. What we’ve singled out are the numbers that summed up the theme and characters of the film. Since we’re talking about endings here, keep in mind that a few spoilers are unavoidable.

#10: “A Real Hero” by College feat. Electric Youth “Drive” (2011)

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Director Nicolas Winding Refn described “Drive” as a fairytale. While this may seem like an unusual connection at first, it actually makes sense when you consider the main character who’s simply known as The Driver. In many ways, The Driver resembles Pinocchio, as both characters start off as objects stripped of any personality. Through sacrifice, a sense of purpose, and newly discovered feelings, though, both evolve into real human beings. Although the nameless Driver rarely speaks, we know exactly what he’s thinking as “A Real Hero” closes out the film.

#9: “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain “Lost in Translation” (2003)

After whispering something into Scarlett Johansson’s ear and giving her a kiss, Bill Murray departs from Tokyo along with the musical accompaniment of The Jesus and Mary Chain. The hypnotically bittersweet vibes of “Just Like Honey” beautifully capture the sentiment of waking up from a pleasant dream you never wanted to end. As much as the audience wants Murray and Johansson to reunite, deep down we all know their romance wasn’t meant to be. Nevertheless, the eye-opening experience the two have shared will stay with them long after they return home.

#8: “Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones “Pulp Fiction” (1994)

Quentin Tarantino assembled one of the most diverse and influential movie soundtracks of all time when he made “Pulp Fiction.” And he couldn’t have selected a more fitting song to conclude the film than “Surf Rider” by The Lively Ones. The surf rock melody embodies the cool, badass nature of Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield. Jules in particular triumphs in the end as a redeemed hero straight out of a western. “Surf Rider” acts as an epically laidback closer as the two outlaws casually walk off into a new day.

#7: “My Way” by Sid Vicious “GoodFellas” (1990)

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Most people think of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” as a heartfelt song about a dying man being content with how he lived. Sid Vicious’ punk rock interpretation maintains the same message, but removes all sincerity. His interpretation perfectly defines Henry Hill in “GoodFellas.” This man spent much of his life killing, cheating, and abusing in an orgy of power. While he’s forced to give up everything in exchange for his freedom, Hill is at least able to look back and say he once lived life his way with no regrets.

#6: “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King “Stand by Me” (1986)

Everyone’s childhood is full of good and bad memories. With any luck, you at least had a few dedicated friends standing by your side during the bad times. In “Stand by Me,” Ben E. King’s nostalgic song of the same name expresses all of Gordie Lachance’s fond memories of his childhood companions. While the now-grown up Gordie has drifted apart from those friends, they’ll always be with him in spirit whether he’s reminiscing alone at his computer or playing with his own son on a summer day.

#5: “Mad World” by Michael Andrews feat. Gary Jules “Donnie Darko” (2001)

Decades after its initial popularity died out, “Mad World” by Tears for Fears found a new following when Michael Andrews and Gary Jules revamped the song in “Donnie Darko.” Their use of a mellotron and piano overwhelms the ending with great melancholy as the title character meets his end. Although his family and friends will never know it, Donnie’s death wasn’t pointless. By allowing his own life to be taken, he’s made a sacrifice that will save everyone. It’s unfair, but what do you expect from a mad world?

#4: “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel “The Graduate” (1967)

“The Graduate” is all about people too afraid to talk about their feelings. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” wonderfully plays into the film’s conclusion as Benjamin and Elaine run away together. Although the two feel victorious after ditching Elaine’s wedding, reality soon dawns on them as they comprehend the negative effects their rebellion might have. Rather than discuss their life-altering decision, Ben and Elaine just sit there with uncertain expressions on their faces. Consequently, the sound of silence continues to eat away at them.

#3: “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds “The Breakfast Club” (1985)

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In “The Breakfast Club,” five teenagers are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention. While they may be completely different in terms of social backgrounds and personalities, the kids come to realize that they suffer from many of the same insecurities. The day ends and the five go back to their lives, likely to never socialize with one another again. Nevertheless, they’ll always remember that day. Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” makes for an unforgettable sendoff and further evidence of John Hughes’ immortal taste in music.

#2: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem “8 Mile” (2002)

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Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith, Jr. is a rapper attempting to do right by his mother and daughter, both of whom are facing eviction. Although music can provide a sanctuary for the lost Rabbit, his stage fright almost always gets the best of him. Through “Lose Yourself,” Rabbit lets go of all the phobias holding him back. At last, Rabbit realizes that if he doesn’t seize the moment, he may never find the confidence to get his life on track. It’s a truly inspirational hip-hop song that made Eminem an Oscar-winner. Before we get to our grand finale, here are a few honorable mentions: - “The Wolves (Act I and II)” by Bon Iver “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012) - “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbed “Dawn of the Dead” (2004) - “Baby You’re a Rich Man” by The Beatles “The Social Network” (2010)

#1: “Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies “Fight Club” (1999)

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The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” provides “Fight Club” with a ludicrously grim, yet also optimistic, final note, which is appropriate given the film’s schizophrenic nature. Project Mayhem succeeds, blowing up several buildings, erasing everyone’s credit card records, and probably making The Narrator a wanted terrorist. Even as this carnage transpires, you can’t help but feel hopeful as The Narrator affectionately takes Marla’s hand. As society is thrown into chaos and anarchy, The Narrator at last achieves clarity in his disordered life…at least that’s what he thinks. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite movie ending song? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

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The hearts filthy lesson Se7en
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um where is "always look on the bright side of life" Monty pythons brian
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"Wake Up" (RATM), "The Matrix"?!?!
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