Nobody knew the power of music soundtracks in the ’80s like John Hughes did. It’s tough to come up with a list of top 10 movie theme songs from the ’80s that are not all from John Hughes movies. In most of these examples, the songs and movies are equally memorable. In a few instances, the song is more memorable than the movie ever was.
#10
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry”
by Chicago
from Summer Lovers (1982)
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” could also be on the list of most romantic songs from the ’80s. It is very much a part of the movie, Summer Lovers, though, so it needs to be on this list. The song was performed by Chicago.
Summer Lovers was a very adult movie that my older boyfriend at the time wanted me to go see. I did not want to go to movie with nudity (yes, I was young, but I could have gotten in without a problem). Instead, I made him go see The Pirate Movie with Christopher Atkins.
#9
Weird Science
by Oingo Boingo
from Weird Science (1985)
Teen boys everywhere probably remember many more details about Weird Science than I do. I remember the Weird Science theme song by Oingo Boingo.
#8
Against All Odds
by Phil Collins
from Against All Odds (1984)
Against All Odds was a sexy thriller with Rachel Ward, Jeff Bridges and James Woods. Against a backdrop of love and sex, comes the song by the same now. Phil Collins sang Against All Odds, a romantic and pining song about loss.
#7
Eye of The Tiger
by Survivor
from Rocky III (1982)
You may remember Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger form 1982, but do you know which Rocky film it accompanied? I associated the 80s song with Rocky, but it took some research to find out it was from Rocky III. Off the top of my head the only thing I can tell you about Rocky III is that it starred Sylvester Stallone.
On the other hand, I could probably recite all of the lyrics to Eye of the Tiger.
#6
Don’t You (Forget About Me)
by Simple Minds
From The Breakfast Club (1985)
While The Breakfast Club remains a classic 80’s film, one of its songs deserves the same compliment. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds. Don’t You Forget About Me was the perfect theme song about forging friendships outside of your high school clique.
#5
Take My Breath Away
by Berlin
from Top Gun (1986)
There were many songs in Top Gun that the movie it’s character. Some were more nostalgic, including She’s Lost that Loving feeling. Others were pure-Eye-of-the-Tiger 80s, including Danger Zone.
But the most unforgettable movie theme song from the 80’s and from the very popular Top Gun is Take My Breath Away. New Wave sensation Berlin perform this song which is the backdrop of one of the most romantic scenes from an ’80s movie.
#4
I Melt With You
by Modern English
from Valley Girl (1983)
I made the mistake of buying this ’80s disaster when it came out on DVD. I had very fond memories of this movie, and Nicolas Cage. Imagine my horror when I actually tried sitting through this movie as an adult. It was beyond bad.
Then I realized that besides Nicolas Cage, there was only one real reason I ever thought Valley Girl was food. That reason is I Melt With You by Modern English.
Some people would not put this one before Take My Breath Away, but it I Melt With You is one of my personal all-time favorite 80’s songs.
Tied at #3 These two songs are from two very popular and successful movies. Ironically, they are both by the same guy.
#3(Tied): I’m Alright
by Kenny Loggins
from Caddyshack (1980)
Caddyshack was the movie quoted most by boys in school. The song was also a popular one at school dances. The song and the movie are simply put, a lot fun.
#3(Tied) : Footloose
by Kenny Loggins
from Footloose (1984)
Kevin Bacon. Dancing. What else can I say?
#2
“The Time of My Life”
by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
from Dirty Dancing (1987)
No movie theme songs from the 80’s article would be complete without a mention of The Time of My Life. There was a lot of memorable music in this dance flick, but The Time of My Life at the end of the movie has unofficially become the theme song to this movie.
The Time of My Life perfectly captured the feeling of that last true carefree summer, the one you get before you go to college.
#1
“In Your Eyes”
by Peter Gabriel
from Say Anything (1989)
If you don’t remember the scene from Say Anything where John Cusack holds up his boom box playing In Your Eyes, then you simply must not have ever seen this movie.
One of the most memorable movie theme songs from the 80’s is In Your Eyes. It may be the number one most memorable movie theme songs from the entire decade.
There is no more memorable and profound song-driven movie scene from this decade.
Sources
Amazon.com
IMDB
Wikipedia
