7 Obscure Classic Rock Songs That Got a Second Life From Movies or TV Shows

Music has a powerful way of bringing back memories and creating new ones, especially when it’s paired with our favorite movies and TV shows. Sometimes a song might be on the edge of fading away, but then it finds a new audience through a memorable scene or a character we can’t forget. Let’s dive into seven classic rock songs that got a second chance to shine on the big screen or on our TV screens.

Stealers Wheel – Stuck in the Middle With You (Reservoir Dogs)

Before Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” came out, “Stuck in the Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel was just another song from the past. It was originally released by Scottish folk rock duo Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan back in the early ’70s and did fairly well. However, it wasn’t until Tarantino used it in a tense and now iconic scene that this song was reborn. After “Reservoir Dogs,” this tune wasn’t just an old hit; it became the soundtrack to one of the most unforgettable moments in movie history, showing how a song could add layers to a scene that dialogue alone couldn’t.

Dick Dale – Misirlou (Pulp Fiction)

Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” had always been a surf rock classic, showcasing Dale’s incredible guitar skills. But when it blasted through the opening credits of Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” it transformed. “Misirlou” didn’t just get a second life; it introduced a whole generation to surf rock’s thrilling sound. This song’s revival proved that good music never dies; it just waits for the right moment to come back into the spotlight.

Iggy Pop – Lust for Life (Trainspotting)

“Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop is a song that packs a punch with its raw energy and catchy beat. Originally released in the ’70s, it captured the spirit of the punk movement. It wasn’t until the movie “Trainspotting” came out in the ’90s, however, that this track found its way into mainstream popularity. The opening scene, powered by this song, perfectly captures the film’s frenetic, live-on-the-edge vibe, giving Iggy Pop’s hit a well-deserved resurgence.

Faces – Ooh La La (Rushmore)

“Ooh La La” by Faces might not have been their biggest hit when it first came out, but it had its charm. This song’s heartfelt message about life and growing up resonates more deeply thanks to its inclusion in “Rushmore.” In the movie, it’s not just background music; it’s a moment of reflection for the characters and the audience. It’s a prime example of how a carefully chosen song can add emotional depth to a film.

Pixies – Where Is My Mind? (Fight Club)

The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” was already a cult favorite, known for its mystical sound and haunting lyrics. Then “Fight Club” happened. As the movie closed with this song playing over the chaos Tyler Durden unleashes, it gained an entirely new layer of meaning. The song’s abstract lyrics and floating melody perfectly captured the film’s themes of identity, destruction, and rebirth. It’s a pairing that’s hard to forget and has brought this song to countless new listeners.

Joan Jett – Bad Reputation (Freaks and Geeks)

Joan Jett’s rebellious anthem “Bad Reputation” found a new home as the opening theme for the short-lived but beloved show “Freaks and Geeks.” This song was a perfect match for a series that celebrated the outcasts and the misfits. “Freaks and Geeks” might not have lasted long, but it left a lasting impression, in no small part due to its rocking opening credits that set the tone for every episode.

Huey Lewis and the News – “Hip to Be Square (American Psycho)

“Hip to Be Square” by Huey Lewis and the News was seen as a catchy pop-rock single from the ’80s. Its upbeat tune and lighthearted lyrics took on a completely different tone in the dark comedy “American Psycho.” In the film, the song underscores a scene that’s both chilling and absurd, forever changing how the song is perceived. This juxtaposition showcased the song’s versatility and made viewers see it in a new light.