Iconic Classic Rock Tracks You’ve Definitely Heard on the Big Screen

Classic Rock and Film Moments

Movies and music have long shared a powerful connection. When classic rock hits are added to the mix, certain scenes gain an energy that sticks with viewers. From car chases to quiet moments, these songs enhance emotion and leave a lasting impression. Here are 10 classic rock tracks you’ve likely heard in movies.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most instantly recognizable rock songs in cinema. Its inclusion in Wayne’s World (1992) made an entire generation headbang along with Wayne, Garth, and their friends in the car.

The scene turned the track into a cultural moment that lives beyond the film. Its operatic sections and dramatic shifts match the scene’s comedic energy while giving Queen’s music a new audience.

2. “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos

“Layla” features a memorable piano coda used in Goodfellas (1990) during a montage of mob hits. The contrast between the song’s beauty and the violence on screen heightens the tension.

Scorsese’s careful placement of the track turns a classic rock love song into a chilling cinematic tool. The emotional depth of the music makes the scene unforgettable.

3. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

AC/DC’s “Back in Black” opens Iron Man (2008) with Tony Stark revealing his armored suit for the first time. The heavy riff and driving beat match the character’s confident transformation.

The song gives the introduction energy and swagger, turning a superhero reveal into an iconic film moment that resonates with both rock and comic fans.

4. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

Aerosmith’s power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” adds emotional weight to Armageddon (1998). Its soaring vocals underline the movie’s heartfelt and dramatic moments.

The track complements the film’s tension, giving disaster sequences a human, emotional edge that makes the audience connect more deeply with the characters.

5. “You Make Loving Fun” by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s “You Make Loving Fun” appears in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005). Its playful tone adds romance and lighthearted energy to the film’s comedic scenes.

The song shows that classic rock can fit into modern storytelling while keeping its timeless charm, bridging decades of music with contemporary humor.

6. “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones

“Gimme Shelter” appears in Goodfellas (1990) during a violent, climactic scene. Its ominous tone and raw energy heighten the suspense.

The track’s gritty sound makes it a perfect match for the film’s tense narrative, showing how classic rock can enhance both mood and storytelling.

7. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf’s anthem plays in Easy Rider (1969), capturing the freedom of long motorcycle rides across America.

The track embodies the rebellious counterculture of the 1960s, linking the music to the film’s spirit of independence and adventure.

8. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Free Bird” features in Forrest Gump (1994), underscoring moments of personal change and liberation.

Its extended guitar solo conveys freedom and emotion, reflecting the film’s themes of growth and self-discovery.

9. “American Woman” by The Guess Who

The Guess Who’s “American Woman” plays in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), adding a retro rock vibe to a humorous scene.

The song’s energy captures the over-the-top tone of the film while celebrating 1970s rock in a comedic context.

10. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by Eagles

“Peaceful Easy Feeling” appears in The Big Lebowski (1998). When the song comes on the radio, he demands the cab driver change the channel, declaring, “I hate the fuckin’ Eagles, man!”.

The track’s smooth, reflective quality fits the film’s quirky and surreal world, making even a quiet scene feel meaningful.