Most Used Songs In TV And Film Revealed

Ever wondered why the same songs always seem to pop up in movies and TV shows? Some songs are so synonymous with individual movies (My Heart Will Go On, anybody?), but there are those evergreen tracks that just seem to creep in at every instance.

Within a few bars of the song starting, you know if you’re in for a tear-jerker or a teen rom-com, but Chartmetric has crunched the numbers on which songs have been used the most across the decades.

A key driver of how younger people discover catalogue music, film and TV placements were the TikTok of the 20th Century and continue to impact the charts today. So without further ado, let’s count down the top ten.

10. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes (1977)

Perhaps the most tropical song ever recorded (sorry Jimmy Buffett), if you’re doing a B-grade flick with a pop-up island bar, how could you go past this one? Of course the song is really about an adulterous husband looking for a bit on the side. But not enough to deter the likes of Shrek, Deadpool 2, Guardians Of The Galaxy and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

9. Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye (1973)

In a clear message that movies and TV shows love sexy time, the soundtrack of the creation of a million children all over the world is a favourite on the big and small screens. In more recent times it has become almost a meme of itself with use in Blade Of Glory, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and The Garfield Movie. Just don’t choose those for date night.

8. Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves (1983)

Sometimes a song comes along that just makes you feel great and if Walking On Sunshine isn’t that for you, it’s probably worth checking your pulse. Everything from High Fidelity to Bean and American Psycho wanted viewers to feel good. And of course it’s hard to find a season of The Masked Singer, Idol or Got Talent without an often terrible rendition.

7. Tubthumping - Chumbawamba (1997)

“I get knocked down!”. In every good bar room fight, this song needs a good airing. Whether you’re doing the knocking, getting knocked or simply pissing the night away, there’s not too many songs more iconic than this 90s banger.

6. September - Earth Wind & Fire (1978)

With 39 appearances (and technically tying with Tubthumping), this seminal disco tune has had a great run across both the big and small screens.

5. Fade Into You - Mazzy Star (1993)

A surprise entry by alt-darlings Mazzy Star with one of the most gorgeous songs to come from the grunge era. A favourite of music supervisors everywhere, this song captures that melancholy vibe like almost nothing else. It’s dreamy and perfect for TV syncs, including Gilmore Girls, CSI: Miami and Riverdale.

4. Fix You - Coldplay (2005)

If you hear this song and DON’T think of Grey’s Anatomy, then you’ve never seen the show. But even if you haven’t, no matter how many times you hear it, this song brings the emotions of the helplessness of watching someone you love slip away. Because so many shows want to recapture the emotional manipulation that the song nails.

3. At Last - Etta James (1960)

Not just an iconic sync, but an iconic song full stop. Etta James can be an impactful foreground, but is also the perfect background song for a quiet night with a glass of wine in a high-rise apartment trying to impress a new flame. Used 49 times, it’s immediately recognisable and immediately mood-setting.

2. Push It - Salt n Pepa (1986)

Partying, hedonism and a little bit naughty, this one ticks all the ‘music supervisor’ boxes. From Father Of The Bride and Ten Things I Hate About You to Love Island, the fact it’s such an obvious choice is why it was the obvious choice.

1. This Is How We Do It - Montell Jordan (1995)

If you’ve got a party scene, then seemingly this is the go-to for movies and TV everywhere. With 52 uses including Deadpool & Wolverine, House Party, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, American Pie Reunion, Pitch Perfect 2 and so many more, this is yet another 90s banger that seems to just grow in stature over time.