Awards Season is upon us, including the Grammys, which take place on February 4th. Between that and everyone jamming out to “I'm Just Ken,” we figured what better time to look at our favourite original songs from movies. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Original Songs. It doesn’t matter if it was performed on screen by a character or simply played over the closing credits… if it was written specifically for a film, it’s eligible.
Each writer ranks his or her top 15 songs in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five.
5. “DON'T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME)” – SIMPLE MINDS (THE BREAKFAST CLUB)
No director has tapped into the teenage way of life quite like John Hughes. His film The Breakfast Club is considered one of the ultimate coming-of-age films, and Simple Minds' hit song "DON'T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME)" perfectly captures the message of each character’s journey and time spent in detention together. It truly encompasses the bond these misfits have developed through the memorable experience they go through. Though it bookends the movie, it’s more perfectly placed at the end of the film, with Bender (Judd Nelson) raising his fist in the air, creating one of film’s most iconic endings. - Paige
4. “DANGER ZONE” – KENNY LOGGINS (TOP GUN)
Can you think of a better opening sequence to a film than Top Gun?! I’d bet you can’t because the magnificent combination of Navy servicemen doing God’s work on the surface of a notoriously dangerous aircraft carrier while “DANGER ZONE” is blaring is inarguably one of the best. In fact, it was so good that it was also used in the very similar opening scene to the film’s sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. Kenny Loggins logs (pun intended) another 80s hit by working with the same writer and composer of the Academy Award-winning “Take My Breath Away” (Tom Whitlock and Giorgio Moroder). So, give a little kick, a fist pump, and a salute to the song that helped this soundtrack go 9x platinum! - Preston
3. “PURE IMAGINATION” – GENE WILDER (WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY)
The Academy Award-nominated song “PURE IMAGINATION” captures everything that is magical, enchanting, but also unorthodox about Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Written by British musicians Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, the song recalls one of the most iconic scenes in the film: the first glimpse inside the fantastical chocolate factory. Gene Wilder’s spectacular performance also gives insight into the mind of the eccentric chocolatier that ranges from manic to endearing. The song is, at least for many, nostalgic and emotional, and has been covered, remixed, and sampled countless times, most recently in last year’s Wonka, which features a re-touched version sung by Timothée Chalamet. However, this instantly recognisable classic will always be Wilder’s, and it remains one of his most beloved performances. - Katie
2. “STAYIN’ ALIVE” – THE BEE GEES (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER)
The 70s hit “STAYIN' ALIVE" firmly cemented The Bee Gees as The Kings of Disco, and for good reason. The song is expertly crafted - from the meticulously layered production to the infectious bassline to that earworm of a hook - it just hits every damn time. As an original song produced for Saturday Night Fever, it backs an iconic intro sequence that features John Travolta strutting along to that unmistakable beat. It’s easy to see how this original song boogied its way on up to our number two spot. It’s fun, it’s groovy, and just like Tony Manero (Travolta), it’s cool as hell. - Caleb
1. LOSE YOURSELF – EMINEM (8 MILE)
I don't want to be too presumptuous, but I’m willing to bet there aren't many people who haven't had Eminem's "LOSE YOURSELF” stuck in their head at some point in time. With a catchy hook and an emotional core guiding it, this Oscar-winning song from the 2008 semi-autobiographical drama 8 Mile is just about the best representation of a movie you can get. Eminem's lyrics are powerful, and they contribute to an energetic beat that has made the song a 13x platinum hit. As someone who's not really a rap fan, I can easily recite this song from memory at a moment's notice. Like Mom’s spaghetti, it's just that good. - Adriano
HONORABLE MENTIONS
EYE OF THE TIGER - SURVIVOR (ROCKY III)
FIGHT THE POWER - PUBLIC ENEMY (DO THE RIGHT THING)
FOOTLOOSE - KENNY LOGGINS (FOOTLOOSE)
PURPLE RAIN - PRINCE (PURPLE RAIN)
THE POWER OF LOVE - HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS (BACK TO THE FUTURE)
Photo Credits: Photo 1, 5 - Universal Pictures; Photo 2, 3, 4 - Paramount Pictures