25 songs that are synonymous with the films they appeared in

It's hard to listen to this 1930s hit of Vera Lynn's without images of nuclear explosions. Specifically, the final scenes of Stanley Kubrick's black comedy. The song fits in with the whole satirical look at the cold war and has been viewed — or rather heard — in a whole new light than when it was first released.

Simon & Garfunkel wrote "Mrs. Robinson" for Mike Nichols' Oscar-winning film. "The Sound of Silence," released two years earlier, was not intended to be in the movie, but it eventually found its way on to the flick. It proved to be an integral part of the May-December tryst, which was kind of like a showcase for Simon & Garfunkel's catalog.

Maybe we're cheating a little bit here, but this Strauss composition might be the most recognizable piece from any movie, from any era. It's bombastic, emotional and basically out of this world. Which is exactly what Stanley Kubrick intended while including it in a movie that was bigger than anything that had been seen at the time.   

This Steppenwolf hit, released in 1968, has been involved with many films, but still the most recognizable was the first time. That came in Dennis Hopper's trippy tale about life on the open road. Like "The Sound of Silence," it was a placeholder for another song in the film but ended up keeping its spot — fans of the film should be grateful for it. 

Not the best song by Jim Morrison and Co., but certainly the most haunting. And one that just seemed to fit perfectly as a bookend to this Francis Ford Coppola Vietnam war masterpiece, which turns 40 this year. It's the opening number through the sounds of helicopters as the tree line lights up and is used again during the film's climax. Just another reason why it's easy to appreciate this piece of work.

"Apocalypse Now" was an over-the-top, larger-than-life film for its time. Essentially, everything was big. From the actors to the music. The most self-indulgent moment of the movie came during the U.S. attack on a North Vietnamese-taken village while blasting one of Wagner's signature compositions — both as a means of motivation and intimidation. As viewers, we were sold on both counts. 

It's not the most popular song by The Cars, but for those fans of this early Cameron Crowe high school hit, it's the only way they look at actress Phoebe Cates. Part of a fantasy sequence of Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold), Cates' Linda coming out of the pool remains one of the most gratuitous topless scenes in the history of film.

Another iconic musical movie moment, and maybe the most famous scene of Tom Cruise's superstar career. We're not joking about that. The song was one of Bob Seger's biggest hits well before this early '80s film, but its popularity was elevated thanks to Mr. Cruise dancing around the living room in his underwear. 

The tale of 1980s yuppie friendship, "The Big Chill" can certainly be a little pretentious, but it does include a stellar classic pop/rock soundtrack. Though not on the official soundtrack, this timeless Rolling Stones hit that overlays Alex's funeral works quite well, and it's certainly memorable. Unless we're talking to the guys at Championship Vinyl.

There are often songs in movies that leave a lasting impression on the audience, yet we don't know their names. The finale of this John Hughes' teen classic lets Molly Ringwald's Samantha finally see her sweet 16 birthday wish come true with this Thompson Twins' tune in the background. It was not a hit for the band as part of its 1983 album "Quick Step & Side Kick." It's also still not easy for people to remember the name, but it usually conjures up memories of this terrific film. 

"Tequila" is another song that has appeared in various movies and television shows, but it will always be known for Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) dancing in the bar with his white, platform shoes. The dance swept the nation, and people are still doing it today, whenever this popular ditty by California Tex-Mex band the Champs pops up. 

We've talked about Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear, now let's dive into his serenade of Kelly McGillis to this Righteous Brothers hit. Now, Cruise's Maverick and pal Goose (Anthony Edwards) offer their karaoke rendition, which is most memorable, but the original version is played at the end leading into the credits. Great use of a classic song. 

This Beatles hit is as much a part of Ferris Bueller's fun-filled day off from school as Ed Rooney, Abe Froman and Cameron's dad's sports car. Nothing special, just a high school kid finding his way into the center of a huge parade in downtown Chicago with pals John, Paul, George and Ringo. Another song that has become a lip-sync staple.

One of Roy Orbison's biggest hits, the song is also well known as the obsession of Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper), in this David Lynch neo-noir thriller. It's one of the many psychotic quirks of Booth, and it plays in with the quirkiness and surreal nature that are hallmarks of Lynch's pictures. Plus, nobody lip-syncs it better than Dean Stockwell. 

This Peter Gabriel favorite was released three years before it become the defining musical moment of what should be considered Cameron Crowe's best film. Back when John Cusack was the ultimate social underdog. OK, guys, raise your hands if you've ever hoisted your boom box, blasting this raw love song outside the window of the girl of your dreams? It just might be the greatest scene in romantic-comedy history.

The song was a hit for Roy Orison many years before and, of course, was going to have a significant moment in Julia Roberts' breakout film. While it might not pack the emotional the punch as some other songs on this list, it still works as a classic time-passing, makeover semi-montage for this heartwarming rom-com.

The second time we hear from the Righteous Brothers — and one that gave this classic new life thanks to Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. It's hard to hear this song and  not want to sign up for a couples pottery class. Of course, to all the guys out there, you'll probably be required to keep your shirt on.

If you were of age to be in a car with your friends in the early 1990s, or any time thereafter, the hankering to throw on this epic Queen favorite and bang your head was there in full force. It's become one of the great automobile singalong tunes of all time, thanks to Wayne and Garth. And, for certain individuals, the only way they can relate to this international classic rock composition.

There's a good chance a lot of fans of this crime hit had never heard of "Stuck in the Middle with You" or the band that did it, Stealers Wheel. It earned plenty of radio play in the 1970s but took on a life of its own during the famed torture scene from this Quentin Tarantino crime hit. It also took seasoned actor Michael Madsen's popularity to cult-legend status. "Did you hear that?"

All we have to say is: "Last Day of School. May 28, 1976. 1:05 p.m." Shortly after, school was out for summer, and Alice Cooper's song of academic rebellion ushered the cast on to a day of drinking, smoking, busting, scamming and enjoying their youth. Party at the moon tower, everyone's gonna be there. We'll consider this the highlight of "Dazed's" '70s classic rock-themed soundtrack.

Not like many Chuck Berry songs needed help to become popular, but Quentin Tarantino turned a whole new generation of music and film fans on to his tunes when this hit found its way into this dark comedy. It was the musical backdrop for the most memorable scene in the film, when Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) hit the dance floor for the twist contest at Jack Rabbit Slims. 

These '80s staples never had any real business coming together, until they landed on the "Awesome Mix Tape  #6," of drug dealer Rahad. Played brilliantly by Alfred Molina, in one of the most memorable scenes in this successful Mark Wahlberg vehicle. We really can't listen to either song the same way again without thinking about Molina's maniacal role — and his love for '80s pop. 

One can't help but listen to this Huey Lewis and the News pop hit and think about the raincoat-clad Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) taking an ax to nemesis Paul Allen (Jared Leto) in this classic satirical, psychological film. One of the more underrated aspects of "American Psycho" is its use of 1980s pop music to guide us on the journey through the comically psychotic mind of Bateman. This is the musical highlight.

This Cameron Crowe semi-autobiographical picture was a box-office bomb, but it was popular with critics. Perhaps the film's most truly sentimental — and definitely genuine — moment came when the fictitious Stillwater and its posse break out in a group singalong to this Elton John favorite on its tour bus. Like is the case in most of these instances, the song earned a resurgence in popularity with a new generation of fans.

Arguably the Dropkick Murphy's most commercially successful tune, "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" was originally released in 2004. However, it really put the band on the mainstream map two years later thanks to its use in the Martin Scorsese Boston-based crime drama. It's also become a staple at Boston sporting events.