The Top 10 Songs Most Used in Movies and TV Shows 🎬🎶

A killer soundtrack can make or break a movie or TV show—just ask anyone who’s ever had Fix You play over an emotional scene or Walking on Sunshine blast during a feel-good montage.

Fun fact: 33% of the music we discover comes from TV shows and films, according to Stat Significant. That’s nearly as much as radio and streaming, which sit at 35%.

And if you’re wondering which songs get the most screen time, here’s the official Top 10:

🎵 Most-Used Songs in Movies & TV

🥇 Montell Jordan – "This Is How We Do It" (1995) – 52 times
🥈 Salt-N-Pepa – "Push It" (1986) – 50 times
🥉 Etta James – "At Last" (1960) – 49 times
4️⃣ Coldplay – "Fix You" (2005) – 42 times
5️⃣ Mazzy Star – "Fade Into You" (1993) – 41 times
6️⃣ Earth, Wind & Fire – "September" (1978) – 39 times
7️⃣ Chumbawamba – "Tubthumping" (1997) – 39 times
8️⃣ Katrina and the Waves – "Walking on Sunshine" (1985) – 38 times
9️⃣ Marvin Gaye – "Let's Get It On" (1973) – 38 times
🔟 Rupert Holmes – "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" (1979) – 36 times

No shocker here—the 1980s dominate as the most popular decade for film and TV soundtracks. It’s the last era of music with true mass appeal, making it the go-to choice for nostalgic and feel-good scenes.

RELATED: The Ultimate Road Trip Soundtrack: 10 Songs for Your Next Adventure

Which song do you think should be in more movies? 🎶🍿