03-07-2025
13 Scenes That Made Older Songs Go Viral Again
Sometimes, all it takes is one unforgettable scene to breathe new life into a song you forgot even existed.
Whether it's a '90s banger climbing the charts again, or a deep cut getting the spotlight it rightfully deserves, these 12 songs shot up in popularity thanks to the magic of soundtracks and pop culture.
"Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor dropped in 2001. Over two decades later, it went viral all over again in 2023 after Saltburn's release!
"Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham! was first released in 1984. But it popped off again in 2001, thanks to Zoolander!
"Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush came out in 1985. Nearly 40 years later, it climbed the charts again thanks to Stranger Things's season 4 episode, "Dear Billy" (2022).
"Something In The Way" by Nirvana quietly existed on Nevermind since 1991. But when The Batman dropped in 2022, it hit a whole new audience.
"Poison" by Bell Bib DeVoe was an early '90s R&B staple. But Turk's dance routine on Scrubs's Season 5 episode "My Half-Acre" made it an instant internet classic in 2006.
"A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton was already a hit in 2002. Then White Chicks came along in 2004 and turned it into comedy gold.
"Left Hand Free" by alt-J originally came out in 2014. But it didn't really catch fire until Outer Banks made it a Pogue anthem in 2020.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol debuted in 2006. But it's Grey's Anatomy's heartbreaking Season 2 finale "Losing My Religion" that propelled it into stardom in
"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John was released in 1971. It found a whole new audience in 2000 after Almost Famous made it an iconic pop culture moment.
"Long Long Time" by Linda Ronstadt quietly broke hearts in 1970. But it shattered all of ours again in 2023 in The Last of Us's Season 1 episode, "Long Long Time."
"Pony" by Ginuwine was already steamy when it dropped in 1996. Then Magic Mike took it to a whole new level in 2012.
"All I Want For Christmas" by Mariah Carey took over the holidays in 1994. But Love Actually helped turn it into a rom-com Christmas special in 2003.
It's wild how one perfect song in one perfect scene can flip a switch. Whether it made you cry, dance, or immediately open a music streaming platform, these moments prove that a great track can still make its mark many many years later.
What's the one TV or movie moment that brought a forgotten song back into your life? Let us know in the comments! 💿
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