Turning 50 is a monumental milestone, a time for reflection, celebration, and creating lasting memories. And what better way to commemorate this significant birthday than with a heartwarming video montage? But choosing the best songs for a 50th birthday video can feel overwhelming. There's a vast musical landscape to navigate, spanning decades of hits and personal favorites. This post cuts through the noise, offering a curated selection of top songs perfect for capturing the essence of five decades of life, love, and laughter. Whether you're looking for upbeat anthems, soulful ballads, or feel-good classics, we've compiled a playlist guaranteed to evoke emotion and create a truly unforgettable video. We’ll consider different genres and moods, ensuring your 50th birthday video is as unique and special as the person it celebrates. Get ready to find the perfect soundtrack for your golden jubilee!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Roar | Katy Perry | PRISM | 4B+ |
| 2. Sweet Child O' Mine | Guns N' Roses | Appetite For Destruction | 2B+ |
| 3. I Will Always Love You | Whitney Houston | The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album | 2B+ |
| 4. Firework | Katy Perry | Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection | 1B+ |
| 5. Happy | Pharrell Williams | G I R L | 1B+ |
| 6. Livin' On A Prayer | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1B+ |
| 7. Eye of the Tiger | Survivor | Working Class Dog | 1B+ |
1. Roar (Katy Perry - 2025)
Upbeat Tempo and Anthemic Quality: "Roar" possesses a driving rhythm and powerful instrumentation, making it ideal for injecting energy and excitement into a 50th birthday video montage.
Empowering and Positive Lyrics: The song's message of strength and resilience resonates deeply, reflecting the celebratory spirit of a milestone birthday and inspiring viewers.
Visual Potential: Its iconic music video provides plentiful inspiration for visual elements in your video, offering a range of imagery from vibrant landscapes to powerful performance shots.
2. Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses)
Iconic Sound: Sweet Child o' Mine's instantly recognizable guitar riff is a timeless classic, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia and rock 'n' roll energy to a 50th birthday video.
Nostalgic Vibes: Released in 1987, this song evokes a powerful sense of the 80s, adding a significant layer of personal history for many celebrating their 50th.
Upbeat Tempo: Its driving rhythm and anthemic chorus create a celebratory atmosphere, making it ideal for montage sequences or upbeat moments within the video.
3. I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album - 1993)
Emotional Resonance: "I Will Always Love You" evokes powerful feelings of bittersweet farewell and enduring affection, perfectly capturing the reflective mood often associated with a 50th birthday celebration.
Timeless Classic: Its iconic status ensures instant recognition and nostalgic connection with viewers of all ages, making it a universally appealing choice for a milestone birthday video.
Visual Potential: The song's emotional depth lends itself beautifully to evocative visuals – consider incorporating photos or video clips that resonate with the birthday person's life journey.
4. Firework (Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection - 2025)
Uplifting Anthem: "Firework" boasts an anthemic quality perfect for celebrating a milestone birthday; its powerful message of self-belief resonates deeply with the reflective nature of turning 50.
Visual Appeal: The song's vibrant and energetic sound translates beautifully into a visually stunning video, allowing for creative and dynamic montage sequences showcasing the birthday celebrant's life.
Nostalgic Vibe (Optional): Depending on the birthday celebrant's tastes and the video's aesthetic, "Firework's" pop-culture relevance from the early 2010s could add a fun, nostalgic touch to the 50th birthday video.
5. Happy (Pharrell Williams)
Upbeat and Joyful Vibe: "Happy" boasts an infectious melody and irresistible rhythm, guaranteed to get your guests moving and grooving.
Positive and Celebratory Mood: Pharrell Williams' signature feel-good sound creates an uplifting atmosphere perfect for a 50th birthday celebration, conveying happiness and optimism.
Video Integration: The song's simple yet visually striking music video provides ample opportunity for creative video montage integration, making it a versatile choice for your birthday video.
6. Livin' On A Prayer
Anthemic Quality: "Livin' on a Prayer" boasts an undeniable anthemic quality, perfect for a celebratory 50th birthday video; its powerful chorus is guaranteed to get everyone singing along.
Nostalgic Value: This 80s rock classic evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers back to a vibrant era and adding a timeless feel to your video.
Upbeat Energy: The song's driving rhythm and upbeat tempo will create an energetic and joyful atmosphere, perfectly complementing the celebratory mood of a 50th birthday.
7. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor - 1982)
Uplifting and Energetic Melody: "Eye of the Tiger" boasts a powerful, driving rhythm perfect for injecting a celebratory mood into your 50th birthday video. Its iconic drum beat and soaring guitar riff create an instantly recognizable and motivational soundscape.
Nostalgic Appeal: Released in 1982, this song evokes a potent sense of nostalgia for many celebrating their 50th, transporting viewers back to a significant era in their lives.
Visual Enhancement: The song's intense energy and themes of perseverance make it ideal for showcasing montage footage of the birthday person's life achievements and milestones, creating a dynamic and inspiring visual narrative.
8. Dancing Queen
Upbeat Tempo and Infectious Rhythm: "Dancing Queen" boasts an irresistible disco beat perfect for getting guests on the dance floor and celebrating a milestone birthday.
Nostalgic Appeal: This ABBA classic evokes a sense of fun and carefree energy, transporting viewers back to a vibrant era of music and providing a shared experience for multiple generations attending the 50th birthday.
Visuals: The song's joyful energy easily lends itself to fun and creative video montage elements – think photos of the birthday person throughout their life set to the song’s iconic beat.
9. Hall of Fame (2012)
Uplifting Melody: "Hall of Fame" boasts a powerful, anthemic melody perfect for celebrating a milestone birthday. Its driving rhythm will get everyone on their feet and feeling energized.
Inspirational Lyrics: The lyrics focus on achieving greatness and overcoming obstacles, themes that resonate deeply with someone reflecting on their life's journey at 50.
Star Power: Featuring both The Script and will.i.am, this collaboration brings a high-energy, celebrity feel to your 50th birthday video, enhancing its celebratory atmosphere.
10. Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
Timeless Classic: "Stand By Me" offers a powerful message of enduring friendship and support, perfectly resonating with the milestone of a 50th birthday.
Emotional Resonance: Ben E. King's soulful vocals and the song's uplifting melody create a deeply moving and nostalgic atmosphere, ideal for a celebratory video montage.
Video Integration: The song's instantly recognizable melody and positive message make it easy to incorporate into a 50th birthday video, whether through photos, home movies, or dynamic visuals.
11Forever Young
Alphaville
1984
Forever Young
12Hero
Mariah Carey
1993
13Celebration
Kool , The Gang
1980
14Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
1981
Escape (2022 Remaster)
15We Are The Champions
Queen
1977
News Of The World (2011 Remaster)
16Best Day Of My Life
American Authors
2014
Oh, What A Life
17The Best
Tina Turner
1989
Foreign Affair
18My Way
Frank Sinatra
1969
My Way (Expanded Edition)
19You Raise Me Up
Josh Groban
2003
Closer
20Good Riddance
Green Day
1997
Nimrod
21Isn't She Lovely
Stevie Wonder
1976
Songs In The Key Of Life
22Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen
1975
Born To Run
23Happy Birthday
Stevie Wonder
1981
24Forever Young
Rod Stewart
1988
25Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye,Tammi Terrell
1967
United
26Simply the Best
Tina Turner
1989
27Wind Beneath My Wings
Bette Midler
1988
Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)
28What A Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
1967
What A Wonderful World
29Unforgettable
Nat King Cole
1991
Unforgettable