From the catchy theme tunes that get stuck in your head to the heartbreaking ballads that perfectly encapsulate a pivotal moment, television soundtracks have the power to elevate a show from good to unforgettable. We all have those songs from TV series that instantly transport us back to our favorite scenes and characters, evoking powerful emotions and memories. This list of the best songs from TV series isn't just a ranking of catchy tunes; it's a journey through some of the most iconic and emotionally resonant music in television history. Whether you're a seasoned soundtrack aficionado or simply looking for some incredible new music to add to your playlist, this curated collection delves into the diverse soundscapes that have defined some of the most beloved shows. Get ready to rediscover old favorites and unearth hidden gems – prepare to be transported back to your favorite TV moments, all through the power of music.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bohemian Rhapsody | Queen | A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version) | 2B+ |
| 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. Livin' On A Prayer | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1B+ |
| 5. Creep | Radiohead | Pablo Honey | 1B+ |
| 6. Eye of the Tiger | Survivor | Working Class Dog | 1B+ |
| 7. I Don't Want to Miss a Thing | Aerosmith | 14:59 | 628M+ |
1. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)
Iconic Status: Featured prominently in numerous TV shows and films, "Bohemian Rhapsody" transcends its era, solidifying its place in popular culture and making it instantly recognizable for viewers across generations.
Musical Complexity: The song's masterful blend of operatic vocals, hard rock guitar riffs, and acapella sections creates a dynamic listening experience uniquely suited to dramatic TV moments.
Emotional Resonance: Its narrative structure and powerful vocals lend themselves to emotionally charged scenes, enhancing the impact of pivotal moments in television storytelling.
2. Sweet Child O' Mine (Appetite For Destruction - 1987)
Iconic Guitar Riff: Guns N' Roses' unforgettable opening riff, instantly recognizable and often imitated, perfectly captures the drama and energy frequently found in pivotal TV moments.
Emotional Resonance: The song's soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonate with viewers experiencing intense emotional scenes, adding depth and impact to the narrative.
Cultural Impact: Its appearance in various TV shows throughout the years solidified "Sweet Child o' Mine" as a timeless classic, enhancing the shows' cultural relevance and creating a lasting impression on audiences.
3. I Will Always Love You (1993)
Vocal Performance: Whitney Houston's powerhouse vocals are simply unforgettable, delivering a raw emotionality that perfectly captures the bittersweet farewell in the *Bodyguard* soundtrack.
Emotional Impact: The song's poignant lyrics and soaring melody resonate deeply, making it a timeless classic for expressing profound love and loss, a feeling perfectly amplified within the context of the series.
Cultural Significance: Its use in *The Bodyguard* cemented its status as a defining power ballad of the 90s and a staple in TV moments requiring emotional weight.
4. Livin' On A Prayer
Iconic 80s Sound: Livin' on a Prayer's instantly recognizable guitar riff and powerful drums are pure 80s stadium rock, perfectly capturing the energy of many popular TV series from that decade.
Anthemic Chorus: The unforgettable chorus is incredibly catchy and easily gets stuck in your head – ideal for a show needing a memorable musical moment.
Nostalgic Power Ballad: Its blend of hard rock energy and heartfelt lyrics makes it a versatile choice, fitting for both intense and emotional scenes in TV series.
5. Creep
Unforgettable Melody: Radiohead's "Creep" features a haunting, instantly recognizable melody that has cemented its place in popular culture, making it perfect for underscoring dramatic or emotionally charged scenes in TV series.
Raw Emotion: Thom Yorke's raw, vulnerable vocals convey a sense of desperation and alienation that resonates deeply with viewers, adding a layer of authenticity to any scene it's used in.
Versatility: Its blend of alternative rock grit and melancholic beauty makes "Creep" adaptable to a wide variety of TV show genres and moods, from intense dramas to quiet, reflective moments.
6. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor - 1982)
Iconic Theme Song: "Eye of the Tiger" is instantly recognizable as the theme song to *Rocky III*, inextricably linked to the film's underdog spirit and training montages.
Driving Rhythm: The powerful, anthemic rhythm and driving beat perfectly captured the energy and determination needed to overcome challenges, making it a perfect motivational track for any TV scene requiring intensity.
Enduring Popularity: Its continued use in TV shows and movies across decades speaks to its enduring appeal and ability to create an immediate emotional response in viewers, enhancing any scene featuring triumph, struggle, or perseverance.
7. I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (14:59)
Power Ballad Perfection: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" perfectly captures the soaring emotionality often found in classic power ballads, making it a timeless choice for film soundtracks.
Unforgettable Vocals: Steven Tyler's emotive vocals are the centerpiece, delivering a raw and vulnerable performance that resonates deeply with viewers.
Memorable Movie Moment: Its association with the iconic film *Armageddon* cemented its place in pop culture history, forever linking the song to a powerful cinematic experience.
8. Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
Soulful Vocals: Ben E. King's instantly recognizable vocals are the heart of "Stand By Me" conveying a message of unwavering support with raw emotion and power, perfectly fitting the emotional weight often found in TV series.
Timeless Melody: The song's simple yet unforgettable melody and gospel-tinged arrangement create a classic feel that transcends generations, making it a perfect choice for both nostalgic and contemporary TV moments.
Emotional Resonance: Its themes of loyalty and comfort provide a powerful emotional backdrop for scenes of friendship, love, or overcoming adversity, frequently utilized to heighten dramatic impact in television.
9. Time After Time (She's So Unusual)
Iconic 80s Sound: Cyndi Lauper's instantly recognizable vocals and the song's driving synth-pop beat perfectly capture the spirit of the decade, making it a nostalgic favorite for many viewers.
Emotional Resonance: "Time After Time" delivers a powerful message of unwavering love and support, resonating deeply with audiences and making it a memorable soundtrack moment in any TV series.
Perfect Placement Potential: Its uplifting yet melancholic tone makes it ideal for both romantic and reflective scenes, adding emotional depth to pivotal moments in television.
10. Take Me Home, Country Roads (Poems, Prayers and Promises)
Memorable Melody: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" features a instantly recognizable and heartwarming melody that has cemented its place in popular culture, making it a perfect fit for many TV moments needing a touch of Americana.
Nostalgia Factor: The song's simple yet effective lyrics and John Denver's comforting vocals evoke a powerful sense of longing and homesickness, frequently used to underscore emotional scenes in TV shows.
Versatile Usage: Its gentle acoustic arrangement allows for seamless integration into various TV show genres, from heartwarming dramas to lighthearted comedies, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene.
11Don't You
Simple Minds
1985
Once Upon A Time (Super Deluxe)
12How to Save a Life
The Fray
2007
How To Save A Life
13Don't Stop Believin'
Journey
1981
Escape (2022 Remaster)
14Running Up That Hill
Kate Bush
1985
Hounds Of Love
15Hallelujah
Jeff Buckley
1994
Grace
16Push It
Salt-N-Pepa
1986
17The Sound of Silence
Simon , Garfunkel
1964
18500 Miles
The Proclaimers
1988
19Juice
Lizzo
2019
20Baba O'Riley
The Who
1971
Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
21Heroes
David Bowie
1977
"Heroes" (2017 Remaster)
22Mad World
Tears For Fears
1982
The Hurting
23Red Right Hand
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
1994
24Secret
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
1985
25Goo Goo Muck
The Cramps
1981
26Believe It Or Not
Joey Scarbury
1981
27At This Moment
Billy Vera , The Beaters
1981
28Bad Reputation
Joan Jett
1981