David Bowie is arguably one of the most influential artists of all time. From his unique fashion moments to groovy beats, Bowie’s music transcends the norm. Famously collaborating with artists such as Queen and Mick Jagger and starring in Labyrinth, his reach is unparalleled. His songs have been featured in endless movies and television shows. Here are a few of his most iconic syncs.
Jojo Rabbit
Roman Griffin Davis
Thomasin McKenzie
Scarlett Johansson
Sam Rockwell
Rebel Wilson
Alfie Allen
Stephen Merchant
Archie Yates
Luke Brandon Field
Sam Haygarth
Stanislav Callas
Jojo Rabbit, directed by Taika Waititi, is a historical comedy based on World War II. German boy Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) discovers his mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson), is hiding a young Jewish girl, Elsa Korr (Thomasin McKenzie), in their attic. Jojo struggles with his nationalism as he begins to befriend Elsa. The German version (“Helden”) of Bowie's classic "Heroes" is used as Jojo and his friend Elsa step outside after the war has ended. The song captures the spirit of Jojo’s character development and the triumph he and Elsa feel as they step outside.
Check out the full Jojo Rabbit soundtrack here.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Logan Lerman
Emma Watson
Ezra Miller
Mae Whitman
Kate Walsh
Dylan McDermott
Melanie Lynskey
Nina Dobrev
Johnny Simmons
Joan Cusack
Paul Rudd
Nicholas Braun
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is sentimental and nostalgic. The film unfolds following protagonist Charlie (Logan Lerman) and depicts his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and the formation of friendships. In a car with his two best friends, Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), they drive through a tunnel as the perfect song, “Heroes,” comes on. Sam stands up through the sunroof and extends her arms as Charlie reflects that he feels infinite.
Check out the full The Perks of Being a Wallflower soundtrack here.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Chris Pratt
Zoe Saldaña
Dave Bautista
Vin Diesel
Bradley Cooper
Lee Pace
Michael Rooker
Karen Gillan
Djimon Hounsou
John C. Reilly
Glenn Close
Benicio del Toro
Directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most critically acclaimed movies in the Marvel Universe. Space adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is always found holding his famous mixtape. “Moonage Daydream” is the 4th track on his Awesome Mix Vol. 1. On the way to planet Knowhere with the Guardians, Peter is listening to the tune.
Check out the full Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 here.
Clueless
81%
71
6.9
Alicia Silverstone
Stacey Dash
Brittany Murphy
Paul Rudd
Donald Faison
Elisa Donovan
Breckin Meyer
Jeremy Sisto
Dan Hedaya
Aida Linares
Wallace Shawn
Twink Caplan
Clueless, directed by Amy Heckerling, tells the story of rich teen Cher Horowitz’s (Alicia Silverstone) coming-of-age as she realizes that popularity isn’t everything. Well suited to the scene, “Fashion” plays as Cher uses her desktop to choose an outfit for school on her virtual wardrobe.
Check out the full Clueless soundtrack here.
Labyrinth
David Bowie
Jennifer Connelly
Shelley Thompson
Christopher Malcolm
Brian Henson
Dave Goelz
Ron Mueck
Karen Prell
David Alan Barclay
Natalie Finland
Shari Weiser
Labyrinth, directed by the late Jim Henson, is the story of Sarah Williams’ (Jennifer Connelly) journey as she tries to solve a labyrinth and find her baby brother Toby. David Bowie plays the menacing Goblin King Jareth, and his music is found throughout the film. “Magic Dance” is a standout moment. Jareth and his fellow goblins dance around Toby in awe of him.
Check out the full Labyrinth soundtrack here.
The Wedding Singer
Adam Sandler
Drew Barrymore
Christine Taylor
Allen Covert
Matthew Glave
Ellen Albertini Dow
Angela Featherstone
Alexis Arquette
Christina Pickles
Jodi Thelen
Frank Sivero
Patrick McTavish
The Wedding Singer, directed by Frank Coraci, is one of the most iconic rom-coms of its time. Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) is a wedding singer and meets Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore) as she seeks out his work for her wedding. “China Girl” plays during the double date club scene. During the date, Robbie learns that Julia’s fiance, Glenn, is cheating on her.
Check out the full The Wedding Singer soundtrack here.
Almost Famous
89%907.9
Patrick Fugit
Billy Crudup
Kate Hudson
Frances McDormand
Jason Lee
Zooey Deschanel
Michael Angarano
Anna Paquin
Fairuza Balk
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Noah Taylor
John Fedevich
Directed by Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous is known for its iconic music. Featuring a plethora of the 70s best hits, it’s no surprise “I’m Waiting for the Man” by David Bowie made its way into the soundtrack. Instead of using the studio-produced version, a live version of the song from the album Live Santa Monica ‘72 is used, which aids in setting the atmosphere as Stillwater arrives at a Cleveland hotel. Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) speaks to William Miller’s (Patrick Fugit) mom on the phone as the song plays.
Check out the full Almost Famous soundtrack here.
Beautiful Boy
Steve Carell
Timothée Chalamet
Maura Tierney
Amy Ryan
Christian Convery
Oakley Bull
Kaitlyn Dever
Stefanie Scott
Julian Works
Jack Dylan Grazer
Zachary Rifkin
Kue Lawrence
Directed by Felix Van Groeningen, Beautiful Boy’s soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the tragedy shown in the film. David Sheff (Steve Carell) grapples with his son Nic’s (Timothée Chalamet) addiction to meth. David and Nic share a joint, leaning against the car while “Sound and Vision” plays in the background. The scene switches to David researching the effects of meth addiction while the song fades away.
Check out the full Beautiful Boy soundtrack here.