10 Ridiculously Overused Movie Songs

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We can't overstate the importance of music in film; it is a driving force that will help make us feel something, be it excitement, anger, fear or all of the above, at what is taking place on screen. Some songs have become so iconic in their use, however, that they've ended up being used far too much, and their impact has therefore been lessened, perhaps even to the point that their use has become nothing more than a cliche. It's difficult to hear these songs in films nowadays without laughing or sighing; thankfully some filmmakers are smart to this fact and use the songs because they are cliched, but some still try and get away with lazily recycling them. Here are 10 ridiculously overused movie songs...

10. Vangelis - Chariots Of Fire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYJzcUvS_NU Vangelis' score for Chariots of Fire became so popular that the title song was actually released as a single, hitting #12 in the UK singles chart and bolstering the inspirational power of the film in the process. With its famous use during the slow-motion run in the film, the song has since been used countless times to parody the sports genre (in films such as Happy Gilmore, Bruce Almighty and Old School). In Bruce Almighty, Jim Carrey's character even shouts, "Cue the cheesy inspirational music!", acknowledging that a once-classic song has essentially been ruined by its thorough overuse in cinema, even if its use is normally in a parodic context. Whether utilised seriously or comedically, I've really heard enough of it for a good while.
 
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Frequently sleep-deprived film addict and video game obsessive who spends more time than is healthy in darkened London screening rooms. Follow his twitter on @ShaunMunroFilm or e-mail him at shaneo632 [at] gmail.com.