The Best Ending Songs in Film
Make your endings better with good song choices
This is a response to The Perfect Playlist To Describe Those Perfect Golden Moments No One Else Understands
Every film has this crucial detail: the ending. Endings can be amazing or awful depending on how well they are written. Another thing that can make or break an ending is the song choice. If you're going to end the movie with a song, you need to find the right one that fits along with the scene. Choosing the right song can elevate a somewhat mediocre ending to an unforgettable one. Here are some of what I consider the best ending songs in film. Potential spoilers ahead.
Something In The Way - Nirvana (The Batman 2022)
Taking place during the aftermath of The Riddler's plan, Gotham is now flooded and Batman has saved the day and numerous Gotham citizens' lives in the process. As this scene goes on, Batman monologues about vengeance and how you cannot change your past trauma, but you can use said trauma to grow as a person. Something In The Way is used many times throughout the film, but I believe this is the song's best use.
Heroes - David Bowie(The Perks of Being a Wallflower 2012)
Charlie is getting his life back on track and he meets with his friends, Sam and Patrick. Sam tells Charlie that she has found what they dubbed "the tunnel song".They then go back to the tunnel and he gives a speech about living in the moment and feeling as he calls it "infinite." He has his moment in the tunnel and as they drive out, Heroes plays and the film ends. This ending scene further establishes the movie as a modern teen classic.
Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds (The Breakfast Club 1985)
Don't You Forget About Me goes with the slice-of-life teen movie genre classic. We never do actually find out if the five teens remained friends or became strangers again but one thing that was certain is that they will probably never forget that Saturday detention. This ending is simple but realistic and the song choice adds to that.
Where Is My Mind? - Pixies (Fight Club 1999)
After defeating Tyler Durden, The Narrator meets with Marla Singer once more. As he reassures her that everything will be okay, the buildings around them start to explode and Where Is My Mind starts to play. The Narrator tells her that "you met me at a very strange time in my life" and the two hold hands and watch the remaining buildings collapse together. While this ending is different from the book, Where Is My Mind turns it into an unforgettable ending.