If We Give You Three Songs From The Soundtrack, Can You Name The Movie?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
If We Give You Three Songs From The Soundtrack, Can You Name The Movie?
Image: Great American Films Limited Partnership

About This Quiz

Movie soundtracks can turn a regular film into a cult classic. They can turn a drama into an Oscar-winning phenomenon. The music you hear in movies changes the entire tone, takes viewers back in time, and can even be the sole reason a film is successful. If you think back to some of the greatest movies ever made, you will probably be able to spot the perfect timing of a song that helps the plot, provides a setting or delivers a deeper meaning to an emotional moment.

As a matter of fact, there are movie soundtracks that are so popular that the albums sold out just as fast as the VHS tapes. Some of these films are even less popular than the soundtracks themselves. 

This quiz isn't for just movie buffs. You have to know your music just as much as you know your film history. However, if you're ready to have the time of your life, this quiz will take you where you need to go ... but you better think about your answers, because we're only giving you three clues. If you're ready to (Space) JAM, start answering questions now, and see just how far Above The Rim you can get.

singing
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In which movie will you hear the songs "Danger Zone," "Take My Breath Away" and "Playing With The Boys"?
"Days of Thunder"
"A Few Good Men"
"Top Gun"
"Risky Business"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While "Top Gun" doesn't have the longest soundtrack on record, it does have one of the most memorable. This is because the songs go so well with the different tones that are represented throughout the movie.

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singing
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Can you name the film that includes "The Time of My Life," "Hungry Eyes" and "Be My Baby"?
"West Side Story"
"That Thing You Do!"
"Down with Love"
"Dirty Dancing"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Having one of the most recognizable soundtracks in the world was no small feat. As a matter of fact, the budget for the film almost didn't allow for the majority of the songs to make the track list.

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singing
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Which movie's soundtrack has songs like "The Power of Love," "Back in Time" and "Johnny B. Goode"?
"Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure"
"Back to the Future"
"Hot Tub Time Machine"
"Ghostbusters"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Huey Lewis and the News contributed two songs to the "Back to the Future" soundtrack — "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time." Anyone who's seen the movie will remember the scene where Marty plays Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode."

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singing
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"Stayin' Alive," "More Than a Woman" and "Boogie Shoes" are all songs on which soundtrack from 1977?
"Urban Cowboy"
"Saturday Night Fever"
"Flashdance"
"Boogie Nights"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

How could we not add this epic soundtrack to this quiz? Not only did the film's music define the times, but it was nearly impossible to listen to it without at least tapping your feet to the songs.

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singing
isegagne / E+ / Getty Images
"Mrs. Robinson," "The Sound of Silence" and "Scarborough Fair" are in which of these movies?
"Some Like It Hot"
"Bonnie and Clyde"
"The Graduate"
"Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When a boy doesn't have the answer to the "what's next?" question after he graduates, things get a little weird. Dustin Hoffman plays a young man who is trying to figure out life while things get a little dark for him.

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Which movie's soundtrack is a throwback to some of the best songs of the '60s and early '70s, including "Joy to the World," "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman"?
"The Right Stuff"
"Stand By Me"
"The Big Chill"
"The Outsiders"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The soundtrack for "The Big Chill" sparked nostalgia for the music of the '60s when the film was released in 1983. Those who know and love the movie and the soundtrack know that "You Can't Always Get What You Want" isn't on the soundtrack despite its prominent use in the film.

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01_Purple Rain
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"When Doves Cry", "Let's Go Crazy" and "Take Me With U" are all songs on the soundtrack to which movie?
"Purple Rain"
"Batman"
"Showgirls"
"Under the Cherry Moon"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prince was a person of many talents. He basically could play every single instrument and didn't care what people thought about his personal life. "Purple Rain" was a movie that moved so many, and the soundtrack is iconic.

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04_Footloose
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Can you name the '80s classic that includes the songs "Let's Hear It For the Boys," "Almost Paradise" and "Holding Out for a Hero"?
"Footloose"
"Risky Business"
"The Breakfast Club"
"Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you move to a town where music is completely illegal, the only solution is to create an underground dance crew. It's all well and good until you get caught, though. This film's soundtrack is applied to every moment on screen, and it is genius.

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23_Guardians of the Galaxy
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"Hooked on a Feeling," "Come and Get Your Love" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" are on which soundtrack?
"Captain Marvel"
"Thor: Ragnarok"
"The Incredible Hulk"
"Guardians of the Galaxy"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the MCU has created some awesome movies, the one with the best soundtrack is definitely "Guardians of the Galaxy." The best part about it is that we get to see a volume 2 when Star-Lord opens his final gift.

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You'll hear tracks like "Son of a Preacher Man," "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" and "You Never Can Tell" on which Quentin Tarantino soundtrack?
"Jackie Brown"
"Pulp Fiction"
"Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood"
"Reservoir Dogs"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quentin Tarantino movies are well-known for their excellent soundtracks that are filled with classics. They're always appreciated for the nostalgia factor, and five of his movie's soundtracks have even been nominated for Grammys.

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17_Frozen
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In which Disney film will you hear the songs "For the First Time In Forever," "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and "Let It Go"?
"Tangled"
"Enchanted"
"Frozen"
"Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It took around 80 years, but Disney finally learned that a woman doesn't have to marry the first non-related male she comes into contact with. As a matter of fact, she doesn't have to get married at all, even if she wants to be a queen.

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singing
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Do you know which mobster movie includes songs like "Layla," "Baby, I Love You" and "Rags to Riches"?
"Casino"
"The Godfather"
"Goodfellas"
"A Bronx Tale"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Goodfellas" may go down in history as Martin Scorsese's best mob film, and that's because it's so tangible to the audience. Part of what makes it so tangible is the soundtrack that goes with it.

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25_The Bodyguard
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Which Whitney Houston film includes the songs "I Will Always Love You," "Queen of the Night" and "Run to You"?
"Sparkle"
"The Bodyguard"
"Cinderella"
"The Preacher's Wife"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you love Whitney Houston, the soundtrack to "The Bodyguard" is probably on your top 10 for best movie albums of all time. She plays a singer who is being stalked, and she needs Kevin Costner to keep her safe.

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11_Fast Times At Ridgemont High
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The biggest songs on this soundtrack include "Somebody's Baby," "Uptown Boys" and "So Much in Love." Can you name the film?
"Fast Times At Ridgemont High"
"Onto the Best"
"Heat"
"More Than Words"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For a comedy film, this movie takes on topics that are heavier than most. The 1982 coming-of-age film has music that encompasses the high school scene in the most memorable ways possible.

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14_Clueless
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"Kids in America," "All The Young Dudes" and "Supermodel" are all songs on which '90s teen movie soundtrack?
"She's All That"
"10 Things I Hate About You"
"Bring It On"
"Clueless"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Clueless" is one of those movies that help us realize that teen movies are a little excessive when it comes to what teens of the '90s had access to. However, it did give us some great tunes and excellent quotable moments.

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Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which musical has a soundtrack that includes the songs "Beauty School Dropout," "Summer Nights" and "Look at Me"?
"Rent"
"Funny Girl"
"Grease"
"Hairspray"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thirty-year-olds playing teenagers was nothing new in the '70s, but most audiences watched "Grease" for the music rather than the acting or accuracy of the film. It's about teenagers who fall in love, even though they're from different worlds.

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singing
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This movie included the songs "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love," "Think" and "Jailhouse Rock." Can you name the movie?
"Caddyshack"
"Ghostbusters"
"The Blues Brothers"
"Beverly Hills Cop"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starting off as two comedians who just loved to hop on stage and sing blues music, "The Blues Brothers" were soon seen on the SNL stage, and then later in their own film ... which has an excellent soundtrack.

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singing
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Do you know which coming-of-age movie's soundtrack includes classics like "Everyday," "Lollipop" and "Great Balls of Fire"?
"Stand My Be"
"Now and Then"
"The Sandlot"
"American Graffiti"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rob Reiner's 1986 "Stand By Be," based on a Stephen King short story, takes place in 1959. The soundtrack is a fun collection of oldies. Ben E. King's 1961 song "Stand By Me," which plays at the end of the movie, re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 after the film's release.

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singing
Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Which movie features great '60s songs like "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show," "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and "Good Thing"?
"Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice"
"Easy Rider"
"Valley of the Dolls"
"Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Quentin Tarantino "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" takes place in 1969. Its Grammy-nominated soundtrack features infectious songs from Paul Revere & the Raiders, Neil Diamond, Vanilla Fudge and so many others.

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32_The Big Lebowski
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Do you know which Coen brothers film includes "Hotel California," "Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles" and "Just Dropped In" on its soundtrack?
"The Big Lebowski"
"Blood Simple"
"Raising Arizona"
"No Country For Old Men"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Coen brothers brought us some epic tales that were told in very interesting ways. Audiences watched for the oddity in the characters, but also for the great music they'd hear in the background.

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35_A Star Is Born
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This 2018 soundtrack includes these songs: "Diggin' My Grave," "Is That Alright?" and "Shallow." Can you name the movie?
"Vox Lux"
"Teen Spirit"
"Wild Rose"
"A Star Is Born"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What happens when a seasoned musician meets a struggling artist? They fall in love, of course ... and they also sing some pretty great songs. In this much-loved film, we see Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper take the stage together.

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singing
andresr / E+ / Getty Images
"The Winner," "Fly Like an Eagle" and "I Believe I Can Fly" are in which movie?
"Space Jam"
"Bring It On"
"Cinderella Story"
"O"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Jordan was an excellent basketball player, but not so great when it came to acting. So, of course, they made a movie about him playing basketball against aliens. "Space Jam" was an excellent film, if you don't mind terrible acting.

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singing
DaniloAndjus / E+ / Getty Images
Can you name the John Hughes film that included the songs "True," "Our House" and "Happy Birthday"?
"The Breakfast Club"
"Weird Science"
"She's Having a Baby"
"Sixteen Candles"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Hughes loved incorporating great music into his scripts, and this music was essential for completing the stories that he told. Although the "Sixteen Candles" soundtrack isn't his most well-known, it is pretty epic.

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singing
Nicola Katie / E+ / Getty Images
In this film, you'll hear the songs "Party Hearty", "Fight the Power" and "Mr. Fantasy". Can you name it?
"Do The Right Thing"
"Jungle Fever"
"He Got Game"
"Clockers"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Adding racial tensions and an angry pizzeria owner to a comedy might seem unheard of, but "Do The Right Thing" takes the opportunity to discuss difficult topics without becoming offensive.

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33_Almost Famous
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"America," "Simple Man" and "Tiny Dancer" are all songs you'll hear in which movie about a rock band going on tour?
"In the Air Tonight"
"Almost Famous"
"Cover of Rolling Stone"
"Something in the Air"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Almost Famous" was a period piece that encapsulated the tone of American rock bands in the 1970s. The purity of the music juxtaposed with the impure actions and lifestyles brings a perfect tapestry of American youth.

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Can you name the movie that includes these songs: "Best of My Love," "Jungle Fever" and "Sister Christian"?
"Rhapsody In Bloom"
"Steel Magnolias"
"Terms of Endearment"
"Boogie Nights"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1997 film "Boogie Nights" was all about the adult film industry of the 1970s. It showed us that there is a little more to film stars than their looks ... if you are looking for more than looks, that is.

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29_Forrest Gump
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"Hound Dog," "Walk Right In" and "Sweet Home Alabama" are all excellent songs on which movie's epic soundtrack?
"Casino"
"Forrest Gump"
"Mama Told Me"
"Mamma Mia!"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Forrest Gump" is an epic film that includes an epic soundtrack. Most watch the movie to embrace the songs of their youth, and some of the best classic rock to ever come out. Each song represented a moment in Forrest's life.

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06_Apocalypse Now
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Do you know the name of the Vietnam film that includes the songs "Fortunate Son," "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Run Through the Jungle"?
"Apocalypse Now"
"The Jungle"
"Hitchhiker"
"More Than Once"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only does "Apocalypse Now" fully encompass the tone of the soldiers in the Vietnam War, but it also gives us insight into one of the most difficult stories to translate to film: "Heart of Darkness."

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12_Pretty In Pink
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Can you name the '80s movie with these songs: "Wouldn't It Be Good," "Get to know Ya" and "If You Leave"?
"The Breakfast Club"
"Pretty In Pink"
"Weird Science"
"Sixteen Candles"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Hughes was a mythical creature in the world of screenwriting, and the songs he chose for his films were necessary to the plot and creation of the scripts. That is what makes his soundtracks some of the best in history.

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15_8 Mile
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"Places to Go," "Lose Yourself" and "Spit Shine" are songs that can be found in which movie?
"8 Mile"
"Marshall Mathers Was Here"
"He Got Game"
'Another Lowly Road"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many have considered "8 Mile" to be Eminem's biography pic, it goes a little deeper into the psychology behind what makes a great rapper and a superstar. As a matter of fact, this film is about the struggle to get where you want to be and not giving up.

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18_Dazed and Confused
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This film about coming of age in the 1970s had songs like "Sweet Emotion," "Why Can't We Be Friends?" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy." Can you name it?
"Ripped Up"
"Wet Hot American Summer"
"Dazed and Confused"
"Mild Illusion"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There was nothing like watching "Dazed and Confused" and thinking about all of the times people could have died and how wild the first day of summer was for teens in the 1970s. What made it even greater was the sounds that came with the actions.

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singing
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images
This movie was all about music and included the songs "Unavailable," "French Disko" and "Cry Baby." Do you know it?
"Park and State"
"Serendipity"
"Grace Is Gone"
"High Fidelity"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can know all there is to know about music, but that doesn't mean you know a single thing about love. In "High Fidelity," we see Rob Gordon visit the ghosts of girlfriends past to figure out what he's doing wrong.

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20_Waiting to Exhale
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Breakup movies have breakup songs. Which movie includes these songs? "Sittin' Up in My Room," "All Night Long" and "It Hurts Like Hell"?
"Waiting to Exhale"
"How Stella Got Her Groove Back"
"Broken Dreams"
"The Breakup"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In one of the first mainstream films to expose the fact that no one has everything together and being an adult is hard, "Waiting to Exhale" shows us that friendship is more important than posing as perfect.

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singing
Vincent Besnault / The Image Bank / Getty Images
"At the Hop," "She's So Fine" and "Barbara Ann" are all songs on which 1973 film's soundtrack?
"Where the Cowboys Have Gone"
"American Graffiti"
"Mean Streats"
"The Sting"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some coming of age films are about the first day of summer. This one is about the last day of summer. It shows us that when you're bored, just hop in the car and trouble will find you.

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22_Singles
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The soundtrack to this film defines the early 1990s. It includes these songs: "Would?," "Breath" and "Drown." Can you name it?
"Pulp Fiction"
"Forrest Gump"
"Singles"
"Clueless"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1990s were about getting in touch with who you were, even if the dating scene was nearly impossible. "Singles" shows us the music of the times as it applied to the drama of attempting to get a straight answer from a date.

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