1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Originally released in 1975, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody was a chart-topper in its day, but the song found a whole new generation of fans after being featured in the iconic headbanging scene of Wayne’s World in 1992. Suddenly, “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” was back on everyone’s lips, and the song climbed up the charts once more, eventually solidifying its status as one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time.
2. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
This soulful ballad from 1965 became a massive hit again in 1990 after Ghost featured it in the famous pottery scene with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. The combination of romance, heartbreak, and that unforgettable melody gave the song a second life—and possibly an even bigger legacy than it originally had.
3. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams reigned in 1977, but it experienced a surprising resurgence in 2020 when a TikTok video of a man skateboarding, sipping cranberry juice, and vibing to the song went viral. The relaxed vibe of the video captured the spirit of the song perfectly, and people of all ages suddenly found themselves swaying along to Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals once more.
4. The Twist – Chubby Checker
The Twist first hit the charts in 1960, kicking off a massive dance craze. But amazingly, it returned to the charts again in 1962! This was largely due to its enduring popularity at parties and on TV shows. The Twist remains one of the only songs in history to top the charts twice, with the same version, proving that a great dance tune has no expiration date.
5. Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Swede
This 1974 cover of Hooked on a Feeling was a novelty hit with its unforgettable “ooga-chaka” intro, but it faded from the charts after its heyday. Then, in 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy made it a staple of the soundtrack, and suddenly, people of all ages were singing along. Blue Swede’s quirky take on the tune felt like the perfect match for a movie about a ragtag group of misfit superheroes.
6. September – Earth, Wind & Fire
While September has never truly gone out of style, it experienced a huge resurgence in 2017 thanks to the explosion of memes and videos celebrating the song’s famous opening line, “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” Earth, Wind & Fire’s infectious groove and feel-good energy made it a favorite once again, making the 21st of September a date that’s celebrated every year by fans across social media.
7. Africa – Toto
When Africa came out in 1982, it was a hit, but it became a cultural phenomenon decades later. Its revival began around 2010 when younger listeners discovered it through memes, internet videos, and even fan pages dedicated to its lyrics. The song’s comeback culminated in 2018 when Weezer released a cover of it after fans demanded it, making Africa one of the most unlikely but beloved musical revivals.
8. My Sharona – The Knack
Originally a huge hit in 1979, My Sharona saw a massive comeback in the early 2000s when it was featured prominently in Reality Bites. The infectious beat and catchy hook had people of a new generation nodding along, proving the song could transcend its one-hit-wonder status and find new relevance.
9. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
An anthem of empowerment since it was released in 1978, I Will Survive had a powerful comeback in the 1990s thanks to dance clubs, movies like The Replacements, and endless covers and performances. The song’s universal message of resilience and independence resonated with listeners yet again, and today, it’s a timeless classic that gets rediscovered in every era.
10. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This Motown classic from 1967 was already well-loved, but it found a new audience in 2000 when it appeared in Remember the Titans. The song’s uplifting message and energy fit perfectly with the movie’s themes of unity and perseverance, and it quickly became a go-to feel-good anthem once again.
11. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
This song from 1981 never really left us, but it gained legendary status after its powerful feature in the final scene of The Sopranos in 2007. From that moment, Don’t Stop Believin’ went from an ‘80s power ballad to an iconic anthem of hope and defiance that’s still played in bars, karaoke joints, and stadiums everywhere.
12. Somebody to Love – Jefferson Airplane
First making waves in the Summer of Love in 1967, Somebody to Love found a new audience in 1998 when it was used in A Bug’s Life. It might seem strange to imagine a psychedelic rock song in a kid’s movie, but it fit the film’s quirky vibe perfectly. Thanks to the movie, a new generation got introduced to Grace Slick’s powerful vocals and the flower-power era.
13. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
Ben E. King’s 1961 ballad of friendship and loyalty found an entirely new fan base in 1986 when it was used in the movie Stand by Me. The film’s nostalgic tone paired beautifully with King’s smooth, emotional delivery, and the song became a permanent fixture at weddings, graduations, and any occasion where people needed a reminder to stand by each other.
14. Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Though Elton John’s Tiny Dancer was released in 1971, it became an emotional touchstone in 2000 when Almost Famous included it in an unforgettable singalong scene. Afterward, the song surged in popularity, cementing it as one of Elton’s most beloved tracks and proving that music really can bring people together—even on a tour bus.
15. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah went largely unnoticed when it was released in 1984, but it grew in popularity through covers by Jeff Buckley and, later, Rufus Wainwright. The song hit a high point of popularity in the early 2000s, thanks to movies like Shrek and TV shows. Today, it’s recognized as one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs of all time, with a resurgence that few could have predicted.
16. Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush
Originally released in 1985, Running Up That Hill had a modest impact but never reached huge popularity outside Kate Bush’s fan base. Then in 2022, Stranger Things used it as a major plot point, and suddenly Bush’s haunting track shot up the charts nearly 40 years after its release, making her a sensation with a whole new audience.
These songs may have faded in popularity after their initial release, but they came roaring back, proving that great music resonates across generations. Whether it’s a movie, a viral moment, or simply timeless appeal, each of these tunes found a way back into our hearts (and playlists).
