10 alternative songs that sampled iconic movie scenes
Sampling in music has been a popular practice since the ’70s, mainly in the hip-hop world to recycle old drum beats. Over the years, it’s become an essential element in music, with artists using samples ranging from movie scenes to voicemails.
Many bands frequently incorporate prominent film scenes and quotes in their music, melding different artistic mediums together. Here are some memorable instances where your favorite bands borrowed inspiration and took snippets from iconic movies.
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1. New Found Glory – “Hit Or Miss”
MOVIE: The Outsiders (1983)
The original pressing of New Found Glory’s Nothing Gold Can Stay included samples from various films such as The Outsiders, That Thing You Do! and Weird Science. Ponyboy’s symbolic quote introduces the record and kicks off with “Hit Or Miss.” The inclusion of this sample enhances the record with a youthful touch, still holding up over 20 years later.
2. Slipknot – “(Sic)”
MOVIE: Carlito’s Way (1993)
Among Slipknot’s large library of samples (thanks to Craig Jones), the tension-filled bathroom scene from Carlito’s Way in “(Sic)” is without a doubt the most recognizable sample in their discography. Despite it only lasting a few seconds, Al Pacino’s belligerent character coalesces seamlessly with Slipknot’s primordial vigor.
3. Neck Deep – “Kick It”
MOVIE: Back To The Future (1985)
Neck Deep’s Rain In July EP opens and ends with samples from Back To The Future. The short intro track, “Kick It,” features the scene where Marty auditions for the battle of the bands and gets immediately rejected for playing too loud.
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4. The Ataris – “Your Boyfriend Sucks”
MOVIE: A Bronx Tale (1993)
“Your Boyfriend Sucks” by the Ataris is one of the angstiest, green-eyed songs in the band’s catalog. The outro uses the classic scene from A Bronx Tale where Sonny teaches “the door test” to Calogero. “The door test” is an old-fashioned trick to tell if a girl is selfish by seeing if she unlocks the car door for the driver after escorting her into the passenger seat. This sample gracefully ends the song with a clear resolution.
5. Motionless In White – “We Only Come Out At Night”
MOVIE: Dracula (1931)
As hardcore fans of horror flicks and goth aesthetics, it’s no surprise that Motionless In White would use a sample from the original Dracula film. Also inspired by the vampire horror-comedy film The Lost Boys, “We Only Come Out At Night” illustrates the nightly adventures of a vampire, and Count Dracula’s chilling line makes a fitting intro for the song.
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6. Silverstein – “Bleeds No More”
MOVIE: Fight Club (1999)
“Bleeds No More” from Silverstein’s debut album is short and sweet but also fiercely aggressive. The song slows down in the bridge with melodic crooning and dramatic orchestrations. Marla’s piercing quote from Fight Club plays a crucial role in bringing the heaviness right back with the verse, perfectly capturing the unbearable agony and distress.
7. AFI – “Kung-Fu Devil”
MOVIE: Reservoir Dogs (1992)
AFI’s debut album featured several audio clips from movies and television. Along with the album cover alluding to Reservoir Dogs, the 10th track of the record, “Kung-Fu Devil,” begins with the opening scene of the film, which contains the iconic breakfast conversation between the eight mobsters.
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8. Chelsea Grin – “Crewcabanger”
MOVIE: Road Trip (2000)
Many bands usually sample a notable scene or a memorable monologue, but Chelsea Grin decided to keep things lighthearted. Despite the song’s vulgar and vengeful lyrics, the band took note of a hilarious quote from Road Trip and saw it as a perfect fit for a prebreakdown call-out.
9. Counterparts – “Carpe Diem”
MOVIE: Dead Poets Society (1989)
The downtempo instrumental break from Counterparts’ Prophets features an influential quote from John Keating in Dead Poets Society. As the track references Keating’s sentiment to seize the day, the sample smooths out the interlude with a scene that’s both inspiring and paramount in movie history.
10. Parkway Drive – “Guns For Show, Knives For A Pro”
MOVIE: Die Hard (1988)
It’s hard to choose a favorite moment from a movie like Die Hard, but Parkway Drive stuck to the simplest one of them all. “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker,” the famous line uttered by Bruce Willis, is placed right before dropping a brutal breakdown, preparing listeners for an intense headbanging session.
What are some of your favorite songs with movie samples? Let us know in the comments below!
