Everybody loves movies. Everybody loves music. If you’re like me and love the best of both worlds, you can’t go wrong with songs tailored-made for the films themselves. Since 1934, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has dedicated a category to the best songs written specifically for a movie, with “The Continental” from The Gay Divorcee declared the first winner. Since then, it’s been a way of enhancing our favorite films.

Aside from Best Picture, Cinematography, and Visual Effects, Best Original Song has always been among my favorite categories. I tend to be drawn to it because I love seeing non-Grammy award shows celebrate some of the most iconic songs in cinematic history, recognizing songwriters that casual moviegoers might not know. Sometimes, a great song can redeem an otherwise mediocre film, leaving you with a catchy tune in your head during the movie or after the credits roll.

Over the past 90 years, if you look at the list of winners, you’ll notice how many songs have staying power and remind us of the films they’re associated with. Many popular songs received nominations but might have slipped the voting members’ minds despite getting tons of airplay. Often, the winning songs hit the mark and earn respect. But some winners leave us scratching our heads, such as “Talk to the Animals” from Doctor Dolittle, “We May Never Love Like This Again” from The Towering Inferno, and most recently, “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez. Trust me, there have been instances where the competition was relatively weak.

While compiling this, I found a mixture of songs that are not only memorable but also have a lasting impact on listeners. These are the songs that, in my opinion, have become timeless classics or masterpieces that have shaped the world of entertainment. Here are the 30 most outstanding winners for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

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30) “When You Believe” by Sarah Dworsky and Michelle Pfeiffer – The Prince of Egypt

“When You Believe” has to be one of the most underrated winners, and it shouldn’t be when it is the mass rousing musical number from DreamWorks’ biblical adaption, The Prince of Egypt. Many of us are familiar with the R&B version sung by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston (with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds as producer/ writer). But it’s from the film itself that’s more powerful when Miriam and Tzipporah sing as Moses leads his people to safety. Considering how one person can make miracles happen in uncertainty, Stephen Schwartz’s music hits almost emotionally as it swells into the final chorus, making this a rare non-Disney track to remind us to keep hope alive.

29) “Take My Breath Away” Berlin – Top Gun

The original Top Gun boasts a gem of a soundtrack that captures the tone of Tony Scott’s ’80s action flick. While “Danger Zone” is a timeless hit, the spotlight was on new wave band Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away,” which serves as the love theme for Maverick (Tom Cruise) and Charlie (Kelly McGillis). This synth-pop ballad, written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, is a constant presence in the film, a testament to its narrative significance. It could’ve been overkill, but it beautifully explores the unexpected nature of falling in love. Berlin might’ve been known only for this Oscar-winning song, but its enduring popularity evokes a sense of nostalgia, still heard on the radio and in the hearts of many.

28) “City of Stars” by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone – La La Land

As one of the best musicals of the 21st century, La La Land has some of the best original songs that will make you feel tons of emotions while listening. With “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” standing out for landing Emma Stone’s Best Actress win, “City of Stars” was the victor of the two to take home the prize. Penned by writing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the film’s best song is a soft duet between our two characters, as Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) sings on the piano with Mia (Stone) joining along before glimpsing of him about to go on tour and her planning her one-woman play. Their dreams seem to come true, though it all comes between love and longing ambitions that will later cause tension. It’s a short song but questions whether any sacrifice is inevitable.

27) “Fame” by Irene Cara – Fame

Imagine a song so captivating it can get people dancing on top of cars and in the streets. That’s the kind of power the titular song from the musical drama Fame holds. Irene Cara, who also stars in the film as Coco Hernandez, delivers a tune that resonates with those who dream of making a name for themselves, believing they have the potential for greatness. “Fame,” which won Oscars for Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, also catapulted Cara to fame and made a certified name, marking her as an artist to watch in the decade following her debut single.

26) “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were

Never doubt the impact of a Barbra Streisand track in a movie. Her songs often carry more emotional weight than the film itself. While this might not be true for The Way We Were and its title song, it’s another reason never to underestimate her talents. Lending her voice to Alan & Marilyn Bergman’s lyrics in the perfect song for her character, Katie and Robert Redford’s Hubbell’s relationship is a masterclass in emotional resonance. “The Way We Were” beautifully captures the bittersweet nostalgia of past love, the pain of separation, and the hope of rekindling what was lost.

25) “Let The River Run” by Carly Simon – Working Girl

How the Carly Simon song “Nobody Does It Better” didn’t win might be baffling to some. But the Academy finally recognized her work as a songwriter when she penned the empowering anthem “Let The River Run” from Working Girl. By blending a touch of pop and gospel through choir in the melody, it’s an uplifting song that plays during the opening and closing credits and relates to Melanie Griffth’s character, Tess McGill, fighting for her place in the corporate world. “Let The River Run” is a fitting anthem for women paving their way for new beginnings and for the working class to succeed. Fun fact: Simon became the first woman to win the Oscar as a solo artist, and the song was the first to win a Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe, which was composed by the same artist.

24) “Remember Me” by Anthony Gonzalez and Ana Ofelia Murguía – Coco

Always put your trust in Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with the latter becoming a double EGOT with Coco‘s “Remember Me.” The song is played throughout the film, carrying different motives. Whereas Ernesto de la Cruz’s upbeat version made him popular, “Remember Me” is used to hit the emotional core when Miguel sings the lullaby to his great-grandmother Mamá Coco on Héctor’s guitar, sparking a memory of her father and showing music has absolute power to connect us all. When Disney/ Pixar are at their best, Coco and “Remember Me” hit close to home when they tell the importance of remembering loved ones and keeping their memory alive. When I saw this in theaters, the scene and song broke me down in tears since it happened a couple of days after my dad’s funeral. By all accounts, it will forever be touching.

23) “Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara – Flashdance

1983’s Flashdance isn’t remembered fondly as having the most perplexing story ever. However, as flawed as the film is, the soundtrack gained the most popularity, becoming one of the best-selling albums. Just three years after recording “Fame,” Irene Cara lends her voice to “Flashdance… What a Feeling.” You’re instantly transported back to the final scene of Jennifer Beals’ Alex Owens and her incredible audition set to the song. Like her passion for becoming a professional dancer, lyrics from Cara and Keith Forsey describe the determination one strives to follow a dream, which relates to a lot of people during this time. Cara, Foresey, and producer Giorgio Moroder made “Flashdance… What a Feeling” the classic we’re still dancing to today.

22) “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish – Barbie

The Barbie soundtrack was an unexpected banger. While “I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For?” earned nominations, the Billie Eilish-led song took home the film’s only Oscar, and it’s well deserved. Regarded as one of the best songs of the year, the lyrics she and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, reflect on what Barbie has been searching for throughout the film. Her journey of self-discovery and finding the meaning of life takes the story to a whole other emotional level. We all know Eilish is talented, but “What Was I Made For?” is a personal, melancholy anthem that touches on the struggles of self-worth we all carry on our shoulders. Both Eilish and Finneas won their second Oscars and took home the Grammy award for Song of the Year, the first song from a film to win since “My Heart Will Go On.”

21) “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins – Tarzan

My first exposure to Phil Collins came from watching Tarzan as a kid, and his contribution to the soundtrack is one of the reasons why I’ve always loved this underrated Disney classic. Though he was previously nominated twice prior with “Against All Odds (Take a Look a Me Now)” and “Two Hearts,” he took home his only Oscar for the comforting tune “You’ll Be in My Heart.” This win was unique and special, as it was a song often linked to the mother-son relationship between Tarzan and his gorilla mother, Kala. It’s a song with strong resonance with parents willing to protect their children and have an unconditional love that can’t be broken. The line-up for Best Original Song that year was memorable, including “Save Me” from Magnolia and “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2. But hands down, nothing compares to Collins at his finest from the ’90s.

20) “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen – Philadelphia

No legendary musician can disappoint like Bruce Springsteen. The Boss has been nominated for two Oscars (the other being from Dead Man Walking). Still, it was his haunting contribution to the 1993 film Philadelphia, one of the first mainstream films addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic. ‘Streets of Philadelphia ‘ is not just a song; it’s a powerful narrative from the perspective of those who dealt with illnesses and loneliness around them, much like Tom Hanks’ character Andrew Beckett, who was fired from his firm when they discovered he had contracted AIDS. The emotional depth of “Streets of Philadelphia” is palpable, making it a more somber ballad that perfectly reflects the film’s atmosphere, winning him his first Oscar and four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year.

19) “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes – An Officer and A Gentleman

Duets tend to get nominated, from “Endless Love” to “Separate Lives.” But nothing is more iconic than the ending tune from An Officer and a Gentleman. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes’ “Up Where We Belong” is not just a song, it’s a pivotal moment in the film. It offers a truth about how relationships can be complicated, but those can defeat all obstacles to being with each other. The metaphorical representation of the lyrics isn’t that complex, yet the song’s significance is undeniable. Anyone who knows the film’s ending probably felt the moment’s weight as they imagined themselves carrying their significant other in their arms while people clapped for amusement.

18) “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel – Frozen

Anyone who has experienced Disney’s 2013 blockbuster Frozen knows “Let It Go” was more than a tune; it was a powerful emotional journey that became a cultural phenomenon. Idina Menzel’s stirring performance as Elsa, combined with the poignant composition by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, brought to life the character’s freedom of not hiding her ice powers from anyone after leaving Arendelle, embracing her true self for once. It’s the quintessential princess song, with its irresistible lyrics, Menzel’s powerhouse voice that can turn any song into a hit, and a universal charm that resonates with everyone. Perhaps I was the only one who didn’t get tired of the song due to its limited radio exposure, but it’s an anthem that can stand shoulder to shoulder with “Colors of the Wind” or “Part of Your World.” With an equally amazing cover from Demi Lovato during the end credits, “Let It Go” reached the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 5, won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and became the first Disney song to win the award since 2000.

17) “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Billy Medley and Jennifer Warnes – Dirty Dancing

Whenever Dirty Dancing pops into your head, you’re either thinking about the electric chemistry between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey or the soundtrack. The latter features the all-time ’80s classic “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, it is used during the final dance with Baby and Johnny they’ve been practicing, topped with the iconic lift everybody attempts to pull off at a dance or wedding. A nice blend of pop and soft rock that’s hard to resist; everyone had that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’ll be remembered forever. Without “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” would the love still be there when Baby becomes a woman?

16) “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” by B.J. Thomas – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

The unexpected charm of a lighthearted song in a western like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a testament to its success. The delightful “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” is now a memorable part of the film. It accompanies a scene where Paul Newman’s Butch Cassidy shares a bicycle ride with Katharine Ross’s Rtta Place, providing a delightful contrast to the usual violence and a moment of charm with its easygoing sound about overcoming life’s troubles. At the time, some, including Robert Redford himself, thought it didn’t fit the film’s tone. But like the award-winning western itself, it became a hit. Weirdly, the first time I heard it, and it probably goes the same with anyone in their 20s, was in Spider-Man 2, one of the finest superhero montages.

15) “Theme from Shaft” by Issac Hayes- Shaft

Has there ever been a cooler theme for a character? I think not. Shaft is an iconic blaxploitation film thanks to the late Richard Roundtrees’ performance as the titular private detective. But the funky, cool early ’70s sound provided by Isaac Hayes is what truly makes it stand out. Perfectly describing John Shaft during the opening credits, such as “a bad mother—,” it’s done through a spoken-word style that makes it instantly recognizable even for those who haven’t laid their eyes on any Shaft film. The track’s induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, with Hayes becoming the first Black man to win in the category (paving the way for Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie later on), is a testament to its cultural significance. Impressive? Damn right.

14) “Jai Ho” by A. R. Rahman featuring Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash – Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire, a film that leads us to believe in destiny, concludes with a Bollywood ending that catches audiences off guard. The end credits feature a vibrant dance sequence set to the Indian pop anthem “Jai Ho,” choreographed by Longinus Fernandes. The title, which translates to ‘Let there be victory,’ encapsulates what we’ve been rooting for all along- Dev Patel’s Jamal to achieve triumph, given the hardships he’s endured in his life that led him to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The song may also be familiar to some, with an English version featuring Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls.

13) “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper – A Star is Born (2018)

Right when the first trailer was released for the remake of A Star is Born, it was clear that “Shallow” would be a massive hit. The song, co-written by Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando, and Mark Ronson, played a significant role in the film’s success. The iconic duet scene of Bradly Cooper’s Jackson Maine brings Gaga’s Ally out on stage at the Greek Theater to perform a tune that’ll change her life forever. “Shallow” plays a crucial role for both characters, as one star rises to fame while the other has the desire to escape his personal struggles. They both long for something real in their respective lives and embrace Ally’s potential as a talented singer. The soundtrack is among the best in recent memory, but every time you listen to “Shallow,” it becomes a global hit for good reasons. One has to watch their live performance at the Oscars to realize their chemistry will forever remain unreal.

12) “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová – Once

The music in any John Carney film is a match made in heaven, like chocolate and peanut butter. It worked in Begin Again with “Lost Stars” and Sing Street with “Drive It Like You Stole It.” 2007’s indie drama Once gained the most popularity thanks to the beautiful “Falling Slowly.” Written by leads Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, it plays a pivotal moment in the film when the characters, Guy and Girl, first collaborate musically in a music shop with just their guitar and piano. This moment, underscored by the emotional resonance of “Falling Slowly,” establishes their deep but fleeting connection with each other despite her having a husband. To this day, “Falling Slowly” has become an iconic modern love song, evoking the unpredictable uncertainty of hope in those moments between somebody.

11) “A Whole New World” by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga – Aladdin

The 90s brought Disney back with its continuing renaissance era, with Aladdin cementing itself as a beloved animated adventure for all ages. As catchy as “Friend Like Me” is, it’s impossible not to be swept away by the film’s defining tune, “A Whole New World.” The perfect song to when Aladdin as Prince Ali takes Princess Jasmine on a magical carpet ride, the lyrics from Tim Rice express Jasmine’s longing for freedom outside her palace and seeing the world by putting her truth in Aladdin’s hand. Both characters search for new perspectives in their lives and believe in the possibilities. The third Disney song to win in the decade and win the Grammy for Song of the Year, it’s a love song that transcends all others. So, why couldn’t the remake evoke the same feelings?

10) “Beauty and the Beast” by Angela Lansbury- Beauty and the Beast

Given how Beauty and the Beast had the honor of being the first animated film to score a Best Picture nomination and earned three spots in Best Original Song, odds are one of them would win. And they chose right with the title song for this celebrated Disney classic. As a perfect follow-up to their win for “Under the Sea” from The Litte Mermaid, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, who passed away before the film’s release, created another unforgettable tune with a timeless and elegant ballad during the Renaissance era of the company. This song is set when Belle and the Beast share their first dance in the ballroom, a moment that is not just a dance but a profound expression of their growing connection. At the same time, Mrs. Potts (voiced by Angela Lansbury) sings of how love is found in unexpected ways. “Beauty and the Beast” is ultimately moving, while its accompanying beautiful sequence makes it a musical moment worth remembering.

9) “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The best songs from films are the ones you can’t help but find a strong resonance with audiences. With its simple melody that’ll take you away, “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s will do just that, standing out as the strongest winner in the category from the ’60s. Most will remember the scene from Blake Edward’s rom-com where Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, sings with her guitar while sitting on her fire escape outside her apartment, and George Peppard’s writer Paul catches her eyes. The thought of even removing the song from the film is unbelievable. But Hepburn’s voice and Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s lyrics convey a longing for adventure and chasing any dreams. Simple, yet it reflects on Holly’s ambitions for something better in life.

8) “Into the West” by Annie Lennox – The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

When we thought we couldn’t cry more at the end of Peter Jackson’s masterpiece of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, we hear the gentle, melancholic ballad “Into the West” through the end credits. The second song from the trilogy that earned a nomination in the category following Enya’s “May It Be” from The Fellowship of the Ring, “Into the West,” is an emotional piece carrying on “The Grey Havens” theme to remind Tolkien fans of the journeys the characters from Middle Earth faced that’s a touching farewell to what we’ve experienced with the films. At the same time, Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox, with composer Howard Score and Fran Walsh co-writing, takes the listener on a journey that stirs deep empathy for the loss and remembrance we all experience. Inspired by the passing of a young New Zealand filmmaker named Cameron Duncan, who died from cancer at only 16, this song is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. It’s a musical narrative that’s bound to evoke a strong sense of compassion in the listener. 

7) “Glory” by John Legend and Common – Selma

Selma only receiving two Oscar nominations is still ridiculous a decade later. Though its chance of winning Best Picture was very low, John Legend and Common’s powerful track “Glory” had no competition. Combining their styles of soul and rap with a reflection of the march from Selma to Montgomery, it’s more timeless for its relevancy in its themes of justice and hope during the civil rights movement then and now. The struggles Americans had to deal with in the 1960s continue today, and they call for change in the wake of activism. “Glory” is an anthem that’ll continue to be relevant for generations to come, with its performance at the Oscars leaving no dry tears in the audience.

6) “When You Wish Upon a Star” by Cliff Edwards – Pinocchio

The song that perfectly represents Disney over a century later, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” from the original Pinocchio, is magical. Right from the beginning, when sung by Jiminy Cricket (voiced by Cliff Edwards), it brings together the animated classic’s central theme of hope when anyone wants their dream to come true if they genuinely believe. Becoming the first animated film and Disney song to win an Oscar, “When You Wish Upon a Star” will forever be one of the most beloved songs in cinematic history.

5) “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John – The Lion King

The Lion King scored three nominations in the category that year. But it seems “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Mutana” couldn’t beat out “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The theme when Simba and Nala are reunited as adults and develop feelings for each other is all kinds of romantic. The version with Timon and Pumba is funny, but Elton John’s version is heard over the credits, hits the hardest, and captures the love that brings peace and fulfillment. Love songs are usually commonplace for the House of Mouse, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” doesn’t get old. While I believe “Circle of Life” remains the best song from The Lion King, you can either go with the styles of Timon and Pumba or John.

4) “Skyfall” by Adele – Skyfall

When it’s the first James Bond theme to win an Oscar, and Adele sings it, it’s a bonafide masterpiece that stands with “Goldfinger” and “Nobody Does It Better” as unforgettable. Skyfall has many aspects that made it one of the best action films of the 2010s and a top-tier Bond entry, and one contributing factor comes from the titular theme. Sung by the Grammy-winning artist and co-written with Paul Epworth, it carries a traditional orchestral production that gives a sound to the older themes. At the same time, the moody lyrics reflect the plot, giving listeners a brooding foreshadowing of Bond’s past. Believe it or not, three songs from the Daniel Craig era have won for Best Original Song. There’s also “Writing’s On the Wall” by Sam Smith from Spectre (weakest winner of the decade) and “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish from No Time to Die.

3) “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion – Titanic

Everybody who had the pleasure to see Titanic in theaters walked out with tears and an epic ballad in their heads with Celine Dion’s signature song, “My Heart Will Go On.” It’s the perfect song that pairs with Jack and Rose’s blossoming romance that turns into tragedy, where those who lost a loved one will stay forever in their hearts despite troubling circumstances. The thought of James Cameron almost not including it doesn’t make sense, but he came around to composer James Horner and lyricist Will Jennings creating the most sweeping romance song in film history. Matched with Dion’s unmatched vocal range, the impact remains strong nearly three decades later. And once it hits the final chorus, how does one not get emotional to the last minute?

2) “Lose Yourself” by Eminem – 8 Mile

Whether you love or hate Eminem, “Lose Yourself” has become the unexpected motivational anthem of the 21st century, becoming the first hip-hop track to win an Oscar. Much like Eminem’s performance as Jimmy “B-Rabbit” in 8 Mile, it’s about rising above personal struggles and overcoming fear and self-doubt to make a name for himself. Many, not all of us, have ever been in a rap battle, but its meaning will forever be timeless.  Plus, what other song has the lyric “mom’s spaghetti?” Over two decades later, it’s still quite possibly the best song of his career, with over 2 billion streams on Spotify as proof of the staying power this has. Was it random for Eminem to finally perform the track at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020? Yep. But was it the ultimate show-stopper? Absolutely, and you know it’s iconic when it had a standing ovation.

1) “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland- The Wizard of Oz

There are songs of elements that make The Wizard of Oz one of the greatest films of all time. Whether it’s an awe-inspiring transition of black-and-white to color once Dorothy Gale enters Oz or the memorable characters that join her on her journey back home, while it has an incredible soundtrack, one can listen to Judy Garland sing “Over the Rainbow” to know how it captures the yearning everyone has for the eventual feeling to achieve the impossible. Why would they want to take this song out of the final product when it lets the audience understand Dorothy’s longing to escape her small Kansas farm for a better life somewhere magical? It sets off her story in a simple manner where it doesn’t need the most extravagant musical number to show it all. Fung flawlessly by Garland, which has become her signature song, you can’t dream of a better Oscar-winning tune than “Over the Rainbow.”