Music is an essential part of every movie. Whether it’s an orchestral song in the background, a song featured in the movie, or even something the characters perform themselves, it’s a great way to add depth, fun, and emotion. Some movies even designate a song as their theme song, like The Bodyguard's “I Will Always Love You,” or Back to the Future’s “The Power of Love.” For every great movie theme song, there are some that are silly, bizarre, or just plain bad. Here are some movie theme songs we can’t believe exist, in no particular order.
10 “Dream Warriors” by Dokken – A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is often considered one of the best movies in the franchise, and sees a group of teens fight against Freddy Krueger. Heavy metal band Dokken provided its theme song, which was a decent success on the charts – surprisingly, considering that it references many of the movie’s grisly events. Yet the heavy metal song seems to work for the movie, and inspired other movies in the franchise to include similar songs.
9 “Addams Groove” by MC Hammer – The Addams Family (1991)
The 1991 version of The Addams Family remains one of the best movies about the famous family. One aspect of the film that wasn’t so well-received was its theme song, “Addams Groove,” by MC Hammer. Not even the music video featuring Hammer and most of the cast could save the song, which was widely hated. It didn’t do horribly on the charts, likely due to the movie’s success, but it received the worst original song award at the Golden Raspberry Awards that year.
8 “Beware the Blob” by the Five Blobs – The Blob (1958)
The Blob is a classic science fiction movie about an alien life form that crashes on Earth. This form grows into a giant blob that swallows everything it touches. Its theme song was written by Burt Bacharach and Mack David, and performed by a group of vocalists who called themselves the Five Blobs. The quick, snappy song tells exactly what the Blob can do. It has become synonymous with the movie, and perfectly matches its sillier, campy side.
7 “Ghostbusters Rap” by Run-DMC – Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
The original Ghostbusters has a well-known and popular theme song, but the same isn’t true for Ghostbusters 2. The ghostbusting team returns to save New York in the sequel, with an updated version of the original song performed by Run-DMC. It has some decent moments, but mostly flops. It’s not quite similar enough to the original to invoke its charm, but also not different enough to really stand on its own – though the music video is fun, and features cameos from the cast.
6 “Spies Like Us” by Paul McCartney – Spies Like Us (1985)
The movie Spies Like Us stars Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase as two new spies sent to the Soviet Union. The comedy was a hit with fans, who also brought the title theme song into the Top 10 of the US singles chart. The song in question was written and performed by Paul McCartney – an odd pairing with the movie and its cast. The song isn’t great, but is elevated by McCartney, and also has a fun music video with Aykroyd and Chase.
5 “Ben” by Michael Jackson – Ben (1972)
The movie Ben, about a boy who befriends a rat that forms a rat army, is probably better known for its theme song. Michael Jackson sings the song, and does such a good job with it that you almost forget how outrageous this ballad about a pet rat truly is. Despite its subject matter, the song won a Golden Globe for Best Song, and was even nominated for an Oscar. It’s still a well-regarded song – not bad for a ballad about a rat.
4 “City of Crime” by Dan Akyroyd and Tom Hanks – Dragnet (1987)
Dragnet is a movie adaptation of the TV series, and centers around Detective Joe Friday and his partner, Pep, as they investigate crimes. As Joe and Pep, Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks deliver great, hilarious performances, and even perform the theme song, “City of Crime.” It’s a funny rap that lets Hanks – who is often known for more serious roles – shine with something so silly. It’s hard to believe it’s a real song, but both actors completely sell it.
3 “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” by Cyndi Lauper – The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is a classic movie about a group of kids who find pirate treasure in Oregon. The soundtrack features music from REO Speedwagon and also contains the theme “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough,” by Cyndi Lauper. Lauper herself hated the song, and wouldn’t even perform it live again until 2004, per Chaos Pin – though the original single reached the top 10 of the Hot 100 in 1985. What makes the song even more interesting is its music video, which features the cast, various professional wrestlers, and even a cameo from Steven Spielberg.
2 “Howard the Duck” by Cherry Bomb – Howard the Duck (1986)
Howard the Duck tells the story of the title duck, who lands on Earth and is trying to get back to his home planet, while dealing with the Dark Overlord. It’s often regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. It features the theme song “Howard the Duck,” written by Thomas Dolby and performed by the movie’s band, Cherry Bomb. The song is silly and bizarre at times, which perfectly matches the movie and its cult-favorite status.
1 “Ninja Rap” by Vanilla Ice – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze follows the turtles as they take on the villains Shredder, Tokka, and Rahzar. One of the strangest scenes takes place in a club, where Vanilla Ice sings the theme song “Ninja Rap” as a fight ensues. According to the Village Voice, Vanilla Ice was told to keep the rap clean and kid-friendly; he does so, and while it’s not a great song, it can’t be said that it isn’t a fun one.