3 Legendary Rock Songs That Inspired Famous Films

Rock music can inspire artists, singers, instrumentalists, and whole genres alike. It has also historically inspired a few filmmakers here and there as well. Let’s take a dive into three legendary rock songs that inspired the production of famous films!

1. “Across The Universe” by The Beatles

We’d be bold enough to say that this song is probably the most well-known example of rock songs that inspired famous films. “Across The Universe” by The Beatles is an excellent track from the 1969 album Let It Be, and it also inspired one of the biggest motion pictures to use the Fab Four’s music of all time. That film would be the 2007 epic musical drama Across The Universe.

This beautiful film isn’t about The Beatles, but rather, takes elements from various songs by the Fab Four and creates a narrative story using their music. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely the kind of film you need to see at least once!

2. “Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen

“Highway Patrolman” by Bruce Springsteen is one of many excellent works from the 1982 record Nebraska. It was so good, in fact, that it inspired an entire film. It’s not exactly surprising, either. Springsteen’s way of writing music has always had a fascinating narrative element to it, making many of his songs perfect for use in film.

The imagery in “Highway Patrolman” inspired the 1991 film The Indian Runner, starring Viggo Mortensen. It’s a star-studded thriller that follows the story of a Vietnam vet (apt, of course) who returns to his home to find that his own family is running the town like a tyrant.

3. “Riders On The Storm” by The Doors

“Riders On The Storm” is one of the most well-known songs out there by The Doors. Released on the 1971 album L.A. Woman, this song is packed with different elements of psychedelic rock, jazz, and art rock.

It’s an excellent song that inspired the horror-thriller from 1986 titled The Hitcher. According to the film’s writer, Eric Red, he got the inspiration for the film while on a road trip after hearing “Riders On The Storm” come on the radio. He noted that the cinematic vibe of the song and its excellent storytelling made for the perfect opening of a film, and The Hitcher was born.

Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives

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