Which came first – the music or the misery? The perfect needle drop can significantly elevate a movie’s emotional impact, transforming a simple scene into a memorable cinematic moment. While many elements contribute to a film’s success, the timing and placement of a song can make or break a pivotal scene – whether it’s the introduction of a character, a crucial moment of realization, or an intense sequence like a drug deal gone wrong. Recently, The Hollywood Reporter curated an impressive list of what they define as the 40 Best Needle Drops in Movies. Join us as we delve into this list, share our thoughts, and engage in a friendly critique of their selections!

The Hollywood Reporter cleverly organized the movies in alphabetical order, effectively avoiding any biases that might arise from ranking the songs or selecting a single definitive needle drop as the best. This approach ensures each film gets its fair chance without bias. One interesting rule they implemented was limiting the list to one song per filmmaker, although they made an exception for the legendary Martin Scorsese, who is known for his exceptional use of music in film.

Now, let’s dive into the debate surrounding Scorsese’s selections. For his contributions, they highlighted “Layla” in Goodfellas and Devo’s rendition of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” from Casino. While it’s hard to argue against the choice of “Layla” as the best needle drop in Goodfellas, one could advocate for “And Then He Kissed Me” as a strong contender. Regarding Casino, many feel that the chosen song doesn’t truly represent the film’s musical essence. There are so many other incredible tracks like “Janie Jones” from Bringing Out the Dead and “Don’t Worry Baby” from Mean Streets that could have been included instead.

Several directors have become synonymous with their masterful use of needle drops in films, and Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino are prime examples. Their selected tracks include “Sister Christian” from Boogie Nights and “Stuck in the Middle with You” from Reservoir Dogs. Both choices are undeniably brilliant; however, for the sake of discussion, I would argue that “God Only Knows” would have been a more fitting choice for Boogie Nights, as it perfectly encapsulates the film’s family dynamic. Interestingly, this classic was ultimately chosen for Love Actually, which is also a commendable selection.

Other remarkable needle drops from cinematic history that remain open for debate include “The End” from Apocalypse Now – with “Ride of the Valkyries” as an alternative pick – and “Hotel California” from The Big Lebowski, where “Just Dropped In…” could serve as a solid substitute. “These Days” in The Royal Tenenbaums also sparks discussion, with “Needle in the Hay” providing another possible choice. Nevertheless, some inclusions on the list are undeniable classics: “In Dreams” from Blue Velvet, “Dreams” from Chungking Express, “Fight the Power” from Do the Right Thing, “Where Is My Mind” from Fight Club, and “The Sound of Silence” from The Graduate, the oldest film to make the cut.

Ultimately, this list represents just one publication and one editor’s perspective on the best needle drops in movie history. We are eager to hear about your favorite selections! What do you consider to be the all-time greatest needle drops? Please share your top 5 in the comments section below!