The Most Overplayed Songs in Film and Television

Have you ever found yourself humming along to a catchy tune only to realize it's been playing in every movie or TV show you've watched recently? It seems like some songs are just too good – or lazy – for filmmakers and music supervisors. In an attempt to identify the most overused tracks, the team at Vulture made a bold claim: Mazzy Star's 'Fade Into You' is, indeed, the most overplayed song in film and television.

But what else makes the cut? While it's hard to pinpoint the exact reasons behind the ubiquity of certain songs, it seems that many are used to convey adolescent longing or important truths about oneself. Take, for example, the song 'Night at the Roxbury' – a tune that has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including 'Just Go With It,' 'Glee,' 'The Simpsons,' and more.

In fact, 'Night at the Roxbury' is just one of many songs that have become synonymous with cinematic and television scene-setting. Other overplayed tracks include Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida,' which has been used in everything from 'Chasing Mavericks' to 'End of Watch.' Similarly, 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey has become a staple of TV shows like 'Glee' and 'The Office.'

So what can we do to escape these overplayed tunes? One option is to create supercuts that highlight the most egregious offenders. For those who enjoy their music with a side of irony, this can be a fun way to poke fun at the tendency for filmmakers to rely on familiar tracks.

Ultimately, while 'Fade Into You' may hold the title of most overused song in film and television, it's clear that there are many other contenders vying for the top spot. Whether you love or hate these overplayed tunes, one thing is certain: they're here to stay – at least for a little while longer.

Night at the roxbury song list