[2026] Relive those iconic moments… Recommended theme songs and insert songs from Western films

Carry OnKygo, Rita Ora

Carry On (from the Original Motion Picture “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu”) (Official Video)

Detective Pikachu is the animated film that marks the Hollywood debut of Pikachu, the beloved Pokémon character Japan is proud to share with the world.

Seeing the adorable Pikachu speak with a deep, gravelly male voice was shocking, but many fans were relieved to hear that Pikachu’s trademark “Pika Pika~” cries still use Ikue Otani’s voice.

For this landmark first step of Pokémon in Hollywood, the theme song was written specifically for the film: Carry On, a collaboration between hit-making producer and renowned songwriter Kygo and popular British singer Rita Ora.

The music video is packed with scenes from the movie, so it’s even more enjoyable to watch again after you’ve seen the film.

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Born To Be WildSteppenwolf

Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild (Easy Rider) (1969)

Easy Rider, featuring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, is a quintessential work of American New Cinema.

Known for its shocking ending and iconic Harley-Davidsons, the film used Steppenwolf’s song “Born to Be Wild” as part of its soundtrack.

Stayin’ AliveBee Gees

Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Official Music Video)

The film that launched John Travolta’s career was the American movie Saturday Night Fever, set primarily in the world of disco.

One of its songs featured in the film is Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees.

Although there were initially no plans to release the song as a single, a flood of requests to radio stations led to its single release.

Joyful JoyfulSister Act 2

Sister Act 2 (Finale) Lauryn Hill – Joyful Joyful With Lyrics (Ft. Whoopi Goldberg)

“Joyful, Joyful” is one of the world’s most famous hymns, with lyrics set to the theme melody “Ode to Joy” from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

When it comes to films that use this piece effectively, it has to be Sister Act 2.

Like its predecessor, it’s a fun movie featuring Whoopi Goldberg as a freewheeling, unconventional nun who once again steals the show, and it’s also known for propelling prominent popular artists to even greater fame.

Among them, many were astonished by the passionate performance and overwhelming vocal power of Lauryn Hill, a prodigiously talented vocalist who was still in her teens at the time.

Her solo part in the choir competition within the film can be considered one of the most iconic scenes in the movie.

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Moon RiverAudrey Hepburn

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (3/9) Movie CLIP – Moon River (1961) HD

Moon River is the song Audrey sings while strumming a guitar in the American film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn.

The song continues to be covered by many musicians today and has become a jazz standard.

A Whole New WorldMena Massoud, Naomi Scott

Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott – A Whole New World (from Aladdin) (Official Video)

Disney’s popular work Aladdin.

This version of A Whole New World is from the 2019 live-action remake.

It’s sung by Mena Massoud, who plays the lead, and Naomi Scott, who plays the heroine.

Despite being actors, they both have strong vocal abilities.

While their style isn’t as soulful as Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, who sang the original, the arrangement is crafted to be more broadly accessible to listeners.

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Wind Beneath My WingsBette Midler

Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video)

The Japanese title is “Love Lifts Us Up.” It was used in the film “Beaches,” which depicts a girl’s 30-year journey of love and friendship.

Bette Midler’s cover of the song was released as a single from the soundtrack, reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts, and won a Grammy Award.