Let’s level with each other—the music in a movie can make or break the whole entire viewing experience. I mean, what would Star Wars and Jurassic Park be without John Williams’ beloved orchestral arrangements? Or, what would a viewing of Titanic be without the tear-inducing “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion? Of course, some movies are made better by rock and metal music. (Just look at any soundtrack from the Saw franchise.) These emo bands utterly transformed movies in the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s by being on the soundtrack.
Read more: 8 Spooky Movie Soundtracks for Your Inner Goth and Emo Phase
From family-friendly comedy films to campy horror flicks, here are eight emo acts that appeared in beloved movie soundtracks and made the theater experience even better.
My Chemical Romance in House Of Wax (2005)
IMHO, this is the most iconic end credits scroll. House Of Wax is peak campy gory horror loaded with dialogue that fully encompasses the early aughts (for better or for worse). My Chemical Romance‘s “Helena” is the unique song choice that keeps viewers immersed in the era even when the characters have left the screen. Overall, House Of Wax‘s soundtrack is a time capsule, boasting a soundtrack with Deftones, Disturbed, and more.
Sum 41 in Cheaper By The Dozen (2003)
Cheaper By The Dozen‘s soundtrack is nothing short of perfect. Sum 41‘s “In Too Deep” takes center stage during a montage of pure chaos as the kids adjust to their new school and home life. Deryck Whibley and co. definitely looped me into the pop-punk fanbase with this scene. Plus, “In Too Deep” has appeared in myriad shows and films, including American Pie 2, Malcolm In The Middle, King Of The Hill, and more.
Dashboard Confessional in Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Dashboard Confessional‘s “Vindicated” served as the lead single for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. Uniquely, frontman Chris Carrabba wrote the song in 10 minutes following a screening of the film. The single later appeared on the band’s Dusk And Summer album and remains one of Dashboard’s most-streamed singles to date.
Paramore in Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
After finding success in horror comedy Happy Death Day in 2017, actress Jessica Rothe returned to reprise her role as Tree Gelbman in Happy Death Day 2U, where she is still trying to break her cursed time loop. Paramore‘s “Hard Times” is the bright track that perfectly underscores a montage of various over-the-top ways to die. Pure cinematic perfection.
Fall Out Boy in Big Hero 6 (2014)
Fall Out Boy met with Disney to make their song “Immortals” align with the adventure of Hiro and Baymax in Big Hero 6, and the group felt deeply connected to the story. In fact, in a press release, Pete Wentz shared, “They’re testing out their new super suits for the first time in the scene. Some of it works—some of it doesn’t. You get the sense that they’re stepping into a bigger role. The story’s in the DNA of Fall Out Boy. It is an authentic story, and it’s who our band is—we’ve always identified with the underdog.” Later, “Immortals” appeared on 2015’s American Beauty/American Psycho.
Simple Plan in Scooby Doo (2002)
Simple Plan ruled movie and TV show soundtracks in the ’00s as they deserved. (Plus, they had a major role in Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s New York Minute.) Though, how could we not spotlight the band’s deep ties to Scooby-Doo? This scene with “Grow Up” from the 2002 movie starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini changed my brain chemistry.
Simple Plan also crafted the theme “What’s New Scooby-Doo?” for the animated TV show, and they often still play it on their setlist. And that’s not all. The band’s “Don’t Wanna Think About You” also appeared on the soundtrack for Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
Avril Lavigne in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman really tapped in when it came to a cool soundtrack. They got super emo in a van with Avril Lavigne‘s “I’m With You” in the background: the perfect track. The movie also used Green Day‘s “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” and “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. If I wrote a movie, these soundtrack options would be non-negotiobale in my roundup, as well.
Twenty One Pilots in Suicide Squad (2016)
Despite Suicide Squad‘s box office flop status, Twenty One Pilots found a great deal of success with Heathens, a track specifically made for the soundtrack. In fact, behind Blurryface‘s “Stressed Out,” this song and music video remain their second most-streamed and watched release. Notably, the Suicide Squad soundtrack also includes Panic! At The Disco‘s dynamic cover of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
