90s Hits Reignite: How Movies & TV Resurrected Forgotten Anthems

From Obscurity to Chart-Toppers: The Unlikely Comeback of 90s Music Through Pop Culture

The 1990s were a golden era for music, producing anthems that defined a generation. But what happens to these iconic tracks when the decade ends? For many, they become nostalgic footnotes, cherished by those who lived through them. However, a surprising number of these 90s gems have experienced remarkable resurgences, thanks to their strategic — and sometimes unexpected — placement in blockbuster movies, binge-worthy TV shows, and viral internet moments. From the brooding intensity of Nirvana to the infectious energy of Smash Mouth, these songs have proven their staying power, finding new life and reaching new audiences decades after their initial release.

Nirvana’s ‘Something in the Way’ Finds a Dark New Home in ‘The Batman’

Nirvana’s ‘Something in the Way,’ a haunting track from their seminal album *Nevermind*, never achieved the mainstream single status of hits like ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’ It remained a deeper cut, appreciated by dedicated fans and making subtle appearances in films like *Jerry Maguire*. That all changed with the release of Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* in 2022. The film’s dark, gritty portrayal of Bruce Wayne, brought to life by Robert Pattinson, found a perfect sonic companion in Nirvana’s melancholic tune. Used to underscore the tortured vigilante’s inner turmoil, the song experienced a dramatic surge in popularity. Following the film’s theatrical run, ‘Something in the Way’ re-entered music charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, decades after its initial release, proving that the right cinematic moment can breathe new life into even the most understated tracks.

‘What’s Up?’ by 4 Non Blondes: A TikTok-Fueled Renaissance

4 Non Blondes’ anthemic ‘What’s Up?’ has always possessed a unique staying power. Peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993 and becoming Austria’s best-selling song of that year, its popularity has endured. The track has been a recurring presence in television, featured in shows like *Sense8* and *The Handmaid’s Tale*, introducing it to contemporary audiences. Even Ariana Grande paid homage by interpolating its melody into her debut single. However, the song’s most significant recent boost came from the digital realm. A viral TikTok mashup with Nicki Minaj’s ‘Beez in the Trap’ propelled ‘What’s Up?’ back onto streaming charts. The enduring appeal is further evidenced by its music video, which has amassed over 2 billion views on YouTube, showcasing a continuous rediscovery by new generations.

Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ Gets a Remix Renaissance Thanks to ‘Barbie World’

Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl,’ a quintessential bubblegum pop hit from the late ’90s, spent years as a nostalgic throwback. Its moment for a massive comeback arrived with the cultural phenomenon that was the 2023 *Barbie* film. While the original song wasn’t directly featured due to licensing and tonal conflicts, its iconic melody was heavily sampled by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice in their hit ‘Barbie World.’ This collaboration reignited global interest in the original track, pushing it back onto charts in various territories and introducing it to a new generation. ‘Barbie World’ even garnered two Grammy nominations, casting a renewed spotlight on the Danish-Norwegian group Aqua.

Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’: Forever Linked to Shrek

No discussion of 90s songs revived by pop culture is complete without Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star.’ Its inclusion in the opening credits of the 2001 animated blockbuster *Shrek* is arguably the most potent example of a song becoming inextricably linked to a film. The song’s optimistic, underdog spirit perfectly mirrored the journey of the beloved ogre, transforming ‘All Star’ from a popular track into a cultural touchstone synonymous with the *Shrek* franchise. Even as *Shrek* approaches its 25th anniversary, its enduring popularity ensures that ‘All Star’ remains a timeless anthem, perpetually rediscovered by each new wave of fans.

Other Notable Revivals:

• ‘Push’ by Matchbox Twenty: Ken’s (Ryan Gosling) dramatic performance of this angsty alt-rock staple in *Barbie* (2023) led to a significant spike in streams and sales, proving the song’s enduring emotional resonance.
• ‘Pony’ by Ginuwine: Featured prominently in the *Magic Mike* franchise (starting in 2012), this 1996 R&B hit became the series’ unofficial anthem, driving massive increases in streams and sales with each film.
• ‘Hold On’ by Wilson Phillips: This 1990 chart-topper received a heartwarming revival in the 2011 comedy *Bridesmaids*, where an unexpected performance at a wedding reception led to a surge in downloads and streams over two decades later.
• ‘Canned Heat’ by Jamiroquai: Napoleon Dynamite’s iconic, awkward dance routine to this 2001 track in the 2004 film *Napoleon Dynamite* cemented both the scene and the song in pop culture memory, introducing it to a new audience.
• ‘What Is Love’ by Haddaway: This 1993 Eurodance classic became a beloved meme and found new life through appearances in films like *Black Panther* (2018) and the video game *Saints Row 4*, showcasing its undeniable versatility and catchy hook.
• ‘Ocean Man’ by Ween: While already a fan favorite among indie listeners, its placement over the end credits of *The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie* (2004) and its subsequent explosion as a massive internet meme around 2015-2016 propelled it to become one of Ween’s most streamed songs on Spotify.

These examples highlight the dynamic relationship between music and visual media. A well-placed song in a hit film or TV show can do more than just enhance a scene; it can resurrect a forgotten hit, introduce it to a new demographic, and secure its place in the cultural zeitgeist for years to come.

Source: Top 16 90s Songs That Got Popular Again Thanks to Movies and TV (YouTube)