Among the most famous musicians to ever live isBob Dylan. More specifically, he’s widely regarded as one of the finest lyricists of all time, and with good reason. Dylan has written more than 600 songs throughout his career, and scores of them have been featured in various mediums, from television to film.
Many movies in which Dylan’s music is featured are among the most famous ever made. Most titles on this list are highly recognizable, while a few may appear unfamiliar. All that said, these are 20 Bob Dylan needle drops that prove why he’s the most featured artist in movies.
20In the Name of the Father (1993) – Like a Rolling Stone
Based on true events,In the Name of the Father(1993) was directed by Jim Sheridan. It stars Daniel Day-Lewis as “Gerry” Conlin, one of the Guildford Four — a group of young men accused of bombing a pub. It’s an acclaimed project, with even the soundtrack receiving praise upon release.
A Perfect Selection of Songs
When “In the Name of the Father” by Bono & Gavin Friday kicks things off, the soundtrack is rendered unforgettable. “Voodoo Child” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience is next, followed by Bob Dylan’s"Like a Rolling Stone.“And although the latter isn’t on the official soundtrack due to licensing issues,In the Name of the Fatherstill utilizes Dylan’s dulcet vocals.
19St. Vincent (2014) — Shelter From the Storm
Starring Bill Murrayas a Vietnam veteranwith an alcohol addiction,St. Vincent(2014) was written and directed by Theodore Melfi. It kicks off when Murray’s protagonist Vincent meets his new neighbors: Maggie, played by Melissa McCarthy, and her son Oliver, who’s portrayed by Jaedan Martell. Everyone performs brilliantly in a frequently touching comedy.
An Endearing Main Character
It’s a well-written script, with perfect pacing and hilarious dialogue. But really, Murray steals the show with one of his best modern performances. The best moments inSt. Vincentfeature the famous comedian, including his singing along to “Shelter From the Storm"in the final scene. It’s a famous Bob Dylan song that makes for a wonderful needle drop.
18Another Day in Paradise (1998) — Every Grain of Sand
Based on Eddie Little’s novel,Another Day in Paradise(1998) was directed by Larry Clark. It chronicles two teenagers who are taken in by a middle-aged couple, then coerced into committing a series of robberies. And although it’s not the most acclaimed movie you’ll read about today,Another Day in Paradisedoes feature several notable musicians on the soundtrack.
A Resonant Soundtrack
Two songs written by Bob Dylan are featured. The most prominent is"Every Grain of Sand”— he performs the song on the soundtrack, while N’Dea Davenport covers his other piece, “One More Cup of Coffee.” Along with Dylan and Davenport, there’s also Otis Redding and Clarence Carter in the film. An impressive array of musicianscreated a resonant soundtrack.
17New York Stories (1989) — Like a Rolling Stone
All three segments in the anthology filmNew York Stories(1989) were directed by a legendary filmmaker. First is Martin Scorsese, followed by Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen. The three well-known directors are all associated with the Big Apple, and their stories are punctuated by the work of high-profile musicians.
Scorsese Stole the Show
Bob Dylan’s hit"Like a Rolling Stone"can be heard in the first segment,Life Lessonsby Scorsese, which follows an abstract artist who struggles to find inspiration on the eve of his important exhibition. It’s the most touching tale in the film, and thanks to other artists like Cream and Ray Charles, it also features the most eclectic array of musicians.
16Monster’s Ball (2001) — License to Kill
monster’s ball
From Will Rokas and Milo Addica’s script,Monster’s Ball(2001) was directed by Marc Forster. It stars Billy Bob Thornton as Hank Grotowski, a corrections officer who begins a relationship with Leticia Musgrove, played by Halle Berry. As the two realize that Hank assisted in executing Leticia’s husband on death row, their individual story arcs begin to intertwine.
Powerful Performances With a Hint of Bob Dylan
Both Thornton and Berry performed perfectly, with the latter winningBest Actress at the Academy Awards. They undoubtedly stole the show, though every element of the filmmaking created this critical darling. Even the music — though the needle drop is brief,“License to Kill"by Bob Dylan fits seamlessly with the tone of the overall film.
15Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) — Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Directed by Terry Gilliam (who also co-wrote the script),Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas(1998) was adapted from journalist Hunter S. Thompson’s 1971 novel. After the initial draft, Thompson dedicated his book to Bob Dylan and his song “Mr. Tambourine Man.” So even before the film adaptation, Dylan was associated with the story.
Another Dylan Classic
Although it isn’t “Mr. Tambourine Man” on the soundtrack, it only made sense to include a song by Bob Dylan. The choice was"Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again"from Dylan’s seventh albumBlonde on Blonde. The song fits perfectly, and considering the cult following ofFear and Loathing in Las Vegas, it’s definitely a fan-favorite needle drop.
14Walk the Line (2005) — It Ain’t Me Babe
Walk The Line
At the 78th Academy Awards,Walk the Line(2005) accrued five nominations. Reese Witherspoon walked away witha golden statuettefor Best Actress, while Joaquin Phoenix was also nominated for Best Actor. They both perform brilliantly as June Carter and Johnny Cash, a famous pair of musicians who develop a romance and eventually marry.
An Acclaimed Rendition
On theWalk the Linesoundtrack, both Phoenix and Witherspoon are credited with performing numerous songs originally written by their characters' real-life counterparts. But together, they also perform"It Ain’t Me Babe"by Bob Dylan. Each song on the surging soundtrack in this James Mangold biopic received praise, and that includes the piece by Dylan.
13Easy Rider (1969) — It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)
Easy Rider
Helping to usher in the New Hollywood era wasEasy Rider(1969), directed by Dennis Hopper. He also co-stars as Billy, while Peter Fonda plays Wyatt — a pair of bikers who travel to New Orleans to celebrate the money they accrued after smuggling cocaine. It’s a famous plot, with an equally famous soundtrack.
A Couple of Contributions From Dylan
Instead of performing his song"It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding),“the musician at hand passed the torch to Roger McGuinn, lead guitarist and vocalist for The Byrds. But Dylan also penned the first verse for another piece, called “Ballad of Easy Rider,” and once again handed the reigns to McGuinn, who finished the lyrics and performed the tune.
12Girl, Interrupted (1999) — It’s All Over Now Baby Blue
Another James Mangold stint,Girl, Interrupted(1999) wasadapted from Susanna Kaysen’s 1993 memoirof the same name. Winona Ryder plays Susanna, who begins the film by getting checked into a psychiatric hospital. Angelina Jolie shows up as one of her crazy cohorts, and the two actresses provide all-time great performances to the beat of several famous musicians.
Some Crazy-Good Tunes
Here inGirl, Interrupted, the featured Bob Dylan song"It’s All Over Now Baby Blue"is performed by an Irish rock band called Them. And while Dylan would have provided much greater name value, the soundtrack still boasts several notable artists: The Mamas & Papas, Jefferson Airplane, and Aretha Franklin, for example — legendary performers within an overall great film.
11High Fidelity (2000) — Most of the Time
Adapted from Nick Hornby’s 1995 novel of the same name,High Fidelity(2000) was directed by Stephen Frears. Its script was penned by four screenwriters, with one being John Cusack, who also stars as Rob Gordon. While working at a record store,Rob narrates to the audiencethe stories of his most tragic breakups.
Providing a Lighthearted Atmosphere
After attending the funeral of his new love interest’s father, Rob comes into a realization, and the film breaks into act three. This sequence plays out to"Most of the Time,“with Bob Dylan’s unique vocals providing a lighthearted atmosphere to an otherwise somber scene.High Fidelityis among the finest romantic comedies of the twenty-first century, and it features an iconic Dylan needle drop. For a movie in love with music, including Dylan was essential.
