For Nearly a Century, Hollywood Has Left Its Mark on the Pop Charts

"If you need confirmation of Hollywood's vast influence on mass culture, look no further than the pop charts. From the 1937 classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through this year's KPop Demon Hunters, soundtracks have launched hits, defined genres-and sometimes even eclipsed the films that inspired them in the first place. Rock classics, funk jams, rap bangers, even Christmas standards: all became hits because we heard them first at the cinema."

"Join Chris Molanphy as he unspools nearly a century of hit movie music, from Simon & Garfunkel's groundbreaking ode to "Mrs. Robinson," to the, ahem, titanic tin whistle of "My Heart Will Go On." Podcast production by Kevin Bendis. Get more Hit Parade with Slate Plus! Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of "The Bridge," and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts."

Hollywood's influence on mass culture is evidenced by pop charts shaped by film music. Since 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs through contemporary KPop Demon Hunters, soundtracks have launched hits, defined genres, and sometimes eclipsed their films. Songs spanning rock, funk, rap, and Christmas standards reached audiences first via cinema exposure. Iconic examples include Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" and the titanic tin whistle of "My Heart Will Go On." Recent successes such as Barbie, Wicked, and KPop Demon Hunters indicate a renewed visibility of movie music on mainstream charts.

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