Movies feature original music from fictional bands more often than you may realize. Some on-screen bands are so good that they trick us into thinking we can snag some tickets to their next show. Unfortunately, they exist only in the confines of their movies. I would definitely endure Ticketmaster’s fees and insane pricing if it meant I could see any of these musical acts live.
1. Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes from Star Wars: A New Home (1977)
Even if you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, chances are you’ll recognize the seven-member ensemble comprised of smooth-headed Bith that welcomes viewers to Chalmun’s Spaceport Cantina on Tatooine. To date, Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes are known for three songs, the most notable being “Mad About Me.” We’d love to see what would happen if this talented septet performed live beyond the Star Wars universe.
Unlike most in-movie bands, Figrin D’an and his accompanying musicians aren’t prominent in their respective movies, and Han Solo’s appearance very quickly overshadows them. Still, they’ve left enough of an impact to remain part of the universe, with appearances in Star Wars: Battlefront II, Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, Disney Infinity 3.0, Lego Star Wars, and several short stories.
2. The Wonders from That Thing You Do (1996)
The aptly named one-hit-wonder band, The Wonders, headlined a movie about the trials and tribulations of being a rising star. The film’s namesake track is catchy and upbeat. Though it was created by real-world Academy Award-nominated musician and songwriter Adam Schlesinger, The Wonders have a chemistry we’d love to see return to the stage.
Granted, none of the cast, from Tom Everett Scott to Steve Zahn, were actually performing on “That Thing You Do,” but they could Milli Vanilli their way through a performance. Or learn to sing it. Either way, we want to see what other pop hits The Wonders can “churn out” beyond the handful they have in the movie.
3. Marvin Berry and the Starlighters from Back to the Future (1985)
Believe it or not, the headliners for the Enchantment Under the Sea dance are not a real band. Marvin Berry and the Starlighters belted out a perfectly in-tune version of “Earth Angel,” but that’s as far as their musical history goes. What’s wild to think about is how pivotal the band is to George and Lorraine, kindling their love on that faithful November evening in 1955. Without Marvin Berry and the Starlighters, Marty wouldn’t exist, and that alone is worth some praise.
4. The Lone Rangers from Airheads (1994)
Chazz Darby, Rex, and Pip may have a radical approach to getting their music played on the radio, but who can blame them for being passionate about their craft? Even if you’re not a fan of their hard rock sound, you’ll definitely fall in love with their charisma and charm. Also, who wouldn’t want to see Brendan Fraser, Steve Buscemi, and Adam Sandler reprise their roles and take to the stage for a reprisal performance?
5. Pink Slip from Freaky Friday (2003)
I have strong memories of little me singing along to the fictional band Pink Slip’s catchy song “Take Me Away” from the movie Freaky Friday. You can’t deny that it’s a jam! Pink Slip was the band created by Lindsay Lohan’s character in this popular coming-of-age dramedy. The song they perform at the House of Blues is a cover of a song by Australian alt-rock band Lash.
6. Sing Street from Sing Street (2016)
Sing Street follows a group of high school students in Ireland from the 1980s who form the movie’s namesake band. The film has an excellent soundtrack, with hits from bands like Hall & Oates, Duran Duran, and The Cure.
On top of hits from famous real-life bands, the original music from the fictional band Sing Street is applauded by fans.
7. Spinal Tap from This is Spinal Tap (1984)
As one of Christopher Guest’s hilarious mockumentaries, This is Spinal Tap follows a fictional British metal band on tour. While the band could be more successful and well-received by other characters in the film, fans of the movie have found a soft spot for Spinal Tap’s music. With comedy legend Rob Reiner at the helm and a strong cast including Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, David Kaff, and R. J. Parnell filling in as the bandmates, a Spinal Tap world tour would have done wonderfully back in the ’80s.
8. The Soggy Bottom Boys from O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
One of the most famous on-screen musical talents is the Soggy Bottom Boys from the Coen brothers‘ O Brother, Where Art Thou? While George Clooney doesn’t actually sing the lead vocals, the music is excellent and catchy, and many fans wish the band existed in real life. They have a folksy sound that’s fun and danceable, and if you ask me, they’re all quite bona fide.
9. Stillwater from Almost Famous (2000)
Almost Famous follows a fifteen-year-old with big dreams and confidence who meets a popular band called Stillwater when writing a feature about them for Rolling Stone. Soon, the kid travels with the band on their tour, and we get to listen to some fantastic original songs sung by the fictitious band, like the hit “Fever Dog.”
10. The Hex Girls from Scooby Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
The Hex Girls are not only the prime suspects in a Scooby Doo classic but also create some fantastic original music as a band that Scooby Doo fans keep on their must-listen playlists. The three band members are played by Jennifer Hale, Jane Wielden, and Kimberly Brooks, who co-wrote the music for the film.
11. Josie and the Pussycats from Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
This hilarious and insightful musical teen dramedy is about three young women in a band who desperately want to make it big. But are they desperate enough to exchange their morals for fame?
Throughout the film, the fictional band with the same name as the movie releases banger after banger, from “You’re A Star” to “You Don’t See Me” to “Real Wild Child.”
12. The Ain’t Rights from Green Room (2015)
The Ain’t Rights are hailed as the most accurate depiction of a DIY punk band portrayed on the big screen. The horror film Green Room examines just how far hate can go, and viewers who love The Ain’t Right’s music vibes may not be happy to see what happens once their show ends. So, maybe it’s time for a revival that can change the band’s fate?
13. No Vacancy from School of Rock (2003)
School of Rock is famous for its excellence as an inclusive movie about finding a passion for music and for Jack Black’s iconic performance as Guitarist-turned-substitute teacher Dewey Finn. On top of that, Dewey’s rivals, his ex-band No Vacancy, perform their song “Heal Me” in the movie that School of Rock fans love to listen to.
14. The Commitments from The Commitments (1991)
This Irish dramedy follows an R&B band that rises to fame in Dublin and chronicles the band members’ relationships with each other and with fame. And at the same time, the band performs many songs that fans of the film love. Their covers of “Mustang Sally” and “Try a Little Tenderness” are fan favorites.
