What licensed song defined a scene for you in a show's or game's soundtrack?

[Natalie55]

I've noticed some of the most memorable moments in recent shows and games aren't scored with an original soundtrack, but with a perfectly curated, often obscure, existing song. It creates a different kind of emotional punch than a traditional score. What's an example where a licensed song used this way completely defined a scene for you?

[Jeffrey23]

Baby Driver nails the idea of a soundtrack driven scene The visuals and edits lock step with licensed songs making the track feel like a character in the story

[AbigailLR]

Guardians of the Galaxy uses a curated mixtape to cue emotion and set tone Not just the action the songs shape humor and heart too

[JosephTM]

Drive opens with Nightcall and the vibe stays constant The song gives the sequence a cool glow and guides the tension without a single line of narration

[Mark16]

Stranger Things leans on era specific tracks to build mood rather than reveal plot It invites memory and fan debate without spoiling the story

[Zoey68]

Pulp Fiction uses a rotating set of licensed songs to punctuate scenes The dance to You Never Can Tell instantly defines the film style and energy