The 10 Best Beyoncé Needle Drops in Movies and TV Shows
Beyoncé is not only a global music icon and powerhouse performer; her music has also become a dynamic part of modern pop culture, resonating profoundly on the big and small screens. Here’s a look at the ten best uses of her songs in movies and television shows:
1. “Crazy in Love” – ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
A sultry, slowed-down version of Beyoncé’s hit “Crazy in Love” was used to perfection for the promotional trailers and steamy sequences of this film adaptation. The remix added an extra layer of intensity to the already charged atmosphere.
2. “Spirit” – ‘The Lion King’ (2019)
In Disney’s live-action remake, “Spirit” is featured as the film’s uplifting anthem, capturing the essence of Pride Rock’s majesty during Simba’s return. It serves not just as a pivotal moment in the movie but also represents Beyoncé’s power as Nala.
3. “Hold Up” – ‘Lemonade’
Although not a movie or TV show, the visual album deserves a spot for its unprecedented format that blurred the lines between music and cinematic storytelling. The use of “Hold Up” alongside Beyoncé’s bat-wielding walk was iconic.
4. “Run the World (Girls)” – ‘Glee’
“Glee,” known for its musical numbers, paid homage to girl power with a dynamic rendition of “Run the World (Girls)”. This inclusion gave the song new life and connected it with an empowering message for a younger audience.
5. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – ‘Sex and the City 2’
This song punctuated one of the light-hearted moments when characters from this comedy-drama franchise had fun dancing to Beyoncé’s anthem during a wedding reception sequence.
6. “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
Collaboration with Jay-Z, this song, matched with an episode filled with tense partnerships and romantic escapades, emphasized themes of loyalty amidst chaos within this medical drama’s narrative.
7. “Flaws and All” – ‘I Am… Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas’
Another non-traditional entry but one that speaks to movie-level production qualities. This live performance was so profound that it felt like an intimate confession viewed by millions in their homes.
8. “Halo” – ‘Hope for Haiti Now’ Telethon
During this international telethon event, Beyoncé’s rendition of “Halo,” dedicated to survivors and victims of the Haiti earthquake, was nothing short of angelic–showcasing her ability to touch hearts globally through her music.
9. “Flawless” feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – ‘Girls Trip’
This anthem was seamlessly woven into a scene symbolizing women embracing their imperfections while confidently taking control—the perfect backdrop for this comedy about friends reuniting for an adventure.
10. “Partition” – ‘Euphoria’
An edgy show like “Euphoria” used Beyonce’s provocative track “Partition” to underscore a scene that’s both sensual and rebellious—exemplifying how perfectly her tracks can underscore narrative nuances.