7 Iconic Movie Moments Made Unforgettable by The Beach Boys

This week saw the passing of the iconic Brian Wilson, and it’s challenging to express the immense influence he and The Beach Boys have had on me, as well as countless other fans. It’s likely that even those unfamiliar with a Beach Boys album have felt their music’s impact somehow. One such way is through films. Brian Wilson’s compositions, whether solo or with The Beach Boys, have graced numerous memorable musical scenes in movies.

Two notable tracks deserve a special shout-out in this context, as they were significant Beach Boys songs, yet Brian Wilson played minimal or no part in their creation. The track “Kokomo” from the movie “Cocktail” played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the band’s career during the 1980s and even topped the charts as their last #1 hit, but Brian Wilson didn’t pen this song; he also didn’t perform or sing on it. Another example is “Feel Flows,” a standout tune from the movie “Almost Famous” that accompanies the end credits. Interestingly, this song was primarily the brainchild of Carl Wilson, Brian’s brother.

With that matter now settled, let me share a few instances where Wilson’s music significantly enhanced the quality of already excellent films.

“I Get Around” – Good Morning Vietnam

One of the top movies set in Vietnam, “Good Morning Vietnam,” boasts an outstanding soundtrack filled with tunes from the ’60s. A notable track, “I Get Around,” is played during one of the film’s key radio broadcast scenes as various shots of Saigon are displayed on screen. This song is among The Beach Boys’ most popular hits and was a source of tension between band members Brian Wilson and Mike Love when a legal dispute led to Mike receiving co-writing credits. Released in 1964, it’s an excellent choice for any movie about Vietnam.

“God Only Knows” – Boogie Nights

God Only Knows,” penned by Wilson and lyricist Tony Asher, is occasionally referred to as the best pop song ever composed. This track showcases some of Wilson’s most impressive vocal performances throughout his career. It also serves as a testament to Wilson at the zenith of his creative abilities, demonstrating the intricate layering of instruments and vocals from his bandmates.

In the movie “Boogie Nights,” a track plays as we see the characters post their departure from the adult film industry, some thriving while others struggle. The tune has a chilling and victorious atmosphere, fluctuating between foreboding and triumphant based on which character director Paul Thomas Anderson is focusing in each scene. It’s enchanting, much like the song itself.

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – Roger & Me

It’s often the case that Wilson’s cheerful, Californian music by The Beach Boys is used to create a stark contrast against gloomy scenes in movies. This technique is particularly evident at the start of Roger & Me, Michael Moore’s acclaimed documentary from the 1980s, which depicts the decline of Flint, Michigan.

In the movie, Moore talks with his friend Ben, a former auto worker who now resides in a mental facility due to job losses over five years. Ben shares his breaking point and the song that was playing at the time, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” The tune is upbeat but, given the circumstances, pushed Ben too far. As the music plays, Moore guides viewers through Flint’s struggling neighborhoods. The difference between the cheerful melody and the reality on the ground couldn’t be more striking, contributing significantly to why Roger & Me stands among the greatest documentaries ever made.

“Good Vibrations” – Vanilla Sky

Cameron Crowe, the film director, is exceptionally skilled at incorporating music into his films. In the movie Vanilla Sky, there are several memorable musical scenes. One particularly striking instance occurs towards the end when Tom Cruise’s character begins to comprehend the truth of his situation. At this point, The Beach Boys’ song “Good Vibrations,” known for its bright, cheerful tone, is transformed into a haunting and ominous piece. This ability to transform lighthearted music into something darker is a testament to Wilson’s genius, as there is often a hidden depth of sadness beneath the sunshine in his work.

Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” often steals the spotlight from Vanilla Sky‘s impressive soundtrack, but “Good Vibrations” is equally powerful in the turbulent scene that concludes with Cruise on the roof, contemplating his moment of truth. If you’re not convinced, take a look for yourself by subscribing to Paramount+.

“Sloop John B” – Forrest Gump

In another timeless film, Forrest Gump, The Beach Boys are included in a scene depicting the Vietnam War. Specifically, their song “Sloop John B” subtly plays during the initial encounter between characters Bubba (Mykelti Williamson), Forrest (Tom Hanks), and Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise). Although it’s not the most prominent track on the soundtrack, the poignant lyrics “This is the worst trip, I’ve ever been on” resonate when sung by Wilson, adding depth to the moment.

On the renowned album “Pet Sounds“, the track titled “Sloop John B” stands out as the only number not penned by Wilson, but he does lend his voice as the lead singer, sharing vocals with Mike Love. Moreover, he played a significant role in orchestrating and producing this rendition of the Caribbean folk song.

“California Girls” – A View To A Kill

The first James Bond film I watched in the cinema was “A View To A Kill“, and the opening scene featuring James snowboarding to the tune of “California Girls” could have sparked my affection for The Beach Boys. It’s quite unlike something a typical James Bond would do, but it’s so amusing and fitting that it doesn’t seem to matter.

“In My Room” – Love & Mercy

In this movie, “Love & Mercy,” a captivating biography about Brian Wilson, there are numerous songs that could have been selected. However, my preferred scene from the film is towards the end when the genuine Brian Wilson, not the actors Paul Dano or John Cusack portraying him, performs the title track live. Unfortunately, this isn’t a Beach Boys song; thus, I decided to focus on the scene where “In My Room” is played. In this moment, Brian Wilson, as depicted by Cusack, is in the midst of a mental health crisis and is lying in bed, symbolically “in his room.

The song fits perfectly in this scene of the movie, as it is arguably one of, if not the most poignant songs Wilson has ever composed. It captures raw emotion so skillfully, a feat only a genius like Brian Wilson could achieve. It’s a reflection of a sad part of his life that resonates deeply.

The world has lost a remarkable musical genius with Brian Wilson’s passing. His talent was extraordinary, comparable to timeless composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. People will continue to appreciate his music for generations, just as they will treasure the scenes in movies that he contributed to creating.

2025-06-13 02:09