10 Fictional Songs We Love From TV Shows and Movies
There are some TV shows and movies that produce seriously catchy tunes and hit songs, but that aren't from real artists. From Phoebe's "Smelly Cat" on to "A Little Bit Alexis" on Schitt's Creek, these are some of our absolute favorite fictional songs we just can't get enough of.
"Smelly Cat" by Phoebe Buffay
Show: (1994-2004)
Explanation: It's no secret that Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) was an aspiring musician who put out some bangers (remember "Two of Them Kissed Last Night"?). But "Smelly Cat" is easily the best song ever sung by Phoebe and the song has lived a life of its own.
Kudrow even brought the song back for the reunion in 2021, singing it as a duet with Lady Gaga. " I realized I had to learn 'Smelly Cat' again ," she shared. "And I tuned my guitar and then realized I don't know the chords, but I Googled it! All the chords were there for 'Smelly Cat.' ... So, thank you, world, for posting the chords!"
"Let's Go To the Mall" by Robin Sparkles
Show: How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)
Explanation: It was the biggest shock when it was revealed that Robin on How I Met Your Mother was the pop star Robin Sparkles. It was even better when we got to hear her sing "Let's Go To the Mall." This 80s coded song was hilarious and was one of the most memorable moments of the series.
"Take Me Away" by Pink Slip
Movie: Freaky Friday (2003)
Explanation: This 2003 movie was full of good songs, but "Take Me Away" was a fan-favorite. Sadly, Pink Slip is not a real band, so we can't download this song to listen to whenever, but you can always watch the movie again to listen to it!
"A Little Bit Alexis" by Alexis Rose
TV Show: Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
Explanation: The hilarious Alexis Rose (Annie Murphy) on Schitt's Creek created one of the best fictional songs for the show. She used this song to audition for a Cabaret and perfectly captured the essence of Alexis.
"Halo" by Haley James Scott
TV Show: One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
Explanation: Haley James Scott (Bethany Joy Lenz) goes on to become a popstar in One Tree Hill and when she returns from her tour, she releases this hit song. The tune is completely underrated considering the fictional artist also released songs like "When the Stars Go Blue" and "Flying Machine," but it is a definite favorite.
"She's So Gone" by Lemonade Mouth
Movie: Lemonade Mouth (2011)
Explanation: Before she became Princess Jasmine in in 2019, Naomi Scott was belting the meaningful lyrics of "She's So Gone" in Lemonade Mouth. Scott's character put on quite the performance for this song, probably because she was so sheltered and wanted to be her own person.
"Edge of Great" by Julie and the Phantoms
TV Show: Julie and the Phantoms (2020)
Explanation: One positive from 2020 was Netflix releasing Julie and the Phantoms and all the songs that accompanied it. "Edge of Great" is easily one of the best and shows off the crazy chemistry between the two leads, Julie (Madison Reyes) and Luke (Charlie Gillespie).
Fun Fact: Gillespie's guitar solo, where he goes over to Julie, was an idea that he had while filming. That moment can't be heard on the official soundtrack, so you'll have to watch the show to check it out!
"Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)" by Daisy Jones & the Six
TV Show: Daisy Jones & the Six (2023)
Explanation: The band Daisy Jones & the Six is such an iconic group, loosely based on Fleetwood Mac (makes sense!). Their first hit, "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)," is extremely catchy and easy to belt out in your car. If you're anything like us, you've probably listened to the series soundtrack over and over again, and we can't get enough of this track!
"That Thing You Do!" by The Wonders
Movie: That Thing You Do! (1996)
Explanation: This Beatles-esque song was released by the fictional group, The Wonders, in the movie of the same name. We can't help but sing along to this tune thanks to its catchy lyrics and beat!
"He Could Be the One" by Hannah Montana
TV Show: Hannah Montana
Explanation: It's nearly impossible to narrow down a favorite song from Hannah Montana, but "He Could Be the One" inspired such a huge debate among kids watching the series when it was on the air. Hannah/Miley (Miley Cyrus) had to make a tough decision between which guy she wanted to be with, Jesse or Jake, and ended up writing this song about her feelings for Jake.
Spoiler: She chose the wrong guy and eventually ends up with Jesse years later.
This story was originally published October 6, 2024, 3:00 PM.
