If you made a list of the most iconic bands of all time, Queen has to be near the top. With countless instantly recognizable hits to its name, the band’s popularity lends itself well to film and television. But have you ever noticed that Queen’s music tends to be used in the same ways? If a character emerges victorious, cue “We Are the Champions.” Have a gaggle of unusual characters? “Bohemian Rhapsody” should do just fine. Queen’s songs are so embedded in our culture that they carry very specific connotations — find out how in this headbanging video essay.
If you liked this video, check out how Radiohead is another staple of the silver screen. Plus, see how Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has joined the ranks of Rachel Portman and Hans Zimmer as a score auteur. And for more rock icons, don’t miss our videos on the cinematic legacies of Led Zeppelin and David Bowie.
