Twelve film and television ensembles that are impeccably talented, their prowess outshining even that of The Beatles, as comparably captivating as The Wiggles.
From the disco beats of the '60s to the K-pop rhythms of today, musical groups in films and television have entertained audiences for decades. Here's a look at some of the most memorable bands that have graced our screens.
The Ultimate Disney Girl Group: The Cheetah Girls
In 2003, Disney introduced us to the ultimate girl group, The Cheetah Girls. Their first film was the first Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) musical, and the soundtrack sold an impressive 2 million copies in the U.S. The catchy tune "Amigas, Cheetahs, friends for life" still resonates with many. The group launched two more movies and multiple tours after the success of their debut, solidifying their place in Disney history.
The '60s Teen Anthem: The Archies
The Archies, from the 1968 animated series, are responsible for the hit track "Sugar, Sugar". This song spent an impressive 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and is still considered the ultimate '60s teen anthem.
One-Hit Wonders and Instant Classics
"That Thing You Do!" was a fake one-hit wonder in the 1996 film That Thing You Do!, but it became an instant classic. The song reached No.41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Pop-Punk Moments and Catchy Tunes
Pink Slip from Freaky Friday (2003) gave us a surprising pop-punk moment with the song "Take Me Away". This catchy tune made a reappearance in Freakier Friday (2025), the sequel.
Teen Pop-Rock Bands
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008) introduced us to the teen pop-rock band The Stiff Dylans. While the specific names of the band members as musicians are not detailed, their catchy song "Ultraviolet" was a highlight of the film. Interestingly, Georgia's crush Robbie was also part of the band.
The World of Glee
Glee (2009-2015) was known for its amazing covers and original songs. The New Directions, the show's main group, had a concert movie and even went on tour. Their cover of "Don't Stop Believin" reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009.
K-pop Demon Hunters and the Billboard Hot 100
In 2025, the K-pop girl group Huntr/x from the series Kpop Demon Hunters became the first girl group to hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since Destiny's Child in 2001. Their song "Golden" even had sing-along screenings hosted by Netflix.
A Campy and Rocking Animal-Print Girl Group
Josie and the Pussycats from the 2001 film Josie and the Pussycats were an animal-print girl group that absolutely ROCKED. Despite flopping at the time due to being too ahead of its time, the songs from the soundtrack still slap. The movie also featured a story about the government using subliminal messages in music.
The Blues Brothers and Their Cover Hits
The Blues Brothers, from Saturday Night Live (1978), had a cover of "Soul Man" that reached No.14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The group later made several albums and a movie.
In conclusion, these musical groups have left a lasting impact on popular culture, providing us with memorable tunes and entertaining performances. Whether they were fictional or real-life groups, their music continues to resonate with audiences today.
