Fleetwood Mac has had many songs appear in movies and TV, and it is easy to see why. The band, one of the most famous British-American bands of all time, was founded in the late 1960s and has since become an iconic force in the music industry. They’ve sold roughly 100 million records worldwide and remain active, which is saying a lot about a band that was popular before any millennial was born.
Their durability is part immense talent to write evergreen songs, part pop culture relevance. Filmmakers of all stripes have licensed their songs for films and TV series, using their music to create unforgettable movie moments. Here are a few of the best uses of Fleetwood Mac songs onscreen.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – The Chain
Ever since the first film of Guardians of the Galaxy was released, viewers have gotten acquainted with the fact that the soundtrack choice in music stems largely from Quill’s chosen repertoire and his love for older music from his childhood. The more meaningful sounds and lyrics of the older songs give Guardians an edge that many films don’t have. Moreover, the usual comedic relief is supported by a more profound sound that contradicts or emphasizes a scene.
2. South Park – Landslide
Despite its simplistic animation and complicated storylines, South Park is known for employing decent music now and then. It might not be the most respected adult cartoon, but it’s one of the most popular. It stands to reason that many bands allow their music to be played on the show simply because it leads to heightened exposure, thanks to their large fan base.
3. Black Mass – Warm Ways
Black Mass is the story of James “Whitey” Bulger, a notorious gangster from Boston that created a reign of terror that lasted for a fair amount of time. While the movie took certain liberties, Johnny Depp excelled in depicting the infamous thug. The real Bulger wasn’t too impressed; however, given all that’s been said about him, it’s not too surprising. The movie included Fleetwood Mac’s song Warm Ways, much to the delight of viewers and their fans.
4. American Horror Story: Coven – Seven Wonders
Stevie Nicks, herself, showed up on American Horror Story: Coven, and it was a tasty appearance. But it’s the song, Seven Wonders, played in the episode that left a lasting impression. The track helped to set the backdrop for the final two episodes of Coven as the young witches finally could look forward to the tests that would enable them to decide who the next Supreme would be. Thankfully, it wasn’t Madison.
5. Elizabethtown – Big Love
For many people, Fleetwood Mac is the sound of the most transformative periods of their lives. So it’s fitting that Cameron Crowe taps into that spirit in his romantic tragicomedy, Elizabethtown. Big Love plays in the car as Drew (Orlando Bloom) drives up to Elizabethtown after losing his job for costing his company $1 billion. The film is not Cameron’s best work, but the moment was an A1 use of Fleetwood Mac songs in either movies or TV.
6. Tusk – Tusk
Kevin Smith’s work is often more miss than hit, and in the case of this body horror comedy, opinions are divided. What’s universally appreciated, though, is the use of Tusk to frame the film’s climatic sequence. As Wallace’s (Justin Long) friends search for him in Howard’s mansion, the rising sound of the drums gives life to the frantic scene.
7. Forrest Gump – Go Your Own Way
Forrest Gump is a classic for many reasons. Tom Hanks. The screenplay. Visual effects that have stood the test of time. Another is the music. The film has a 32-song soundtrack that peaked at number two on the Billboard album chart. Among them is Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 single that begins playing when others join Forrest to run from one end of America to the other.
8. Almost Famous – Future Games
The ubiquitous presence of Fleetwood Mac’s songs in pop culture through movies and TV is perhaps all the confirmation anyone needs that they are one of the greatest rock bands of all time. But if there’s any doubt, Cameron Crowe dispels it by including one of their tracks in this story about rock. The soundtrack featured many of history’s most outstanding rock performers, including Elton John, The Who, and Simon & Garfunkel. Cueing it up during a party scene where Russel Hammond (Billy Crudup) discusses the fabric of reality while tripping is just the icing on this delicious cake.
9. Margot At The Wedding – That’s All For Everyone
The premise and cast of Margot at the Wedding had the potential to be a captivating exploration of familial dynamics. Unfortunately, it did not live up to expectations. Nevertheless, it gave us one of the better soundtracks from the 2000s, featuring tracks from iconic singer-songwriters. Fleetwood Mac’s That’s All for Everyone is only one of many.
10. Jerry Maguire – Oh Well, Part 1
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Before Tom Cruise exclusively became the greatest action star on the planet, he appeared in dramas and romantic comedies. Some of them were even good, including this one, where he plays a sports agent who has a life-altering epiphany. Likewise, Oh Well, Part 1, a song from Fleetwood Mac’s early days, makes up the soundtrack. The result? A classic.
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