Elvis Presley wasn’t just the King of Rock and Roll; he was also a bona fide movie star. Between 1956 and 1969, Elvis starred in 31 feature films, many of which were musicals designed to showcase his singing talent. These movies produced a treasure trove of songs, ranging from chart-topping hits to charming, film-specific numbers. For fans looking to explore this unique intersection of his career, compiling an Elvis Presley Movie Songs List is essential. This guide provides a look at the significant songs that defined Elvis’s cinematic journey, offering a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Elvis Presley’s Movie Music Legacy
Elvis Presley’s transition to Hollywood was a calculated move to broaden his appeal. While the quality of the films varied, the soundtracks were consistently popular, often outselling his non-movie albums during the mid-1960s. These soundtracks featured a mix of rock and roll, pop ballads, gospel, and even genre experiments tied to the film’s exotic locations or themes. Many iconic Elvis tracks originated from his movies, becoming inseparable from his image as both a singer and actor. Understanding the Elvis Presley Movie Songs List involves appreciating how these soundtracks contributed significantly to his musical output and enduring fame. The songs captured his versatility and provided a steady stream of hits that kept him in the public eye.
Elvis Presley performing energetically on stage, embodying the charisma featured in his movie songs list
Key Elvis Presley Movie Songs List by Film
While listing every single song from all 31 movies would be exhaustive, this list focuses on the most notable and popular tracks from his key films, presented chronologically. This serves as a robust guide to the essential songs from Elvis’s movie soundtracks.
Love Me Tender (1956)
His cinematic debut featured a title track that became an instant classic.
- Notable Songs:
- Love Me Tender
- Let Me
- Poor Boy
- We’re Gonna Move
Loving You (1957)
This film offered a glimpse into the music world and featured another major hit.
- Notable Songs:
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- Loving You
- Got A Lot o’ Livin’ To Do!
- Party
- Mean Woman Blues
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Perhaps his most iconic film role, accompanied by a powerhouse title track and energetic numbers.
- Notable Songs:
- Jailhouse Rock
- Treat Me Nice
- Young And Beautiful
- (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care
- I Want to Be Free
King Creole (1958)
Often cited as Elvis’s best acting performance, this film had a strong, blues-influenced soundtrack.
- Notable Songs:
- King Creole
- Hard Headed Woman
- Trouble
- Dixieland Rock
- New Orleans
- Lover Doll
G.I. Blues (1960)
Marking his return after Army service, this film’s soundtrack was a massive success.
- Notable Songs:
- G.I. Blues
- Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn)
- Shoppin’ Around
- Tonight Is So Right For Love
- Blue Suede Shoes (re-recording)
- Doin’ the Best I Can
Blue Hawaii (1961)
One of his most popular films, with a soundtrack that remains one of his best-selling albums.
- Notable Songs:
- Blue Hawaii
- Can’t Help Falling In Love
- Rock-A-Hula Baby
- Hawaiian Wedding Song
- Ku-U-I-Po
- Moonlight Swim
Follow That Dream (1962)
A lighthearted comedy with a charming soundtrack.
- Notable Songs:
- Follow That Dream
- Angel
- What A Wonderful Life
- I’m Not The Marrying Kind
Kid Galahad (1962)
Elvis plays a boxer in this film featuring several catchy tunes.
- Notable Songs:
- King Of The Whole Wide World
- This Is Living
- Riding The Rainbow
- Home Is Where The Heart Is
- I Got Lucky
Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
Another commercially successful film with a popular soundtrack.
- Notable Songs:
- Girls! Girls! Girls!
- Return To Sender
- Because Of Love
- Song Of The Shrimp
- We’ll Be Together
Fun in Acapulco (1963)
Set in Mexico, this film featured Latin-inspired rhythms.
- Notable Songs:
- Fun In Acapulco
- Bossa Nova Baby
- Marguerita
- Mexico
- You Can’t Say No In Acapulco
Viva Las Vegas (1964)
A quintessential Elvis movie, co-starring Ann-Margret, with an electrifying title track.
- Notable Songs:
- Viva Las Vegas
- What’d I Say
- The Lady Loves Me (duet with Ann-Margret)
- C’mon Everybody
- Today, Tomorrow And Forever
Roustabout (1964)
Elvis joins a carnival in this film, featuring a mix of rockers and ballads.
- Notable Songs:
- Roustabout
- Little Egypt
- Poison Ivy League
- One Track Heart
- Big Love, Big Heartache
Girl Happy (1965)
A spring break comedy with a light, upbeat soundtrack.
- Notable Songs:
- Girl Happy
- Do The Clam
- Puppet On A String
- Meanest Girl In Town
Spinout (1966)
Features Elvis as a singer and race car driver.
- Notable Songs:
- Spinout
- Stop, Look And Listen
- Adam And Evil
- All That I Am
Clambake (1967)
One of the later formulaic films, but still offered some memorable songs.
- Notable Songs:
- Clambake
- Guitar Man (opening credits song, though mainly associated with his ’68 Comeback)
- You Don’t Know Me
- A House That Has Everything
Live a Little, Love a Little (1968)
Attempted a slightly more mature theme, featuring a standout song.
- Notable Songs:
- A Little Less Conversation
- Wonderful World
- Edge Of Reality
Charro! (1969)
A Western where Elvis played a dramatic role with minimal singing.
- Notable Songs:
- Charro
- Let’s Forget About The Stars (recorded for, but cut from the film, released later)
Change of Habit (1969)
His final acting role in a feature film, co-starring Mary Tyler Moore.
- Notable Songs:
- Change Of Habit
- Rubberneckin’
- Let Us Pray
Iconic Elvis Movie Songs That Defined an Era
While the full Elvis Presley movie songs list is extensive, certain tracks transcended their cinematic origins to become defining hits of Elvis’s career and the era itself:
- Love Me Tender (1956): This gentle ballad from his first film showcased a softer side of Elvis and became one of his signature songs.
- Jailhouse Rock (1957): The title track from the movie is pure rock and roll energy, accompanied by an iconic dance sequence. It remains one of the definitive songs of the 1950s.
- Can’t Help Falling In Love (1961): From Blue Hawaii, this beautiful melody became a staple of his live concerts and is one of the most beloved love songs of all time.
- Return To Sender (1962): A catchy, upbeat hit from Girls! Girls! Girls! that dominated the charts worldwide.
- Viva Las Vegas (1964): The ultimate ode to the excitement of Las Vegas, this song perfectly captured the energy of the film and the city itself.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s movie career produced a vast and varied catalog of songs that significantly shaped his musical legacy. From rock anthems like “Jailhouse Rock” to timeless ballads like “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” the Elvis Presley movie songs list is packed with memorable moments. These tracks not only served their purpose within the films but also stood alone as major hits, demonstrating Elvis’s unique ability to conquer both the charts and the silver screen. Exploring these songs offers a deeper appreciation of the King’s multifaceted talent and enduring impact on popular culture. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, Elvis’s movie music remains a vibrant part of his incredible story.
