15 Times Taylor Swift Songs Appeared in Movies & TV Shows

Taylor Swift’s music translates beautifully to film and television. Directors frequently use her songs to emphasize important moments in scenes, provide emotional endings to credits, and add energy to trailers. Her music appears in a wide variety of projects, from brief uses in shows aimed at teenagers to original songs created specifically for movies and TV adaptations of books.

Here are fifteen examples of how her songs have been featured in films and TV shows. For each one, you’ll find details about where the song appears, how it’s used in the scene, and information about its release related to the project – making it easy to find. Check them out!

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010) – Today Was a Fairytale

The song is featured on the official soundtrack for ‘Valentine’s Day’ and was released alongside the film’s release in theaters. It’s used within the movie to highlight the connections between the different love stories and also appears in advertisements and trailers. It helps emphasize the romantic themes.

Taylor created and recorded this song especially for ‘Valentine’s Day’, and it was released before the movie came out in February. The music video features clips from the film, allowing viewers to easily connect the song with specific moments and characters. It’s a great way to enhance the movie-watching experience.

‘The Hunger Games’ (2012) – Safe & Sound

“Safe & Sound” plays during the end credits of The Hunger Games, creating a calm and quiet ending after the intense events in the arena. The song is also featured on the movie’s soundtrack and was heavily used in promoting the film.

The recording showcases The Civil Wars, and its simple production style reflects the film’s bleak environment. You can listen to the complete song in cinemas and when watching the movie at home, as long as the end credits haven’t been cut.

‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ (2022) – Carolina

‘Carolina’ was specifically created for ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ and plays during the film’s end credits. The song’s gentle, acoustic sound reflects the movie’s setting in the coastal marshes and is also included on the official soundtrack.

I first heard the track in the movie’s trailers before it even came out, and it was really hyped as a completely new song created just for the film. I especially loved how they used it after the very last scene – it let the main theme keep going throughout the credits, and it was great because there wasn’t any talking to get in the way. It really added to the experience, and I’ve been listening to it ever since.

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ (2017) – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever

“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” is featured in Fifty Shades Darker both during a scene in the film and while the credits roll. This placement connects the song directly to the movie’s main love story. The track is included on the official soundtrack and played a significant role in how the movie was promoted through music-essentially, it was a key part of the film’s audio branding.

The song was released before the movie’s February debut and was prominently used in TV commercials. By featuring it in the final scene, viewers can hear the full song without any distracting sounds or effects.

‘Cats’ (2019) – Beautiful Ghosts

Within the film ‘Cats’, the song Beautiful Ghosts is performed within the story by the character Victoria. Taylor Swift’s recording of the song is then played during the end credits. Both of these versions are included on the film’s official soundtrack, where the song is listed as an original composition written specifically for this adaptation.

The way the credits are shown lets Taylor’s version play completely after the last song. The version you see on screen uses the same tune, but with lyrics changed to fit the character’s point of view.

‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ (2009) – Crazier

The song Crazier is performed on camera by Taylor Swift during a barn dance scene in ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’. This scene is presented as a live performance within the movie’s story, so it’s easily identifiable during normal viewing.

The song is included on the movie’s soundtrack with other featured tracks. Since the performance happens within the film’s world (diegetic), the sound naturally aligns with what you see on screen – there’s no need for extra scenes like a montage or a narrator’s voiceover.

‘Miss Americana’ (2020) – Only The Young

‘Only The Young’ was originally made for the documentary Miss Americana and is featured significantly towards the end of the film, continuing through the credits. The song’s release was connected to the movie’s launch, and it was also released separately as a single to coincide with the film.

This placement guarantees the entire song can be heard clearly once the credits start. Those who stay and watch until the very end will experience the full song as it was intended in the documentary.

‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ (2000–2015) – You’re Not Sorry

As a music and TV critic, I have to say the use of You’re Not Sorry in ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ was a clever move. The song wasn’t just *used* – it was given a special remix specifically for the series, which I thought was a nice touch. It played during an episode where Taylor made a guest appearance, and the network smartly leveraged it in their promotional materials for that storyline as well. It really helped build anticipation and tie everything together.

This take on the song, called the CSI Remix, was adjusted from the original album version to better suit the atmosphere of the television show. Listeners can hear it featured in the show’s most intense moments, as well as in the trailers and promotional materials that aired during the show’s run.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–present) – White Horse

The song White Horse was used in a Season 5 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. It played during an important scene in the hospital, enhancing the emotional impact. The song is listed in the show’s music cues for that season and accompanied a montage where the dialogue briefly stopped.

This placement fits with the show’s history of using popular, current songs. The song plays for a sufficient amount of time in the episode, allowing viewers to recognize the arrangement and which part of the song it is from the original recording.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2022– ) – Cruel Summer

Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer appears in Season 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, perfectly complementing scenes featuring beach parties and changes in the characters’ relationships. The song was released as part of the season’s promotional music and plays during complete scenes throughout the episodes.

The song’s use really shaped the show’s overall musical feel for the season, and it reappears whenever the story shifts between different storylines. You can hear it in the earlier episodes of Season 2, particularly when the main characters all gather at the house.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2022– ) – The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)

As a big fan of the show, I noticed that The Way I Loved You shows up in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ during the first season. It plays during a scene that really highlights the central love triangle-it’s a key moment! Apparently, they used a re-recorded version of the song, which I learned was to make sure the sound quality matched the latest versions of all the tracks. It’s cool they went the extra mile to get everything sounding perfect for us viewers! You can find more information about the soundtrack here.

The musical cue accompanies a crucial scene – a gathering of important figures – which builds towards the final part of the season. The scene lasts long enough for viewers to recognize both the vocal harmonies and the guitar solo, mirroring the original studio recording.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ (2022– ) – This Love (Taylor’s Version)

The song “This Love” shows up in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ after being teased in promotional materials for the show’s initial season. The track is also used throughout the series to connect and enhance thoughtful moments focused on the main character.

The song’s inclusion is linked to key moments in Season 1. You’ll hear it during a calmer part of the show, right after something significant happens at the beach house.

‘Spirit Untamed’ (2021) – Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams is featured in trailers for Spirit Untamed, instantly making the animated movie more familiar in promotional content. The song plays during dramatic scenery and exciting moments in the official trailers.

The version you hear in promotional materials is a newly recorded version that aligns with Taylor’s current release schedule. Its inclusion is intentional as part of the studio’s promotional trailer strategy, and it’s maintained in the many clips that have been shared.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015) – Mine

The song is featured in Glee Season 4, specifically in the episode “The Break Up.” In this episode, the character Santana performs the song during a rehearsal. This version is a cover recorded by the show’s cast and was included on the official soundtrack released that week.

The performance is presented with a pianist and includes the entire song, from verse to chorus. Since it’s framed as a rehearsal, the audience can hear the full vocal track without any speaking in between.

‘Sing’ (2016) – Shake It Off

In the movie ‘Sing’, the song Shake It Off is featured as a performance during an audition scene, sung by the characters Rosita and Gunter. The film actually uses a cover version of the song, recorded by the cast themselves, and this recording is included on the movie’s soundtrack.

This moment happens within the montage of auditions, where we meet several performers. The clip is substantial enough for viewers to clearly identify the song’s catchy core, making it a memorable element in establishing the film’s beginning.

Tell us about your most loved scene featuring Taylor Swift in a movie or TV show in the comments below, so other fans can discover it as well.

2025-10-04 04:47