The right soundtrack can make or break a movie.

Average movies can become great (Clueless, Harold and Maude), and good movies can become annoying (I’m looking at you, The Hangover) based on the music in the film.

The right song can make a scene transcendent, giving the viewer a sense of emotion that cannot always be conveyed by dialogue and acting alone.

So allow me to present my five favorite music moments in film. But beware. Spoilers lurk ahead.

5. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Free Bird” / Forrest Gump (1994)

This film is packed with great songs, but the moment that’s always stood out to me is when Jenny climbs on the ledge of an apartment building in the middle of a cocaine binge. As the classic guitar solo builds and builds in the background, Jenny hits her lowest point and considers jumping to her death. With the triple guitar solo reaching critical mass, you think she just might do it.

4. Elliott Smith – “Needle in the Hay” / The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

This is another film packed with great music, and the moment I’ve always considered the best is when Luke Wilson attempts suicide after being jilted by the love of his life. Smith’s morose ode to heroin addiction is the perfect sound to accompany the scene where Wilson meticulously shaves before deciding to cut his wrists.

3. Elton John – “Tiny Dancer” / Almost Famous (2000)

After a huge fight, members of the band Stillwater aren’t on speaking terms, let alone ready to keep playing music. On an awkward and quiet bus ride, this song comes on the radio. Before you know it, the entire group is joyfully singing along, and their differences forgotten. A true testament to music as a uniting force.

2. Kansas – “Dust in the Wind” / Old School (2000)

“You’re my boy, Blue!” ‘Nuff said.

1. Derek & the Dominos – “Layla” / Goodfellas (1990)

This may seem like an odd choice, but I’ve always found this song to mesh perfectly with the montage of dead mobsters turning up all over the city. The beautiful and uplifting piano coda that makes up the second half of this song creates an interesting dichotomy between Ray Liotta’s narration and a scene based on murder and betrayal.