The Most Expensive Classic Rock Song In A Movie Revealed
AC/DC / YouTube
Some classic rock songs are so iconic, they instantly elevate the energy of a movie scene. But that kind of power doesn’t come cheap. Recently, social media buzz reignited interest in a particular hard rock anthem that holds the crown for being the most expensive classic rock song to license in a film.
It’s a track that packs a punch, brings thunder to the speakers, and has made appearances in everything from superhero blockbusters to outrageous comedies. While many songs can cost tens of thousands to license, this one blows past the average with a staggering price tag.
So what’s the track? The answer isn’t hidden deep in a B-side—it’s a staple of adrenaline-pumping soundtracks. And yes, it’s none other than AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
The $500,000 Sync Shock
Sync fees—short for synchronization fees—are what studios pay to include music in visual media like movies, games, or commercials. Most fall somewhere between $15,000 and $60,000. But “Thunderstruck” shattered expectations when it cost $500,000 to be used in the 1999 football drama Varsity Blues.
That deal was a milestone in the industry. Music supervisor Thomas Golubic, who oversaw the Varsity Blues soundtrack, admitted he was stunned by the cost. Despite his team offering alternate tracks, the studio was set on AC/DC and willing to pay the premium.
Golubic called it the biggest sync deal he had ever been a part of at the time. It wasn’t just the price—it was the confidence from the filmmakers that this song was essential to the moment. And clearly, the gamble paid off.
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Why “Thunderstruck” Is Worth Every Penny
There’s a reason “Thunderstruck” commands such a high fee: it’s electrifying. Released in 1990 as the lead single from The Razors Edge, the song has an instantly recognizable guitar riff and a thundering momentum that builds adrenaline like no other. For action scenes, montages, or underdog sports moments, it’s the ultimate sonic adrenaline shot.
Hollywood knows this. The track has appeared in Thor: Ragnarok, Deadpool 2, Iron Man 2, Battleship, and The Longest Yard, among others. Its use signals energy, chaos, or badassery—usually all three. That association, built over decades, only adds to its licensing cost.
And for a band like AC/DC, who are notoriously picky about licensing, that high price serves as both a barrier and a badge of exclusivity. If you’re hearing “Thunderstruck” in a movie, you can bet that studio spent big.
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What That Price Means for the Industry
The $500,000 fee from 1999 wasn’t just a headline—it was a turning point. Since then, sync licensing has become a major revenue stream for musicians, and a strategic investment for studios looking to make a scene unforgettable. If that was the cost 25 years ago, today’s price could be significantly higher.
It also raises questions for filmmakers and artists alike. Does a hit song always justify the cost? For major productions, maybe. For indie directors, not so much. But it underscores how valuable music has become in storytelling—and how much the right song can elevate a scene from good to unforgettable.
“Thunderstruck” remains the gold standard of that equation. It’s not just a rock song—it’s a cinematic weapon, and one with a price tag to match.
