Top 10 Songs to Listen to When You Feel like the Main Character

It’s a tale as old as time. One person — the main character, if you will — has feelings for their best friend. But said friend initially doesn’t realize their true love is right under their nose. If you’re the aforementioned main character in this story, Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me” is the song to blast (and yes, we’re partial to the “Taylor’s Version”). It assures the kids on the bleachers, rocking their T-shirts and sneakers, that they’re awesome protagonists — not sidekicks — and that their happy ending is within reach. In doing so, the country pop bop hits all the right notes, speaking to the familiar experiences that come with growing up and becoming comfortable in your shoes.

Do you feel like strutting around town and pretending you’re on “The Hills”? Or perhaps you’re having a “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” moment. Better yet, maybe you’re feeling like the protagonist in the proverbial book that is your life. For all those times and many others, “Unwritten” is the musical way to go. Hopeful and sunny in every regard, it acts as an ode to releasing your inhibitions, feeling the rain on your skin, and, ultimately, paving your own way. Nobody else can do it quite like you, after all! The rest may be unwritten, but we can count on this tune to see us through on the journey.

It’s no secret that working 9 to 5 can be tedious, and perhaps even thankless. But if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed and down because of it, let “9 to 5” show you you’re still the star of your movie. And you can change things! After all, the 1980 comedy flick it was crafted for is about three women who are fed up with the way they’re treated at work, and aren’t going to take it anymore. From its first note to its last, Dolly Parton’s fabulous country pop hit puts a motivated pep in listeners’ steps while also providing an outlet through which to relieve pent up frustration. There’s nothing laborious about that!

This isn’t one of Queen’s signature songs by accident. Containing the right mix of pop and rock, “Don’t Stop Me Now” celebrates taking charge and having a good time with pure, unfiltered excitement. The late Freddie Mercury’s delivery is so captivating it practically lifts us up out of our seats and demands we do precisely that. There’s a sense of euphoria running through the track, and we’re not exaggerating when we say it’s perfect for a thrilling main character montage. In other words, it’s the ideal pick for those nights when you’re ready to be in the spotlight and have an absolute blast.

Are you ready to pump yourself up for the battle of LIFE? Okay, that may be a little intense, but “Eye of the Tiger” is about as motivating and commanding a hard rock song as they come. There’s no room for feeling like second-best if it’s blaring through the speakers. Survivor clearly knew what they were doing with this one, as did the “Rocky III” team. Gritty and determined lyrics about rising up to the challenge of our rival meet a beat that simply won’t quit for a result that exudes courage. “Eye of the Tiger” is sure to make you feel like the Rocky Balboa of your world, and we’d say that’s pretty priceless.

Sometimes, we need to pretend like our lives are a grand motion picture. And sometimes, we want that motion picture to be a quintessential ‘90s rom-com, like “She's All That.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a classic teen flick without an iconic theme song, and this Sixpence None the Richer ballad wonderfully underscores our lead gal Laney’s story. “Kiss Me” is what romance sounds like: delicate, dreamy, and pure. It elevates the movie, making it unforgettable, and it can do the same for any instance in our lives. Whenever we’re itching for a magical staircase-type moment, you know it’s our go-to tune.

It can be easy to get bogged down in daily struggles. When that happens, we don’t usually feel particularly fierce. But there’s no need to stay in a dejected state for long, because Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé have a remedy for anything that ails us. How can anyone feel like they’re less than if such an empowering song is playing? No matter what kind of week we’re having, “Savage Remix” helps us believe that we are in fact the classy, bougie main character. That’s enough to make us want to get up, dance the nonsense away with our best TikTok moves, and own our power.

Picture it: you’re staring out a car or bedroom window with an air that makes it crystal clear to anyone around that you are the main character. We all have those times when we block out the noise, put on the exact right song, and channel our inner heroes. There’s no better ballad for such introspective moments than “Breakaway.” With a soothing and uplifting essence, it’s begging to be part of the soundtrack of any coming-of-age experience. The majestic, heartwarming way it’s spotlighted in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” is only further proof of its power. So let it bolster you as you spread your wings and learn how to fly – we promise you won’t regret it.

You know those movies where the leads embrace life in all its messy glory? Sure, they have problems and things aren’t always rosy for them. But through it all, their journeys are rooted in hope, and bring us happiness. Well, ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” is the europop banger we recommend grooving to when you feel like you’re in one of those films. Look no further than its fantastic, joyful uses in “Mamma Mia!” and its sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” to see what we’re talking about. Both lyrically and musically, the disco classic radiates a sense of positivity and fun that requires you jive and have the time of your life like only a protagonist can. Don’t forget: you are the dancing queen!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

"7 rings" (2019), Ariana Grande
Lean Into Being a Glamorous Protagonist

"Don't You (Forget About Me)" (1985), Simple Minds
Don’t Be Shy, Have Your “The Breakfast Club” Moment!

"September" (1978), Earth, Wind & Fire
Encouraging Us to Dance No Matter What Month It Is

"Don't Stop Believin'" (1981), Journey
Hold On to That Main Character Feeling

Are you in your Elle Woods era? If yes, this is the song for you. We couldn’t imagine a better, more vibrant track to feature in “Legally Blonde.” Like the clever movie, it’s bubbly, optimistic, bright, and oh so invigorating. By the same token, it never fails to give us confidence, and convinces us that we got this — whatever ‘this’ may be. Needless to say, any day this pop tune is part of is bound to be a perfect one, full of the stuff main character dreams are made of. Just press play, put it on max volume, and shine your way through whatever comes your way like the star you are. What, like it’s hard?