If there’s ever a more crushing downer after impressing your local bar at karaoke night, it’s going home to watch seemingly ordinary film characters of Hollywood films burst into song without the aid of a backing track, or in some cases, seven or eight drinks beforehand.
But we thought we’d celebrate the best moments of unaccompanied singing anyway, because sceptical dubbing or not, these scenes have provided some wonderful moments. Here's our top examples and let us know in the comments what crackers we're missing:
(Images: All Star, Rex Features)
Maverick and Goose in Top Gun
You have to hand it to bar managers in Hollywood films. Without them carelessly leaving microphones lying around their establishments we might’ve never heard the honeyed tones of Maverick and Goose, who burst into song for the sole purpose of Maverick getting lucky. And remember, without this piece of impromptu singing, Goose wouldn’t be known as the selfless wingman he is today.
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Derek and family in Step Brothers
Not even oncoming traffic can distract Adam Scott’s pushy parent in Step Brothers from ensuring his family hit every note (and almost car) in this mesmerising car-ride sing-along version of Sweet Child O Mine. Despite this reckless child endangerment, credit has to be given to his supremely talented orchestral ability.
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The dads in Three Men And A Baby
Tom Selleck’s untamed moustache, Ted Danson’s expansive smile, Steve Guttenberg’s unadulterated charm – there was no surprise that the stars of this film created a super-parent. The only shock came when the men teamed up to sing an exceptionally soulful lullaby to their daughter that, if we're honest, made us jealous.
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Derek in Scream 2
Anyone who jumps onto a cafeteria table with all the chutzpa of a gang member in West Side Story in order to profess his love for a girlfriend by song, and happens to be in college can certainly be classed as crazy. Crazy enough to slay his classmates in a Halloween costume, though? Surprisingly not.
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The Channel 4 News Team in Anchorman
In between drinking scotch, shopping for suits and fighting rival news team, the Channel 4 News Team like nothing better than to harmonise to smooth seventies hit Afternoon Delight, shown in this singing scene that’s easily one of the most memorable of recent cinema. The voices of Will Ferrell and co. blend unnaturally well with one another – and judging by their reactions, they know it too.
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Evan in Superbad
As cases of mistaken identity go, being forced to croon a rendition of a classic rock ‘n’ roll ballad in front of some intimidatingly drugged-up older guys who think you’re “Jimmy’s brother, the one with the beautiful voice,” is definitely not a good one. Michael Cera doing it, however, at least makes for an entertaining watch.
FIND OUT 15 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT SUPERBAD
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John Michael Higgins in The Break Up
Rather than break out the Trivial Pursuit or post-meal mint chocolates, in this dinner scene Jennifer Aniston's on-screen brother attempts to liven things up by instructing fellow diners to give vocal percussion as he belts out Owner Of A Lonely Heart – and in doing so provides the perfect foil for Vince Vaughn’s stand-offish deadpan.
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George in My Best Friend’s Wedding
Spare a thought for Julia Roberts. If she’s not in a movie in which she makes a fool of herself, someone is doing it for her. Just like Rupert Everett who serenades in front of a packed restaurant and has their party join in the fun to compound her awkwardness. But how does every family member know all the words, you ask? They read the script, obviously.
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Mr Bean in Bean: The Movie
Aside from a kitten slowly drowning or the football season ending, there’s nothing sadder than seeing a dejected Mr Bean. Fortunately for Rowan Atkinson’s character, however, he discovers alcohol in his 1997 spin-off movie and subsequent inebriation causes him to give a respectable rendition of the Beatles. Okay, it’s woeful but at least he’s a trier.
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