While the core of the show is hunting demons and fighting evil,Supernaturalis also famous for its rock anthems that fuel its high-octane moments.Musichas always been a driving force behind the series,helping to shape its tone and enhance the epic stakes of the Winchesters' ongoing battleswith monsters and angels. From the show’s early days to its final season, classic rock hits have set the stage for some of the most memorable and emotionally charged scenes. Even Sam and Dean, played byJared PadaleckiandJensen Ackles, regularly use iconic band member names as their disguises.
Across its 15 seasons,Supernaturalhas featured a multitude of songs that have become synonymous with its legacy. Whether it’s an uplifting anthem or a haunting ballad,each song has been carefully selected to fit Sam and Dean’s journey. From the iconicKansashit “Carry On Wayward Son” to the rebellious energy ofBon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” we take a look at some of the best and most fitting songs inSupernatural.
Supernatural
Two brothers follow their father’s footsteps as hunters, fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds, including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.
10"God Was Never on Your Side" by Motörhead
Season 14, Episode 20 “Moriah”
InSupernaturalSeason 14 season finale, “Moriah”, the stakes reach an all-time high as the Winchesters, Castiel (Misha Collins), and Jack (Alexander Calvert) face off against Chuck (Rob Benedict), aka God himself. Chuck has effectively torn apart the fragile balance they had fought so hard to maintain, unleashing the Apocalypse and releasing damned souls onto Earth. As the heroes realize what Chuck has done,Motörhead’s “God Was Never on Your Side” plays over a haunting montage, where several demons that the Winchesters have banished, like Bloody Mary and The Killer Clown, return, while Jack meets Billie the Reaper in the Empty, a void ruled by The Shadow.
“God Was Never on Your Side” is one of the best songs on the show because of its relevance to the story. The team could have used this whenever things turned dark anywhere in the previous 13 seasons, but they waited until the right moment to do this. Season 14 might be one of the most slow-burn seasons, butthis finale packed the most punch.The song’s bleak and intense mood mirrors the hopelessness the characters feel, but also their unrelenting determination to fight on, even against insurmountable odds. This track perfectly set the stage for the heroes' final showdown in their final season.
9"Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
Season 6, Episode 2 “Two and a Half Men”
InSupernaturalSeason 6, Episode 2 titled, “Two and a Half Men”,Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” plays during a significant moment when Dean reconnects with his beloved Impala. Afterspending a year awayfrom the hunting life, living a suburban existence with Lisa (Cindy Sampson) and her son Ben (Nicholas Elia), Dean is faced with the realization that the “normal” life isn’t a fit for him. In this episode, Sam returns to Dean’s life, albeit without his soul, and the tension between the brothers sets the stage for the chaotic journey ahead. But before diving back into the world of hunting, Dean needs Baby. As Dean pulls the tarp off the Impala,the classic rock anthem fills the scene, symbolizing the return of both his identity and the life he’s always known.
The Impala has always been more than just a car to Dean: it’s a symbol of his freedom…
The choice of “Smoke on the Water” at this moment is symbolic on multiple levels.The song, with its unmistakable riff and rebellious energy, fits perfectly with Dean’s rock and roll spirit. The Impala has always been more than just a car to Dean: it’s a symbol of his freedom, his constant companion in their dangerous world. With Sam returning after being trapped in the cage with Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino), the scene becomes a powerful reminder that the Winchesters are never far from the chaos they’ve always lived in, and “Smoke on the Water” is the perfect soundtrack to this long-awaited return.
Season 1, Episode 22 “Devil’s Trap”
“Bad Moon Rising” byCreedence Clearwater Revivalis used inSupernaturalduring the first season’s 22nd episode and finale, “Devil’s Trap”. The song plays as the brothers and their father John (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) drive Baby after their confrontation with a demon. John is hounding Sam because he didn’t kill the demon, and Sam is convinced that they will be able to find the demon again later. Suddenly,a truck hits the car, and audiences see the three Winchesters unconscious and bloodied. We also see that the truck driver is a demon.
The song’s inclusion in this cliffhanger is a brilliant thematic choice.“Bad Moon Rising” serves as a warning, both literal and metaphorical, encapsulating the constant sense of foreboding that follows the Winchesters. The upbeat melody, juxtaposed with the ominous lyrics, creates an unsettling feeling that mirrors the show’s mix of light-hearted moments and dark, life-or-death stakes. As the song plays, it signals not just the Winchesters' fates that hang in limbo, but also the ongoing struggle they face againstthe unstoppable demon force.
Season 3, Episode 16 “No Rest for the Wicked”
“Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Joviplays inSupernaturalduring Season 3, Episode 16, “No Rest for the Wicked.” The song plays on the radio in their car. Sam, who knows his brother so well, is going to change the frequency, but Dean stops him and proclaims that Bon Jovi rocks on occasion.Dean then proceeds to sing along badly to the song, and asks Sam to join him. Both of them sing along off-key to this song, as Dean thinks this might be one of his last moments before the Hellhounds drag him to the pit.
The choice of “Wanted Dead or Alive” is both thematically fitting and emotionally poignant, especially for Dean. The song’s upbeat tempo and themes of being hunted echo Dean’s situation, ashe faces the consequences of his deal and the reality that he is, in essence, wanted death or alive. It also shows what the series does best, the brotherly bond between Sam and Dean, which is well-depicted inthis memorable, humorous scene. At the same time, it underscores the central themes of the show, as both of the brothers deal with life and death, heaven and hell constantly over the course of 15 seasons.
6"Night Moves" by Bob Seger
Season 11, Episode 4 “Baby”
InSupernaturalSeason 11, the fourth episode is entirely framed from Baby the Impala’s point of view.Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” plays in a scene after Sam was caught sleeping with a woman inside the Impala. Sam insists on explaining the situation, butDean pops in a cassette and decides to “Night Moves” Sam. Dean taunts Sam by lip-syncing to the song. The song has proven to be infectious as Sam can’t help but sing along to the tune, even changing the lyrics to “I’m in the back of my brother’s ‘67 Chevy.”
EverySupernaturalfan knows that after the explosive Season 5, the stakes and thrills start to diminish. ButSeason 11’s “Baby” proves that the long-running series still has some gas left. By shifting its focus to the perspective of the Impala, the show emphasizes the deep connection betweenthe brothers and their beloved car. All the action is shot from inside the iconic car. The scene itself, filled with laughter and brotherly love, became a fan-favorite because it representsone of the few moments where the brothers are able to enjoy a brief respitefrom the constant danger surrounding them.
5"O Death" by Jen Titus
Season 5, Episode 16 “Dark Side of the Moon”
“O Death” byJen Titusis featured inSupernaturalduring one of the series’ most chilling and important episodes in Season 5, “Dark Side of the Moon”. In this episode,Dean and Sam are confronted by Death, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The song plays at the beginning of the episode as we see Death, played byJulian Richings, being introduced, walking among humans. One of the passersby, who was busy with his phone, brushed shoulders with Death, much of his annoyance. Just moments later, that person falls to the ground, dead, while Death keeps on walking.
The song is an apt one tointroduce Death to theSupernaturaluniverse. Right away, audiences know that Death is not someone the Winchesters can take lightly. Its chilling atmosphere lingers long after the scene ends, leaving viewers with a deep emotional impact.The somber and haunting nature of “O Death” itself mirrors the themes of death, destiny, and sacrificethat are central toSupernatural. With its slow, dirge-like rhythm and mournful tone, the song emphasizes the gravity of the moment. The song captures the bleakness of the situation and the Winchesters' sense of helplessness, as the series approaches its best season finale of the series.
4"Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard
Season 5, Episode 22 “Swan Song”
InSupernaturalSeason 5’s season finale, titled “Swan Song”, the thrilling climax seesDean making one final attempt to stop the Apocalypse. After Sam makes the heartbreaking decision to accept Lucifer into his body to try and end the battle, Dean rushes to intervene. As he pulls up in the Impala,Def Leppard’s iconic “Rock of Ages” blares through the speakers, in true Dean Winchester fashion. The song signals that Dean is ready to face whatever it takes to save his brother and the world.
“Rock of Ages” is the perfect soundtrack for this high-stakes moment. The song, with its powerful guitar riffs and energetic vibe, mirrors Dean’s bold and unwavering nature, as he drives into the ultimate showdown between Michael (Jake Abel), who takes their half-brother’s body as a vessel, and Lucifer.By using this anthem, the show cleverly blends the heavy tension of the scene with a sense of triumph and determination, echoing the style and rebellious attitude that defines Dean. This pivotal moment marks not justthe climax of the season, but a turning point in the series, altering the course of the brothers' journey as Sam is dragged into the cage with Michael.
3"Heat of the Moment" by Asia
Season 3, Episode 11 “Mystery Spot”
Pop supergroupAsia’s “Heat of the Moment” makes its memorable appearance inSupernaturalduring Season 3, Episode 11, titled “Mystery Spot.” In this episode,Sam and Dean find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly, with each iteration culminating in Dean’s death. The song plays every time the day starts. In each of the time loop beginnings, Sam wakes up and finds an energetic Dean singing along to “Heat of the Moment”. It looks fun for the first time, but after so many repeats, Sam is pissed off by the tune of the song.
Every episode featuring The Trickster (Richard Speight Jr.) is a treat, and “Mystery Spot” ranks asone ofSupernatural’s best and funniest episodes. The choice of “Heat of the Moment” is inspired, asit also reflects the chaotic nature of the time loop, especially for Sam, who has to listen to it over and over again. The juxtaposition of the lighthearted music with the tragic scenario makes it an unforgettable moment in the series. Seeing Dean lacing up his boots and singing along to the song every time the time loop restarts is incredibly hilarious. The song itself is an ’80s classic that fits into the great soundtrack the show boasts.
2"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
Season 4, Episode 6 “Yellow Fever”
InSupernaturalSeason 4’s Episode 6, titled “Yellow Fever”,Survivor’s iconic track “Eye of the Tiger” plays during one of the most hilariously absurd moments in the series. Dean, who is typically the confident, fearless half of the Winchester duo, is suddenly struck by an overwhelming, irrational fear thanks to a curse.Dean’s usual bravado is completely undermined by his fear of almost everything, including the memorable scene where he shrieks when a cat pops out of a locker. In the middle of this chaos, the song plays as Dean, in a surprisingly goofy moment, rises from the front seat of the Impala and begins to air drum to the beat, channeling a bizarre burst of enthusiasm despite his overwhelming terror.
The inclusion of “Eye of the Tiger” adds a fun and lighthearted contrast to the intense and absurd situation, further amplifying the comedy of the episode. The song,famously associated withRocky IIIand its theme of fighting through adversity, is an ironic choice given that Dean, at that moment, is anything but the tough. Jensen Ackles' full performance, where he’s air drumming, mouthing the lyrics, and making comical faces, was even featured in the gag reel, turning it into one of the most memorable and enduring moments fromSupernatural.
1"Carry on My Wayward Son" by Kansas
Season 1, Episode 21 “Salvation”
“Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas debuted inSupernaturalduring the opening montage of Episode 21 of Season 1, titled “Salvation”. From that point onwards,it was used in the opening sequence of every season opener, for the “Road So Far” sequence that recaps the previous season’s storylines. The song’s timeless rock anthem energy immediately became an unofficial theme of the show, symbolizing the Winchesters' constant struggle and determination to keep fighting against overwhelming odds. It was so closely associated with the show that it played at the conclusion ofeach episode ofSupernatural: The Animation.
Over time,“Carry On Wayward Son” became more than just a song; it’s the Winchesters' theme song. In 2017, Kansas performed it during their San Diego Comic-Con panel, further cementing its connection toSupernatural.It’s ironically funny that, despite its iconic status, Sam has expressed dislike for the song inSupernatural, particularly inSeason 10’s meta-episode"Fan Fiction," where he reacts negatively when it’s mentioned. The song’s lasting presence underscores the journey of the brothers, making it a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy. The series might be over, butevery time we hear this song, it reminds us of Sam and Dean.
