Champions (2023) Soundtrack: Every Song
Champions (2023) Soundtrack: Every Song & When It Plays in the movie
Champions follows Marcus Marakovich (Woody Harrelson), a hot-headed minor-league basketball coach who, after a series of professional setbacks and a legal infraction, is ordered by the court to fulfill his community service by managing the Friends, a basketball team composed of players with intellectual disabilities. Initially reluctant and skeptical about his new assignment, Marcus struggles to adapt to the team's unique dynamics and individual personalities. However, as they train together, he begins to see their immense potential, dedication, and heart, which ultimately challenges his own preconceptions about success and capability. Guided by their resilience, Marcus leads the team on an inspiring journey toward the Special Olympics, discovering that true triumph lies in unity, empathy, and the profound bonds formed along the way.
The soundtrack for the 2023 sports comedy-drama Champions features a mix of indie rock, upbeat pop, and classic hits. Curated by music supervisor Natasha Duprey, the film’s music is heavily shaped by songwriter and composer Michael Franti, whose band Michael Franti & Spearhead provides several hapy and energetic tracks like 'Best at Loving You' and 'People Need People.' Alongside his original contributions, the soundtrack includes popular songs like Willie Nelson's 'Whiskey River' and Rupert Holmes' 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)' to match the movie's fun and lighthearted style.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson as basketball coach Marcus, Champions relies on music to emphasize both the comedic moments and the emotional highs of its story. Key scenes are brought to life by recognizable tunes, such as the team's energetic van ride set to Chumbawamba's legendary party anthem 'Tubthumping' and their outdoor practice session accompanied by 'Oh!' by punk rock band The Linda Lindas. The soundtrack also features memorable placements of Vampire Weekend's high-tempo 'A-Punk' and Outkast's beloved dance-pop track 'Hey Ya!,' matching the dynamic pace of the team’s basketball games.
Soundtrack & Songs List
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Whiskey River
Scene Context: Marcus receives a voicemail from Sonny as he leaves the bar and returns home.
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My Way Home
Citizen Cope
Scene Context: Johnny encounters Marcus on his way home and offers him a ride.
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Scene Context: Marcus receives a ride from Johnny and Alex following his work shift.
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Run the World!!!
Scene Context: Marcus listens as Julio details the extracurricular activities for each child.
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Wreck the Rod
Scene Context: Marcus and his children are participating in their first-ever basketball game.
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She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked)
Carl Carlton
Scene Context: Marcus receives a voicemail from Sonny as he leaves the bar and returns home.
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Scene Context: Johnny encounters Marcus while walking home and offers him a ride.
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Alaska Highway
Jody Peck
Scene Context: Marcus receives a ride from Johnny and Alex following his work shift.
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Best at Loving You
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Scene Context: Alex and Marcus are co-sleeping for the second instance.
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Scene Context: Marcus congratulates his team upon scoring during a game.
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Messin' With My Heart
Hunter
Scene Context: Marcus asks Alex about the future direction of their relationship.
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Scene Context: Marcus and his team are conducting their first outdoor practice session.
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Scene Context: Sonny informs Marcus that he may resume his professional training shortly.
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Tell Me
BROS
Scene Context: Alex finds a concealed Shakespeare book in Marcus's apartment.
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Life Reminds Us We're Alive
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Scene Context: Alex receives information from Marcus regarding unfavorable developments.
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People Need People
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Scene Context: Sonny awaits departure for work. Meanwhile, Marcus is in hiding.
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Make a New Dance Up
Hey Ocean!
Scene Context: Sonny and Marcus are present at the game, supporting the participants.
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Sweet Georgia Brown
Brother Bones & His Shadows
Scene Context: In the second half of the game, Marcus's team is competing.
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Life Reminds Us We're Alive
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Scene Context: Marcus has completed training the players and is currently reviewing photographs of them.
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Scene Context: Marcus' team is playing the final game of the season.
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Game On
Yez Yez , BEGINNERS
Scene Context: The players are competing against an opposing team while receiving support from spectators.
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Brighter Day
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Scene Context: Champions Movie Ending Credits Music
As the movie builds toward its inspiring conclusion, the music highlights the deep bond between the coach and his players on the court. The legendary basketball instrumental 'Sweet Georgia Brown' by Brother Bones & His Shadows accompanies the team's gameplay, while EMF's alternative rock track 'Unbelievable' soundtracks their high-stakes finals. Michael Franti & Spearhead's motivational song 'Brighter Day' plays during the credits, leaving audiences with a sense of joy and unity. The compilation successfully blends retro soul, modern alternative rock, and acoustic pop to celebrate the team's resilience and triumph.
Main Cast
- Woody Harrelson Marcus
- Kaitlin Olson Alex
- Cheech Marin Julio
- Matt Cook Sonny
- Ernie Hudson Coach Phil Peretti
- Madison Tevlin Cosentino
- Joshua Felder Darius
- Kevin Iannucci Johnny
- Ashton Gunning Cody
- Matthew Von Der Ahe Craig
Official Trailer
Music Team
Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in the Movie
| Song Title | Artist | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Whiskey River | Willie Nelson | Song |
| My Way Home | Citizen Cope | Song |
| Tubthumping | Chumbawamba | Song |
| Run the World!!! | Dayglow | Song |
| Wreck the Rod | Nick Waterhouse | Song |
| She's a Bad Mama Jama (She's Built, She's Stacked) | Carl Carlton | Song |
| Escape (The Pina Colada Song) | Rupert Holmes | Song |
| Alaska Highway | Jody Peck | Song |
| Best at Loving You | Michael Franti & Spearhead | Song |
| A-Punk | Vampire Weekend | Song |
| Messin' With My Heart | Hunter | Song |
| Oh! | The Linda Lindas | Song |
| Hey Ya! | Outkast | Song |
| Tell Me | BROS | Song |
| Life Reminds Us We're Alive | Michael Franti & Spearhead | Song |
| People Need People | Michael Franti & Spearhead | Song |
| Make a New Dance Up | Hey Ocean! | Song |
| Sweet Georgia Brown | Brother Bones & His Shadows | Song |
| Life Reminds Us We're Alive | Michael Franti & Spearhead | Song |
| Unbelievable | EMF | Song |
| Game On | Yez Yez, BEGINNERS | Song |
| Brighter Day | Michael Franti & Spearhead | Song |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for Champions?
The score for Champions was composed by Michael Franti.
How many songs are in the soundtrack for Champions?
There are 22 songs featured in the soundtrack for Champions. SeekerTune lists all of them with detailed scene descriptions.
What are the genres of Champions?
The main genres for Champions include Comedy, Drama.