Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Soundtrack: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of the defining teen comedies of the 1980s, and its soundtrack — mixing Ira Newborn’s score with a run of new wave, ska, and pop needle-drops — is a big part of why the film still holds up. Here’s every song from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, along with where you can stream them.
Quick Facts
| Film | Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) |
| Director | John Hughes |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Composer | Ira Newborn |
| Release Date | June 11, 1986 (United States) |
| Official Soundtrack Release | 2016, La-La Land Records (limited edition) |
| Where to Stream | Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube |
Official Synopsis: A popular high school student, admired by his peers, decides to take a day off from school and goes to extreme lengths to pull it off, to the chagrin of his principal, who’ll do anything to stop him.
Who Composed Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Soundtrack
Ira Newborn composed the score for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The American composer, orchestrator, and musician is known for his work on several John Hughes comedies of the era, including this film. Despite the soundtrack’s popularity, it took 30 years for an official release: La-La Land Records issued a limited-edition CD in 2016 pairing Newborn’s score with the film’s key licensed songs.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Soundtrack List
- “Oh Yeah” – Yello: The Swiss duo’s 1985 track from the album Stella became the film’s most recognizable needle-drop, playing over the parade sequence and other key scenes.
- “Love Missile F1-11” – Sigue Sigue Sputnik: Released in 1986 on the album Flaunt It, this dance/electronic track soundtracks part of Ferris’s day out.
- “Beat City” – The Flowerpot Men: Written and recorded specifically for the film in 1986; an official single version was not released until 2016, alongside the La-La Land Records soundtrack.
- “Taking the Day Off” – General Public: Released in 1986 on General Public’s album Hand to Mouth.
- “March of the Swivelheads” – The English Beat: Released in 1982 on the album Special Beat Service (credited to The Beat outside North America); New Wave/post-punk instrumental built from “Rotating Head.”
- “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” – The Dream Academy: An instrumental cover of The Smiths song, recorded specifically for the film.
- “Danke Schoen” – Wayne Newton: Newton’s signature 1963 hit, famously lip-synced by Ferris during the parade scene.
- “Radio People” – Zapp: Released in 1985 on the album The New Zapp IV U; genres include funk and R&B.
- “I’m Afraid” – Blue Room: An original song written by David Joyner and Paul Mansfield for the film in 1986.
- “The Edge of Forever” – The Dream Academy: From the band’s 1985 self-titled debut album.
- “Twist and Shout” – The Beatles: The band’s 1963 cover, played during Ferris’s iconic parade lip-sync/dance sequence.
- “B.A.D.” – Big Audio Dynamite: Featured briefly in the film’s soundtrack.
Official Trailer
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’s complete soundtrack is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and other platforms.
You can stream Ferris Bueller’s Day Off itself on various platforms; check our Streaming Guide for current availability. For more 1980s film soundtracks, visit our Movie Soundtrack hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off score?
Ira Newborn composed the original score for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986).
What is the most famous song in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?
“Oh Yeah” by the Swiss duo Yello is the film’s signature needle-drop, playing during the Von Steuben Day parade sequence.
Is there an official Ferris Bueller’s Day Off soundtrack album?
Yes, but it arrived late: La-La Land Records released a limited-edition CD in 2016, thirty years after the film’s release, combining Ira Newborn’s score with key licensed songs.
What song does Ferris lip-sync during the parade?
Ferris lip-syncs to Wayne Newton’s 1963 hit “Danke Schoen” before dancing to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.”
When was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off released?
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was released in the United States on June 11, 1986.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks | Streaming Guide | Listen on Spotify