'Goodfellas' (1990)

Song: "Layla" by Derek and the Dominos
Why We Love It: Forget Tarantino (even though he'll appear later on this list); Martin Scorsese is the king of the needle-drop, and his use of the "Layla" piano exit in 'Goodfellas' -- a film with dozens of amazing songs -- is one of the best music cues ever. Scorsese reportedly played the song on-set to make sure the timing of the montage was just right.