The 25 Best Songs In The Vampire Diaries

Summary "Hunger" by Ross Copperman captures the emotional farewell moment between Elena and Damon in season 6, making it unforgettable.

"Dauðalogn" by Sigur Rós intensifies the emotional drowning scene involving Elena and Matt, creating a hauntingly powerful moment.

Kai's karaoke rendition of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan adds a comedic touch to an iconic Vampire Diaries music moment.

One of the reasons The Vampire Diaries remains a beloved show is that the music made for a fantastic Vampire Diaries soundtrack. Inspired by the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries followed the teen residents of Mystic Falls as they learned about the existence of vampires, werewolves, and more of the supernatural. The series initially centers on Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) before expanding to her family, friends, and the Salvatore brothers (Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder). With a rich mythology, compelling family drama, and captivating love stories, The Vampire Diaries had everything a young adult audience could ask for.

Much of the music used in the series has become iconic for the audience, calling to mind specific characters or scenes even when not watching the show. Whether it be an emotional ballad or an upbeat pop song, the music present throughout the series was selected with care and chosen to enhance the stories being told. Of all the music that is incorporated throughout the series, these are some of the best songs that are the most memorable to fans and accompany some of the most charged scenes in The Vampire Diaries.

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25 "Hunger" By Ross Copperman

Season 6, Episode 22 "I'm Thinking Of You All the While"

When it comes to saying goodbye to one of the main characters on a series, the selection of music is key. Nina Dobrev's Elena was the center of the show in many ways so it was a big deal when the character and the actor left The Vampire Diaries at the end of season 6. Due to a magic spell, Elena was to be placed in a 60-year coma which was tragic but allowed for many of the characters to say a proper goodbye to her.

Not surprisingly, it was the final moment between Elena and Damon that was the most emotional. The song "Hunger" by Ross Copperman plays as Elena and Damon share one last dance together in the middle of the empty road. The slow and sad song highlights the romantic moment between the two with the bittersweet feeling that their love did not have enough time to grow.

24 "Dauðalogn" By Sigur Rós

Season 3, Episode 22 "The Departed"

Death scenes are another instance in which the right choice of music is crucial in pulling off the moment. While many people in The Vampire Diaries come back to life after their supposed deaths, they can still be impactful moments that audiences won't forget. After Matt and Elena are driven off the bridge in their car and begin drowning at the bottom of the river, this emotional song by Sigur Rós plays.

The scene is a riveting one as it cuts between Elena attempting to get Matt out of the car in order to save him and a flashback to where she was in the car with her parents as they drown. It is an emotional memory with the haunting tune fitting perfectly. As the song intensifies, it solidifies the feeling that this will end in tragedy as Elena remembers her father putting her safety about his own and choosing to do the same when it comes to Matt.

23 "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" By Bob Dylan

Season 8, Episode 14 "It's Been A Hell Of A Ride"

This is one of only a few moments in the series in which a character in the show is the one who is providing the music. Kai is one of the best villains in the series with him doing plenty of things that the fans hate him for, but remaining entertaining with his charismatic style and comedic moments. This is on display in one episode in which Stefan finds the villain in a karaoke bar singing a rendition of the iconic Bob Dylan tune.

The scene makes for one of the most ridiculous moments on Vampire Diaries as well as one of the most memorable music moments. Actor Chris Wood is a genuine singer, but he adds a drunken, uncaring style to Kai's performance which is closer to the Guns and Roses version of the song. Kai ends it in an abrupt and hilarious way as he says to the audience "Anyway, you get the idea. Crushed it," before leaving the stage with a "literal mic drop."

22 "Yours" By Ella Henderson

Season 6, Episode 14 "Stay"

While it may not have been the original plan for Stefan's romantic life on the show, the relationship between Stefan and Caroline on Vampire Diaries ended up being one of the best in the series. They fit nicely into the standard "friends become lovers" TV trope that can often result in some memorable couplings. It was this episode and moment between the two that really kicked off the romantic side of their relationship.

As the two get honest about what they mean to each other, Stefan and Caroline share their first kiss as the song "Yours" by Elle Henderson plays. The song lyrics very much speak to their relationship as it reflects the way they have been a constant support for each other, specifically with Stefan promising Caroline's mother that he'd always look after her.

21 "Psycho Killer" By Talking Heads

Season 4, Episode 17 "Because The Night"

The Vampire Diaries soundtrack typically seeks out more modern music, but this is one example of a classic being included in the show. However, it makes sense for the context of the scene which plays out in an entertaining flashback. The moment comes when the show takes a look back on Damon's time in New York City in 1977 and his bloodlust.

It is a scene that shows how terrifying Damon can be as a couple finds a dead body on the side of the road. As the man investigates, his partner is attacked only for Damon to emerge. Interestingly, the man presumes Damon is the Son of Sam serial killer who terrorized New York City at the time. The song plays as Damon attacks the man, adding a darkly comedic aspect to the moment.

20 "Gravity" By Sara Bareilles

Season 1, Episode 2 "Night Of The Comet"

The show builds its own specific vibe with its musical choices, with some artists being featured several times in the series to help establish a certain theme or feel. Sara Bareilles is one such recurring musical artist on the Vampire Diaries soundtrack. Her song "Gravity" appears in the second episode of the first season when Elena comes to see Stefan to resolve a tense moment between them that occurred earlier in the episode.

The music plays softly in the background as the two discuss Elena's worry about taking emotional risks with Stefan. As Elena and Stefan share their first kiss, "Gravity" reaches a crescendo, highlighting a pivotal moment in the series with a song about being unable to deny an attraction between two people. The song becomes the couple's defining song that cements Stefan and Elena's relationship in the first season.

19 “A Drop In The Ocean” By Ron Pope

Season 3, Episode 1 “The Birthday”

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Much of the season 3 premiere of The Vampire Diaries is devoted to the search for Stefan. Damon is looking for him, Elena is looking for him, and Caroline decides to attempt to distract Elena with a birthday party. At the end of the night, however, Elena learns of Stefan’s ripper past from Damon and is alone on her birthday, though Damon doesn’t want her to know the truth.

The end of the episode features Stefan making a call to Elena, but not saying anything, while this song plays in the background. Stefan is only leaving a trail of bodies at the behest of Klaus, but Elena doesn’t know that, and she still tells him she loves him while Stefan holds back tears. The song itself is about a relationship on the verge of ending, so it makes the scene a bittersweet one since Elena is urging him to hold on while the song implies that the two won’t make it.

18 “Holding On And Letting Go” By Ross Copperman

Season 3, Episode 10 “The New Deal”

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The Vampire Diaries fandom will likely continue to debate which of the times Damon and Elena kiss is their first “official” kiss since some of them involve fear of death or one of them being compelled to forget. This song, however, plays during one of the first times that Damon initiates a kiss between the two. Damon is worried about just where Stefan’s head is at in this episode, and Elena starts to feel like she should really move on from Stefan.

"If I'm going to feel guilty, I'll feel guilty about this."

When Damon realizes that he still can’t fully pursue his feelings for Elena because he feels guilty about wanting to be with her, “Holding On And Letting Go” plays - right before he decides he should give himself something to actually feel guilty about, and he kisses her. It’s a moment that decides fans because it extends the love triangle of Elena and the Salvatore brothers a bit more, but it also gives the audience one of Damon's best quotes in the series.

17 “All You Wanted” By Sounds Under Radio

Season 1, Episode 17 “Let The Right One In”

Vicki was one Vampire Diaries character who deserved to be around longer. Kayla Ewell was listed as a main cast member - and then Vicki was promptly bitten by a vampire. While Vicki did get to hang around for a few episodes, her character was staked pretty early on, cementing that the show could kill series regulars, making it seem like no one was safe. It wasn’t until ghosts, resurrections, and more later in the show that there would be ways for actors to keep returning.

“All You Wanted” played over one of the most emotional sequences in the first season of the show. While Vicki’s family and friends knew she was missing, not all of them knew she was dead. This song is the soundtrack to her family and friends being notified, and it makes for a heartbreaking reveal for the characters and for Jeremy's breakdown as he realizes that Vicki isn't a vampire that he can track down.

16 "Never Let Me Go" By Florence + the Machine

Season 3, Episode 19 "Heart Of Darkness"

Florence + the Machine is a band that was featured multiple times throughout the series in many memorable scenes. Among their many songs used, "Never Let Me Go" stands out as the most memorable to be included on the show. As the song's lyrics and melody evoke a romantic mood, it is a perfect complement to a key intimate moment between Damon and Elena.

The song starts quietly at first and grows louder when Elena kisses Damon while they are on a trip to get Jeremy. It is a huge moment for fans of the relationship. The lyrics "I'm not giving up, I'm just giving in" mirror Elena falling for Damon in season 3. She can't help her emotional connection to the bad boy vampire and this song really highlights her complicated emotions towards him.

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15 “This Woman’s Work” By Greg Laswell

Season 3, Episode 7 “Ghost World”

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Bonnie rarely gets huge music moments in The Vampire Diaries. Huge moments, yes, because she saves everyone else on a regular basis, but the memorable scenes that stick with viewers because of the music usually belong to others. However, the episode “Ghost World” gives her a more epic moment than usual with her attempts to save the day with a score that highlights her hero moment.

Bonnie is tasked with closing the door between the living and the dead, which has allowed ghosts to attempt to end their “unfinished business” in town. While she performs the spell, “This Woman’s Work,” covered here by Greg Laswell, swells. Bonnie is proven successful as “Make it go away” is sung, and as a bonus, the audience gets to see the ghost of Anna reunite with her mother right before they fade from sight.

14 “Give Me Love” By Ed Sheeran

Season 3, Episode 14 “Dangerous Liaisons”

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Likely as an attempt to keep the music costs of the showdown, the show often avoids too much mainstream music. However, a couple of Ed Sheeran songs are used during significant moments in The Vampire Diaries, and for those who enjoy the relationship between Klaus and Caroline, “Give Me Love” is one of them. The song plays while the two dance at the Mikaelson family ball after Esther invites Elena to her home for a party.

The scene features the usual chemistry between Klaus and Caroline, but this is very early on in their interactions. The song is absolutely a reflection of Klaus yearning to be with this woman who keeps telling him that she isn’t interested in him. While Klaus is clearly unstable, his interactions with Caroline soften him for the audience and the song helps with that.

13 "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris

Season 4, Episode 4 "The Five"

When Elena becomes a vampire, Damon gets her to let loose and have some fun. "Feel So Close" plays as Damon and Elena dance at a Halloween party on campus after feeding on some of the other party attendees. It is a slightly forbidden scene charged with danger and sensuality because the dance occurs while Elena is still with Stefan.

It isn't a typical song to play during a Damon and Elena scene as it is an upbeat and happy tune rather than an indie ballad or soft pop song. This is an important scene because Elena momentarily embraces being a vampire, which will become a major storyline for the remainder of the series. The song's fast rhythm compliments her carefree attitude and happiness in this scene and hints at the dark path she will eventually travel in later seasons.

12 "Hold On" By Chord Overstreet

Season 8, Episode 16 "I Was Feeling Epic"

For a song to feature prominently on the series finale of a popular series like Vampire Diaries is a fairly significant thing. Chord Overstreet's "Hold On" was included in the last episode of the show as Elena wakes up from the magical coma Kai put her in. It makes her reunions with the rest of the characters even more emotional and heartwarming. The lyrics fit perfectly for all the characters getting the happy endings they deserve.

It is especially tear-jerking when Elena gets reunited with her family in heaven and Damon gets to find peace with Stefan as well. It is certainly one of the most important music moments in the series, bringing so many aspects of the series together. There is a sense of closure delivered to the audience with this song, making it one of many perfect songs to end the series with.

11 "All I Need" By Within Temptation

Season 1, Episode 19 "Miss Mystic Falls"

Unlike some other songs featured throughout the show, "All I Need" was not widely popular outside of The Vampire Diaries fandom. It isn't a pop hit like Calvin Harris's "Feel So Close"; instead, it's an indie emotional song about being completely in love with someone. In the first season, it makes Damon and Elena dance to this song a huge moment since Elena is with Stefan.

Later on in the series, we learn that the first time Elena admitted how attracted she was to Damon was dancing along to this song at the Miss Mystic Falls pageant. It is understandable why she felt drawn to him, considering the lyrics are so passionate. The significance of the Damon and Elena dance within the show's mythology cements this as one of the best and most important songs featured in the show.

10 “O Holy Night” By Cary Brothers

Season 4, Episode 9 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

If there’s one thing that’s great in a genre show or movie, it’s a beloved holiday classic being used in a haunting way. To hear a Christmas carol cover played over a scene of violence and darkness is jarring. Both The Vampire Diaries and The 100 did it on The CW with great effect. For The Vampire Diaries, “O Holy Night” is played while Klaus slaughters his army of hybrids. It’s a chilling scene that reminds the audience how monstrous Klaus can be.

In some ways, it makes for an over-the-top moment with the music being so juxtaposed to the actions on screen that it might seem comic to some. However, it is mostly a very effective use of the song while bringing out the foreboding and oddly intense aspects of the classic Christmas song.

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9 "Wings" By Birdy

Season 5, Episode 22 "Home"

Birdy is no stranger to The Vampire Diaries soundtrack as another artist who has contributed music to some of the key moments in the series. Her vocals and lyrics are always evocative and romantic, and her song "Wings" is no exception. As the Other Side is falling apart with Bonnie and Damon in it, this song enhanced all the emotions the characters and the audience were going through.

There is a certain desperation in the song that matches Jeremy looking for Bonnie and everyone being upset that they are losing her and Damon to the other side. It is haunting while still being beautiful, leaving the audience with an emotional tone laid over the sequence. It makes the entire scene and the ending of season 5 one of the most memorable endings from the show's run.

8 "Never Say Never" By The Fray

Season 1, Episode 1 "Pilot"

Just as it the songs featured in the series finale of the show make for key additions to the show, some of the songs featured in the very first episode help to set the mood for the story to come. "Never Say Never" plays at the end of the pilot of The Vampire Diaries and in the finale, making it one of the more memorable songs on the show. Its hopeful lyrics encompass the bittersweet tone of the moments it is included in.

In the pilot, the song plays as Elena admits that she is still struggling with the loss of her parents, but is willing to open herself up to Stefan. When it is featured in the series finale, it is just after Stefan sacrifices himself to save Mystic Falls. Fans are brought to happy tears when he reunites with his best friend Lexi as this song plays in the background. It is a song that brings the series full circle and does so by highlighting such bittersweet emotions in each scene.

7 "Kiss Me" By Ed Sheeran

Season 4, Episode 7 "My Brother's Keeper"

Damon and Elena's moments throughout the series are typically paired with great music, adding to the impact of the scenes and cementing the importance of these milestones in their relationship. "Kiss Me" is one of those songs that typify their relationship. The lyric "I've been feeling everything, from hate to love, from love to lust, from lust to truth, I guess that's how I know you," sums up their journey on the show up to this point.

As the song by Ed Sheeran plays, Elena and Damon share an intimate dance by the fireplace that quickly escalates into passion as Elena finally accepts her desire to be with Damon. Overall, the song highlights the love between the two characters and makes it one more scene that proves Damon and Elena are meant to be soulmates.

6 “Eternal Flame” By Caroline (Cover Of The Bangles)

Season 2, Episode 16 “The House Guest”

Though teen dramas are known for allowing their characters a chance to sing if there are those with vocal abilities among the cast, The Vampire Diaries didn’t do it often. Only a handful of characters take over a microphone during the series’ run, and one of the first is Caroline Forbes.

Caroline jumped up on stage at the Grille to cover the Bangles’ classic “Eternal Flame” in order to make her feelings for Matt Donovan clear. The relationship between Caroline and Matt is one of the first big ones in the show that doesn’t involve Elena Gilbert, and while Caroline might be good at taking charge in a lot of situations, she’s not always great at sharing her feelings in the early episodes. Singing to Matt marked a huge step for her in the show, and it also marked a departure from the way The Vampire Diaries usually utilized its music.