Pearl Jam has not only been a pillar of grunge music since the early 1990s but they’ve also left an indelible mark on pop culture with their songs featured in numerous films and TV shows. Here are their ten best needle drops:

1.”Alive” in ‘Singles’ (1992): Director Cameron Crowe used “Alive” to capture the essence of the grunge scene in Seattle, brilliantly bringing to life the soundtrack of an era.

2.”State of Love and Trust” in ‘Singles’ (1992): Also in ‘Singles,’ this energetic track gets another moment to shine, representing the youthful energy and angst of the time.

3.”Just Breathe” in ‘Castle’ (Season 3, Episode 2): In a touching scene between Castle and Beckett, “Just Breathe” underscores the romantic tension with its gentle acoustic strumming and Eddie Vedder’s raw emotion.

4.”Yellow Ledbetter” in ‘Friends’ (Season 6, Episode 1): Played during the end credits, this unofficial anthem gives a bittersweet end to an episode of this iconic sitcom.

5.”Man of the Hour” in ‘Big Fish’ (2003): Composed specifically for Tim Burton’s film, this touching song plays over a poignant moment between a father and son, deeply resonating with the film’s themes of reconciliation.

6.”Future Days” in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020 video game): While not a movie or TV show, this game’s inclusion is significant as it features characters bonding over this haunting melody.

7.”Black” in ‘The West Wing’ (Season 2, Episode 22): As one of the show’s most emotional climaxes unwinds, “Black” powerfully complements the escalating drama among key characters.

8.”Release” in ‘Outsourced’ (2010): As characters learn about cultural differences and form connections across them, “Release” serves as a sonorous backdrop promoting introspection.

9.”Corduroy” in ‘ER’ (Season 10, Episode 8): In “ER,” this rock anthem perfectly captures the chaotic intensity that characterizes life-and-death situations unfolding inside County General Hospital.

10.“Given to Fly” in ‘The Shield’ (Season 2, Episode 1): The gritty world of “The Shield” is lent an uplifting moment as “Given to Fly” roars into view during a montage sequence reflecting on both hope and despair experienced by the characters.

These Pearl Jam tracks have transcended their origins becoming integral storytelling tools within various narratives across film and television mediums, thereby cementing their legacy not just as songs but as emotive conduits for storytelling.