5 Standout Duran Duran Hits

Emma Duckett

•March 26, 2025•

3 min read

Bursting onto the early 80s pop scene with their bold MTV-worthy music videos and a blend of new wave, rock, and synth-pop, Duran Duran went on to define the entire era.

But not everyone saw their potential. Editor of the 80s teen-pop magazine Smash Hits, David Hepworth, thought the band were unlikely to become pop idols, writing, “They came from Birmingham and looked a bit desperate”.

Here are five iconic Duran Duran songs that catapulted the band to success - and proved the editor otherwise.

‘Girls on Film’ (1981)

Undeniably Duran Duran’s most iconic track. A certified banger - period.

‘Girls on Film’ set the band apart from the mass of New Romantic groups in the 80s UK charts – with a choppy, distorted guitar hook, pulsating synths and six-note call sign. It was as close to their original ‘Chic-meets-the-Sex-Pistols' style as it gets, with lyrics depicting the fashion world as exploitative and glamourous – the band seemingly unable to decide which one it is.

‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ (1982)

The track with *that* wildly cinematic music video, set in the wilderness.

‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ defined the MTV era with its polished, confident sound and a hook at every turn. Packed with synth arpeggios, guitar riffs, and verses that could easily be choruses, the band set their sights on conquering American pop culture. While the single didn’t quite make number one, it made the big-time at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983.

‘Rio’ (1982)

Duran Duran takes on the world.

Paired with its vibrant, action-packed music video, ‘Rio’ is a journey away from the post-punk Blitz Kids, embracing a more glamourous, globe-trotting aesthetic. ‘Rio’s’ carefree pop chorus stands out, while the lyrics don’t hold much meaning beyond mentioning a jet-set destination (but play on the mind for days). And, of course, John Taylor’s bass line is phenomenal.

‘The Reflex’ (1984)

One of Duran Duran’s best-sounding singles.

Nile Rodgers pulls out all the stops, with booming percussion, steel drums, and the signature “n-n-n-n-nineteen” sampled vocal - a cutting-edge pop technique at the time. The funky, danceable hit became their first-ever number one U.S. single and, across the pond, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

‘Ordinary World’ (1993)

The comeback single of the 90s.

The old-fashioned power ballad ‘Ordinary World’ struck an emotional chord with fans, with Simon Le Bon later saying it "saved the life of the band" during a tough commercial period. Packed with lush, ethereal synths and a world-weary melody on love and loss, the song (which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993) proved Duran Duran wasn’t just an '80s band.