Who's Calling?
You likely don't think twice about what ringtone you've set for your phone (and you probably use the default one, anyway), but back in the day, these catchy melodies made our devices all the more unique. We definitely recommend searching up these tunes as you read to see how many you remember. From "Marimba" to "Crazy Frog," here are 20 classic ringtones everyone knows.
1. Marimba
Anyone who has owned an old iPhone will be familiar with "Marimba" and its evolution through the years. Though the nostalgic classic has since been replaced by the new ringtone, "Opening," that doesn't mean we'll be forgetting the old iconic one anytime soon.
2. Grande Valse
Nokia users, anyone? Pick up an old Nokia brick (if you still own one, that is) and you'll likely remember the catchy tune of "Grande Valse," or sometimes called as just the "Nokia Tune." In fact, this is usually regarded as one of the most easily recognizable ringtones in the world.
3. Over the Horizon
If you owned a Samsung before 2010, you're likely more familiar with the original melody that came as the default ringtone. But anyone who carried a newer device (2011 and onwards) will probably instantly recognize "Over the Horizon" that replaced the old tune.
4. Sony Ericsson Ringtone
Honestly, we're not sure how to explain the original iconic Sony Ericsson ringtone other than that it's nostalgic and impossible to forget. If you're looking to take a trip back to the past, we suggest pulling the melody up and having a quick listen.
The original uploader was Peppery9 at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
5. Autumn Sky
Also from Sony Ericsson is "Autumn Sky." A catchy, fun beat, if the default ringtone from the brand already made you want to get up and dance, this will only encourage you further. Heck, it may even end up stuck in your head afterwards.
6. Clouds at Sunset
When Samsung began releasing its Galaxy line, its ringtones were some of the most catchy and relaxing tunes out there, which made for great alarm tones. "Clouds at Sunset" was a perfect example—that is, if it was even able to wake you up.
7. Fog on the Water
"Fog on the Water" was another calming tune on the Samsung Galaxy line. Despite being a soft, relaxing melody, its only con was that, just like "Clouds at Sunset," it was near impossible to wake up to if used as an alarm. Even as a ringtone, you're more likely to not pick up just because you want to hear the rest of the song.
8. BlackBerry Ringtone
A short, crisp, yet memorable sound, the original BlackBerry ringtone still remains a favorite for all users of the old iconic device. Not only did the tune make for a great call tone, it was also the perfect alarm melody as well.
9. Hello Moto
Motorola Razr, anyone? "Hello Moto" was not only an iconic piece on the Motorola phones, but on various Motorola devices. Though it remains an iconic tagline, it probably wasn't so great to hear it multiple times in a row if you didn't pick up your phone right away.
10. Auld Lang Syne
Taken from the Scottish song of the same name, "Auld Lang Syne" was another song you might recall from Nokia devices, such as the 3390. But while you might be familiar with the tune, you likely didn't set it as your ringtone, as it has a melancholic ring and meaning to it.
11. Crazy Frog
Remember the Crazy Frog mania in the 2000s? Inspired by a Swedish CGI-animated (computer-generated imagery) of a pale blue frog, you might also have called it "The Annoying Thing." A fitting name, given the tune and dance. That didn't stop people from downloading the ringtone onto their phones, though.
12. Evolving Dream
Another iconic ringtone on BlackBerry devices which, actually, functioned specifically as an alarm, was "Evolving Dream." It began with a soothing, trance-like melody before morphing into a blaring, raucous alarm sound. Honestly, if you ever had this as your default morning tune, it probably still haunts you to this day.
13. Life's Good
If you had an LG phone, you definitely know the default ringtone, "Life Is Good." In fact, the tune has had quite an evolution throughout the years, incorporating vocals in some iterations and remaining purely instrumental in others.
14. Für Elise
"Für Elise" is such an iconic musical piece on its own that it probably was a ringtone option on more phones than we can count, though most likely remember it on Nokia devices. If you had this as your default tune, we don't blame you for not picking up a call right away.
15. The Buffoon
"The Buffoon" was another classic on old Nokia devices, particularly the 3310. Just listening to it will bring a rush of nostalgia—and may also end up being stuck in your head to the point you find yourself whistling it at random intervals.
16. Moonlit Haze
"Hello Moto" wasn't the only memorable ringtone from Motorola devices; anyone who's had a Razr phone will likely remember "Moonlit Haze" as well. Catchy with a trance-like melody, this was the perfect alternative for those who got sick of hearing the classic tagline.
17. Robot
Though most iPhone users probably don't stray from the default ringtone, like "Marimba" or "Opening," you might have changed it once or twice to try out the other options. One, in particular, might have been "Robot," and only because it sounded funny.
18. Badinerie
Musical buffs might be familiar with composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who's most notably known for hit Orchestral Suite No. 2. "Badinerie" is the final piece of the seven movements, and became a hit ringtone on old phones, particularly Nokia devices.
19. Huawei Tune Living
Regardless of whether you had a Huawei phone or not, upon listening to their default ringtone, you'll likely instantly recognize it even if you're not able to pinpoint exactly where you've heard it. Sometimes, these melodies are so iconic, they just stick.
20. Dudutt
Okay, we'll be honest: unless you had a Sony Ericsson, you probably don't even recognize the name of this ringtone, let alone its melody. But when you have a chance, have a listen. Even if it's not familiar, it's, at the very least, catchy.
