The 1972 Jamaican crime film, The Harder They Come, starring reggae musician Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin was one of the key factors in the reggae genre gaining popularity in the United States. Initially a commercial disappointment The Harder They Come benefited from a successful run at midnight showings around the country during its re-release becoming a bonafide "cult classic".

Though it's perhaps best remembered for the theme song which was written and recorded by the star of the film, Jimmy Cliff.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked "The Harder They Come" #341 on the list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in November of 2004.