Michael Andrews and Gary Jules recorded this cover of “Mad World” for the Jake Gyllenhaal film Donnie Darko (2001). Andrews had been hired to soundtrack the film and included this song for an otherwise instrumental album. He said that of all the songs he could have chosen, he believed this was the right one:

That self-absorbed adolescent angst, all sad and morose – it was perfect for that climactic moment in the film.

When “Mad World” became the UK’s Christmas number 1 in 2003, Andrews told the BBC that he believed its success was down to its relatable content:

I think it’s a really beautiful example of a person struggling with the fact that life is mad. I honestly think it’s one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and the way it’s stripped down now just pins people.“ He went on to say, "Every so often a song with just vocals, piano and cello creeps up on you and says something about who you are, where you’re going which stops you in your tracks.