The music featured in films can truly make or break our viewing experience.
Good movie soundtracks should enhance the storytelling without overpowering the narrative. This creates a more immersive experience for the viewer by engaging them through sound instead of strictly visuals. From the 80s to the 2010s, this list compiles 10 films with the best soundtracks.
1. Stand by Me (1986)
Starting off with the oldest film in this list, Stand by Me is full of iconic songs from its time. From “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis to “Lollipop” by The Chordettes, this soundtrack truly transports you back in time and fully immerses you into the summer of 1959. By far the most memorable song from this soundtrack is Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.” In fact the song made such an impact it ended up being the title of the film! While it was originally supposed to be titled The Body, the ending scene that is accompanied with the mellow beat of “Stand By Me” serves as perfect proof this title change couldn’t be more perfect.
2. Forrest Gump (1994)
Next up is the timeless classic Forrest Gump. The film spans over a total of 30 years and the soundtrack offers an eclectic range of music to mirror this. There are classic sounds from an array of artists such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and The Mamas and Papas. The soundtrack manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the time in which the film takes place. It makes you feel as if you’ve travelled through 30 years of time instead of just 2 hours and 22 minutes.
3. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting is a film that is full of self-discovery and overcoming trauma, which is soundtracked perfectly with the voice of Elliott Smith. His indie folk/rock music effortlessly amplifies the emotional storyline of the film. The melancholy beauty of songs such as “Between Bars” and “Say Yes” allow the cinematography of the movie to flourish without overpowering it. This film features songs in short snippets as opposed to full 3 minute segments which is both effective and engaging.
4. Almost Famous (2000)
The soundtrack to Almost Famous is nothing short of perfect. The film follows William Miller as he tags along with famous rock band Stillwater on their tour. The music in this movie makes us feel as if we are right there alongside William. Through the power of artists such as Simon & Garfunkel, Black Sabbath, and The Beach Boys, viewers are let in on the excitement and exhilaration of William’s experience. We feel as if we are right there on the tour bus, singing along to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” and it feels great.
5. Love Actually (2003)
Arguably one of the best Christmas films of all time, Love Actually‘s soundtrack is diverse and flawlessly curated. One minute we are crying to the melody of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell as we find out the gold necklace is in fact not for Karen—can we ever forgive Alan Rickman? Then the next moment we are smiling as the sound of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” takes us to a heartfelt scene at Heathrow Airport. If you’re looking for a soundtrack that makes you feel every emotion, this one is for you.
6. Juno (2008)
Juno is a personal favourite of mine, and when I first watched it one of the things that made me love it so much was the soundtrack. Music plays a big role in this film, with the final scene becoming a perfect ending for Juno and Paulie’s relationship. As they sit on the wall playing “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches, we are left with a smile on our face and the desire to pick up a guitar. That’s exactly what this soundtrack and movie will do: inspire you to go out there and listen to some great music.
7. Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
How can we talk about The Perks of Being a Wallflower without talking about the iconic tunnel scene? When Charlie, Sam, and Patrick drive through the tunnel as David Bowie’s “Heroes” plays in the background, everything else seems to drift away and in the words of the film, “we are made to feel infinite.” Another worthy mention is when Sam and Patrick dance to “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners. This song is perfect for the scene and an excellent example of how a soundtrack can completely enhance a movie.
8. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy without a doubt has one of the greatest movie soundtracks of all time. In fact the whole trilogy is brimming with hits. I’ll never forget watching the opening scene where Peter Quill dances along to Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love.” This scene really sets the bar for the rest of the movie and lets you know right from the very start that this soundtrack is going to be one you won’t forget. But it isn’t just upbeat songs that feature in this film, and that’s what makes it so special. A good example of this is when “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc fills the headphones of a young Peter Quill, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
9. La La Land (2016)
The soundtrack of La La Land is filled with primarily jazz pop, making it the Hollywood musical we all love. The album topped the UK charts and even won an Academy Award for Best Original Score. So what is it that makes it so successful? Well first of all the music is seamlessly integrated with the visuals, making the two almost inseparable. When people think of La La Land they likely think of the music first. The soundtrack is different to others on the list as it isn’t just a collection of songs—each song is composed specifically for this film, making the score both personal and unique.
10. Call me by Your Name (2017)
Last but definitely not least is Call me by Your Name. This has got to be one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever, featuring a diverse blend of classical pieces and early 80s pop. Sufjan Stevens contributed 3 original songs to this soundtrack and each one is integral to the film, capturing the emotional arc of the character of Elio. It also has more upbeat sounds such as The Psychedelic Furs’ “Love My Way” that accompanies the famous dance scene. It is hard to put into words the way this soundtrack makes you feel—the film truly would not be the same without it.
