Talking Some of the Best Soundtracks of All Time
I know we’ve heard the same thing about the lighting and sound being two of the most important pillars of filmmaking. However, have you ever watched a silent film or an indie film that chose all the wrong music? If so, then you know how vital it is to have music that conveys the right emotion AND placed at the right moment.
Having a good soundtrack really elevates the feel of the movie or series. So, with that said, let’s talk about some of the most influential ones and why!
1. "The Bodyguard" (1992)
Why It’s Great: THE VOICE. That’s it lol. But if you need to be convinced further, the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, particularly Whitney Houston’s renditions of "I Will Always Love You" and "I'm Every Woman," became a massive cultural phenomenon. It blends pop, R&B, and soul with cinematic grandeur. The album is incredible and showcases incredible vocal range and perfectly captures the emotional highs and lows of the film. It became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time and remains a staple in pop culture.
2. “Love Jones” (1997)
Why It’s Great: Curated Selection: The soundtrack features a carefully curated mix of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz, perfectly capturing the film's romantic and introspective vibe. Artists like Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, and Nina Simone contribute to its rich sound.
Cultural Impact: It reflects the era of the late '90s, showcasing the music that resonated with a generation. The songs evoke nostalgia and connect deeply with themes of love and relationships.
Emotional Resonance: The tracks are emotionally charged, complementing the film's narrative. They enhance pivotal scenes, making moments more poignant and memorable.
Iconic Tracks: “Something Something”
3. "The Lion King" (1994)
Why It’s Great: With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the Lion King soundtrack is a masterpiece of emotional depth and anthemic grandeur. The film's score by Hans Zimmer complements the powerful songs, like "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata," which have become timeless classics. The music perfectly reflects the themes of family, destiny, and the circle of life.
Iconic Tracks: "Circle of Life," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Hakuna Matata."
5. "Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977)
Why It’s Great: John Williams’ Star Wars score is one of the most iconic and influential soundtracks in film history. The themes are instantly recognizable and have become deeply embedded in popular culture. Williams’ majestic orchestral score matches the grandiosity of George Lucas’ space opera, and the music heightens the film's epic, adventurous spirit. The soundtrack is a cornerstone of Star Wars'cinematic legacy and continues to evoke powerful emotions, from triumph to tragedy.
Iconic Tracks: "Main Title Theme," "The Imperial March," "Cantina Band."
6. "Dirty Dancing" (1987)
Why It’s Great: The Dirty Dancing soundtrack is packed with iconic songs that have become synonymous with the film. The music, which blends pop, rock, and R&B, serves as a backdrop to the movie’s romantic and rebellious themes. Songs like "I've Had The Time of My Life" became huge hits, and the soundtrack itself is one of the best-selling of all time. The music also perfectly complements the dance choreography, creating a synergy that has made the movie and its soundtrack unforgettable.
Iconic Tracks: "I've Had the Time of My Life," "Hungry Eyes," "She's Like the Wind."
7. "Forrest Gump" (1994)
Why It’s Great: The Forrest Gump soundtrack is a nostalgic journey through the music of the 20th century, reflecting the pivotal moments in history depicted in the film. From Elvis Presley’s early rock 'n' roll to the protest anthems of the '60s, the soundtrack captures the spirit of different decades, while also enhancing the emotional weight of Forrest’s life story. The songs evoke memories of different historical eras, creating a sense of time and place that deepens the film’s narrative.
Iconic Tracks: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" by The Four Tops.
8. "The Dark Knight" (2008)
Why It’s Great: Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s score for The Dark Knight is a dark, atmospheric, and intensely powerful soundtrack that complements Christopher Nolan’s gritty, psychological Batman film. The music mirrors the chaos and moral ambiguity of Gotham City, particularly the Joker’s anarchic philosophy. The pulsing, relentless score builds tension, heightens drama, and reinforces the film’s themes of duality and heroism.
Iconic Tracks: "Why So Serious?" (The Joker's Theme), "The Dark Knight," "A Dark Knight."
9. "The Breakfast Club" (1985)
Why It’s Great: The soundtrack to The Breakfast Club is an iconic collection of '80s music that perfectly complements the themes of youth, rebellion, and self-discovery. With contributions from artists like Simple Minds, this soundtrack became a defining part of the teen movie genre. The music helps encapsulate the era’s mood and underscores the film’s emotional beats, from its opening credits to the final, uplifting moments.
Iconic Tracks: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds, "We Are Not Alone" by Karla Devito, "If You Leave" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.
10. "Purple Rain" (1984)
Why It’s Great: Prince’s Purple Rain is as much a musical journey as it is a movie soundtrack. The songs are deeply embedded in the narrative of the film and are essential to understanding the emotional arcs of the characters. The soundtrack, blending rock, pop, and funk, is a tribute to Prince’s genius, and the songs have become timeless classics. The album is both a reflection of the artist’s unique style and an emotional soundtrack for a film that explores themes of love, pain, and redemption.
Iconic Tracks: "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy."
***Honorable mentions: Inception, Interstellar, The Holiday, Any Disney Movie, and The Haunting of Hill House
These soundtracks are great because they do more than just complement the film—they become a part of the film’s identity. There is nothing better than to sing or hear a song and you immediately think about what scene it came from. Plus, the nostalgia. DUH!
What are some of your favorite soundtacks? Comment below.
