In this article, we look at the greatest movie soundtracks of all time and what makes them so good.
Whether it’s the social and historical context or even character/plot defining, we check out a few films with awesome music.
Why Are Soundtracks So Important?
Firstly, movies are often memorable not only because of great acting performances but also because of their music. Try to imagine the scenes without the music playing behind them – the settings would feel empty and lack a fully developed emotion.
Subsequently, the characters’ expressions might also fall flat without the music’s guidance to drive them along. Good music provides the audience with emotions at the correct times, and many songs from films have become massive hits alongside their movie. Films with fantastic soundtracks have produced music heard and loved by all, especially when a track is powerful enough to stick around for a lifetime.
Also, there are even times when soundtracks are built around a specific song in a movie or just one artist’s music is portrayed throughout a film. Some of the best movie soundtracks have gone as far as to define the genre they were in, starting new fads or crazes, ultimately culminating in the essence of the era.
So, without further ado, we break down the greatest movie soundtracks of all time.
Purple Rain (1984)
Prince was smart enough to hinge on his songs’ hits by starring in a movie. This ended up becoming one of the most profitable movies in 1984, containing more dream-like sequences and portraying the songs “When Doves Cry” and the signature “Purple Rain” that we all know and love.
The plot may have left many with something missing, centered around a musician struggling to make it and having love problems to boot. But the movie is a celebration of all things rock and roll, including sex, misogyny, religion, and guitars. There is no denying that powerful music captivates the audience and keeps us coming back for more.
The Graduate (1973)
For generations, this anthem with Simon and Garfunkel has been one of the most unique soundtracks, with these songs sticking around for centuries. “Mrs Robinson” was a tribute to all hormone-driven youth, and the pieces within the soundtrack depict the generational change.
Director Mike Nichols was a genius in using several of the duo’s songs in this contemporary film. It almost seems misplaced in some sequences, but at the same time, it all made sense. The hit song that concluded the movie, “The Sound of Silence,” is one of pop culture’s more beautiful moments seen and long remembered on screen.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino is big with using just the right music in his movies, making sure it plays a vital role in communicating tone and mood. So many of the songs take you back to those pinnacle moments within the film, like Uma Thurman singing “Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon” right before she dies momentarily. Pulp Fiction definitely holds its place in the greatest movie soundtracks of all time.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
This soundtrack defined the 1970s. Disco was alive and kicking, and these songs won’t lose their power anytime soon. The soundtrack successfully sold over 15 million copies, making it one of the best film soundtracks in history. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love” were perfect complements to the disco-era dancing that helped this soundtrack receive massive success.
The Bodyguard (1992)
Music with power and feeling is apparent in this movie, and the chemistry between Houston and Costner is palpable throughout. This is the soundtrack that beat out Saturday Night Fever (1978) to be the best-selling soundtrack for a film across the board. And no wonder, with the notes that Whitney Houston dolled out in the epic “I Will Always Love You” and wowed us with other songs, including “I Have Nothing” and “I’m Every Woman,” which also premiered in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Yes, it’s a musical featuring the one and only Julie Andrews, but it tells a fantastic story based on the real-life Von Trapp Family singers. With its family-oriented tale, it’s a movie that many cherish for a lifetime, and you’ll never forget the timeless songs “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and the signature “The Sound of Music,” sung with arms wide on a hilltop.
This soundtrack was one of the most successful in history. It was top-selling in both the US and the UK. Multiple anniversary editions and reproductions have also been made of it.
Super Fly (1972)
This is an influential music album. It was born out of soul music, which was first introduced a year prior on the show Soul Train (1971-2006). The music is a masterpiece of classic funk.
It was a pioneer with lyrics that addressed uncomfortable (but necessary) social situations, including poverty and drug abuse. This gave it power and made its mark as one of the best film soundtracks to stand the test of time.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The Beatles were a huge musical success, so how could their films not be? Fans also got a direct insight into the lives of superstars. Lennon and McCartney seized the opportunity to create new music with hits like “If I Fell,” which was a leading example of music written entirely by them, not all included within the film itself.
But let’s face it – these guys were star musicians rather than film stars. It doesn’t matter, though. The soundtrack is still by far one of the best film soundtracks.
Top Gun (1986)
Tom Cruise is well known for his epic performance as Maverick in this iconic movie. This song features Kenny Loggins’ vocals with “Danger Zone” right from the get-go, giving it an exhilarating feeling.
Other significant hits laced throughout this movie included the hit songs – Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers. It’s an action movie/love story rolled into one, and the music is a perfect homage to it, making it a great movie with an even greater soundtrack.
The Harder They Come (1972)
The Harder They Come (1972) is another movie defining its genre with an incredible soundtrack. The reggae vibe is very much alive and well in this film. It’s heard and loved in the songs that include “Rivers of Babylon” and “Many Rivers to Cross.” This soundtrack is typically underrated, but Jimmy Cliff’s vocals proved that reggae could be a popular genre and spread it from Jamaica’s isolation.
As a result, it is by far one of the best movie soundtracks featuring reggae music in a mixtape that you won’t soon forget.
Drive (2011)
In addition to the films above, numerous movies with great soundtracks have made their mark in later years.
For example, in the film Drive (2011), there is a focus on using music that is centered around creating and developing feelings within scenes. Cliff Martinez’s compositions show off the abstract and electronic music needed for impact.
Sound designers have found that the composition of soundtracks doesn’t always need specific songs.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, when you get both the music and the movie right, you end up with a fantastic soundtrack. Music not only guides the audience through, but the best film soundtracks have the power to bring about those feelings over and over again.
Understanding how music provides depth within a story is the mark of a great director. When choosing music for a soundtrack, it is essential to remember that it helps move scenes and characters in a certain direction.
Obtaining licenses for films is no small feat, and it takes music supervisors, producers, and sound designers to find, create, and utilize just the right music at the right moments.
