25. Top Gun (1984)
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Featuring legendary artists like Kenny Loggins and Berlin, The Top Gun soundtrack was symbolic of the mid-1980s — mirroring the era’s blend of patriotism and rock music. In fact, no movie popularized this specific genre of rock no better than Top Gun. Following the films release, its songs became anthems for fighter pilots during the Gulf War, capturing the spirit of the time with hits like “Danger Zone.” This album sold millions to date and remains one of the most iconic film soundtracks ever.
24. American Graffiti (1973)
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Reportedly curated by George Lucas himself, his film American Graffiti has a brilliant soundtrack that serves as a nostalgic tribute to the rock and roll era of the late ’50s and early ’60s. This collection encapsulates the essence of teenage life and the cruising culture of the time, featuring a wide array of iconic tracks from legends like Chuck Berry and the Beach Boys. Its unique blend of R&B, doo-wop, pop, and rockabilly creates a perfect backdrop for the film’s reflection on the innocence and spontaneity of youth, making it a timeless tracklist.
23. Almost Famous (2000)
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The soundtrack of Almost Famous, crafted by writer-director Cameron Crowe, is a homage to his experiences as a young Rolling Stone journalist in the 1970s. Featuring an eclectic mix of music from the era, including Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkel, and Elton John, it captures the essence of the time. The film also introduces music by the fictional band Stillwater, fusing classic rock, glam, soul, and Southern rock to create a rich musical landscape that reflects Crowe’s personal journey through the rock and roll world of the ’70s.
22. Forrest Gump (1994)
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This movie is packed to the brim with some of the greatest songs to ever be written. There were two discs to the initial CD release (34 songs worth). The film and its soundtrack took us on a remarkable journey through three decades of American music history, featuring a diverse collection of songs that mirror the film’s sweeping narrative of American life from the 1950s to the 1980s. With tracks from iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, Aretha Franklin, The Mamas and The Papas, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, this double album stands as a testament to America’s greatest music.
21. The Graduate
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For The Graduate, director Mike Nichols’ near-obsession with Simon & Garfunkel’s folk-rock sound became a central element of the film’s atmosphere, contributing to its cultural impact. The soundtrack features iconic tracks like “Mrs. Robinson,” which climbed the charts, along with “The Sound of Silence” and “Scarborough Fair/Canticle (Interlude),” among others. Dave Grusin’s instrumentals also play a significant role in setting the film’s mood, making the soundtrack a pivotal part of the movie’s success and its lasting legacy in pop culture.
20. A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
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A Hard Day’s Night is not just the Beatles’ first album composed entirely of original songs, but also a soundtrack to their debut film. This album shows the Beatles at a pivotal moment in their career, where they excelled both as songwriters and musicians during some of their greatest years. The album’s vibrancy is not just in the lively title track or the spirited “Can’t Buy Me Love” but also in tender ballads like “If I Fell”.
19. Purple Rain (1984)
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Prince’s Purple Rain stands as one of the biggest achievements in his career, thanks to its use of rock, funk, and soul, all masterfully executed with the support of his band — the Revolution. This album, serving as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, not only shows Prince’s ability to push musical boundaries but also features iconic tracks that have graced the era in which they were created. The innovation within the album is exemplified by songs like “When Doves Cry,”.
18. 8 Mile (2002)
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Featuring one of the most groundbreaking lead singles from a film soundtrack, 8 Mile not only stars Eminem’s iconic title track, Oscar-award-winning “Lose Yourself”, but also serves as a milestone in hip-hop and film music. The soundtrack, a dynamic blend of raw energy and storytelling, features a stellar lineup including Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, D12, Xzibit, Gang Starr, and Macy Gray, capturing the gritty essence of the movie’s narrative. Eminem’s anthem perfectly mirrors the film’s themes of struggle, determination, and triumph, making the soundtrack unforgettable.
17. Dirty Dancing (1987)
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The soundtrack of Dirty Dancing not only brings back the charming oldies but also infuses them with the vibrancy of contemporary music, forming a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity. It’s the type of music that makes you want to lift your spouse in the air and spin them around. It features timeless classics like “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” a powerful duet by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen, enriching the film’s romantic essence. Patrick Swayze’s own “She’s Like the Wind” adds to the legacy of the playlist.
16. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
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The best thing about this soundtrack was its introduction of bluegrass elements into the mainstream. Produced by T. Bone Burnett, it features a collection of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music. With talents like Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, and Emmylou Harris, they deliver poignant performances that range from the harmonious “Didn’t Leave Nobody but the Baby” to the soul-stirring “O Death” by Ralph Stanley. This soundtrack not only complemented the Coen Brothers’ film but also stood as a powerful tribute to American roots music.
15. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
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Guardians of the Galaxy is full of earworms you likely know by heart. This is what makes it so great — the soundtrack is integral to the storyline and character development. Peter Quill’s “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” is a deeply personal artifact from his mother, filled with her favorite 1970s tracks. It connects him to his past and Earth, serving as a poignant link to his lost family and home. This compilation, along with a thrilling space adventure featuring an ensemble of quirky heroes, showcases how classic songs can enhance narrative depth in modern films.
14. Above the Rim (1994)
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This soundtrack is Death Row records at their very best. Tupac, Snoop Dogg, The Dogg Pound, H-Town, Dr. Dre, and many more stars feature. However, it was “Regulate” by Nate Dogg & Warren G. that became the standout hit of the film. It’s difficult to not love the incredible mix of funk, R&B, and hip hop, which all combine flawlessly in this film.
13. Love & Basketball (2000)
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Speaking of incredible R&B in a basketball film, the soundtrack for Love & Basketball perfectly captures the film’s moving themes of growth and romance with a diverse mix of music. It spans from the timeless soul of Al Green to foundational hip-hop tracks and modern R&B. Highlights include a soulful take on “Holding Back the Years” by Angie Stone and an eclectic collaboration by Black Eyed Peas and Les Nubians. The album also marks the return of Raphael Saadiq in the group Lucy Pearl, offering a standout track that complements both the film and the soundtrack.
12. Footloose
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The catchy theme “Footloose” remains one of the most iconic film theme songs ever. Unsurprisingly, the film is also host to many other underrated songs that feature in the soundtrack. It efficiently captures the spirit of youth, from Kenny Loggins’ energetic title track to Deniece Williams’s “Let’s Hear It For The Boy,” and Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise.” Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out For A Hero,” penned by Jim Steinman, transcends the film with its epic scope.
11. Friday (1995)
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Ice Cube’s film debut, Friday, had a soundtrack that’s still playing at parties across the world today. It blends classic hip-hop and funk from legends like Rick James, Mack10, Ice Cube, Cypress Hill, and many more. The frequently upbeat songs perfectly complement the film’s lighter side. The soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and eventually spawned further success, with Dr. Dre releasing the single “Keep Their Heads Ringin” shortly after.
10. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
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To those who haven’t seen Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, it seems a little surprising a film like this would feature on such a list. This soundtrack is a surprisingly excellent summation of the mid to early 90s, with some of the greatest grunge icons to ever assemble — the likes of Garbage, Everclear, Radiohead, Des’ree, and, of course, the Butthole Surfers. Despite the absurdity, it all comes together extremely well in a nostalgic tracklist.
9. Boogie Nights (1997)
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There are not many films that capture the unique feel of the 70s as well as Boogie Nights. The music selection offers a vibrant contrast to the film’s darker tones, with mostly upbeat ’70s hits — bar tracks like Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” and the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.”. This created a perfectly nostalgic yet complex auditory experience, reflecting the era like few others could.
8. The Blues Brothers (1980)
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Thanks to Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, “The Blues Brothers” effectively transcended their comedic roots and became a platform to celebrate and propagate blues music. Despite lacking musical ability themselves, they were lauded for their portrayal and promotion of African American music and culture, featuring performances by legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Cab Calloway. The soundtrack, rich with soulful classics and blues hits, has enduring appeal, contributing significantly to the film’s legacy as a cultural touchstone.
7. Pump Up the Volume (1990)
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A quintessential 90s teenage angst film. It’s distinguished by its compelling soundtrack that resonates with the era’s youthful rebellion. The soundtrack, nostalgic for those who connected with the movie during its release, features diverse musical styles including a unique, bluesy take on Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” and early grunge influences. Notably, it includes The Pixies’ “Wave of Mutilation,” a song that gained further popularity through inclusion in a video game and another film. The soundtrack appeals to fans of the movie and the ’90s music scene alike.
6. Good Morning, Vietnam (1988)
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This film was exceedingly good at producing a soundtrack that fits with the mood of the entire picture. The film follows the United States Air Force sergeant and disc jockey Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams). It brings to life the essence of the 1960s through its memorable music, embodying the era’s tumult. Featuring iconic tracks like James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and The Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the soundtrack juxtaposes the joy of music against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, capturing the complex emotions of the time.
5. The Bodyguard (1992)
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It doesn’t get much better than Whitney Houston’s moving vocal power. The Bodyguard soundtrack was completely carried by her performances. The soundtrack stands as one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time — just short of Saturday Night Fever. Houston’s renditions of classics like “I Will Always Love You” and “I Have Nothing” showcase her vocal power, while her cover of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” highlights her funky side. The soundtrack is a testament to her talent, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring countless fans to try and emulate her iconic performances.
4. Pulp Fiction (1994)
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Quentin Tarantino loves a good soundtrack, and Pulp Fiction was no exception. The iconic film is almost as famous for its soundtrack as it is for its nonlinear narrative and sharp dialogue, has an eclectic mix of surf music, soul, and pop, including standout tracks like Dick Dale’s “Misirlou” and Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell.” It played a crucial role in setting the mood and pace of the film, contributing significantly to its cool, edgy vibe. The soundtrack, along with the film itself, became one of Tarantino’s biggest hits.
3. Trainspotting (1996)
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Perhaps one of the greatest opening scenes in movie history — Mark Renton (played by Ewan McGregor) is on the run from security, with Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” pounding energetically in the background. It’s a high-octane scene that perfectly sets the mood for the film. It exemplifies how important good soundtracks are. Beyond that scene, it seems almost impossible to have a bad soundtrack when it’s packed to the brim with world-class musicians, such as Joy Division, Primal Scream, David Bowie, New Order, Lou Reed, Pulp, Blur, and many more.
2. Dazed and Confused (1993)
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Dazed and Confused, Richard Linklater’s tribute to the high school experience of the ’70s, owes much of its classic status to a carefully curated soundtrack that perfectly captured the youth culture of that era. This 1993 film, through its selection of rock classics, played over car radios, evokes the timeless teenage ritual of aimless driving in search of adventure. Its soundtrack was essential to the film’s atmosphere, it warranted not just one, but two album releases — becoming must-haves for fans of the era’s music.
1. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
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Saturday Night Fever is not just a film — it’s a cultural phenomenon — especially back during its release. This is largely due to its groundbreaking soundtrack. Spearheaded by producer Robert Stigwood and immortalized by the Bee Gees’ iconic contributions, the album single-handedly redefined disco music, dominating the Billboard chart for six months and becoming one of the best-selling albums ever. Hits like “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “Night Fever” not only topped the charts but also became synonymous with the disco era, turning the soundtrack into a pivotal moment for both music history and culture.
