21. The Graduate
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.