The Greatest Motion Picture Soundtracks Ever
To set the right mood and tone for their work, filmmakers frequently turn to sources other than cinematic soundtracks. A well-chosen song list may amplify the feelings depicted on screen while also making viewers feel connected and relatable. Though there are many excellent movie soundtracks out there, we’ve narrowed the field to include the following films on our list of the greatest ever.
Set against the quintessential soundtrack for 1990s teen angst, the film follows the reincarnated rock singer Eric Draven on his quest for revenge against the gang that killed him and his fiancé. The 80s post-punk band The Cure’s “Burn” opens the album for listeners. Other no wave and goth favourites include Nine Inch Nails’ amazing rendition of Joy Division’s “Dead Souls” and The Jesus and Chain’s “Snakedriver.”
In addition, powerful songs from Rollins Band (“Ghost Rider”), Pantera (“The Badge”), and Helmet (“Milktoast”) are included in this best movie soundtrack nomination. The cinematic score by Graeme Revell and the selection of music elevate The Crow’s intense emotional spectrum from grief to fury, allowing viewers to experience the picture on a visceral level.
In this historical drama, two Salt Lake City punk musicians are followed throughout the first few months after graduating from college. Upon entering this stage of adulthood, Stevo and Heroin Bob adopt a comically nihilistic outlook and conduct their daily lives with the least amount of responsibility.
The soundtrack aims to spike the tension right from the start of the movie, when Stevo and Heroin Bob use physical weapons to confront two rednecks. “Sex and Violence” by The Exploited cuts into the opening titles, which are set over recognisable punk artwork. The songs on the best movie soundtracks nominee list only get better from there, with Dead Kennedys’ “Kill the Poor,” The Stooges’ “1969,” and Fear’s “I Love Livin’ in the City” filling the air.
Related: THE TOP 5 MOVIES EVER WITH THE BEST SOUNDTRACKS
This two-disc soundtrack helped to capture the spirit of each era on screen by following the Academy Award-winning movie through the same decades as the life of its lead character. Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” and Elvis Presley’s beloved “Hound Dog” open this best movie soundtracks candidate. Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band’s “Against the Wind” closes it out.
The soundtrack selection for Forrest Gump demonstrates how each song is thoughtfully chosen for its respective scene. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” and CCR’s “Fortunate Son” both perfectly encapsulated the feelings of a young man being sent to fight in Vietnam during one of Jenny’s most turbulent moments.
In this cult classic, the punk soundtrack that would end all punk soundtracks played as the dead rose from their graves to feast upon the living. A bunch of punkers are shown in the movie partying in a cemetery, but their plans are ruined when a chemical that was unintentionally spilled from a nearby crematorium leads the dead to start scratching their way out of their tombs.
The Cramps, a psychobilly band, kick off the best movie soundtrack nomination with the fittingly called “Surfin’ Dead.” Other excellent punk songs come after. Together, “Party Time” by 45 Grave, “Eyes Without a Face” by The Flesh Eaters, and “Dead Beat Dance” by The Damned provide the greatest soundtrack for a zombie comedy, which pits disobedient young people against the undead.
