Certain movies stay in our minds because of their stellar cast, impressive acting, cinematography, or script, but timeless are those that make an impact with their soundtrack. Long after the credit rolls, these movies etch themselves in pop culture and resonate with future generations. Here's a list of the 20 best movie soundtracks that shaped pop culture, leaving in their wake countless trends and an array of inspiration in the fields of fashion, music, and storytelling.
20) Guardians of the Galaxy
If you are active on social media, there is no way you haven’t heard the tunes of Cause You’re Fine and You’re Mine and You Look So Divine. This hit song from the 1970s known as Come and Get Your Love by Redbone, gained popularity again, with this movie. Another super hit song Hooked on a Feeling became the anchor that not only connected Peter Walkman to Earth but also anchored the audience to the rock and pop hits of the 60s and 70s.
19) Purple Rain
The musical track of Purple Rain is what solidified Prince's position in the music industry. Through the tracks of this movie, like When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy, and Purple Rain, Prince produced chart-topping hit songs that earned him many Grammys and Oscars. The soundtrack injected electrifying energy into the movie and amplified its theme of racial resentment and misogyny. To this day, one cannot think of RnB without associating it with this masterwork composed by Prince.
18) The Hunger Games
The track of The Hunger Games has become the theme song of every revolution and every redemption. With hauntingly powerful lyrics, sung by actress Jennifer Lawrence, the song, The Hanging Tree, has become a powerful source of inspiration for the masses to stand up against any and every kind of oppression. Another worthy mention is of the song Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift which has gone on to win a Grammy. Perhaps the most central feature of this entire track is the mix of folk songs, orchestra, and bass which together combine to produce chill-inducing tones that leave the audience with goosebumps.
17) The Breakfast Club
With songs like Don’t You (Forget About Me) and We Are Not Alone, the soundtrack of The Breakfast Club captured the youth in the 1980s. Peaking the US Billboards Charts, this track composed by British composer Keith Forsey was one of the very first ‘new wave’ genres. It gives the youth a feeling of teenage rebellion and self-discovery and to this day has remained relevant and stands as one of the most significant contributors to pop culture.
16) The Greatest Showman
Packed with a star-studded cast, The Greatest Showman was bound to deliver an incredible soundtrack. People entered the theatre for Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya but stayed for outstanding records like Rewrite the Stars, and This is Me. The entire soundtrack has such a powerful inspirational undertone to it and leaves a lasting impact on the audience. A Million Dreams and The Greatest Show both have been composed with such theatrical genius that the audience was left impressed.
15) The Godfather
Such is the popularity of the main theme of The Godfather composed by Nino Rota that it garnered instant recognition anywhere that it is played. Speak Softly Love, a rendition of Nino Rota’s earlier work has been so highly acclaimed that it has been lyricized in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and various other languages. All the tunes used in this soundtrack have such an eerie and sinister tone to them that they have been compared with themes of mafia culture, political power play, and betrayal since then.
14) The Fast and the Furious Saga
The Fast and The Furious Saga has given some timeless hits, across different genres. From Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s soulful See You Again to the sensational beats of Tokyo Drift by the Teriyaki Boyz, this soundtrack is very multifaceted. The entire album has a very upbeat and adrenaline-inducing ring to it. Starring Pitbull and Pharrell Williams, this soundtrack has gone on to become an anthem for the audience living the fast life and representing the culture of concerts, cars, and clubs.
13) 10 Things I Hate About You
The soundtrack of 10 Things I Hate About You is a perfect representation of the teen films of the 90s. The movie was a classic hit, based on a love-hate relationship. A tone that is reflected in its music. From the grunge tunes of Bad Reputation to the vulnerable melodies of Torn, the soundtrack has had a defining energy of its own. This movie gave one of the most quintessential moments of teen culture with Heath Ledger singing, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, making the scene a trademark of 90s pop culture.
12) 500 Days of Summer
"I said I love the Smiths" - this dialogue has become another trademark moment of pop culture today. This movie had such a clever curation of soundtrack that it revived the popularity of the Smiths band. The movie relies on its music to enrich the audience's experience. Although adorned with a lot of beautiful songs, like You Make My Dreams, Sweet Disposition, and There’s a Light That Never Goes Out by the Smiths has gained such dense popularity that it is the song now that defines the movie, rather than the other way around.
11) Barbie (2023)
A recent movie that had quite an impactful soundtrack was Barbie (2023) starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Featuring Billie Eilish’s iconic What Was I Made For? and Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night, the album gained instant popularity. But the most iconic and jaw-dropping song from the soundtrack was I’m Just Ken’ sung by Ryan Gosling himself. Very much appealing to the present generation with its themes of gender equality and self-identity, this album has made a place for itself in the accolades of time.
10) The Wizard of Oz
The soundtrack of The Wizard of Oz has passed the test of time. Originally produced in 1939, the songs Over the Rainbow, Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead, and If Only I Had a Brain are popular even today. Surpassing the movie, the songs themselves have been an inspiration for cinema and television for years. Moreover, the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow has won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
9) A Star is Born
A Star is Born is a standout in the era of musicals. Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, the soundtrack of this movie has such raw, sincere, and passionate pieces that they make the listener feel emotions. It has one of the most appreciated soundtracks and has gone on to win an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Grammy. The single Shallows is filled with so much chemistry and charisma that Oscar had the duet performed live in their 2019 show which received a standing ovation from the audience.
8) Saturday Night Fever
When talking about the most influential soundtracks, one of the top spots is filled by The Saturday Night Fever. Made around the Jazz and Disco culture of the 1970s, this album with its catchy beats and euphoric energy has made a long-lasting imprint in mainstream music. With songs like Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, and Night Fever, the soundtrack to this day transports the listener to the jazz, dazzle, and glamour of the 70s.
7) Titanic
Although the musical track of Titanic was exquisite, one song stood out with such emotionally intense energy that it has gone on to become one of the best in the world. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion has now become a ballad, acclaimed internationally for its vocals, lyrics, and passionate spirit. The album of course is one of the best-selling soundtracks and to this day continues to enjoy that place in the evolution of culture and music.
6) The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King has been acclaimed as a musical genius. Hakuna Matata which means ‘no worries’ has not only been a teaching lesson but has become an all-time favorite of audiences of all generations. Can You Feel the Love Tonight has been another classic in this soundtrack, winning Grammys and Oscars. The soundtrack by Elton John has been well-received critically and commercially.
5) Black Panther
The musical track of Black Panther, composed by Kendrick Lamar with contributions from The Weeknd, SZA, Future, etc. was one of the highly anticipated soundtracks of 2018. It had a record-breaking release with many songs becoming chart-topping hits. Besides Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical genius, the album was infused with modern hip-hop, RnB, and a homage to African heritage. Moreover, the soundtrack won a Grammy for ‘Best Rap Album.' It is reflective, and empowering and is on its way to becoming a legacy.
4) Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing’s soundtrack has a collection of classic songs from the 1960s which still curate a nostalgic environment whenever they are played. With its upbeat songs like The Time of My Life, She’s Like the Wind, and Hungry Eyes, the soundtrack is timeless and iconic.
3) Top Gun
Top Gun has been such an iconic album that renditions of its songs are being made even today. Take My Breath by Berlin was a chart-topping hit winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. Moreover singles like Playing with the Boys, Heaven in Your Eyes, and Danger Zone, have all been record-breaking hits. The soundtrack is such an iconic blend of action, adventure, and romance, that it instantly creates an environment that perfectly encapsulates the Maverick World.
2) Grease
Perhaps one of the best musicals ever curated, the Grease soundtrack is a standout in the world of music. The iconic Summer Nights is one of the most played songs, not only in the 1950s when it was released but even in 2024. Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One that I Want are some other tracks from this album that have left a lasting impression in the history of music.
1)The Sound of Music
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The number one place in movie soundtracks that shaped pop culture is occupied by the timeless 1965 classic - The Sound of Music. It is heartwarming and loved across generations. Composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, this one-of-a-kind track comprises one hit after another. The Sound of Music, Do-Re-Mi, My Favourite Things, and Sixteen Going on Seventeen are still praised and performed all around the world. This soundtrack with its rich legacy is indeed one of the finest pieces of art ever produced.
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