20 of the best movies soundtracks of all time

Andrew LaSane,Callie AhlgrimJul 26, 2023, 03:49 IST

Kristen Stewart in "New Moon," Tom Cruise in "Top Gun," and Whitney Houston in "The Bodyguard."Summit Entertainment; Paramount Pictures; Warner Bros.

Music can elevate a film and make certain scenes stick in the minds of audiences forever.
We rounded up 20 of the most iconic film soundtracks of all time.

There is no foolproof recipe for cooking up a classic movie, but if there's one thing that can make an OK movie even better, it's a great soundtrack.

Whether it's an animated feature for kids or a cheesy rom-com geared toward young adults, the songs chosen for a film's soundtrack are important for setting the tone. They can also help ground the story in a specific time and place.

This is by no means a definitive list, but here are 20 movies that were elevated by music.

"Garden State" won a Grammy over Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill Vol 2" soundtrack.

"Garden State" premiered in 2004.Fox Searchlight Pictures

"The Lion King" is the best-selling animated feature soundtrack of all time.

"The Lion King" premiered in 1994.Disney

The "Space Jam" soundtrack includes a rap performed by Bugs Bunny and written by Jay-Z.

"Space Jam" premiered in 1996.AP

The "Shrek" album was nominated for Grammy and BAFTA awards.

"Shrek" premiered in 2001.DreamWork Animations

Though "The Big Chill" premiered in the '80s, its soundtrack has a Motown feel.

"The Big Chill" premiered in 1983.Summit Entertainment/Criterion Collection

"The Harder They Come" soundtrack introduced reggae to the world.

"The Harder They Come" premiered in 1972.The Harder They Come/New World Pictures

Prince's "Purple Rain" gave him his first No. 1 song and first No. 1 album.

"Purple Rain" premiered in 1984.Richard E. Aaron / Getty Images

"O Brother, Where Art Thou?" won several awards at the CMAs and album of the year at the Grammys.

"O Brother, Where Art Thou?" premiered in 2000.YouTube/movieclips

The "Krush Groove" soundtrack features '80s icons like Run DMC, Sheila E, The Fat Boys, and LL Cool J.

"Krush Groove" premiered in 1985.Krush Groove / Warner Bros.

"Top Gun" is a top-selling movie soundtrack.

"Top Gun" premiered in 1986.Paramount Pictures

"The Bodyguard" soundtrack went 18-times platinum.

"The Bodyguard" premiered in 1992.The Bodyguard / Warner Bros.

More than four decades of music are covered in the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack.

"Forrest Gump" premiered in 1994.Paramount Pictures

For "Waiting to Exhale," Babyface enlisted the vocal talents of Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, and Mary J. Blige.

"Waiting to Exhale" premiered in 1995.Ron Galella, Ltd. / Getty Images

"Black Panther" is a collaboration between Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, and Kendrick Lamar.

"Black Panther" premiered in 2018.Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

"The Crow" soundtrack is filled with goth, grunge, and metal classics.

"The Crow" premiered in 1994.Miramax

"Awesome Mix Vol 1," the "Guardians of the Galaxy" soundtrack, lives up to its name.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" premiered in 2014.Disney/Marvel

"Saturday Night Fever" won the Grammy for album of the year.

"Saturday Night Fever" premiered in 1977.Paramount Pictures

The "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack is pure '80s magic and youthful nostalgia.

"Pretty in Pink" premiered in 1986.Paramount Pictures

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is a moody soundscape with gems from Lykke Li, Muse, and Bon Iver.

"New Moon" premiered in 2009.Summit Entertainment

The "Waves" soundtrack is a contemporary masterpiece that features Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, and SZA.

"Waves" premiered in 2019.A24

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