13 Movie Soundtracks That Were Better Than the Film
A great soundtrack has the power to make a good film even better, but sometimes, the music outshines the story. Certain soundtracks are remembered and cherished long after the movie fades from memory. These albums are not just background scores but a key part of the movie’s identity. They have stayed with audiences, becoming cultural landmarks in their own right.
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The Crow (1994)
The soundtrack for The Crow perfectly captures the dark, brooding atmosphere of the film. With contributions from iconic artists like The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Stone Temple Pilots, the album became a defining soundtrack of the ’90s. The music adds a layer of emotional depth, accentuating the tragic and gothic themes of the movie. Fans often cite the soundtrack as one of the highlights of the film, elevating the movie’s overall tone.
Many of the songs on The Crow were created specifically for the film, helping to create a unique atmosphere. The combination of alternative rock and industrial music perfectly matched the film’s themes of loss, revenge, and redemption. Even though the movie may not be remembered as fondly as its soundtrack, it has still gained a dedicated cult following. The soundtrack continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.
Drive (2011)
The Drive soundtrack is an undeniable standout, capturing the film’s cool, neon-soaked ambiance. The music, composed by Cliff Martinez, blends electronic beats with retro influences, creating a mood that is both haunting and nostalgic. Tracks like “A Real Hero” by College and Electric Youth have become synonymous with the movie’s essence. These songs encapsulate the raw energy of the film’s stylized violence and quiet moments alike.
While the film’s performances and direction are widely praised, it is the music that often leaves a lasting impact. The soundtrack’s understated yet unforgettable quality perfectly complements the movie’s minimalist style. The music heightens the emotional weight of each scene, making it much more immersive. This album has become a beloved part of film music history, transcending the film itself.
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Saturday Night Fever introduced the world to the disco phenomenon and is often remembered for its exceptional soundtrack. With the Bee Gees at the forefront, the album features some of the most recognizable disco tracks ever recorded. “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” became anthems, not just for the film but for an entire era. The energetic beats of the soundtrack made the film’s dance sequences iconic.
Despite the film’s mixed critical reception, the soundtrack remains a cultural touchstone. It solidified disco as a mainstream genre and influenced music for years to come. The album’s success has far outlasted the film itself, continuing to dominate dance floors and playlists. Its lasting influence on pop culture is a testament to how music can transcend its cinematic origins.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix soundtrack became a defining moment for alternative rock and industrial music, echoing the film’s cutting-edge visuals and groundbreaking effects. With tracks from bands like Rage Against the Machine, Propellerheads, and Marilyn Manson, the album captures the intense, dystopian world of the movie. The aggressive energy and futuristic sounds of the soundtrack helped establish The Matrix as a cultural landmark. It remains one of the best examples of how music can enhance the themes of a film.
While the movie is often credited for its innovative special effects and philosophical depth, the soundtrack played a key role in its success. The combination of electronic beats, rap, and rock complemented the film’s action-packed sequences and dark storyline. Many fans remember the soundtrack more than the plot itself, as it helped shape the mood and atmosphere. The Matrix soundtrack continues to be a beloved collection, even for those who may not be as fond of the movie.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack is a perfect example of how a movie’s music can define its character and tone. Featuring classic ’70s and ’80s hits like “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Come and Get Your Love,” the soundtrack brings a nostalgic charm to the space adventure. These songs became iconic in their own right, helping to humanize the film’s unlikely heroes and make them more relatable. The music quickly became a fan favorite, outshining the movie for many viewers.
Though the film was well-received for its humor and special effects, it was the soundtrack that generated a deeper connection with audiences. The songs were carefully chosen to complement the quirky, fun atmosphere of the film, making it feel like a celebration of retro pop culture. Even after the film’s release, the album became a top-seller, gaining a life of its own. This soundtrack proved that a great collection of songs can elevate a movie to new heights.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is as much about the music as it is about the storytelling. The film’s soundtrack, compiled by Tarantino himself, features a mix of rock, soul, and surf music, creating an eclectic atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s nonlinear narrative. Songs like “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry and “Misirlou” by Dick Dale became iconic in their association with the film. The soundtrack’s ability to capture the film’s tone of cool detachment and quirky humor made it just as memorable as the movie itself.
Even though Pulp Fiction is renowned for its innovative storytelling and dialogue, the soundtrack had a significant role in its success. The music created a sense of time and place, instantly making the film feel more timeless and relatable. The album helped introduce a new generation to classic tracks, earning it a spot on numerous best-of lists. The Pulp Fiction soundtrack remains one of the most influential collections in film history.
Trainspotting (1996)
The Trainspotting soundtrack became just as iconic as the film itself, thanks to its brilliant mix of punk rock, electronic, and alternative music. Featuring artists like Iggy Pop, Underworld, and Blur, the soundtrack perfectly matched the film’s energetic, chaotic tone. Tracks like “Lust for Life” and “Born Slippy” became synonymous with the film’s gritty portrayal of drug culture. The soundtrack elevated the film’s edgy and rebellious feel, resonating deeply with its audience.
Though Trainspotting was praised for its boldness and social commentary, it was the music that truly defined its atmosphere. The soundtrack’s infectious energy became as essential to the film as its visual style and performances. It helped capture the essence of the 90s youth culture, making it an integral part of the movie’s success. The Trainspotting soundtrack remains one of the most influential in film history.
Purple Rain (1984)
Prince’s Purple Rain soundtrack is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever produced for a film. Featuring songs like “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy,” the music is just as much a part of the film’s legacy as Prince’s performance. The film itself received mixed reviews, but the soundtrack was universally praised for its powerful, emotionally charged songs. Prince’s combination of rock, funk, and soul captured the film’s themes of love, conflict, and ambition.
The soundtrack was a massive commercial success, topping the charts for months. It not only elevated the film’s emotional depth but also solidified Prince as a cultural icon. The album is remembered as one of the best musical works tied to a film, often overshadowing the movie itself. Purple Rain remains a staple in the pop music canon, widely appreciated by fans old and new.
Flashdance (1983)
The Flashdance soundtrack became a defining piece of 1980s pop culture, largely due to the hit single “What a Feeling” by Irene Cara. The soundtrack’s blend of upbeat dance tracks and emotional ballads captured the film’s spirit of determination and empowerment. While the film itself received mixed reviews, the music became a hit across the globe. “Maniac” by Michael Sembello and the title track became iconic, helping the film’s music transcend the movie itself.
The soundtrack’s success went beyond the film, as it became a permanent fixture on radio and in dance clubs. Its ability to capture the ’80s zeitgeist made it unforgettable, with the music representing a time when disco was giving way to new wave and pop. Fans continue to listen to the soundtrack today, finding it as motivational as it was back then. It remains a classic example of how music can elevate a film to legendary status.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
The Great Gatsby soundtrack blends contemporary music with the roaring ’20s to capture the film’s decadent atmosphere. Artists like Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey, and Florence + The Machine contributed tracks that mirrored the film’s luxurious and tragic tones. While the film’s visuals and performances received praise, the soundtrack became a standout feature, effectively highlighting the opulent, yet hollow, lifestyle of the characters. The combination of modern and vintage styles made the music feel timeless, just like the story itself.
The album became a chart-topping success, capturing both fans of the film and those who appreciated the music on its own. Jay-Z’s production and Lana Del Rey’s haunting vocals were key to making the soundtrack unforgettable. It was praised for its ability to blend genres and eras seamlessly, echoing the story’s themes of excess and loss. The Great Gatsby soundtrack remains a favorite among music lovers and moviegoers alike.
The Big Chill (1983)
The Big Chill soundtrack is often cited as one of the best compilations of classic ’60s and ’70s rock music. With tracks from artists like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Rolling Stones, the album brought an unforgettable musical energy to the film. The movie, centered around a group of friends reunited at a funeral, uses the music to explore themes of nostalgia, loss, and coming to terms with the past. The soundtrack not only set the film’s tone but also helped define the cultural moment of the early ’80s.
The Big Chill became an iconic album, often remembered for its music rather than the film itself. The combination of classic tunes and thoughtful placement within the narrative made it an essential piece of the film. Even those who are not fans of the movie will recognize the music as part of its cultural legacy. The soundtrack remains a favorite for fans of classic rock and movie music alike.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club soundtrack features some of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s. Tracks like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds became synonymous with the film and its themes of teen rebellion and self-discovery. Though the film itself explored complex social dynamics, it was the music that helped solidify its iconic status. The soundtrack resonates with generations of viewers, offering a mix of pop and rock that defined the era.
While the film’s plot and characters are memorable, the soundtrack became a cultural touchstone. Simple Minds’ anthem, in particular, continues to be associated with the film and the ’80s teen experience. The music became a part of the cultural fabric of the time, helping the movie maintain its relevance. The Breakfast Club soundtrack remains a staple for fans of ’80s music and film.
American Graffiti (1973)
The American Graffiti soundtrack is a nostalgic tribute to the 1960s, featuring classic hits from artists like Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, and Buddy Holly. The film, which explores the lives of teenagers in the early ’60s, is defined by its timeless music, which transports listeners back to the golden age of rock and roll. While the film is a snapshot of American youth, the soundtrack is often considered the true highlight. Its collection of songs captures the carefree spirit of the time and remains one of the best retro soundtracks ever.
Though the film’s story is often remembered for its portrayal of teen life, the music has had a lasting impact. It helped set the stage for the resurgence of ’50s and ’60s nostalgia in the 1970s. The American Graffiti soundtrack continues to be a favorite for fans of classic rock and ’60s music. It stands as one of the best examples of how music can define a film’s tone and cultural significance.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.