From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, music can elevate our favorite movies. Here are (in our opinion) the 25 most iconic soundtracks of all time. Let's get started!
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The 25 Best Movie Soundtracks Of All Time
25. Furious 7
The Furious 7 soundtrack is a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, and it still contributes a lot to the atmosphere of high-speed chases and explosive action scenes. It's not just a collection of decent songs, but an integral part of the experience. | © Universal Pictures
24. The Shawshank Redemption
The soundtrack of Shawshank resonates extremely well with the narrative of the movie. Tracks like "Brooks Was Here" and "An Innocent Man" capture the film's strained but hopeful tone. It also just an absolute banger of a film. | © Columbia Pictures
23. The Holiday
The Holiday's soundtrack feels both cozy and uplifting. It's perfect for a holiday flick, and (somehow) makes Jude Law even more dreamy. | © Columbia Pictures
22. Black Panther
Black Panther's soundtrack combines traditional African music and orchestral elements to create a powerful vibe that mirrors the cultural richness of the movie. Göransson spent time in Africa studying music and incorporating authentic instruments to infuse the score with genuine African sounds. We really hope that this kind of attention to detail and cultural respect continues! | © Marvel Studios
21. Rocky
Iconic. The soundtrack for Rocky and Rocky Balboa running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art perfectly captures the underdog spirit of the movie. This motivational composition has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in cinema history. | © United Artists
20. Drive
The soundtrack for Drive features tracks from artists like Kavinsky, College, and Chromatics, and it immediately immerses the audience in the film's neo-noir vibe. As if Gosling needed to be made any cooler. | © Bold Films
19. Gladiator
Zimmer at it again. Gladiator's soundtrack is beautiful, and finds a balance between the brutal realities of ancient Rome and the personal, emotional journey of Maximus. "Now We Are Free" is particularly strong. | © Universal Pictures
18. Inception
You knew it was going to be on this list, didn't you? Inception is a mind-blending and powerful soundtrack dominated by resonant brass. The best track, "Time", evokes the epic scale of Christopher Nolan's vision by building slowly from the delicate piano into a sweeping orchestra. Mind-blowing. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
17. Forrest Gump
The soundtrack for Forrest Gump does a great job of reflecting the passing years of Forrest's life, with bangers from artists like Elvis Presley, The Doors, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. | © Paramount Pictures
16. Taxi Driver
The soundtrack for Taxi Driver is a dark masterpiece that perfectly captures the psychological torment of the film. And saxophone, in particular, evokes a sense of melancholy and loneliness. | © Columbia Pictures
15. Blade Runner 2049
Wow Zimmer again, sorry to be so predictable, but this guy deserves the recognition. Blade Runner 2049's soundtrack combines electronic music with classic orchestral elements that perfectly capture the dystopian future of the movie. This soundtrack is not just a backdrop, it's an integral part of the movie's identity. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
14. Psycho
Bernard Herrmann’s soundtrack for Psycho is perfect, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that perfectly mirrors the psychological horror of the film. The screeching violins in the shower scene are instantly recognizable among horror fans. | © Paramount Pictures
13. Interstellar
Interstellar's soundtrack uses minimalist melodies and powerful orchestras to create a sense of awe and mystery. Perfect for this film's blending of a sci-fi plot with more grounded themes of love and loss. | © Paramount Pictures
12. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean has become a cash cow (and an over-milked one at that), but the original film is still great, in large part thanks to the music. Zimmer uses sea shanties, pirate-inspired melodies, and orchestral grandeur to evoke the feeling of excitement and adventure. | © Disney Entertainment
11. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Who can forget Christmas at the castle? John Williams' soundtrack and use of soaring melodies and orchestral grandeur create a sense of wonder and excitement around the Harry Potter's story. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
This is the iconic Western soundtrack. Morricone's music perfectly captures the film's themes of violence, greed, and the American West. | © United Artists
9. The Dark Knight
Hans Zimmer's soundtrack is (once again) a cinematic masterpiece that perfectly complements the dark and gritty tones of Gotham City. The main theme is a memorable and haunting melody that captures Batman's personality. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
8. Jurassic Park
I'm not even a big Jurassic Park fan, but this one deserves respect. John Williams' soundtrack for Jurassic Park uses dissonant harmonies and rhythmic patterns to create a sense of unease and danger, which capture the excitement of the park. | © Universal Pictures
7. Dances with Wolves
The Dances with Wolves's soundtrack perfectly captures the beauty of the American frontier. The composer's use of Native American melodies and instrumentation, combined with his ability to create a sense of awe and wonder, makes this soundtrack a timeless classic. | © Orion Pictures
6. The Lion King
We're talking, of course, about the 1994 Lion King, which is a masterpiece. The soundtrack creates a sense of grandeur, drama, and emotion. And the use of African-inspired rhythms perfectly enhances the film's epic story. | © Disney Studios
5. Titanic
James Horner's romantic score perfectly captures the grandeur and tragedy of Titanic's love story. The music perfectly accompanies the film's epic visuals and emotional narrative. | © 20th Century Studios
4. Schindler’s List
Schindler's List has one of the most emotionally charged soundtracks of all time. The cello solo, played by Itzhak Perlman, represents the humanity and suffering of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. It's a tough but important film to watch. | © Universal Pictures
3. The Godfather
The score for The Godfather is a masterpiece of cinematic music that uses Italian folk melodies to create a sense of tension, drama, and melancholy. | © Paramount Pictures
2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
John Williams' soundtrack for Star Wars: A New Hope has been captivating audiences for generations. The music's instantly recognizable themes have become synonymous with the Star Wars universe. And it's a fantastic, beloved universe. | © 20th Century Studios
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Of course, one of the best films of all time. Howard Shore's masterful composition combines themes of grandeur, heroism, and emotional depth that are integral in J.R.R. Tolkien's world. The score's iconic melodies, combined with its orchestral grandeur, make The Return of the King a timeless masterpiece. And huge respect to Fellowship with "Concerning Hobbits". | © New Line Cinema
From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, music can elevate our favorite movies. Here are (in our opinion) the 25 most iconic soundtracks of all time. Let's get started!
